In the IELTS general training test, there are four parts including Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. However, students find the writing section very hard to score. To score well in this portion, students need practice and preparation to improve their writing skills. Thus, in this blog, we will talk everything about general writing task 1 of IELTS to make students ready for the exam. So first let’s understand what does writing section of IELTS general includes.
Table of Contents
The IELTS general writing task 1 requires you to write a letter, it can be either a formal, informal, or semi-formal letter on a given subject. Three points are provided in the task for you to add to your letter. You need to write 150 words in 20 minutes. The main purpose of IELTS general writing task 1 is to evaluate your functional writing skills. It is to check whether you can write several types of letters such as apologize, complain, suggest, or ask for information. Now in our next section, we will look at the key factors for task achievement in IELTS letter writing.
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When preparing for the IELTS general writing task 1 there are certain features the examiner looks for in a letter. To make you clear regarding the specific points we have explained each factor in detail below. But first have a look at the image and read the factors for a better understanding.
Now let’s understand each point in detail.
Start writing your letter by clearly stating the purpose or expressing why you are writing this letter. In the general IELTS writing task 1, your letter needs to be presented in the opening paragraph. Further, you should ensure that the purpose of the letter is linked to the situation or question.
In the next paragraph, the examiner will look for the tone of your letter. The tone refers to how you write the letter, formal or informal style. However, you can find out the style of your letter by reading the instructions in a question.
When writing a letter for the IELTS general writing task 1 you must include the bullet points given in the question. With the help of these points, you can frame your letter in a well-structured or logical way.
The final feature that an examiner will look at in your letter is how well you structure it. Your score will be judged on the format and will check whether you have mentioned all the things or not. Further, this point is the deciding element for your letter.
Overall, these are the factors which will help the examiner decide how your letter is written. In the next section, you will find in detail about the types of letters in generalIELTS writing task 1.
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In the IELTS general writing task 1, you will be asked to write a letter requesting information or explaining a situation. You must write down 150 words in the timeframe of 20 minutes. However, the letter will be one of the following types as mentioned in the table:
Types of IELTS general writing task 1 letters are as follows:
| Formal Letter | This letter is written to those people whom we do not know or have never met. |
| Semi-Formal Letter | This letter is written to those people whom we may know, but are not close friends with. |
| Informal Letter | This letter is written to those people whom we know well, like friends or family. |
These are the types of letters in IELTS general writing task 1 with their purpose. Further, the next sections will discuss the IELTS general writing task 1 samples for each letter.
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The formal letter is written to those people whom we don’t know or have never met. Thus, it is important to plan the structure of the letter. See below to know the format for the IELTS formal letter in the general training test.
You can use this IELTS formal letter format to frame your answer before you start answering the question. Now the next section will let you know about the categories you can get to write the formal letter.
In this section, we have compiled a collection of the types of formal letters you can get in general IELTS writing task 1. Have a look below:
This section presents IELTS general writing task 1 formal letter sample with its answer. If you want to excel in IELTS writing task 1, then you must practice the sample question. Thus, look for the question below and then read the answer in detail.
Writing Task 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
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You missed an international flight due to a problem at the airport. Write a letter to the airline. In your letter:
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Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Now take a look below at the IELTS General Writing Task 1 formal letter sample question and answer.
Begin your letter as follows:
Respected Sir or Ma’am,
I am writing this letter regarding an international flight that I missed due to reasons beyond my control.
For the past two weeks, I have been travelling for business purposes and speaking at international conferences. Unfortunately, I arrived at the Tokyo airport over three hours delayed yesterday afternoon, due to the technical difficulties experienced by one of your company’s air crafts. As a result, I missed my connecting flight from Tokyo to Madrid, and could not attend the conference.
As a result of the delay, my company had to send another executive to speak at the conference in Madrid. This is not only a major inconvenience from our end, but it is a costly expenditure as well. Further, I have had to pay out of pocket for my lodgings in Madrid.
Since the delay that was caused by your aircraft, I hope that you will repay me for the cost of my lodgings in Madrid as well as my additional flight home to Toronto, Canada.
I will look forward to your response.
Yours faithfully,
Samar Tanwar
An informal letter is a personal letter written to a friend, relative or someone you know closely. It is generally less formal than other types of letters and includes personal details and narratives. Further, it is written in a casual and friendly tone that does not need any specific format but ensures cohesion and coherence. See below the format of writing an informal letter in IELTS general writing task 1.
