Semi-formal Letter IELTS: Format, Samples, & How to Score Well?

What is a Semi-formal Letter?

The IELTS general writing task 1 Semi-formal letters are about writing a letter that is neutral in tone. A semi-formal letter can be written for many purposes. For example, you can write one for a business, a landlord, or a colleague. The tone of this letter does not have to be entirely formal. However, it does not either mean that you can use slang. Nor can you use an entirely informal tone. The tone has to be polite and respectful.

Furthermore, the general writing task 1 require you to write a letter of 150 words which can be formal, informal or a Semi-formal. The Semi-formal letters has to be written to either pose a request or present an apology to a person whom you know personally. For example, you may request your landlord to permit you to shift later or apologize to your friend for missing their wedding.

Now that you know what is a semi-formal letter, let us know how to write one. The next section will talk about the format of the semi-formal letter IELTS.

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Format of a Semi-formal Letter

There is no hard and fast rule to writing letters. The format of semi formal letter is easy to grasp. However, the test takers usually struggle with keeping the tone polite and respectful. Many can’t differentiate between the formal and Semi-formal tone. Besides, the writers have to modify the content as per the prompt in the given question.

The regular format to be used for Semi-formal letter IELTS is:

1. Greeting
2. Purpose
3. Necessary Details
4. Closing
5. Sign Off

The Semi-formal letter can be divided into 5 crucial sections. Here are the details of each of these sections in the format of Semi-formal letter IELTS general writing section:

Greetings

This is where you address the person you are sending the letter to. You must use an appropriate greeting like Dear Mr. Churchill.

Purpose

Secondly, state the purpose for writing this letter to the receiver. Moreover, this can be a single paragraph, and you can introduce the matter in this one. For example, "I hope this letter finds you well..."

Necessary Details

Thirdly, you have to write the details of the event or the problem in 2 to 3 paragraphs. Use polite and respectful while describing them. For example, " I request you to look into the matter as soon as possible..."

Closing

Fourthly, end the Semi-formal letter IELTS with a polite statement, thanking the receiver for considering and paying attention. For example, thank you for considering my request and understanding the matter.

Sign Off

Lastly, as per your relationship with the recipient, use a sign off. For example, kind regards, sincerely.

This was the format of the Semi-formal letter. Now, let us have a look at the samples of the IELTS Writing task 1 in the section below. You will find the IELTS semi formal letter topics with answers. Moreover, there are many other types of these letters mentioned in the next section.

Also Read: IELTS General Training Task 1: Informal Letter

IELTS Semi-formal Letter - Sample 1

Here is the first IELTS Semi-formal letter sample. Here, the writer has to complaint to their landlord about the dysfunctional heating systems in the apartment.

Task Prompt: Your landlord has not got the heating system of your apartment fixed for a month. Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter:

1. Explain the problem
2. Suggest what you would like the landlord to do
3. Say what will happen if the problem is not resolved

Sample Answer:

Also Read: IELTS General Writing Task 1 - Formal Letter 

IELTS Semi-formal Letter - Sample 2

Here is the second IELTS Semi-formal letter sample. Here, the writer has to address the bad quality food of their college canteen.

Task Prompt: You eat at your college cafeteria in lunch time everyday. However, you think it requires some improvements. Write a letter to the college magazine. In your letter:

1. Explain what you like about the place
2. Say what you feel is wrong
3. Suggest what improvements can be made

Sample Answer:

Also Read: 50+ Synonyms to use in the IELTS Exam

IELTS Semi-formal Letter - Sample 3

Here is the third IELTS Semi-formal letter sample. Here, the writer has to inform the neighbour about an upcoming party at the house and the potential inconvenience it can cause.

Task Prompt: You just moved into a new apartment and are planning to hold a party or a gathering. You are worried that the noise may disturb the ones living nearby. Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter you should:

1. Introduce yourself
2. Describe your plans for the party
3. and invite your neighbour to come to the party

Sample Answer:

IELTS Semi-formal Letter - Sample 4

Here is the fourth IELTS Semi-formal letter sample. Here, the writer has to ask about the details of a seminar they wish to attend.

