IELTS Writing Task 1 General: Letter Structure and Samples (Formal / Informal)

IELTS General Training Writing Task 1 sets a **letter-writing (Letter Writing) task. Candidates write at least 150 words in English and must switch between Formal and Informal styles depending on the situation. In some cases, a style in between, Semi-formal, is required.**

The point of this task is not simply writing a letter in English, but showing that you can choose an appropriate tone and expressions according to your relationship with the reader and the situation. For example, complaints or requests to a company should be written formally, while invitations to a friend or news updates should be written informally.

This article introduces the basic structure of Task 1 General, the differences between formal and informal letters, and actual sample answers. Understanding these will let you write natural letters suited to the situation on exam day.

The letters set in IELTS General Writing Task 1 vary with the situation, but they can be broadly divided into the following patterns.

1. Formal

Letters to business or official recipients. Write in a respectful tone and avoid contractions (can't, don't, etc.).

• Making a complaint
• Making an inquiry to a company or government office
• Applying for a job or asking for a recommendation

2. Semi-formal

Letters to someone you don't know well or with whom there is some distance, such as a neighbor or a teacher. Write in a style that is less stiff than formal and less casual than informal.

• Greeting a new neighbor
• Making a request to a school teacher
• Asking a neighbor for help

3. Informal

Letters to close people such as friends and family. Actively use casual expressions and contractions.

• Inviting a friend
• Sharing your impressions of a trip
• Giving news about yourself

In the exam, the "recipient and situation of the letter" are always given, so the key to success is first judging the relationship with the recipient correctly and deciding whether to write formally or informally.

IELTS General Writing Task 1 requires not only the content of the letter but also a clear, easy-to-read structure. Keep the following three-part structure in mind.

1. Greeting

Choose the correct form of address according to the recipient.

• Formal: Dear Sir or Madam, / Dear Mr. Smith,
• Informal: Hi Tom, / Dear Anna,

2. Body

The body is easier to read if divided into two or three paragraphs. The question always gives "three points", so it is natural to cover one in each paragraph.

• Introduction: briefly state the purpose of the letter
• Details: specific explanation and description of the situation
• Request or closing: the action you want from the reader and a final remark

3. Closing

Choose an appropriate closing phrase to match the style.

• Formal: Yours faithfully, / Yours sincerely,
• Informal: Best regards, / Cheers, / Take care,

Key points

• Dividing and organizing your text into paragraphs makes it easier for the examiner to follow your content.
• Be careful: if you do not cover all three points given, marks will be deducted.

The most important thing in IELTS General Writing Task 1 is to switch styles to suit the recipient. There are big differences in vocabulary and tone between formal and informal letters.

1. Greeting

• Formal: Dear Sir or Madam, / Dear Mr. Brown,
• Informal: Hi Mike, / Dear Emma,

2. Style of expression

• Formal: polite and proper expressions. Avoid contractions (cannot, do not, etc.).
• Informal: friendly and casual. Use contractions and everyday expressions (can't, don't, thanks).

3. Vocabulary differences

4. Closing

• Formal: Yours faithfully, / Yours sincerely,
• Informal: Best, / Cheers, / See you soon,

Marks are deducted if you get the style wrong, so the key to success is first to check carefully "who the recipient is" and choose expressions that suit them.

Example question: You are not satisfied with the service at a hotel. Write a letter to the manager. In your letter:

• Explain why you chose the hotel
• Describe the problem you had during your stay
• Say what actions you would like the manager to take

Sample answer (about 170 words)

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with the service I experienced during my recent stay at your hotel.

I selected your establishment because of its excellent reputation and its convenient location near the city center. Unfortunately, the service did not meet my expectations. The room I was given was not properly cleaned, and the air conditioning unit did not function throughout my three-night stay. Although I reported the issue twice to the reception staff, no action was taken to resolve the matter.

This situation caused significant discomfort and inconvenience. I kindly request that you investigate the problem, ensure that such issues do not occur in the future, and consider offering a partial refund as compensation.

I look forward to receiving your response at your earliest convenience.

Yours faithfully,[Your Name]

This example consistently uses **formal expressions (no contractions, polite vocabulary)** and covers the three points specified in the question.

Example question: Write a letter to your friend inviting him/her to stay at your house. In your letter:

• Tell him/her about your new house
• Describe the neighborhood
• Invite him/her to stay with you

Sample answer (about 160 words)

Hi Sarah,

I hope you’re doing well! I just wanted to share some exciting news with you — I recently moved into a new house, and I think you would love it.

The place is much bigger than my old apartment, with two bedrooms, a cozy living room, and even a small garden where we can have coffee in the morning. The neighborhood is really nice too. It’s quiet and safe, with a supermarket, a park, and a lovely little café just around the corner.

I’d really like you to come and stay with me for a few days. It’s been such a long time since we last met, and this would be the perfect chance to catch up. Let me know when you’re free, and I’ll make sure the guest room is ready for you.

Take care,[Your Name]

This example uses **informal expressions (contractions and casual vocabulary)** and aims for a natural, friendly tone.

IELTS General Writing Task 1 tests your ability to write an appropriate letter according to the recipient and the situation. The key points are as follows.

• Choosing the style correctly is the most important thing Business or official recipients -> Formal Close recipients such as friends and family -> Informal Recipients with a little distance, such as teachers and neighbors -> Semi-formal
• The basic structure has three parts Greeting Body Closing
• Always cover the three points given in the question -> It is easier to write if you explain one point per paragraph.
• Keep vocabulary and tone consistent -> In formal letters, use polite expressions such as "cannot / request / inconvenience"; in informal letters, use casual expressions such as "can't / ask / trouble".

By repeatedly practicing switching styles, you will be able to write natural and appropriate letters on exam day too.

Example question: You have recently moved to a new house and would like to introduce yourself to your new neighbor. Write a letter to your neighbor. In your letter:

• Introduce yourself and your family
• Describe your new house
• Invite your neighbor to come over

Sample answer (about 165 words)

Dear Mr. Johnson,

I hope this letter finds you well. My name is Emily Brown, and my family and I have just moved into the house next door at number 24. We are very excited to join the neighborhood and look forward to meeting the people who live around us.

Our new home has three bedrooms and a small backyard, which my children are especially thrilled about. We have already started to settle in, but we are still getting to know the area and would really appreciate any advice you could share about local shops or community activities.

I would also like to invite you to our home next weekend for a cup of tea. It would be a wonderful opportunity to get to know each other better. Please let me know if you are available.

Yours sincerely,Emily Brown

Key points of semi-formal

• Make the greeting and closing polite (leaning formal).
• However, make the body a little softer and show friendliness.
• Suitable for neighbors, teachers, host families, etc.