IELTS LETTER WRITING

I. Introduction
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
A restaurant near your home is making a lot of noise. You called the manager but
no action was taken.
Write a letter to the manager. In your letter
 introduce yourself
 describe the problems you are facing because of this
 suggest solutions
Write between 120 and 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Sir/Madam,

II. Types of letters

There are ….types of letters: ……………………………………………………………..
 Identify types of letter to write for each question below

You live in a room in college which you can share with another student. However, there are
many problems with this arrangement and you find it very difficult to work.
Write a letter to the accommodation officer at the college. In the letter
     Describe the situation
     Explain your problems and why it is difficult to work
     Say what kind of accommodation you would prefer

A friend has agreed to look after your house and pet while you are on a holiday.
Write a letter to your friend. In your letter
   Give contact details for when you are away
   Give instructions about how to care for your pet
   Describe other household duties

 Whom is each type of letter sent to?

Style To whom

Formal
………………………………………………………………………………………
Semi-formal
………………………………………………………………………………………
Informal
………………………………………………………………………………………
III. Common expressions in letter writing
1. Greeting and signing off
Style Greeting Signing off

…………………………………….……. …………………………………….…….
Informal
…………………………………….…….. …………………………………….……..
Semi- …………………………………….……. …………………………………….…….
formal …………………………………….…….. …………………………………….……..
…………………………………….……. …………………………………….…….
Formal
…………………………………….…….. …………………………………….……..

2. Opening
Types of letters Formal Informal

The recipient is ……………………………….……. ……………………………….…….

a friend ……………………………….……. ……………………………….……..
The recipient is ……………………………….……. ……………………………….…….
not known ……………………………….……. ……………………………….……..
……………………………….……. ……………………………….…….
Thanking
……………………………….……. ……………………………….……..

3. Closing
Types of letters Formal Informal
……………………………….……. ……………………………….…….
Request ……………………………….……. ……………………………….…….
……………………………….……. ……………………………….……..
……………………………….……. ……………………………….…….
Apology ……………………………….……. ……………………………….……..
……………………………….……. ……………………………….…….
……………………………….……. ……………………………….…….
Complaint ……………………………….……. ……………………………….……..
……………………………….……. ……………………………….…….
……………………………….……. ……………………………….…….
Suggestion
/advice ……………………………….……. ……………………………….……..
……………………………….……. ……………………………….…….
 IV. Practice
 Read the following letter from one friend to another.
Hi Darren,

Sorry I wasn't able to get to your house warming party last Friday. I was really looking
forward to it and I was all ready to leave the house when my aunt from Ireland arrived at
the house for a surprise visit!! She was only in town for the one evening before she went to
my brother's house so I had to stay with her. I'm really sorry Dazza.

I tried to telephone you but your line was busy the two times when I telephoned. Then I
was out with my aunt in town and didn't have the chance to ring again.

I hope you understand. I know you wanted to get me to meet that girl, Yvonne, who you
work with. Oh well, next time maybe! My evening was really boring...if that makes you feel
any better.

See you soon

Regards

Nicholas.

2. I hope this will be

1. Later, I was otherwise 3. I hope you can understand
possible at the next available
engaged my difficulties
opportunity
4. I hope the dinner went 5. a relative arrived
6. I regret not being able
well for all concerned. unexpectedly.
7. Please accept my sincerest 9. introduce me to Ms.
8. was twice engaged
apologies. Phoenix
12. I look forward to hearing
10. Dear Mr. Jones 11. Sincerely
from you soon.
,

 to get to your business dinner last Friday. I was really looking forward to it and I was

all ready to leave the house when  . She was only in town for the one evening before

she went to my brother's house so I had to stay with her.  .

I tried to telephone you but your line   when I called.   and didn't have the chance
to ring again.

. I know you wanted to   who you work with.  .  .

Nicholas