IELTS General Training: Tips and Tricks for Writing Task 1

Are you taking the IELTS General Training test? Still struggling with the exam’s letter writing task despite preparing with an excellent IELTS online review package? Worried that you’ll miss your band score goal because of this? Don’t be. This article can help you out!

Here are some tips that’ll help you ace the first task of the writing test.

1. Memorize the different letter types.

There are three types of letters that you may need to compose for the exam. And, it’s crucial that you use the right one. Below are the basics of writing formal, semi-formal, and informal letters. Memorize their distinctions to ensure you use the right one during the test.

Formal Letter
When to use it:	When writing to someone you don’t know (e.g., a company, an institution, etc.)
Language Style:	Formal
Opening/Salutations:	Dear Sir/Madam
Closing	Yours faithfully, Your full name

Semi-Formal Letter
When to use it:	When writing to someone you don’t know very well (e.g., your teacher, your department manager, etc.)
Language Style:	Formal
Opening/Salutations:	Dear Mr./Mrs./Miss + last name of the receiver
Closing	Yours sincerely, Your full name

Informal/Personal Letter
When to use it:	When writing to someone you know personally (e.g., a family member, a friend, etc.)
Language Style:	Informal
Opening/Salutations:	Dear + the first name of the receiver
Closing	Best regards, Your first name

Keep in mind that this is just an overview of formal, semi-formal, and informal letter writing. If you want to get a more in-depth take of their differences, enroll in an IELTS online review course.

2. Know when and how to use formal or informal language.

It’s imperative that the language you use matches your letter format. As seen in the tables above, formal and semi-formal letters require formal language while personal letters require informal language.

Here’s how formal and informal language differ along with some examples to highlight their distinctions.

 

Formal Language	Informal Language
Does not use contractions.  “I am writing to inform you…”	Uses contractions.  “I’m writing to tell you…”
Uses formal expressions. “I am writing to express my…” “I am writing with regards to…”	Uses casual expressions.  “I just want to let you know…”  “I am writing to say …”
Uses academic and diplomatic language.  “I would like to invite you to my apartment on…”  “Unfortunately, I will have to decline your invitation as…”	Uses direct language, like the kind you use to converse with someone you know.  “Why don’t you come by sometime…” “Sorry, but I’ll have to take a rain check on that…”

3. Plan your letter.

Don’t just write what comes to your mind. Structure your letter. Read the instructions carefully, determine what letter type is appropriate for the task, and analyze the given details. Then, develop an outline for your letter. Determine how many paragraphs it’ll have and what details will be discussed in each one.

Want to test how far your letter planning (and writing) skills will take you in the actual exam? Enroll in an IELTS online review course! You’ll not only get access to up-to-date practice tests, but you’ll also receive feedback from some of the best IELTS coaches in the country.

4. Proofread your final work.

Don’t spend all your time writing your letter. Leave at least five minutes for proofreading. Make sure your letter responds to the given situation adequately. Double-check your spelling, capitalization, and punctuation. Correct all the grammatical inconsistencies you find.

Don’t limit your test preparations to your IELTS online review package. Use these tips to enhance your letter writing skills. Take every opportunity to practice what you learned to raise your chances of reaching your band score goal!

Read More on part 2

References:

"IELTS Letter Writing: 10 Essential Tips." IELTS Liz. Accessed July 04, 2018. http://ieltsliz.com/ielts-letter-writing-essential-tips/.

Pell, Christopher. "IELTS General Writing: Your General Training Guide – IELTS Advantage." Home. August 09, 2017. Accessed July 04, 2018. https://www.ieltsadvantage.com/2017/08/09/ielts-general-writing/.

“Test Format in Detail.” IELTS. Accessed July 4, 2018. https://www.ielts.org/about-the-test/test-format-in-detail

"Tips for Writing Letters in IELTS General Training—Magoosh IELTS Blog." Magoosh Praxis Blog. February 08, 2018. Accessed July 04, 2018. https://magoosh.com/ielts/tips-writing-letters-ielts-general-training/.