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IELTS general
writing task 1: letter
samples, phrases
and tips.

Home » IELTS General Task 1 » IELTS general

writing task 1: letter samples, phrases and tips.

Contents

IELTS training writing task 1

IELTS general writing task 1 sample letters to

make a complaint

General writing task 1 sample letters to make an

application

IELTS general writing task 1 sample letters to

invite

Sample letters to advise

IELTS sample letters to apologise

Sample letters to make a request

General task 1 informal letter samples

Task 1 sample letter to inform

Latest 2018- March 2020 general task 1

questions

Video: IELTS writing general task 1 – letter

writing – phrases, tips and samples

IELTS writing sample task 1 letters ebook

Audio tutorial: general task 1 samples and

answers

Take a look a the most recent IELTS

general task 1 questions
All you need to know about the IELTS
writing exam

IELTS letter
writing for general
task 1 – training
and overview
The general task 1 section of the exam requires
you to write a letter. Letter writing in English
consists of standard phrases and structure, most
of which are outlined below in this tutorial.

Also, you can use the question as a ready made

plan to follow for your writing, you can write a
few sentences for each bullet point in the
question, and you have a well structured answer
covering the task response requirement.

Below we have a large list of questions, IELTS

letter samples and phrases to help you with your
online IELTS preparation. For more help with
IELTS writing, take a look at our range of writing
tasks.

IELTS writing
general task 1
sample letters to
make a complaint
1. Example Letter: A formal complaint
You have eaten at a restaurant and it was
such a terrible experience that you have
decided to inform the manager by letter of
what happened, and that you want your
money back. Things to include:
– Facts. You need to be concise but explain
what happened.
– Polite. No one responds to insults.
– Outline what you wish from this. What
do you want to happen?
– Firmness. You want to be taken seriously.
2. Example Letter: Your next door neighbour
owns a small dog that barks throughout
the day and the night. Write a letter to
your neighbour requesting that something
be done about the dog. Include in your
letter:
– Your reason for writing
– What you would like to happen
– A nice, respectful style
3. Example Letter: You ordered an item from
an online store and it has arrived
damaged.
Write a letter to the retailer to complain. In
the letter:
– Explain why you are unhappy
– Request a refund
– Make arrangements to return the
damaged item
4. Example Letter: Your internet connection
has been slow and intermittent.
Write a letter to your internet service
provider to complain. In the letter:
– Describe the problem and why you are
unhappy
– Arrange for an engineer to visit your
home
– Request a reduction in your bill
5. A reporter complained about a new TV
program that you like. Write a letter to the
newspaper editor.– Describe your point of
view.
– Say what you like about the show and
why.
– Ask the newspaper to take some action.

Useful general task

1 phrases to make a
complaint
I want you to know th
I am not happy about
at

I am writing to express I am writing to expre

my dissatisfaction with ss my annoyance with

I am very much unhapp I must complain abou

y with t

I feel something should I am writing to you to

be done about complain

IELTS letter
samples for task 1:
to make an
application
1. IELTS writing sample: A job application
Cover letter
You are applying for a job. As well as
attaching a CV, you need to write a cover
letter explaining your reasons for choosing
this particular job at this particular
company, and why you would be a good
hire. Things to include are:
– Possible qualifications or reasons for you
to be hired
– Your energy and enthusiasm for the job
– Your past experience in a similar
position.
2. IELTS writing sample: The school library is
seeking applicants for a job over summer
break. Write a letter to the library’s
manager, in your letter include:
– A brief introduction of yourself
– Your experience and relevant skills
– Why you want the job
3. You would like to join the local orchestra
Write a letter of application to the
orchestra. In the letter:
– Introduce yourself and your instrument
of choice
– Explain how your credentials make you a
good candidate
– Express your enthusiasm for music
4. IELTS writing sample: Your children go to a
local school that requires volunteers to
accompany school science trips.
Write a letter to the school to apply to be a
volunteer. In the letter:
– Introduce yourself and give details of
your children who attend the school
– Explain why you are interested in the
position
– Talk about any relevant experience that
you have with children

IELTS task 1
formal vocabulary
to make an
application
I am writing in relation
Please find my CV atta
to the advertised positi
ched…
on of…

If you have any further I am available betwee

questions please do no n the hours of 2pm an

t hesitate to contact me d 4pm Monday – Thur

… sday.

I am writing to apply f My responsibilities inc

or the position of… luded….

I believe I have all the

My most recent job was
relevant experience re
…
quired…

IELTS general
letter writing
samples: how to
write an invitation
General writing task 1 sample: Your friends
recently moved to a new city. You will also be
moving to the same city. Write a letter to your
friends and include:
– Ask where to find a place to live
– Tell them what type of place you’re looking for
– Share some fun things you would like to do
when you get there

IELTS general writing task 1 sample: You will be

graduating from university and would like to
invite your family to the ceremony.
Write a letter of invitation to your parents. In the
letter:
– Explain that you have completed your studies
– Give details of the event, including time, date
and dress code
– Let them know how many tickets they have
and who they are for

IELTS general writing task 1 sample: You have

won a holiday to Hawaii with one extra ticket.
Write a letter to someone to invite them along
with you. In the letter:
– Explain what has happened and that you
would like them to come
– Give details of when the trip will take place
– Inform the person of the things they will need
for the trip

