Want to know the 7 most important IELTS writing task 1 general tips to help you write the perfect letter? These strategies have helped thousands of my students pass this section with flying numbers.
As an IELTS instructor, I have seen many people struggle with how to best use their time wisely for this task. Because of this, I have decided to put together a list of IELTS writing task 1 general tips to help you.
The IELTS writing task 1 general tips you are going to learn about will help you identify the letter type you must write as well as how exactly you should format your letter. You must be able to know the difference between a semi-formal, informal, or formal letter when you are given your question because the vocabulary that is used for each letter type is different.
You are going to be given a detailed guide on the IELTS writing task 1 general training, as well as see some IELTS writing task 1 general sample of letters. After that, you will see some IELTS writing task 1 vocabulary to be aware of to help you identify the different letter types, and the most recent IELTS writing task 1 topics. Lastly, you will have a list of IELTS writing task 1 questions you may get on your exam.
This post is all about the top 7 IELTS writing task 1 general tips.
All About The IELTS Writing Task 1 General Training
During the IELTS writing task 1 general training exam, you will be given a scenario with some sub-points where you will have to write either a formal, semi-formal or informal letter. The letter you are required to write can range from responding to a friend for an invitation of some sort to maybe having to write a letter complaining about a loud neighbor you have to your landlord.
You are only given 20 minutes for this task so it’s extremely important that you are able to manage your time wisely and prepare to write your letter by answering all the points that need to be answered.
All of this may sound overwhelming to do in only 20 minutes, but you will be given a step-by-step guide on how you can prepare what you are going to include in the letter before writing it.
Remember These IELTS Writing Task 1 Vocabulary Words To Identify The Letter Type
Since there are 3 different letter types you may be given, you should remember these IELTS writing task 1 vocabulary words and phrases to help you identify each type. The reason why it is important to identify what type of letter you are expected to write is that the examiner will be able to recognize your understanding and use of the choice of words you decided to write in your letter.
If you are able to use the correct IELTS writing task 1 vocabulary words in a formal letter that you are writing, to your boss to request vacation time off for example, you will be able to score a high band.
Formal Letters
| Phrases / Vocabulary Words | Reason |
| Write to your boss/manager | Asking for vacation time off |
| Write to a manufacturer or company | Complaining about a product you are not happy with |
| Write to an airline | Explaining that you missed your connecting flight |
| Write to a home sales agent | Explaining your requirements and what type of home you are looking for |
| Job Posting | Write a letter for a job posting you want to apply to. |
Informal Letters
| Phrases / Vocabulary Words | Reason |
| Write to your best friend | Telling her you cannot make it to the camping trip |
| Write to your aunt | Who wants to know if you can make it to her anniversary party |
| Write to a coworker | Letting them know you want to plan a dinner outing with them |
| Write to your father | Telling him you need help with your tuition money for school |
Semi Formal Letters
| Phrases / Vocabulary Words | Reason |
| Write to your neighbor | Asking them if they can receive delivery for you |
| Write to your landlord | Complaining about your neighbour downstairs |
| Write to a restaurant | Letting them know you were very pleased with their service |
Now that you are aware of the different IELTS writing task 1 vocabulary words you may see during the exam, have a look at some IELTS writing task 1 topics you may get for the different letter types.
IELTS Writing Task 1 Topics
There are many different IELTS writing task 1 topics you may be given to write about. We recently got a list of the most updated topics students were given while writing their exams. These ranged from:
- Complaining about a product or service
- Responding to a request or invitation
- A letter to your school about a matter you want to raise
- Telling your friends about a special occasion that is coming up
That being said, here are a few IELTS writing task 1 questions that you may see that relate to these topics that were listed above.
IELTS Writing Task 1 Questions
Below are a few IELTS writing task 1 questions you may see for your letter.
7 IELTS Writing Task 1 General Tips From Beginning To End
Here are the 7 IELTS writing task 1 general tips that will help you step by step on how to write a letter to score a high band.
Tip 1 – When you are given the question for your letter, the first step is to try to identify if it is a formal letter, semi-formal letter, or informal letter.
Tip 2 – Once you identified the letter, spend one-minute brainstorming ideas on what you are going to include in your letter BEFORE you start writing it. Brainstorm a total of 1 main idea with their 2 supporting ideas for each question, since you will need to write about 1 main idea for each paragraph. It only needs to be 3-4 words each.
If you are not sure how you can outline your ideas, have a look at the article titled IELTS Essentials For IELTS Writing Task 1.
Tip 3- Start writing your letter. In this step, write the introduction of your letter, this should only be 2-3 sentences. In this paragraph state the purpose of your letter.
Tip 4 – Write the first body paragraph of your letter. This paragraph answers the first question and should consist of a maximum of 3 sentences discussing your FIRST main idea with the 2 supporting ideas.
Tip 5 – Write the second body paragraph of your letter, answering the second question of your letter. Include a maximum of 3 sentences that should discuss your SECOND main idea with 2 supporting ideas.
Tip 6 – Write the third body paragraph and answer the third question of your letter. This paragraph should also be a maximum of 3 sentences and you should discuss your THIRD main idea with the 2 supporting ideas you brainstormed about.
Tip 7 – Write your conclusion which should be a maximum of 3 sentences and 10 words per sentence.
IELTS Writing Task 1 General Samples To Understand The Step By Step Tips
Have a look at some IELTS writing task 1 samples now that you have learned about the 7 tips that will help you write the perfect letter.
It is important that you put these tips to practice so you are able to remember them on exam day.
Here is an article titled 7 Simple IELTS Writing Task 1 General Steps To Score A High Band.
In this post, you will learn about how exactly to brainstorm ideas within 1 minute and how to format your brainstorming so that it is easy for you to follow when you are writing the letter.
Also, don’t forget to check out the article mentioned earlier IELTS Essentials For IELTS Writing Task 1.
You will see a sentence-by-sentence sample question.
This post was all about the 7 IELTS Writing Task 1 General Tips that will help you write the perfect letter.
