In the IELTS General Writing Task 1, you are required to write a letter (formal, semi-formal, or informal) of at least 150 words. Here are some key tips and useful phrases to help you succeed:
✅ General Tips
- Understand the Letter Type: Identify whether the letter is formal, semi-formal, or informal. This affects your tone, vocabulary, and phrasing.
- Follow the Structure: Use a clear structure:
- Opening/Salutation (Dear Sir/Madam, Dear John)
- Introduction (State the purpose of your letter)
- Main Body (Provide details and explanations)
- Conclusion (Summarize or request further action)
- Sign-off (Yours sincerely, Yours faithfully, Best regards)
- Answer All Bullet Points: Ensure that you address each point mentioned in the prompt.
- Maintain the Tone:
- Formal: Respectful, professional, and objective.
- Semi-formal: Polite yet slightly more relaxed.
- Informal: Friendly, conversational, and personal.
- Use a Range of Vocabulary and Grammar: Show your language skills by using diverse vocabulary and sentence structures.
💼 Formal Letter Phrases
Opening:
- I am writing to inform you that…
- I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with…
- I would like to enquire about…
Body:
- I would appreciate it if you could…
- I would be grateful if you could provide me with…
- Please accept my sincere apologies for…
- I would like to suggest that…
Closing:
- I look forward to your prompt response.
- Thank you for your attention to this matter.
- I await your reply at your earliest convenience.
Sign-off:
- Yours faithfully, (When you don’t know the recipient’s name)
- Yours sincerely, (When you know the recipient’s name)
📧 Semi-Formal Letter Phrases
Opening:
- I hope this letter finds you well.
- I am writing to let you know that…
- I would like to request…
Body:
- Could you please…
- I would appreciate your help with…
- I wanted to bring to your attention that…
Closing:
- I look forward to hearing from you soon.
- Please feel free to contact me if you need any further information.
Sign-off:
- Best regards,
- Kind regards,
💬 Informal Letter Phrases
Opening:
- How have you been?
- It’s been a while since we last spoke.
- I just wanted to drop you a quick note to say…
Body:
- I thought you might be interested to know that…
- You won’t believe what happened to me…
- By the way, have you heard about…
Closing:
- Can’t wait to hear from you!
- Let me know if you need anything.
- Take care and talk soon!
Sign-off:
- Best,
- Cheers,
- Love, (for very close relationships)
📝 Common Linking Words and Phrases
- Adding information: Moreover, In addition, Furthermore
- Giving reasons: Because of, Due to, As a result of
- Contrasting ideas: However, Although, Despite
- Expressing purpose: In order to, So that, For the purpose of
- Providing examples: For instance, Such as, For example