Task Prompt: You would like to take part in a work related seminar in another country. Write a letter to the person in charge of the seminar and ask for detailed information regarding the dates, program, accommodation, and cost.

Sample Answer:

Topics for Semi-formal Letters in IELTS

Here are a few more topics that you can encounter apart from the above 4 IELTS letter writing samples:

1. Making a suggestion
2. Asking for permission
3. Explaining to a neighbor
4. Complaining to the landlord
5. Booking or arranging accommodation
6. A letter to thank someone

These are the semi formal Letter questions you can be asked to write a Semi-formal letter in IELTS exam. Now, let us talk about the difference between the formal and informal letters.

 Also Read: EOR in IELTS 2024

Formal Letter Vs Semi-formal Letter for IELTS Writing

There are very subtle differences between Semi-formal vs formal letter writing in IELTS. This section will mention them in a tabular form below:

The next section will talk about the tips to write a Semi-formal letter IELTS. These tips can work well if you go by them and keep track of avoidable mistakes. These can surely help you increase your IELTS band score.

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Tips to Write Semi-formal Letter in IELTS

It is vital to understand the correct method of writing a Semi-formal letter. These tips will help you maintain your focus while writing and not use an informal or completely formal tone. Here are a few tips to help you ace the IELTS General Writing Task 1

1. You must make sure to use a polite tone always. You can do this by recalling what you are about to write before writing.
2. Secondly, try your best to imagine the scenario being real and ask yourself what would you say.
3. Thirdly, it is okay to use personal language and pronouns. For example, you can use we, I, me, and so on.
4. Furthermore, avoid being too informal with your tone and replace words like “get” with “receive” where you can.
5. Lastly, use appropriate and formal vocabulary and avoid slang. Your IELTS result can be affected by them even if it is an informal letter.

Conclusion

To sum up, Semi-formal letter IELTS can help you score well in the IELTS exam. Besides practicing on your own, there are several other ways to practice the letter writing segment. In addition to this, if a test taker is still confused and doesn’t understand where to start the preparation, study abroad experts and IELTS trainers at Gradding can share the customized road map to study abroad. They can help you master the IELTS test format for academic and general exams. Moreover, you can find their IELTS writing mock test on their website to practice. Hence, the IELTS general writing section becomes easy to ace in one go.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are There Greetings in Semi-formal Letters?

Yes, there are greetings in the Semi-formal letters in IELTS writing. Moreover, there are several ways you can greet the reader in a Semi-formal letter. It depends on the relationship between the sender and the receiver. For example, you can write the following greetings:

1. Dear (Name)
2. Hi (Name)
3. Good Morning / afternoon / evening (Name)

Why Do We Write Semi-formal Letters?

Semi-formal letters are written for people whom you know personally. However, you have to keep your tone not very casual. Moreover, the purpose of writing a Semi-formal letter can be anything from addressing a grievance to your neighbour to requesting your manager to take a leave.

What Are Some Characteristics of Semi-formal English?

There are three key features of a Semi-formal letter IELTS:

1. Firstly, the sentences must be not too long and are shorter as compared to the formal English language.
2. Secondly, the use of words and vocabulary that are colloquial. It means that they are not used in formal English language but everyday conversations.
3. Thirdly, they comprise phrasal verbs and are frequently used in the letter.

What Are the Types of Letters Does IELTS Writing Section Have?

There are three types of letters in IELTS general writing task 1:

1. Formal (personal) Letter
2. Informal Letter
3. Semi-formal Letter

What Are the Mistakes That I Should Avoid While Writing a Semi-formal Letter?

These are the common mistakes that you must avoid:

1. Using the incorrect format for writing the letter.
2. Wrong language and the order of paragraphs lack clarity and create confusion in the mind of the reader.
3. Forgetting about the audience and missing the call to action.
4. Using the wrong tone and set of words.

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