Task 1 (General Training) letters - Letter structure and pur...

Learning Outcomes

After reading this article, you will be able to produce clear, well-organized General Training Task 1 letters for the IELTS exam. You will understand how to identify the letter’s purpose, select the appropriate structure, and ensure inclusion of all required content points. You will know how to use the correct tone—formal, semi-formal, or informal—and understand typical conventions. You will be able to analyse the task, plan content, and write a letter that meets IELTS assessment criteria.

IELTS Academic, General & UKVI Syllabus

For IELTS, you are required to write a Task 1 letter using correct structure and tone, following the specific instructions in the question. For your revision, focus on these syllabus points:

• Identify the required purpose of the letter (e.g., complaint, request, invitation) from the Task 1 prompt.
• Use the correct structural elements: greeting, introduction, body paragraphs for each bullet point, closing, and sign off.
• Apply appropriate register and tone: formal, semi-formal, or informal, depending on addressee and purpose.
• Cover all given bullet points with clear, relevant information.
• Make your communication direct and coherent, without irrelevant or missing content.
• Use formatting and conventions expected of English letters.

Test Your Knowledge

Attempt these questions before reading this article. If you find some difficult or cannot remember the answers, remember to look more closely at that area during your revision.

1. What structural parts must every IELTS General Training Task 1 letter include to be considered complete?
2. What determines whether you should use a formal, semi-formal, or informal tone in your letter?
3. If a letter prompt asks you to describe a problem, explain its effect, and suggest a solution, how should you organize the body paragraphs?
4. True or false: You can leave out one of the task’s bullet points if you cover the main subject in detail.

Introduction

In IELTS General Training Writing Task 1, you are required to write a letter. This task tests your ability to communicate practical information in a realistic way, using an appropriate structure and language for the situation. You may be asked to write to a friend, a company, or an authority figure about a problem, request, invitation, or complaint. The correct structure, tone, and coverage of content are essential for a high band score.

Key Term: Purpose
The reason for writing your letter, which determines what information and tone are appropriate.

Key Term: Structure
The conventional way of ordering and dividing a letter, including greeting, introduction, main content, closing, and signature.

Key Term: Tone
The choice of language (formal, semi-formal, or informal) best suited to your audience and your relationship with the recipient.

Key Term: Task Bullet Points
The specific content areas (often shown as three bullet points) that must be addressed fully in your letter.

Letter Structure: Required Parts

Every Task 1 General Training letter should include the following:

• Greeting (Salutation): Start with "Dear..." followed by an appropriate title or name. Use "Dear Sir or Madam," if the name is not given and a formal tone is required.
• Opening statement: Briefly state the purpose of the letter, linked to the information in the task prompt.
• Body (main content): Organize the letter into clear paragraphs. Each bullet point from the task should usually have its own paragraph, or, if related, can be grouped logically.
• Closing statement: End with a courteous phrase or action (e.g., "Thank you for your help" or "Please let me know your decision").
• Sign-off (Signature): Use an appropriate sign-off: For formal letters, "Yours faithfully,"; for semi-formal, "Yours sincerely,"; and for informal, "Best wishes," or "See you soon,".

IELTS expects you to follow this structure regardless of topic.

Tone and Register

Your language and formality depend on the recipient and the relationship you have:

• Formal: Use for business, complaints, requests to authorities or unknown persons.
• Semi-formal: Use when writing to someone you know in a professional context (e.g., your teacher, landlord, manager).
• Informal: Use with friends or family, people you know well.

The register influences vocabulary, forms of address, closings, and how directly you express ideas.

Covering All Bullet Points

The IELTS Task 1 letter prompt always includes three bullet points, each introducing a specific area to cover. To achieve a high band:

• Address each bullet fully, usually in its own paragraph or in logical groupings.
• Do not omit any point, no matter how minor it seems.
• Link details together so your letter is logical and easy to follow.

Planning Your Content

Before you begin writing, quickly plan:

• Who are you writing to? (audience)
• Why are you writing? (purpose)
• What information or details must be included? (refer to bullet points)
• What tone is best? (formal, semi-formal, informal)

Worked Example 1.1

You booked a room in a hotel for a holiday. When you arrived, you found the room was noisy and untidy. When you asked the staff for help, they refused to move you. Write a letter to the hotel manager. In your letter:

• describe the problem with the room
• explain what happened when you asked the staff for help
• say what you would like the manager to do

Question: What structure and tone should your letter use, and how should you distribute the content?

Answer:

• Start with "Dear Sir or Madam,".
• State your purpose ("I am writing to complain about issues with my recent hotel stay.").
• Use a formal tone throughout.
• Write three body paragraphs:
  1. Describe the specific problems with the room.
  2. Explain the unhelpful staff response.
  3. Clearly state your request (e.g., refund or room change).
• Close with a polite ending and "Yours faithfully,".

Worked Example 1.2

You are planning to visit a friend in another country. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:

• tell him/her about your planned visit
• ask about activities and places to see in the area
• suggest a time to meet

Question: What tone is required, and how would you begin your letter?

Answer:

• The letter must be informal because it is to a friend.
• Begin with "Dear [First Name],".
• Use personal, friendly language.
• Write short, clear body paragraphs, covering each bullet (visit plans, questions about activities, suggested meeting).
• End with an informal sign-off ("Best wishes," or "See you soon,").

Worked Example 1.3

A landlord receives a letter from a tenant complaining about maintenance problems. The bullet points are:

• describe the issue
• explain why it bothers you
• suggest a solution

Question: Which tone should be used and what closing phrase is best?

Answer:

• This is semi-formal as it is to someone known in a business context.
• Begin with "Dear Mr./Ms. [Surname],".
• Use polite, neutral language.
• Finish with a suitable closing ("Yours sincerely,").

Exam Warning

One common error is to leave out one or more bullet points from your answer, or to add content not requested in the task. Failing to address all given points will lower your mark for Task Achievement. Always check that you have covered each bullet and have not added unrelated detail.

Revision Tip

Before submitting your letter, quickly double-check: Does each paragraph clearly address one of the task’s bullet points? Is the greeting and sign-off correct for your letter's tone?

Summary

To succeed in IELTS General Training Task 1 letters, you must use the required structure, apply the appropriate tone, and fully cover each task bullet point. Always plan before you write, keep your letter concise and relevant, and follow conventions expected for letters in English.

Key Point Checklist

This article has covered the following key knowledge points:

• Explain the role of each part of the letter structure in IELTS General Training Task 1
• Distinguish between formal, semi-formal, and informal tone
• Show how to address all bullet points within the body paragraphs
• Emphasize using appropriate greetings and closing phrases
• Describe the importance of matching content to task requirements for full marks

Key Terms and Concepts

• Purpose
• Structure
• Tone
• Task Bullet Points