This post is on IELTS Writing Task 1 General Training Module. In IELTS General Training writing task 1, there are mainly three categories of letters. They are personal, semi-official, and official. Every type has its own different language. It will also have a unique introduction and a special way of announcing the end.
Here are three examples of the letters.
Personal letter:
A personal letter aims at someone known personally explaining a personal or social situation.
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
You would like to invite one of your friends from a different country to your sister’s marriage ceremony.
Now, write a letter inviting your friend. In your letter:
- tell your friend about the ceremony
- explain how much the visit would mean to you
- suggest that your house is welcoming him/her to stay for the visit
Semi-official letter:
A semi-official letter aims at someone known but focuses on a formal or serious situation such as a job.
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
One of your friends has a sightseeing company and would like to propose you a job.
Now, write a letter replying to your friend’s proposal. In your letter:
- explain what you know about the company
- choose whether you accept or refuse the proposal
- provide reasons for your choice
Official letter:
An official letter aims at someone unknown explaining a serious or official situation.
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
You are planning to apply for a Post-grad course at a foreign university.
Now, write a letter inquiring about the course. In your letter:
- explain the course you are interested in
- tell what you know about the institute
- provide reasons why the university should select you for the course
Click here for 3 samples of GT letters from Cambridge 6, 7, 9 with model answers
Click here for a sample answer to an IELTS GT complaint letter