This is the format for writing an informal letter in IELTS general writing task 1. The next section will talk about the types or categories in which you write the informal letter.
This section will cover some of the types of informal letters which can be asked in your exam. Look below for a better understanding.
The following section will provide you with IELTS general writing task 1 informal letter sample with its answer. To score well in the exam, you must practice each type of letter so that you get prepared. Further, see the question below and then read the solution in brief.
Writing Task 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
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Your friend is thinking about learning to drive and would like some advice. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:
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Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Now take a look below at the IELTS General Writing Task 1 informal letter sample question and answer.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Robin
I am glad to hear that you have finally decided to learn to drive. The idea of learning to drive will change your life.
But firstly, you must have your driving license which is a way to remove all the restrictions to drive anywhere with freedom. You will be independent in handling routine tasks for example office, shopping etc. Moreover, it is a social and legal responsibility to be an ideal citizen.
Secondly, you must search for a good driving school with supportive and experienced instructors. I would like to recommend Hall Driving School downtown. I, myself, have learnt from this well-known driving school. All the instructors are well-educated and experienced professionals. They will make you learn in both theoretical as well as practical aspects. Moreover, you will also learn the traffic rules that are the most important in today’s life.
To become perfect in all aspects you need to appear for an exam to test your knowledge of driving before obtaining a license. I think a two-week course will be enough for you to be perfect and clear the driving trust.
I hope my advice will serve the purpose. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Love,
Robert
This is a letter that is written to someone you know personally but is not a close friend or relative. It is less formal than a formal letter but more formal than an informal letter. Further, look below at the format for semi-formal letters in IELTS general writing task 1.
This is the format for the semi-formal letter in IELTS writing task 1. The next section will cover the types or categories in which you need to write the semi-formal letter.
This part will talk about the types of semi-formal letters that can appear in your exam. Take a look for a better understanding.
The following section will let you know about IELTS general writing task 1 semi-formal letter sample with the answer. To excel in the IELTS letter writing task you must practice the samples for each letter. Thus, look for the question below and then read the solution in detail.
Writing Task 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
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You were absent from an important event held by the company you work for. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter:
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Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Now take a look below at the IELTS General Writing Task 1 semi-formal letter sample question and answer.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Mr. Ashish,
I am writing regarding my absence from the annual company business meeting held last week.
Firstly, I would like to formally apologize for not being able to attend the business meeting. I recognize the importance of the event, mainly in terms of networking and growing as a team. However, my mother had an intrusive heart surgery last weekend, and I spent the last week taking care of her at home.
While the surgery was not dangerous, it was not a routine procedure either. My mother needed constant support and faced a long road to recovery. Since I am an only child of my mother, she relied on me during this difficult period. Also, my presence was an important part of her well-being.
To catch up on what was covered during the event, I have scheduled a meeting with Mr. Andrew from the Finance department. After meeting with Mr. Andrew, I am confident enough that I will be brought up to speed with the rest of the team and ready to start working.
Thank you for understanding.
Sincerely,
Rishabh Malik
Overall, these are the IELTS general writing task 1 samples with their required answers. In the final section, we will look over some tips to excel in the IELTS writing task 1.
To increase your performance in IELTS general writing task 1, you should be well aware of the techniques and strategies. Thus, learn about IELTS general writing task 1 tips for effective scores.
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To conclude, we have discussed everything about IELTS general writing task 1, including assessment factors, letters, format, samples, and tips. However, to be prepared for this task candidate needs more and more practice. Thus, if you are in doubt about where and how you can prepare for IELTS then you have landed on the right page. Connect with Gradding.com and start your IELTS exam preparation with us today. Also, take our free IELTS writing mock test online or offline.
No, your IELTS result and Test Report Form (TRF) will be available 13 days after you complete the test.
In the IELTS general writing task 1 questions and answers, you will be given a common topic such as apologizing for missing a friend’s party, advising a friend etc.
You must solve the samples for each letter. Thus, we have also provided the above IELTS general training writing task 1 with sample and answer in detail.
Start your letter in IELTS by clearly stating your purpose and why you are writing. It should be done in the opening paragraph.
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