IELTS General Writing Task 1: Types of Letters

What type of letter should I write?

In IELTS General Writing Task 1, there are three types of letters:

• formal letter
• semi-formal letter
• informal letter (also known as a personal letter)

Here you will learn how to identify the type of letter you need to write and what beginnings-endings and tone of letter you should use. You'll also see relevant sample letters under each type.

Before you start writing, it is essential that you fully understand which type of letter you have to write.

Main differences

To outline the main differences between formal, semi-formal and informal letters and also help you decide which letter style you should use, see the following table:

Formal	Semi-formal	Informal ( friendly)
You don't know the person's name you are writing to (e.g. bank, foreign university)	You know the person, but he/she is not a close friend to you (e.g. teacher, landlord, manager, colleague)	You know him or her personally (e.g. friends, family)
Greetings: Dear Sir/ Madam	Greetings: Dear Mr Smith, Dear Mrs Smith	Greetings: Dear Mom, Dear John, My dear friend
Letter endings: Yours faithfully	Letter endings: Yours sincerely / Sincerely yours (not Yours truly)	Endings: With best wishes, / See you soon, / Take care, / All the best,
Your name: Mr John Brown (always with a family name, but the title is optional)	Your name: John Brown (always with a family name, but the title is optional)	Your name: John (no title and no family name)
The tone of the letter is formal. Be polite. You can't use contractions (use 'I am writing' not 'I'm writing	The tone of the letter is polite. Mostly formal language; however, use a couple of phrases that are on the informal side.	The tone of the letter is informal. You can use contractions (I'm writing), but not abbreviations (see ya) and acronyms (OMG). Do not use academic language.

 

Formal Letter & Sample

A formal letter is when you need to write to a company or organisation where you don't know the person to who you are writing. For example, a bank or a foreign university.

Common formal letters are complaints, applications, resignations, making arrangements.

See a formal letter sample: Request Letter

Semi-formal Letter & Sample

A semi-formal letter is when you write to someone you know by name and with whom you have a business or professional relationship. So someone you know, but they are not a close friend with you. For example, a teacher, trainer, neighbors, landlord, manager, work colleague etc.

The surname should be used when addressing them. The topic of the letter will be more on the formal side as it is usually focused on a problem to solve.

Common semi-formal letters are invitations, explanations, informative letters (all the letters can also be personal).

Informal/Personal Letter & Sample

An informal letter is when you write to a friend, family member or someone you know personally, and you write about a personal situation.

Common personal letters are invitations, explanations, informative letters, apology (all these letters can be semi-formal as well).

Informal letter writing topics

The topics could be as follows:

• Apologising for a damage/inconvenience caused
• Inviting to your place
• Seeking advice on something
• Recommening something

Task 1 Sample Questions

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 

Structure

This is the basic structure which will tell you how to start, frame and close an informal letter.  You should try to follow this while writing an informal letter:

Dear [First name only (of your friend)]

Paragraph 1 – Mention the reason why you’re writing to them. (I’m writing this letter to tell you about …)

Paragraph 2 – Talk about 1st bullet point with supporting details

Paragraph 3 – Talk about 2nd bullet point with supporting details

Paragraph 4 – Talk about 3rd bullet point with supporting details

See you soon

Warm Regards

(Your First name only)

 

Sample 1

Last month you had a holiday overseas where you stayed with some friends. They have just sent you some photos of your holiday.

Write a letter to your friends. In your letter:

• thank them for the photos and for the holiday
• explain why you didn’t write earlier
• invite them to come and stay with you

Write at least 150 words.

You do NOT need to write any address.

 

Dear David and Susan,

I hope this letter finds you well. I was overjoyed when I got your letter. Thank you so much for those kind words and the lovely photos of us. Sorry for the delay in replying, we got so caught up in our unpacking, we didn’t get time to check our mail until a week later.

Looking at these photos brings back so many memories, and we cannot thank you enough for your warm hospitality and the way you took out time to show us around to all the best spots. John was also saying that we would have been lost in that country hadn’t it been for you two. Thanks to both of you once again..

In fact, we were thinking, why don’t you and David come here to Dubai on a holiday, it’ll be really fun! We told you about the spare room we have, so you’re always welcome to stay with us when you’re here. You could always think about making the trip during November-February, as the weather is lovely that time around.

Please do consider coming here, and once again thank you so much for the photos!

