Standard Letter Writing Structure in IELTS General Task 1

In this tutorial, we discuss standard letter writing structure in IELTS General Task 1.

We look at:

Three different styles of writing in IELTS General Task 1.

How to recognize and avoid common writing mistakes.

Strategies for effective organization in letter writing.

The first thing you have to remember when working on Task 1 General writing is that it’s slightly different from the Academic Writing. The points described below will help you get a real high score for writing Task 1 in IELTS. For example, when you’ll be writing your personal statement for university or a job application.

There are different styles of writing:

Formal. This style is very diplomatic, the opening is: “Dear Sir/Madam,” and the closing line: “Respectfully yours,”.

Remember that you don’t have to worry about the formalities (writing the address). 

Semi-formal. This style corresponds more with the requirements of IELTS. It’s the style you use when writing to a University or a Company. The opening is: “Dear Sir/Madam,”. The closing line: “Very truly yours,”, “Very sincerely yours”, “Yours courteously”. 

Informal. You can also have this style in IELTS. It’s often used in companies, when colleagues talk with each other. The opening is: “Hello David,”, “Hello Mr. James,”. The closing line: “Best wishes,”, “Yours”, “Best regards”. 

Even though the style is informal, there shouldn’t be any of the colloquial phrases. For example: “I totally agree” or stronger language “I find it super irritating”. It’s fine when you’re talking with your friends and relatives. In IELTS your letter should be of a bit higher level.

Less informal. This is the style you use when communicating with your family and friends. It’s fine if there are contractions here. However, don’t make too many contractions. 

For example: “I’m gonna sort it out next week”. (This is too much) It’s better to write: “I’m going to sort it out next week”. 

You also can use contractions like “I wouldn’t”, “I don’t”. If you don’t use contractions in these cases, it will seem that you really want to emphasize something.

This style is more lively and direct. The opening is something like: “Hi, Dave!”. The possible closing lines are: “Love,”, “Hookes and Kisses,”, “Take care”.

* The organisation of your letter.

The best way to successfully organise your letter is to take into consideration the main points of the task (the bullets).

For example, if your task is to write a letter of complaint, you definitely need to include the following:

Date and time when the incident happened.

The reason for your complaint.

What you would like from the company you are writing to.

It’s quite easy to structure your letter in accordance with these bullets, they are your three paragraphs. 

You should also keep in mind that you’re to stay on topic, make your letter simple and clear.Your letter shouldn’t create any strain for a reader. It shouldn’t be over complicated with unnecessary details.

For example: “I would like a refund of 99 pounds plus VAT minus import duties. The import duties can be paid to my Swiss bank account and the VAT can be sent directly to an agent in customs in London”. 

(This is technically complex. There is no point in writing a lengthy story) The following sounds better:

“I would like a refund to my bank account. Please, find the details attached”. 

(This is solid, straightforward and easy to understand. The examiner will definitely get what the main message is)

It’s very important to include in your letter only essential details.