A Guide to IELTS General Training Writing Task 1

In the IELTS General Training Writing Task 1, you are required to write a letter based on an everyday situation. You should write at least 150 words in 20 minutes, and it’s important to focus on the structure, tone, and content of your letter. Here’s a quick guide to help you achieve your desired band score.

Understand the Task

You’ll be presented with a situation, and you need to respond by writing one of the following types of letters:

• Formal (e.g. writing to your employer or an organisation)

• Semi-formal (e.g. writing to your landlord or a colleague)

• Informal (e.g. writing to a friend or relative)

Make sure you are familiar with the tone required for each type and that you can use suitable language, as this can affect your band score.

Structure Your Letter

A well-structured letter should have three key parts:

1. Introduction: Start your letter appropriately (e.g. Dear Mrs Streeter) and state the purpose of your letter (I am writing to . . .)

2. Body: Make sure you address all the bullet points in the task prompt.

3. Conclusion: End your letter with an appropriate closing (e.g. Yours sincerely)

Remember you do NOT need to write the date or an address.

Address all parts of the prompt

As you can see from the example, the task has three bullet points that outline what you need to include in your letter. For example, if you’re asked to write a letter enquiring about a language course, you might need to describe the course, explain why you want to join the course, and request more information. Make sure you cover all these points in detail. If you miss any, it is unlikely that you will get higher than band score 4 in Task Achievement.

Get the full band score descriptors here

Mind your language

Depending on the level of formality of the letter, you will need to show an awareness of the most appropriate language to use. For example, avoid using contractions and phrasal verbs in formal letters but you can write in a more friendly way when writing an informal letter. You will also need to be mindful of spelling and grammar, as mistakes in these areas can keep your band score low.

Manage your time

Remember that the recommended time for this task is only 20 minutes so make sure you can write a letter within that time. Although there is no penalty for writing more than 150 words, avoid writing too much to ensure your response is clear and well-organised.

To sum up, achieving your desired band score in General Training Writing Task 1 comes down to understanding the task, using the appropriate tone, and covering all the bullet points within the task. Ensure you get plenty of practice to improve your writing in order to boost your IELTS score.

Go to ielts.org for more practice materials

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Good luck with your test!