Take care

Fiona

Sample 2

Write a letter to your friend about a book that you have read recently. Include the following in your letter:

• Describe the book.
• Why do you want him/her to read it?
• Tell him/her how to get the book.

Dear Smith,

Hope you’re well. It’s been a while since I last heard from you. Hope everything is good with you. I am writing to you to share a recent experience with you. Since a few weeks, I have been drawn towards books. Thus, I wanted to tell you about my last read.

I read A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman. The book took me on an emotional ride mixed with bots of laughter and crying sessions. The story is about an old man called Ove who recently lost his wife. Every time, he thinks of killing himself, something funny and strange happens to him.

Although he is a grumpy old man, his neighbours force him to be a part of the group, changing his perspective and personality.

I am sure you’ll definitely like reading this book. If you are unable to find it in any of the nearest bookstores, you can always order it from eCommerce portals.. You can also download an eBook and read it on your phone. Do let me know how you found it.

Yours loving,
Benjamin

 Sample 3

Write a letter to your friend about a job opportunity you came across that they might find interesting. In your letter, you should:

• give some details about the job
• mention how you came across the job opportunity
• explain why you feel the job would be suitable for your friend

Dear Amit,

Hope you are doing well and are in the best of spirits. It’s been long since we have had the time to catch up and reminisce about things. Let’s meet anytime soon, if possible. Anyway, I am writing this letter in regards to a job opportunity that I came across in Times of India newspaper today.

To give you a gist, this job vacancy is for a content writer. I know you have quite a good experience in this field. You will have to write a gamut of content on different topics and niches. The timings will be as per your schedule.

I feel this job is suitable for you since you have a knack for writing. I have read some of your previous written articles and blogs. So, I am sure you are going to do justice with this job. On top of that, even the salary is as per your calibre.

Let’s meet soon, and I’ll tell you more about this job opportunity.

Yours lovingly,

Imran

 

Sample 4

Your friend is about to move into a new house. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter

• offer to help him/her to move
• explain how exactly you can help
• ask him/her some questions about the new house

Dear Aakash,

Hope you are doing well. It’s been long since we wrote to each other. A few days back, I was having a conversation with Kushaal, and I got to know that you are moving into a new house. I was quite happy to find out that you are finally moving ahead in your life and progressing professionally.

I don’t know the exact location, can you let me know the address? Also, I am excited to see how this new abode looks from the outside and inside. I am waiting to see pictures.

Anyway, Kushaal mentioned that you are a bit busy with your professional project; thus, unable to pack anything sooner. Are you looking for a helping hand? If you need any support, Kushaal and I can drop down to your house and help pack.

Do let me know how it works for you.

All the best for your new journey.

Yours lovingly,

Sneha

 

Sample 5

Recently you visited a foreign country with a friend. Write a letter to someone. You should tell

• why you enjoyed the trip
• what you are doing now
• invite her to visit you

Dear Kajal,

Beautiful cousin, hope you are doing well. How are the uncle and aunt? I hope everybody at home is in their best spirits. I am writing this letter to let you know that last week, I finally decided to take a trip to Bali with a friend of mine.

It is one of the islands located in Indonesia. Being one of the top tourist destinations, the nature and culture of Bali are exquisite. As far as my eyes could see, there were stunning shorelines and tranquil surfing water. The weather was warm and humid.

One of the thrilling things I did there was learning about the dynamic Balinese art and culture. Currently, I am back at home, sitting in my cozy living room and reminiscing all of those beautiful moments I spent on that island.

It would not be too much if I say I couldn’t get enough of Bali. So, maybe I will be planning another trip there sooner. Would you like to join me? Together, we will have a lot of fun.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Yours lovingly,

Surbhi

Sample 6

Recently you visited a foreign country with a friend. Write a letter to someone. You should tell

• why you enjoyed the trip
• what you are doing now
• invite her to visit you

Dear Kajal,

Beautiful cousin, hope you are doing well. How are the uncle and aunt? I hope everybody at home is in their best spirits. I am writing this letter to let you know that last week, I finally decided to take a trip to Bali with a friend of mine.

It is one of the islands located in Indonesia. Being one of the top tourist destinations, the nature and culture of Bali are exquisite. As far as my eyes could see, there were stunning shorelines and tranquil surfing water. The weather was warm and humid.

