Joy English
Joy English

B1 Exams

B1IELTS-style35 min

IELTS-style writing: General Training Task 1 letter

Independent practice in the style of IELTS General Training Writing Task 1, not an official test: learn how to organise a letter, choose the right tone and write a letter of at least 150 words.

In an IELTS-style General Training Writing Task 1, you write a letter of at least 150 words in about 20 minutes. The task describes a situation and gives you three bullet points that you must cover. You decide the right tone from the person you are writing to: informal for a friend, formal for a company or someone you do not know. In plain words, a good letter covers all three points clearly, has a clear purpose and a logical order, uses suitable and varied vocabulary, and has accurate grammar and spelling.

Sample task

You recently spent a weekend with a friend who lives in another city. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: thank your friend for the weekend; say what you enjoyed most; invite your friend to visit you.

Model text

Sample answer: an informal letter

Dear Sofia,

I just wanted to write and say a huge thank you for having me last weekend. You made me feel so welcome, and I'm still telling everyone about the trip!

The best part for me was Saturday afternoon, when we walked along the river and found that little market near the old bridge. I loved trying all the different snacks, and I'm really glad I bought that blue scarf, because I've worn it almost every day since. It was also lovely to meet your cousins at dinner. They were so funny and friendly.

Now it's your turn to visit me! Would you like to come for a weekend next month? My flat isn't very big, but the sofa bed is comfortable, and I'd love to show you the new park by the lake and my favourite café. Just let me know which dates suit you.

Thanks again for everything. I can't wait to see you soon.

Lots of love,

Kemal

Useful language

PurposeInformal (to a friend)Formal (to someone you do not know)
GreetingDear Sofia, / Hi Tom,Dear Sir or Madam, / Dear Mr Lee,
Reason for writingI just wanted to say thanks for ...I am writing to ... / I am writing regarding ...
Giving opinionsI loved ... / The best part was ...I particularly enjoyed ... / I found ... extremely useful.
Describing a problemThe only thing was ...However, there was one problem ... / Unfortunately, ...
Suggesting or askingWhy don't you ...? / Would you like to ...?I would like to suggest that ... / I would be grateful if you could ...
Closing sentenceCan't wait to see you! / Write soon.I look forward to hearing from you. / Thank you for considering ...
Sign-offLots of love, / Best wishes,Yours faithfully, (after Dear Sir or Madam) / Yours sincerely, (after Dear Mr Lee)

Exercise 1 of 3

Formal or informal?

Choose the best option for each situation.

  1. You are writing to a company and you do not know the reader's name. Which greeting is correct?

  2. Which sentence is the best way to begin a formal letter to a community centre?

  3. Which sentence describes a problem politely in a formal letter?

  4. Your letter begins with Dear Sir or Madam. How should it end?

  5. Your letter begins with Dear Ms Novak. How should it end?

  6. Which is the most suitable way to make a suggestion in a formal letter?

  7. Which sentence is suitable for an informal letter to a friend?

  8. Which closing sentence is best for a formal letter?

0 of 8 answered

Exercise 2 of 3

Fixed phrases for letters

Type the missing word or words. Use the hint in brackets when there is one.

  1. I look forward to from you.

  2. I would be if you could send me more information about the course.

  3. I am writing your advertisement for part-time staff.

  4. Thank you for (consider) my suggestion.

  5. The teacher was excellent. , there was one problem with the room. (contrast)

  6. I am sorry the delay in replying to your letter.

  7. Please me know which dates suit you.

  8. I would like to that the centre should also offer a weekend course. (make a suggestion)

0 of 8 answered

Exercise 3 of 3

Organising your letter

Choose the best answer about planning and organising a Task 1 letter.

  1. What is the minimum length for a General Training Task 1 letter?

  2. Where should you say why you are writing?

  3. The task has three bullet points. What is the best plan for the main part of the letter?

  4. You are writing to a community centre manager about a course. Which sentence best starts the paragraph about a problem?

  5. What should you do about addresses in a Task 1 letter?

  6. Which sentence belongs in the final paragraph of a formal letter?

0 of 6 answered

Your turn

Writing task

You recently attended an evening course at your local community centre. Write a letter to the manager of the centre. In your letter: say which course you attended and what you liked about it; describe a problem you had during the course; suggest how the centre could solve this problem. Write at least 150 words. You do not need to write any addresses. Begin your letter: Dear Sir or Madam,

0 words

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Sample answer

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing about the ten-week photography course that I attended at the community centre this spring, which finished last Tuesday.

Overall, I found the course extremely useful. The teacher, Mr Adebayo, explained everything clearly and was always patient with beginners like me. I particularly enjoyed the practical sessions in the park, where we were able to try out new techniques and receive advice on our own photographs.

However, there was one problem that affected the whole group. Room 4, where the course took place, was very cold in the evenings because the heating was often not working. On several occasions we had to keep our coats on, and two students left early because they felt uncomfortable.

I would therefore like to suggest that the heating in Room 4 is checked before the autumn courses begin. Alternatively, evening classes could be moved to one of the larger rooms on the ground floor, which are usually warmer.

Thank you for considering my suggestion. I look forward to joining another course in the future.

Yours faithfully,

Lina Haddad

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Source

Original practice by Joy English in the style of the exam. Not an official test; IELTS and TOEIC are trademarks of their owners.

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