IELTS WRITING

TASK 1 – GENERAL TRAINING

Instructions
  20 minutes
 3 – 5 minutes planning + 2 minutes to check
 150 words (aim for more)
 You do not need to add any addresses

Instructions  Pay attention to the purpose

 All points must be included in your letter
 Begin your letter by addressing the person and then an opening
line. Always sign off appropriately.
  PERSONAL

Types of letter
  SEMI-FORMAL

Types of letter
  FORMAL

Types of letter
  COMPLAINTS (usually formal)
 INVITATIONS (usually semi-formal or personal)
 APPLICATIONS OR RESIGNATIONS (usually formal)

LETTER  REQUEST (any style common)

AIMS  MAKING ARRAGEMENTS (usually formal)

 EXPLANATION (usually semi-formal or personal)
 INFORMATIVE/ NEWS LETTER (often personal/formal)
 APOLOGY (any style)
  I am writing this letter with regard to the scholarship program
to study at London University which I read in Sunday Times on
December 1st, 2014.

 It’s been so long since we last were in touch but I haven’t

forgotten all the wonderful times we spent together last year.
Letter openings It’s my birthday coming up and I wanted to invite you over to
stay at my place for the celebration.

 I’m just writing to say thank you for the offer of joining your
company.
 When you don't know the recipient’s name:
•Dear Sir … Yours faithfully
•Dear Madam … Yours faithfully
•Dear Sir or Madam … Yours faithfully

Signing off When the recipient’s name is known:

• Dear Mr Green … Yours sincerely
• Dear Mrs Green … Yours sincerely
• Dear Miss Green … Yours sincerely
• Dear Ms Green … Yours sincerely
 Semi-formal letter
When you are writing to a good friend or colleague:
• Dear Jonh … Best wishes/ Best regards
• Dear Jonh ... Many thanks

Informal letter
Signing off When you are writing to a good friend or colleague:
• Hello Jonh … Best wishes/ Best
• Hi Jonh … See you/ Missing you/ Love

When you are writing to someone you love:

• Dear Mary … Yours always/ Lots of love
 FORMAL X INFOMAL

Vocabulary
  Title
 Opening statement – reason for writing
 Body paragraph A (one point with detail)
 Body paragraph B (final point with detail)

Structure  Body paragraph C (final point with detail)

 Closing statement (if needed)
 Signing off
 Name (choose a name or use your own)
MODELS
Formal/Informal/Semi-formal
Informal letter
Formal letter
Formal letter
 Examples of formal letter openings:
• I am writing to enquire about … .
• I am writing to request ... .
• I am writing to explain why ... .
• I am writing to express interest in ... .

Examples of • I am writing to inform you that/about… .

letter openings • I am writing to complain about (the fact that I)…

• After having seen your advertisement in … , I would like
to…

• After having received your address from …

• Thank you for your letter regarding/about …
• In reply to your letter of 18 June, …
 Examples of informal letter openings:

• Hi! My name is Noah and I've been assigned your drama

coach… .

Examples of • Hello, My name is Julia and I'm volunteer conducting

student excursions… .
letter openings • Hi there, I hope you're enjoying your holidays/ trip/
college year/ honeymoon… .

• Hello, thanks very much for asking me to visit you ...

 Examples of formal letter closings:
• If you require any further information, feel free to contact me.
• I look forward to your reply.
• I look forward to hearing from you.

Examples of • Once again, I apologize for any inconvenience.

letter closings • I would appreciate your immediate attention to this matter.

• I would deeply appreciate it if you could ... .
• Thank you in advance!
• Thanking you for your assistance in advance, I look forward to
hearing from you.
 Examples of informal letter closings:

• Anyway, I‛ve got to go now. Write again if you need

Examples of any more information.

letter closings • Well, let me finish here. I am eagerly waiting for

your reply to this letter.