One of the thrilling things I did there was learning about the dynamic Balinese art and culture. Currently, I am back at home, sitting in my cozy living room and reminiscing all of those beautiful moments I spent on that island.

It would not be too much if I say I couldn’t get enough of Bali. So, maybe I will be planning another trip there sooner. Would you like to join me? Together, we will have a lot of fun.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Yours lovingly,

Surbhi

 

Sample 7

Write a letter to your friend about a book that you have read recently. Include the following in your letter:

• Describe the book.
• Why do you want him/her to read it?
• Tell him/her how to get the book

Dear Smith,

Hope you’re well. It’s been a while since I last heard from you. Hope everything is good with you. I am writing to you to share a recent experience with you. Since a few weeks, I have been drawn towards books. Thus, I wanted to tell you about my last read.

I read A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman. The book took me on an emotional ride mixed with bots of laughter and crying sessions. The story is about an old man called Ove who recently lost his wife. Everytime he thinks of killing himself, something funny and strange happens to him.

Although he is a grumpy old man, his neighbours force him to be a part of the group, changing his perspective and personality.

I am sure you’ll definitely like reading this book. If you are unable to find it in any of the nearest bookstores, you can always order it from eCommerce portals.. You can also download an eBook and read it on your phone. Do let me know how you found it.

Yours loving,

Benjamin

 

Sample 8

Write a letter to your friend about a book that you have read recently. Include the following in your letter:

• Describe the book.
• Why do you want him/her to read it?
• Tell him/her how to get the book

Dear Smith,

Hope you’re well. It’s been a while since I last heard from you. Hope everything is good with you. I am writing to you to share a recent experience with you. Since a few weeks, I have been drawn towards books. Thus, I wanted to tell you about my last read.

I read A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman. The book took me on an emotional ride mixed with bots of laughter and crying sessions. The story is about an old man called Ove who recently lost his wife. Everytime he thinks of killing himself, something funny and strange happens to him.

Although he is a grumpy old man, his neighbours force him to be a part of the group, changing his perspective and personality.

I am sure you’ll definitely like reading this book. If you are unable to find it in any of the nearest bookstores, you can always order it from eCommerce portals.. You can also download an eBook and read it on your phone. Do let me know how you found it.

Yours loving,

Benjamin

 

Sample 9

Write a letter to your friend about a book that you have read recently. Include the following in your letter:

• Describe the book.
• Why do you want him/her to read it?
• Tell him/her how to get the book

Dear Smith,

Hope you’re well. It’s been a while since I last heard from you. Hope everything is good with you. I am writing to you to share a recent experience with you. Since a few weeks, I have been drawn towards books. Thus, I wanted to tell you about my last read.

I read A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman. The book took me on an emotional ride mixed with bots of laughter and crying sessions. The story is about an old man called Ove who recently lost his wife. Everytime he thinks of killing himself, something funny and strange happens to him.

Although he is a grumpy old man, his neighbours force him to be a part of the group, changing his perspective and personality.

I am sure you’ll definitely like reading this book. If you are unable to find it in any of the nearest bookstores, you can always order it from eCommerce portals.. You can also download an eBook and read it on your phone. Do let me know how you found it.

Yours loving,

Benjamin

 

Sample 10

A foreign friend of yours plans to visit your place and stay with you, but you do not have

time on that date. Give your friend another alternate date to come.

In your letter, you should:

• apologize for it
• explain why you will busy on that date
• suggest to him/her an alternate time to come.

 Dear Aria,

Hope you’re doing well. I know you would have made great preparations to come and stay with me on August 20, 2020, but I regret to inform you that I will not be available on that date. I do understand that we made plans for this, six months ago and I’m deeply sorry for spoiling it. I think you know of my neighbour who is an older woman in her eighties. She was living alone.

Her daughter was in France. One night, she had developed convulsions and did not wake up the next day. She used to give me flowers from her garden daily. Since she did not bring flowers on the next day, I suspected something went wrong, and I was right. She lay unconscious on her floor. I informed the Police, opened the door and took her to the hospital where she was treated. Then, I told her daughter. She requested me to bring the older woman to France precisely on the same day that you planned to arrive. But I’m planning to come back immediately after entrusting the old lady into her daughter’s hands. So, I will be available from August 25, 2020. Please let me know if you can make arrangements on the new date.

Sorry again!

With love,

Zoey