IELTS General Training Writing Task 1: How to Write a Formal Letter

In IELTS General Training Writing Task 1, you write a letter. The three types are: formal (to a company/authority), semi-formal (to someone you know professionally), and informal (to a friend). This guide focuses on formal letters.

Structure of a formal letter

1. Salutation: Dear Sir or Madam (if you do not know the name); Dear Mr/Ms [Name] (if given).
2. Opening purpose: State why you are writing in the first sentence. 'I am writing to complain about…'
3. Three bullet-point paragraphs: The task gives you three bullet points. Each one becomes a paragraph.
4. Closing: 'I look forward to hearing from you.' or 'I would be grateful for a prompt response.'
5. Sign-off: 'Yours faithfully' (if you used Dear Sir/Madam); 'Yours sincerely' (if you used a name).

Language for formal letters

• Avoid contractions: 'I would' not 'I'd'; 'I am' not 'I'm'.
• Use polite indirect forms: 'I would be grateful if you could…' not 'Please do…'
• Be specific: include dates, reference numbers, and exact names when given.

Common mistakes

• Writing too informally (using casual vocabulary).
• Not covering all three bullet points.
• Writing fewer than 150 words — there is a word-count penalty.