IELTS Writing Task 1 | Essentials for Excellent Letter Writing

Here are some suggestions that will help you tackle this section of the writing test

Note the instructions

You will receive instructions on what the matter of the letter should be, and to whom the letter must be addressed to, in the writing test task 1 question.

“Write at least 150 words. This task should take you around 20 minutes to complete.”

This is how your instructions will look. You are requested to assume regarding a general situation. Then you will be required to cover certain content, and you will be given a word count and a time limit. Before you write your letter, make sure you have thoroughly read the given question.

Identify the letter type

After reading the directions and the question, make sure you are aware of the circumstances and the person you must write the letter to. This will aid in your understanding of the letter's format. You will be required to compose a total of three different types of letters. They are listed below:

• Formal Letter
• Semi-formal letter
• Informal letter

Determine the letter's objective

Once the letter type has been determined, you must ascertain why the letter is being written. You must alter the wordings and tone according to the intended audience.

Letter-writing structure

You can achieve the appropriate band score on the writing test if your letter has a good structure/format. To make an impression on your examiner, you must arrange your letter into distinct paragraphs.

The basic structure of letter writing consists of three typical paragraphs. They are listed below:

• First Paragraph - Dear Sir or Madam, Greetings, Mr. or Mrs. XYZ
• Main body paragraphs: These include the purpose, details, suggestion, action, etc.
• Final words: Yours faithfully, yours truly, sincerely, best wishes

Letter introductions: formal, semi-formal, and informal

If the letter is formal or semi-formal, begin it with an appropriate salutation and state your purpose for writing. If the correspondence is informal, begin with a salutation and inquire about the recipient's health. Keep in mind that if you do not know someone, you should avoid using kind words.

Discuss the letter's specifics

You can make requests, apologize, offer recommendations, apply for a job, etc. when you compose a letter.

Use an action sentence

The information that should be written in the final paragraph of your letter is genuinely action oriented.

Ending the formal, semi-formal, and informal letter

Whether drafting an informal, semi-formal, or formal letter, the opening and conclusion are crucial parts of the writing process. Make the ideal ending remarks by keeping in mind the style of letter writing.

Lexical or vocabulary guide

Task 1 evaluates language ability or lexical resource. A candidate's band score will depend on their word diversity. To get an 8 or higher band score, test takers should utilize more complex and natural vocabulary in their professional, semi-formal, or informal letters.

Check grammar and spelling

Vocabulary is one aspect of task 1, while grammatical accuracy and punctuation are another. A minor grammatical or spelling issue will greatly impact your score. So, pay closer attention to your message and proofread it twice to catch any errors. To improve your score, use many grammar structures and phrase types.

Practice sample letters, but do not memorize them

There are several Writing Task 1 samples online. All of those are provided to help you learn writing format, structure, and flow. Review the samples to become used to the task, but do not memorize them. In reality, memorization will not be advantageous in any circumstance. Constant practice will help you finish the task.

Our clients receive FREE training from British Council-certified trainers. Check out our Settlement Resources to learn about finding employment in Canada, making your initial days stress-free, etc.