IELTS writing task

1 vocabulary to
invite or reply to
an invite
I am writing you in resp With the reference of

onse to your invitation your proposal

Thank you for your ki

Please do let me know i
nd invite however, unf
f you can make it
ortunately

I am writing to reply to
Do let me know if you
your kind invitation reg
can make it
arding the

It would be delightful t Please RSVP as soon

o have you here as possible

IELTS general
letter writing
samples: answers
to advise
1. Writing task 1 sample letter: Write a letter
to your favourite restaurant. Include the
following:
· Your reason for writing
· What you like about the restaurant
· Suggestions for improvement
2. Writing task 1 sample letter : Write a letter
to the newspaper editor about an
experience you had at a restaurant. The
experience can be good or bad. Describe
your experience in detail and state
whether or not you recommend others to
visit the restaurant.
3. Writing task 1 sample letter : A friend is
considering buying a house nearby, but you
have decided to leave the area due to a
rise in crime.
Write a letter to your friend advising them
not to move into the neighbourhood. In
your letter:
– Recommend that your friend not go
ahead with the purchase
– Give the reasons behind your decision to
leave
– Suggest possible alternative areas that
you know

IELTS writing task

1 vocabulary to
advise
I am happy to advise yo I strongly advise you t

u that o/not to

It would/might be a go The best thing for you

od idea to to do is

I honestly believe it wo Please do consider my

uld be better to advice because

In my honest opinion I I would strongly sugge

would st you consider

IELTS sample
letters / answers to
apologise
1. Writing task 1 sample letter to apologise :
IELTS sample: A formal apology and
explanation
You have received a letter from your
university of Albion demanding a reason
for your absence
from an exam. You were ill that day, but
failed to submit the evidence. Write a letter
to the
Examinations Committee explaining your
situation. You should include:
– Apologies for the situation
– Identification for yourself (Name, student
number, case number)
– An explanation of what had happened
and any possible evidence you may have
– Possible resolutions to consider.
2. Writinglask 1 sample Letter to apologise:
You agreed to take a particular job over
the summer, but due to unforeseen
circumstances, you can no longer take the
position. Write a letter including:
– Explaining your situation
– An apology
– Express that you would be interested in
the position next summer
3. Writing task 1 sample letter to apologise:
You recently applied for two separate jobs.
Both have chosen to hire you, but you must
write a letter to one of them explaining
why you are unable to take the position.
Include in your letter:
– An apology
– An explanation of your situation
4. Writing task 1 sample letter to apologise:
You have not seen a close friend for a very
long time. You also still have a few of your
friend’s belongings that were left at your
house the last time she visited. In your
letter include:
– Why you are writing
– What you’ve been doing since you last
spoke together
– Apologize for still having the items and
ask how you can return them

General letter
writing task 1 GT
vocabulary to
apologise
I am writing to apolo
I regret to inform you
gise

It is with my deepest re I would like to apolog

gret that ise

I do apologise for an

I sincerely apologise for y inconvenience caus

ed

I hope that this does not I would strongly sugg

cause you any problems est you consider

Writing task 1
sample letters :
answers to make a
request
1. IELTS writing task 1 sample: A new
neighbour has moved in next door and has
taken your main rubbish bin.
Write a letter to your new neighbour
requesting that they return the item. In the
letter:
– Explain that new bins must be sourced
from the local council
– Request that the person returns your bin
immediately
– Inform the person of what further
actions you will take should they not
return your bin
2. IELTS writing task 1 sample: You would
like to be work in a different city to be
closer to your family.
Write a letter to your employer to request a
transfer to another office. In the letter:
– Explain why you would like to move
– Request that your employer place you in
a specific city
– Request that it be completed by a certain
date
3. IELTS writing task 1 sample:: You live near
a record shop that sells music, movies, and
books.
Write a letter to the shop asking if they
have a few different items that you are
looking for.
– Ask what the prices are and if they can
be orders
– Ask when they would arrive and if you
can have them held in advance.
4. IELTS writing task 1 sample: You recently
used a taxi and left some important
documents there. Write a letter to the taxi
manager and say:
– Describe what you left and where it
happened.
– Why are these papers important?
– What would you like the manager to do
about it?

IELTS general
writing task 1
vocabulary to
make a request
Could you please / p Please would you consid

ossibly er

Would it be possible Would you be kind enoug

to h to

Is there any way you I would strongly suggest

could … ? you consider

(informal) Can you ..

(informal) Will you ..?
?

General task 1
informal letter
samples and
answers
1. IELTS informal letter sample : Your sibling
has sent you a letter asking for an update
on your life.
Write a letter to your sibling. In your letter:
– Describe what you did for your last
birthday
– Ask for photos of your sibling’s last
holiday
– Talk about something you are looking
forward to
2. IELTS informal letter sample: Your best
friend is moving back to your city after
being overseas for five years.
Write a letter to convince your friend to
move in with you. In the letter:
– Explain how much you have missed your
friend
– Describe how you feel about your friend’s
return
– Give reasons that you and your friend
should share a home
3. IELTS informal letter sample: Write a letter
to a pen pal.This can be your first letter or
a letter you’re writing after knowing your
pen pal for a long time. Include details you
would normally include when writing to a
pen pal in this situation.

IELTS general
writing task 1
vocabulary for
informal letters
Hello / Hi name / I was wondering of you cou

Hi there ld help me.

I’m sorry to tell yo

I should let you know that
u that

It’s been ages since I’ve hea

I hope you’re well
rd from you