When it comes to the IELTS General Training test, one of the key tasks is writing a letter. Whether it’s a formal, semi-formal, or informal letter, understanding the format is crucial for success. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the format of an IELTS letter and share tips to help you craft a perfect response.
Understand the task
The letter writing task in the IELTS General Training Writing section requires you to respond to a given situation. You’ll need to write a letter to someone, addressing the points mentioned in the prompt. The letter could be:
- Formal (e.g., writing to a company or an official)
- Semi-formal (e.g., writing to someone you know professionally)
- Informal (e.g., writing to a friend or family member)
IELTS Letter Structure
| Section | Details | Examples |
| 1. Salutation | Begin your letter with an appropriate greeting based on the formality. | – Formal: Dear Sir/Madam, – Semi-formal: Dear Mr. Smith, – Informal: Dear John, |
| 2. Opening Statement | Introduce the purpose of your letter in the first paragraph. This sets the tone and context. | – Formal: I am writing to inquire about… – Semi-formal: I am writing to inform you about… – Informal: Hope you’re doing well! Just wanted to let you know… |
| 3. Body of the Letter | Divide the body into 2-3 paragraphs, each addressing specific points mentioned in the task prompt. | Formal Example: – Paragraph 1: I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with the recent service I received… – Paragraph 2: The issue began when I ordered a product online… – Paragraph 3: I would appreciate it if you could… Informal Example: – Paragraph 1: Guess what? I’ve finally moved into my new apartment! – Paragraph 2: The best part about it is the amazing view from the balcony… – Paragraph 3: You have to come visit soon! |
| 4. Closing Statement | Summarize your main point or express your expectations. Conclude the letter with this section. | – Formal: I look forward to your prompt response. – Semi-formal: I hope we can resolve this issue at your earliest convenience. – Informal: Can’t wait to hear from you soon! |
| 5. Sign-off | End your letter with an appropriate sign-off, depending on the formality. | – Formal: Yours faithfully, / Yours sincerely, – Semi-formal: Best regards, / Sincerely, – Informal: Best wishes, / Take care, |
| 6. Your Name | Include your name at the bottom of the letter. | – Formal: [Your Full Name] – Semi-formal: [Your Full Name] – Informal: [Just Your First Name] |
Sample Letter
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with the service I received during my recent visit to your store.
On August 20th, I purchased a laptop from your establishment. However, upon using it at home, I noticed several issues, including a faulty screen and slow performance. I returned to the store the next day to resolve the issue, but the staff was unhelpful and refused to provide a replacement or refund.
I would appreciate it if you could address this matter promptly by offering a refund or replacing the defective product. Your swift response to this issue will be greatly appreciated.
Yours faithfully,
[Your Name]
Final Tips for IELTS Letter Writing
- Understand the Tone: Always match the tone of your letter to the audience. Formal letters should be polite and professional, while informal letters can be more relaxed and friendly.
- Cover All Points: Make sure to address all the bullet points provided in the task prompt. Missing any point can cost you marks.
- Mind the Word Count: Your letter should be at least 150 words. Practice writing concise, clear letters to stay within the limit.
- Review Grammar and Spelling: Small errors can add up, so always proofread your letter before submission.
By following this format and practicing regularly, you’ll be well on your way to perfecting the IELTS letter writing task. Happy writing!
