Write flawlessly focused on the task statements in your responses to the letter and report writing tasks. Paraphrase more accurately, think more broadly, and effectively brainstorm ideas for the essay outline and opinion statements.
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General Training Writing Task 1: Letter Writing
General Training Writing Task 1: Letter Writing
Task Overview
Task Overview
Test takers need to:
Write a formal, informal or semiformal letter
Address all bullet points in the prompt
Write a minimum of 150 words
TIPS:
Knowing exactly what is expected means it's easier to get started!
The opening and closing remarks, tone and functional language for each of the letter types differ.
Where to start?
Read the prompt and understand it.
Decide the CAP's
What you need to write about? (Content)
Who you are writing to? (Audience)
Why you are writimg? (Purpose)
Identify the reason for writing (purpose)
Requesting information.
Making complaint
Asking or giving advice or suggestions
Apologising or thanking
Inviting or responding to an invitation.
Explaining or describing a situation or something
Expressng your feeling or providing opinion, information, reason, or details of a plan or situation
Making recommendation
Tips:
Based on your audience:
write an appropriate opening paragraph that refererences the question and a suitable closing paragraph;
decide on the appropriate tone (formal, informal, semi-formal), this will determine what grammar, vocabulary, and functional language to use.
Take sometime to plan your paragraphs before you start writing:
paragraph around the bullet points; ideally one paragraph per bullet point,
extend your ideas by giving some detail for each bullet point, and
check for multiple parts to one bullet point [ ... and why ] or plurals [describe the problems].
After your writing . . .
Use a checklist to revisit your writing:
Have you written enough (at least 150 words)?
Have you addressed the bullet points fully?
Does your tone match your audience?
Are the opening and ending appropriate?
Is the purpose of your letter clear?
Is the letter well-organized?
Is the content relevant and developed with appropriate details?
Is the language and punctuation used accurately and appropriately?
Is your hand writing clear (for IELTS on paper only)?
Keep your tone consistent throughout the letter?
Take sometime to check and edit your letter.
Know your common grammatical and or spelling errors and check for this.
Informal letter writing question
A friend has agreed to look after your house and pet while you are on 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
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any address begin your letter as follows:
Dear……,
Model Answer
Dear Carolyn,
Thank you for agreeing to house-sit for me.
If you need to contact me during my holiday, I'll be staying at the imperial Hotel in Bunderburg. If it's urgent, however, please ring my mobile phone, which I'll keep with me at all times. I've written the numbers on a sticky note which I've left on the fridge.
My cat needs to be fed twice daily so each morning and evening put a hand full of cat biscuits in his dish. You will find these in the kitchen pantry. Also, please check troughout the day to make sure he has fresh water. You can give him a small bowl of milk in the evening.
I would like you to water my plants too. The indoor ones in the lounge only need water once every few days but the plants on the balcony need to be watered daily unless there has been heavy rain. Finally, for security, please, clear my mail box everyday and keep the outside lights on at night.
I look forward to seeing you on my return.
Yours,
Katie.
British Council model answer template.
Informal Letter
Model answer analysis:
Word count:181 || 13 Sentences || 5 Paragraphs.
Structure
The Task Statements (TS) in the question provide guidelines for writing answers to this task, ensuring that the ideas presented in the bullet points are addressed appropriately. In order to effectively respond to each point, it is essential to structure the answer using paragraphs, including an appropriate introduction and concluding statement. This will result in a total of five paragraphs. Paragraphs are a crucial tool for presenting and organizing ideas clearly. They act as signposts, guiding readers through the main points and logical progression of their thought process. In IELTS writing, paragraphing is achieved by aligning the text, and leaving a line spacing between each paragraph.
Each letter writing task is unique, and it is important to determine the appropriate and suitable way to start and close the letter. Additionally, when writing a letter, it is crucial to consider the purpose behind it. Instead of using redundant phrases such as "My purpose of writing this letter is to," it is better to directly state the purpose by saying "I am writing to request, complain, inform, suggest, or recommend."
In this case, It is to say, " Thank you" to your friend for agreeing to do you this favour.
Remember that this is a creative venture and there are several assumptions to consider from a logical stand point.
To fulfil Task Achievement (TA) the model answer is a good attempt at responding to ALL parts of the task statement. How? The answer is presented in the order in which the task statement is outlined in the question. So, it follows the logic and sequence of the TS as detailed in the plan for it below:
Introduction: Thank You.
Body Paragraph (Bp) 1: Focused at contact details (mobile number, location address, text message/e-mail if you like).
