IELTS General Training Writing Task 1

Every GT Task 1 answer is a letter, and each letter is formal, semi-formal, or informal. Learn to spot the register you have been given, then practise on the 18 sample questions below. When you have written one, check your band and the one thing holding it back.

Formal letters

A letter to someone you do not know or to an official body. A formal letter goes to someone you do not know personally or to an official body, such as a shop manager, an airline, or your local council. The examiner is checking that you hold a consistent formal tone from the greeting to the sign-off, so avoid contractions and casual phrases.

  • complaint You recently bought a piece of electronic equipment, but it stopped working after a few days. Write a letter to the shop manager. In your letter:
    • describe the product you bought and when you bought it
    • explain what is wrong with it
    • say what you would like the manager to do
  • complaint A flight you had booked was cancelled at short notice, causing you serious inconvenience. Write a letter to the airline. In your letter:
    • give details of the flight you had booked
    • explain how the cancellation affected you
    • say what you expect the airline to do
  • job application You have seen an advertisement for a part time job at a local company. Write a letter of application to the company. In your letter:
    • explain which job you are applying for and where you saw it
    • describe your relevant skills and experience
    • say when you would be available to start
  • request You are unhappy about the lack of facilities for young people in your local area. Write a letter to the local council. In your letter:
    • explain why you are writing
    • describe the facilities you think are needed
    • suggest how the council could provide them
  • asking for information You are planning to take a course at a college in another city and need more information before you apply. Write a letter to the college. In your letter:
    • explain which course you are interested in
    • ask about the details you need to know
    • say when you hope to start the course
  • complaint You recently had a meal at a restaurant where the service and food were not of an acceptable standard. Write a letter to the restaurant manager. In your letter:
    • give details of your visit to the restaurant
    • explain what went wrong
    • say what you would like the manager to do
  • resignation You have decided to leave your current job and want to inform your employer formally. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter:
    • state that you are resigning and give the date
    • explain your reasons for leaving
    • say what you have valued about working there
Full guide to formal letters

Semi-formal letters

A letter to someone you know in a respectful or professional context. A semi-formal letter goes to someone you know but are not close friends with, such as a landlord, a colleague, a former teacher, or a neighbour. The tone is polite and respectful, warmer than a formal letter but never casual.

  • neighbour issue A neighbour has been making a lot of noise late at night, and it is affecting your sleep. Write a letter to your neighbour about the problem. In your letter:
    • explain the problem the noise is causing
    • describe how it is affecting you
    • suggest what your neighbour could do about it
  • accommodation issue There are several problems with the flat you are renting that your landlord has not yet fixed. Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter:
    • describe the problems with the flat
    • explain how they are affecting you
    • say what you would like the landlord to do and when
  • apology You missed an important work meeting that a colleague had organised, and you want to apologise. Write a letter to your colleague. In your letter:
    • apologise for missing the meeting
    • explain why you were unable to attend
    • suggest how you can catch up on what you missed
  • request You are applying for a course or job and would like a former teacher to write you a reference. Write a letter to your former teacher. In your letter:
    • remind the teacher who you are
    • explain what you are applying for
    • say what you would like them to include in the reference
  • thank you You recently stayed with a family while studying or working abroad and want to thank them for their hospitality. Write a letter to the family. In your letter:
    • thank them for having you to stay
    • describe what you enjoyed most about your stay
    • invite them to visit you in the future
Full guide to semi-formal letters

Informal letters

A friendly letter to a friend or family member. An informal letter goes to a friend or family member, so the tone is friendly and relaxed. You can use contractions and warm, everyday language, but you still need to cover all three bullet points clearly.

  • invitation You are celebrating an important occasion and would like a friend who lives in another city to attend. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:
    • explain what you are celebrating and when
    • give details of the arrangements
    • encourage your friend to come and offer to help
  • request You are going away on holiday and need someone to look after your home and pet while you are gone. Write a letter to a friend. In your letter:
    • explain where you are going and for how long
    • describe what you need your friend to do
    • say how you will thank them for their help
  • apology You were unable to attend an event that a friend had invited you to, and you want to explain and apologise. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:
    • apologise for not attending the event
    • explain why you could not be there
    • suggest a way to make it up to your friend
  • giving advice A friend is planning to visit your city for the first time and has asked you for some advice. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:
    • say what your friend should see and do
    • advise them on the best time to visit
    • explain how they can get around the city
  • thank you A friend recently sent you a gift for a special occasion. Write a letter to thank them. In your letter:
    • thank your friend for the gift
    • explain why you like it so much
    • tell them your news since you last spoke
  • invitation You have recently moved to a new city and want to tell a friend about your new life and invite them to visit. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:
    • describe your new city and home
    • explain what your life is like now
    • invite your friend to come and stay
Full guide to informal letters

Written a letter? See your band on your own sentences.

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Common questions

What is IELTS General Training Writing Task 1?

You are given a situation and asked to write a letter of at least 150 words that responds to it. The task lists three bullet points, and you must cover all three. It is the first of the two General Training writing tasks and is taken by people sitting IELTS for migration or work.

How do I know if the letter is formal, semi-formal, or informal?

Look at who you are writing to. A stranger or an official body (a manager, a company, a council) means formal. Someone you know but are not close to (a landlord, a colleague, a former teacher) means semi-formal. A friend or family member means informal.

How long should the letter be?

At least 150 words. Most strong answers sit between 160 and 190 words. Writing well under 150 costs marks, and covering all three bullet points matters more than length.

Do I have to cover all three bullet points?

Yes. Each bullet point is part of the task, and missing one caps your Task Achievement score. Give each bullet a clear sentence or short paragraph.