IELTS Writing · Task 1
IELTS Writing Task 1: formal letter
General Training Task 1: a letter to someone you do not know, such as a company or a council.
- 4 practice questions
- 20 minutes · 150 words
What the examiner looks for
- It opens Dear Sir or Madam and closes Yours faithfully.
- The tone stays formal throughout: no contractions, no casual phrases.
- The letter is at least 150 words and covers all three bullet points. One that is left out lowers Task Achievement.
Formal letter questions to practise
1. The evening courseGeneral Training test: The evening course
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
You paid for a place on an evening course at a local college, but the course has turned out to be very different from the way it was advertised.
Write a letter to the college manager. In your letter
give details of the course you booked
explain how the course is different from what was advertised
say what you would like the college to do
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Sir or Madam,
2. The charity runGeneral Training test: The charity run
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
You and a group of friends want to organise a charity run in a local park to raise money for a hospital.
Write a letter to the manager of the council's parks department. In your letter
explain what you are planning
say why you have chosen this park
describe the permission and help you need
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Sir or Madam,
3. The last busGeneral Training test: The last bus
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The bus company that serves your area has announced that it will stop running its evening service.
Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper. In your letter
explain who depends on the evening service
describe the effect the change will have
suggest what should be done
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Sir or Madam,
4. The weekend jobGeneral Training test: The weekend job
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
You have seen an advertisement for a part-time weekend assistant at a museum in your town.
Write a letter to the manager of the museum applying for the job. In your letter
explain why you are interested in the job
describe the experience and qualities you would bring to it
say when you would be available
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Sir or Madam,