Body Paragraph (Bp) 2: Focused at instructions on how to care for your pet (food/water/bath/walk schedule).
Body Paragraph (Bp) 3 : Focused at other household duties ( of routine nature, nothing major but mostly complimentary to housekeeping or cleaning service arrangement already put in place).
Conclusion: Something to look forward to, in this case a meet on return. Appropriate closing remark, "Yours", followed by a comma and leaving a line spacing between this and the sign off first name.
I call this entire process 'assisted writing' because the part of structuring your answer is already done for you.
For Coherence and Cohesion, we are talking about achieving a flow using connectives or linking words that connects ideas in-paragraph and between paragraphs for clarity as used in the model answer:
"however" in the 2nd sentence of the 1st paragraph.
"Also" in the second sentence of the 2nd paragraph.
" Finally " in the 3rd sentence in the 3rd paragraph.
The use of the required contractions such as, "It's", " I've" and " I'Il " for this letter type, and words like, pantry, lounge and balcony, as well as, polite, tempered phrases such as, " If it is urgent, however, please ring my...", " My cat needs to be feed...", " You can give him..." and "I would like you to ..." combine to achieve the the right consistent register, style and tone, as well as fulfil the vocabulary requirement for this letter type.
Contractions - A required indicator of informal tone in an informal letter writing context.
Answer Key:
1. can not, I am
2. It is
3. They have, have not
4. must not
5. She will, he is
Semi-Formal Letter
You are experiencing financial problems and want to ask your landlord if you can pay your rent late. Write a letter to your landlord.
In your letter explain:
- Why you cannot pay the rent
- When you will pay the rent.
- How you will ensure you can pay your rent in the future
Write at least 150 words
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear ……
Model Answer
Dear Mr Peter,
I am writing to request that you allow me to pay my rent late this month.
This is due to the fact that I am experiencing some financial difficulties at the moment. I was laid off from my job last month due to the closure of the company for which I work. Because I have not worked for the company for an extended period of time, therefore, I have not received a redundancy payment, leaving me cash-strapped this month.
I can assure you that on the 15th of next month, I will be able to pay the rent. I have also found another job, and they have kindly agreed to give me an advance on my wages, but they are unable to arrange this until next week.
I apologize for any inconvenience this problem might cause you. I can tell you that in the future, I will be able to pay rent at the full rate and on time. As previously said, I have a new job that is on a long-term contract, which means that I will have a steady and predictable income. Additionally, I can set up a direct debit to ensure that the payment is automatically made to you each month.
I hope this is acceptable, but please let me know if it is a problem.
Yours sincerely,
John Stephen.
Comments
The letter is properly structured as the writer makes the purpose of writing clear in the first introductory sentence and gives further details of the problem in the first body paragraph, and then sets out when payment will be made, while finally discussing the future financial commitment to ensure payment is remitted timely.
The tone of the letter is appropriate as it is polite (I am writing to you to request..., I can assure you...., I apologise for any inconvenience this problem..., please contact me if it is a problem... ).
The opening and closing of the letter are correct for a semi-formal (context) letter to someone you have some level of familiarity with and of-course you know them by name as well. (Dear Mr Peter..., Yours sincerely... ).
There are good examples of correct use of tenses, demonstrating that the writer has a very good working use of grammar:
1. present continuous for what is happening now: I am experiencing some financial difficulties at the moment.
2. past simple passive for events in the past and when the subject is not doing the verb: I was laid off ….
3. Future: I can assure you ….I will be able to pay….
4. Present perfect: I have since found ….
Formal Letter
You and your friends ate a meal at a restaurant to celebrate a special occasion, and you were very pleased with the food and service.
Write a letter to the restaurant manager. In your letter:
- Explain the reason for the celebration.
- Give details of your visit to the restaurant
- Say what you liked about the food or service.
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear .....
Model Answer
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to express my gratitude and admiration for the amazing cuisine and service we experienced last Sunday at your restaurant. We appreciate your efforts in making our occasion more memorable.
My friend's birthday was approaching and we decide to celebrate at your restaurant. Your establishment's convenient location and reputation for serving delectable meals were the reasons behind our decision.
We visited your restaurant on July 29th, on the occasion of his birthday at approximately 7.30 p.m. and I must say that I am delighted we chose your place.
Five of us dined at your eatery and were treated to a typical Italian cuisine and a house-made black forest cake. It was well worth the money we paid, as I am sure you engaged the best chef in town! The service of the waiters was also marvellous. They were truly well-mannered, organised, and skilled at serving food. On top of that, the interior design of your place is really stunning. We also realized how valued your customers are when my friend received a chocolate box as a birthday gift from your restaurant. That truly made our day.
