FOUJI’S

General Training IELTS LETTERS

You need to write at least 150 words minimum and it’s advisable to spend 20 minutes on it.
Aim for around 170-180 words. You need to answer all the sub-questions of the letter.

There are 3 types of letters:

Formal Semi-formal Informal

A formal letter will usually be A semi-formal letter will
to some kind of company.
For example:
 Bank
 Insurance Company
 Airline
This means that you are
usually writing to someone
you do not know.
An informal letter is to
usually be to someone you someone you know every
know, or at least you know well, like a friend or family.
their name.
For example:
 Landlord
 Employer
 Librarian
 Doctor
 School Counsellor

Opening the Letter Opening the Letter Opening the Letter

Dear? To open the letter, you use  Dear John

 Sir = you know it is a the family or surname (not  Dear Mary
man the first or full name). They
 Madam = you know it differ depending on
is a woman whether it is to a man or a
 Sir / Madam = you do woman.
not know Example.
 Dear Mr Jones,
 Dear Ms Smith

Body paragraphs Body paragraphs Body paragraphs

Closing the Letter Closing the Letter Closing the Letter

Yours faithfully Yours sincerely Best wishes OR Best regards

Your full name Your full name Your first name
 FOUJI’S

There can be various types of letters based on the purpose:

 Letter of Complaint
 Letter of Apology
 Letter of Request
 Letter of advice
 Letter of information
 Letter of suggestion
 Letter to editor/authorities (expressing an opinion and/or providing suggestions)
 Letter to apply for a course

A successful letter should contain:

1. An appropriate greeting.

2. An introductory paragraph which clearly states your reason of writing.

3. A main body in which you develop the subject.

4. A concluding paragraph in which you summarise the subject.

5. An appropriate ending.

NOTE: You cannot use contractions in formal or semi-formal letters. E.g. I’m, Don’t. Write I
am, I do not.

The Opening Paragraph of the Letter

In a formal or semi-formal letter, it is important to state the reason for the letter straight
away. You could use the following to help you:

I am writing to ask/ tell//inform you that…

I am writing to ask/inquire…
I am writing with regard to…
I am writing with reference to…
I am writing in connection with…
I am writing in response to…
In reply to your letter, I am writing to… (If the question indicates that you
have had a letter)
 FOUJI’S

If the letter is a less formal one to a friend then you should open the letter in a friendlier
way.

Dear John,
Hi there! It’s been so long since I’ve heard from you. I hope you are doing well and I hope all
you family are doing fine. I am writing to...

OR I hope you have been keeping well. I am writing to...

OR I hope this letter finds you in good health. I am writing to...

Ending your Letter

For a formal letter, you could use:
 If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
 Thanking you in advance for your help,
 I look forward to hearing from you.
 I look forward to receiving your response.
 I await your prompt service.
 I thank you for your consideration.
 Please respond at the earliest convenience.
 I hope you will give this matter your urgent consideration/attention

If the letter is informal, use:

 Pay my regards to uncle and aunt.

 See you soon!

Useful language for Job Application

To begin letter:

I am writing this letter to apply for the post/ position of ‘Sales Manager’ as advertised in
yesterday’s ‘The Tribune’.
 FOUJI’S

Experience/Qualifications:

I am currently working as.......

OR I was employed as (position) by (company) from (date) to (date)

During this time, I was responsible for.../ my duties included......

I have recently completed (course name) from (college/ university name)

OR I am presently studying at...

To end letter:

Please find enclosed my CV.

Please contact me should you have any further questions/ queries.

Useful language for Letter to Editor/Authorities

To begin letter:

I am writing this letter to draw your attention// express my approval/ disapproval//

support.....

To state your opinion: In my opinion/ I believe/ I think

To express cause: Due to the fact that/ owing to/For this reason

To express effect: Therefore/ as a result/ so/ as a consequence

PRACTICE:
You have just bought a new mobile phone from a website on the internet. When it was
delivered, the phone was faulty. Write a letter to the website. In the letter:
 introduce yourself
 explain the situation
 state what action you want to be taken