General Training Writing Task 1 asks you to respond to a situation with a letter. The challenge is not simply remembering a greeting. You must understand the relationship, purpose and three bullet points, then use a tone that fits the situation.
Identify the relationship first
Ask who you are writing to and how well you know them. A complaint to a company manager, a request to a colleague and an invitation to a close friend require different levels of formality.
Cover every bullet point
Each bullet point represents content the task expects. Missing one can weaken Task Achievement even if the language is strong. Turn each bullet into a clear purpose before you start writing.
Tone is created across the letter
Formality comes from vocabulary, grammar, directness and social distance, not only from Dear Sir or Madam. Avoid slang in formal letters and avoid stiff legal-sounding language in a friendly personal letter.
Use paragraphs for function
A practical structure is opening purpose, one or two paragraphs covering the bullet points, and a suitable closing. Group related ideas rather than giving every sentence its own paragraph.
Make requests and complaints appropriately
Formal requests often need polite modal language. Complaints should be clear but controlled. Informal invitations can be warmer and more personal. Match the language to the communicative goal.
Leave time for names, dates and practical details
Letter tasks often involve specific situations. Check that your details are internally consistent and that the reader would understand what you want them to do next.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know whether the letter is formal?
Use the relationship and task context. Writing to an organisation or someone you do not know is usually formal; a friend is informal; colleagues or acquaintances may require a semi-formal tone.
Do I need addresses at the top?
IELTS sample tasks do not require you to reproduce a full real-world postal layout. Focus on the requested letter content and appropriate opening and closing.
How long should the letter be?
The official task requires at least 150 words. Write enough to cover all bullet points clearly without filling the response with irrelevant detail.
Official sources and further reading
Continue with focused IELTS practice.
Use IntelliPrep for practice, mistake review, teacher feedback and SmartPath™ when you are ready to apply what you have just read.