I hope the restaurant's management will always provide this level of service and meals to all of its clients.
Yours faithfully,
James Kolawole
Cohesive Devices
Cohesive devices, also known as linkers, connectives, or discourse markers, are functional words or phrases used to appropriately connect ideas both within paragraphs and between paragraphs. Writing without these devices results in a series of sentences that are unconnected and unrelated.
Find below is a list of cohesive devices, illustrating their functional roles in writing:
1. Used to add on information to a sentence or paragraph.
- In addition
- Additionally
- Furthermore
- Moreover
- Besides
- What is more
2. Contrast/Used to show a distinction between two ideas or concepts
- However
- Nevertheless
- Nonetheless
- On the other hand
3. Used to provide specific examples that support an argument or point.
Examples:
- For example
- For instance
- namely
- Such as
- To illustrate / to give an example
4. Used to show the order or sequence of ideas.
Sequence
- Firstly / First of all l First and foremost / To start with
- Secondly / Secondly
- Lastly / Finally
- Also
- Again
5. Used to add emphasis or strengthen a statement.
Emphasis
- Indeed
- In fact
- Certainly
6. Used to indicate the result or conclusion of an argument or idea.
Result / Conclusion
- Therefore / Thus
- Consequently
- As a result
7. Used to show that two ideas or concepts are similar.
- Similarly
- Likewise
- In the same way
8. Used to summarize or conclude an argument or point.
- To Conclude
- To Summarize
- To sum up
- In summary / In conclusion
- To conclude
- All in all
Cohesive devices or discourse markers play an essential role in writing by providing clear, logical connections between ideas and helping to create a coherent and cohesive piece of writing. When used effectively, they can improve the overall flow and readability of a piece of writing.
IELTS Letter Writing Task 1 Questions
General Instruction:
You should spend about 20minutes on this task.
You do not need to write any addresses
Write at least 150 words
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear . . . ,
Your friend in another country is getting married and you have been invited to the wedding but you will not be able to attend.
Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:
- Tell your friend how you feel about the wedding
- Why you will not attend
- Tell him or her about the wedding gift you bought
2. Your friend is applying for a job as a sports instructor for teenagers at a summer school.
He has asked you to provide a letter of recommendation.
Write a letter to the director of the summer school. In your letter:
- give your friend's name and say how well you know your friend
- describe your friend's work experience
- explain why you think your friend would be suitable for the job.
3. A festival takes place in your town every year.
The festival manager has asked for people to help with this year's festival.
You would like to help.
Write a letter to the festival manager. In your letter:
- Give your opinion of last year's festival.
- say what you could do to help with this year's festival.
- ask some questions about the festival.
4. You are a member of a Sports Club.
Write a letter to the President of the club. In your letter:
- suggest a particular kind of social event for the club.
- tell him the reason why the club needs this social event.
- and explain what needs to be done to make the event possible and successful.
5. You and your colleague recently attended a foreign language training course organised by your company. Now you all want to do some more language training.
Write a letter to your managerIn your letter:
- say how you and your colleagues felt about the foreign language course.
- explain why you all want to do more language training
- suggest where and when the training could take place.
6. You have seen an advertisement for a person to look after a house in Scotland while the owner is away. You would like this job.
Write a letter to the owner of the house. In your letter:
- give some details about yourself
- explain why you would like the job
- ask some questions about the job
7. The manager of the company where you work is retiring after 40 years. The assistant manager has asked employees to suggest ways to thank the manager for his work.
Write a letter to the assistant manager. In your letter:
- explain how the manager has influenced you in your work
- suggest an event for the manager’s retirement.
- recommend a present for the company to give the manager
8. You recently met an old friend while you were on a business trip and to another city. Now you are planning another business trip to this city and would like to see your friend again.
Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:
- say why you enjoyed seeing him/her
- give details for your plans for your next business trip to the city
- suggest arrangements for seeing him or her again there
9. You work in an office with several other people. Now a new colleague is making it difficult for you all to work.
Write a letter to your manager. In your letter
- describe how the new colleague is making it difficult for you to work.
- explain how you and others in the office feel about this colleague
- say what you would like the manager to do
10. You are going to study at a college in another country. You need a place to live.
Write a letter to the college's accommodation. In your letter
- give details of the course and your arrival date
- describe the kind of accommodation you need
- say what you would like the accommodation officer to do.
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