IELTS General Training Writing Task 1 requires you to write a letter of at least 150 words in 20 minutes. Unlike IELTS Academic (which requires graph description), the General Training letter has three possible types — formal, semi-formal, and informal — and your ability to match tone to context is one of the key assessment criteria.
The Three Letter Types
| Type | When Required | Tone |
|---|---|---|
| Formal | Writing to an organisation, company, unknown authority | Professional; no contractions; respectful |
| Semi-formal | Writing to a supervisor, manager, known but formal contact | Polite but warmer; occasional contraction |
| Informal | Writing to a friend, family member | Natural; personal; contractions fine |
The question always tells you which type is needed — through the context (who you are writing to) and sometimes explicitly.
Letter Structure
All letters follow this basic structure:
- Opening salutation (Dear Sir/Madam / Dear Mr. Smith / Dear James)
- Opening line (State your reason for writing)
- Body paragraphs (Address each bullet point from the question)
- Closing (What you want to happen next)
- Sign-off (Yours faithfully / Yours sincerely / Best wishes)
Sign-Off Rules
| Salutation | Sign-Off |
|---|---|
| Dear Sir/Madam (formal, unknown) | Yours faithfully |
| Dear Mr./Ms. Smith (formal, named) | Yours sincerely |
| Dear James (informal, first name) | Best wishes / Kind regards |
Common error: Using "Yours faithfully" when you know the person's name. If you use a name, use "Yours sincerely."
Band 7+ Sample — Formal Letter
Question: You recently bought an electronic item from an online store but it arrived damaged. Write a letter to the company. In your letter:
- Describe what you bought and when
- Explain the problem
- Say what you would like the company to do
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to report a problem with an order I placed on your website on 3 May 2026. My order number is #TK8821.
I purchased a Sony WH-1000XM5 wireless headset at a cost of £289. Upon receiving the package on 7 May, I discovered that the right ear cup was visibly cracked and the charging cable was missing from the box. The outer packaging appeared undamaged, suggesting that the damage occurred either during manufacture or packaging.
As this item arrived in an unsatisfactory condition and is not fit for purpose, I would like to request a full replacement unit, along with the missing cable. I would be grateful if you could arrange collection of the damaged item at your earliest convenience, as I am unable to return it to a physical store.
I trust you will resolve this matter promptly. Please contact me at the email address on my account if you require any further information.
Yours faithfully, Priya Mehta
(175 words)
Why it's Band 7+: Formal tone throughout; all three bullet points addressed; specific details (order number, date, product); clear request; appropriate sign-off.
Band 7+ Sample — Semi-Formal Letter
Question: You work for a company and need to take some time off to care for a family member. Write a letter to your manager. Explain:
- Why you need time off
- How long you will be absent
- How your work can be covered while you are away
Dear Ms. Johnson,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to request two weeks of compassionate leave, beginning 16 June 2026, due to a family health situation that requires my direct support.
My father was recently diagnosed with a condition that necessitates a short period of intensive care. As the nearest family member available, I need to be present to assist him during the initial recovery phase. I expect to return to the office by 30 June, assuming his recovery progresses as anticipated.
To minimise disruption to the team, I am happy to brief David Chen on my ongoing projects before I leave, as he has previous familiarity with the Henderson account. I will also ensure all outstanding reports are completed before my departure and will remain reachable by email for any urgent matters.
I would be grateful for your understanding and support at this time. Please let me know if you would like to discuss the arrangements further.
Yours sincerely, Rahul Sharma
(189 words)
Band 7+ Sample — Informal Letter
Question: A friend is visiting your city for the first time. Write a letter suggesting what they should do and see. In your letter:
- Describe a place they should visit
- Suggest activities they might enjoy
- Offer to meet them
Dear Anjali,
I was so excited to hear you are finally coming to visit! I cannot wait to show you around — there is honestly so much to see here.
You absolutely have to visit the Old Town district. It is genuinely one of the most beautiful parts of the city — all cobbled streets and 17th-century architecture — and the best part is it is completely free to walk around. There are some wonderful street food stalls there too, especially on weekends.
In terms of activities, if you are at all into art, the Contemporary Gallery currently has an incredible exhibition on South Asian textile design that I think you would love. There is also a brilliant cycling trail along the river that takes about two hours and has the most stunning views.
I am free the whole weekend you are arriving, so let us definitely plan to explore together. Text me your exact dates and I will map out the best itinerary.
Cannot wait to see you!
All the best, Meera
(194 words)
Common Errors in GT Writing Task 1
| Error | Fix |
|---|---|
| Wrong tone (informal for formal) | Read who you are writing to carefully; adjust register |
| Missing bullet points | Check you have addressed all three points |
| Under 150 words | Count at 15 minutes; expand if needed |
| Starting with "I am writing to tell you about..." | Vary your opening; "I am writing to report...", "I am writing in connection with..." |
| Signing off "Yours faithfully" after a named salutation | Use "Yours sincerely" after Dear [Name] |
Prepare for IELTS Writing with Gabble — AI-powered writing feedback on both Task 1 letters and Task 2 essays with instant band scores.