088 IELTS Writing General Task 1: Letter writing Samples

IELTS Letter Writing Samples

 

In this quick tutorial video, we’re going to look at some of the tips regarding General IELTS Academic Task 1.

 

We’re going to talk about at some phrases and look at the structure of your writing. We will also go through some IELTS Writing Task 1 samples. There’s a link for the samples at the end!

 

1. The easiest part is the structure.

 

You’re lucky if you’re doing IELTS Task 1 General because (personally) this is the easiest part of the writing exam – so much easier than the Academic Task! Why? Basically, you’ve got the structure already laid out for you.

Let’s say for example, we’re writing a Letter of Complaint to a company, you just have 3 points to write about:

 

• What happened.
• What upset you.
• What you expect to be done.

 

Now write your essay using this structure. Really simple. Just go write 3 or 4 sentences about the first bullet point, do the same for the 2nd and the 3rd. Piece of cake.

 

2. It has a unique language.

 

Using a unique set of phrases and sentences are expected – and you’re going to get points by using these expressions. Plus, if you learn the expressions correctly, you don’t have to worry about the grammar when you use it. It’s just like a case of copy-pasting and adapting them so, it’s really simple.

Now, go grab a pen and write them down! This will help you memorize them and learn them a little bit better. After that, you’ve got your list and you can already start using them in the letters that you’re writing.

 

Formal Letters

 

Instructions: Write a letter to Mr. Jones, the managing director of X-company.

Your Answer should include the name:

Dear Mr. Jones, I am writing…

If you don’t have the name, don’t invent! Just say:

Dear Sir/Madam

 

1. We should use a very clear opening sentence which explains directly what you want to communicate. We can start with something like:

 

• I’m writing with regards to a recent product I bought.
• I’m writing on behalf of my employee.
• I’m writing to…

 

Then, place what’s necessary. If you’re asking for help, you could just say:

 

• “Could you please…”
• or, “I would like it if you could…”

 

The important thing here is to use the modal verbs. Take a look at some of the other expressions we can use:

 

■ If you’re asking for information:

 

“I’m writing to inquire about…”

 

■ If you’re apologizing:

 

“I am sorry that…”

 

■ if you’re writing on behalf of the company::

 

“We deeply regret your experience…”

 

■ If you’re writing or responding to a job advertisement:

 

“I’m writing in relation to a job advertised on Johnson&Johnson website, 23rd of May.”

 

These are just some set phrases that you must use. You’ll pick up points not only for using the appropriate language but it’s also grammatically perfect!

 

■ If you’re writing a complaint letter, lots of complaint::

 

“I am not happy about…”

 

or (more formal), “I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with…”

 

Then, you can go from there. Easy, right?!

 

1. Now, to close the letter – still in the same language:

 

“If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.”

 

or, “I am looking forward to your reply.”

 

or, “I’m looking forward to your comments on the matter.”

 

 

So, just a recap: make a list of all these phrases, write them all down and memorize them. Start using them and you’ll see that General Writing Task 1 General is not really difficult!

 

 

DOs and DON’Ts

 

1. In a formal essay or letter, use “will” instead of “going to.”

 

This is important because “going to” is used more in your spoken English whereas “will” is more formal and is mostly used in business.

 

1. DO NOT use contractions.

Isn’t, ain’t, won’t couldn’t – these are more for your spoken English as well. So, once you’re done, read through your essay and just make sure that you did not use a contraction.

 

1. Use modal verbs if you’re asking for help, information or for advice

They sound more polite. You don’t say “I want information regarding product x,y,z.” A big NO. Instead, write down “I would like some information regarding product x,y,z.”

 

1. If you are writing an informal essay or letter, make sure you use familiar words.

So, if you get a task asking you to “Write a letter to your friend asking for information about a course or program being offered at a local university.” This is where you can use lots of familiar words, lots of contractions and use different tenses – including “going to” for example.

 

So you can just say:

 

“Hey, Maria! How’s things at your end? Hope all’s good.”

 

“I’m planning to come up to Avedine next year and I was wondering if you’ve got any information about the university course xxx?”

 

Basically, you can just write it as though you’re having a conversation with the person in front of you. So, don’t worry about the contractions! Now, when you’re closing the letter we can use:

 

“Keep in touch! All the best, Ben”

 

And you can even put the P.S.

 

“P.S. Say “Hi!” to Barry for me.”

 

Just show the examiner that you know how to write an informal letter and you are comfortable using the native English expressions.

 

Now, if you want the samples, you can sign up to ieltspodcast.com and you’ll find a PDF with lots of letter writing samples and lists of useful phrases.

 

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