IELTS General Training Writing Task 1: how to write the letter
In IELTS General Training Writing Task 1 you write a letter of at least 150 words in about 20 minutes. The task tells you who you are writing to and gives three bullet points you must cover. Choose the tone from the relationship (formal for a company or someone you don't know, informal for a friend) and give each bullet point its own paragraph. Missing a bullet point is the most common reason for a low Task Achievement score.
The GT letter looks easier than the Academic chart, and it often is. But the marking is strict about two things: covering all three bullet points and keeping the right tone throughout.
Read the task for three things
- Who are you writing to? A landlord, a manager, a friend, a company?
- Why are you writing? To complain, request, apologise, invite, explain?
- What are the three bullet points? Each one must be covered, and fully.
Choosing the tone
| Reader | Tone | Opening | Closing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Someone you don't know, name unknown | Formal | Dear Sir or Madam, | Yours faithfully, |
| Someone you don't know well, name known (a landlord, a manager) | Formal or semi-formal | Dear Mr Patel, | Yours sincerely, / Kind regards, |
| A friend or family member | Informal | Hi Sam, / Dear Sam, | Best wishes, / See you soon, |
Mixing tones is a common mistake: an informal opening followed by "I am writing to inform you that…", or a complaint to a company that ends "Cheers!".
Structure
- Opening line: why you are writing, in one sentence.
- Paragraph per bullet point: three short paragraphs.
- Closing line: what you want to happen next, or a friendly sign-off.
- Sign-off and name. You can use your first name for an informal letter and your full name for a formal one.
Check one essay freePaste your writing and get an estimated band with corrections in about 30 seconds. No account needed.
Check my writingA sample letter
Task: You are a member of a local gym, but you are moving to another city next month. Write a letter to the gym manager. In your letter: - explain why you are writing - say what you have liked about the gym - ask about cancelling your membership and any refund
Dear Mr Harris,
I am writing to let you know that I will be moving to Brisbane for work at the end of next month, so I will no longer be able to use Northside Fitness.
I have been a member for almost three years, and I have really enjoyed it. The early-morning classes have been a great way to start the day, and the trainers, especially Leah, have always been patient and encouraging. I will genuinely miss the friendly atmosphere.
I paid for a twelve-month membership in March, so there will be about four months remaining when I leave. Could you please tell me how to cancel my membership, and whether I am entitled to a refund for the unused months? If a refund is not possible, I would be grateful to know if the membership can be transferred to a friend.
Thank you for your help.
Yours sincerely,
Daniel Okafor
(152 words)
Each bullet point has its own paragraph, with specific details (the move date, the classes, the months remaining). The tone is polite and formal throughout.
Ways to lose marks
- Covering a bullet point in half a sentence. "It is affecting me" doesn't explain how.
- Inventing a situation that contradicts the task. If the task says you are a tenant, don't write as the building owner.
- Using a memorised template. Examiners recognise generic phrases that don't fit the situation.
- Going much over 150 words. Around 160–190 is enough and leaves time for Task 2.
Purpose words that help
Request: "I would be grateful if you could…", "Would it be possible to…". Complaint: "I am disappointed to report…", "I would like this to be resolved by…". Apology: "I am very sorry that…", "Unfortunately, I will not be able to…". Invitation: "We would love you to join us…", "It would be great if you could come…".
Practise under time
Each AIL General Training practice test includes a Task 1 letter and a Task 2 essay, marked together the way the real test is, so you can see whether your letter is costing you time.
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Start free practiceQuestions people also ask
How many words is the IELTS General Training letter?
At least 150 words. Aim for 160–190 and spend about 20 minutes.
Do I need to write an address in the IELTS letter?
No. You do not need to include addresses or a date. Start with the greeting.
Can I use contractions in an IELTS letter?
Yes in an informal letter to a friend. Avoid them in a formal letter.
What happens if I miss one bullet point?
Task Achievement will be marked down, usually to band 5 or below for that criterion, because the task has not been fully covered.