IELTS Writing Tips: Task 1 General Test
1. Take time to think about whether your letter should be formal, semi-formal, or informal. You will have to know what formality to use based on the prompt.
(i.e. If you are writing a letter in response to a job offer your letter should be formal. If you are writing a letter to a friend, your letter should be informal.)
2. Make sure you are familiar with the format of letters. Don’t forget the greeting and closing. The greeting and closing will be different based on whether the letter is formal or informal.
3. Each paragraph should be about one idea. You can usually devote one paragraph to each point on the question card. This will also help you structure your letter.
4. Make sure every point that is on the card is addressed in your letter.
5. A formal letter or semi-formal letter should mention the point of the letter in the first sentence. (e.g. I am writing this letter to ask you about….)
6. Often an informal letter to a friend or relative will start with a paragraph of small talk and niceties before getting to the reason for the letter.
7. There are lots of standard phrases that are used in letter writing. You can use these to help you fill out your letter in a natural way. But don’t memorize whole letters, you will lose marks for this and your answer might be disqualified.
8. Be creative in your letter. Feel free to make up details if it will help in answering the prompt.
If you are having difficulty writing enough words, adding imaginary details can really help fill out your letter. But don’t add details that have absolutely nothing to do with the situation just to make your letter longer.
9. Make sure your letter would function in the situation mentioned on the card, if you actually mailed the letter.
Would the situation call for more information not mentioned on the question card? If so, put that information in. Extra details show that you fully understand the situation mentioned on the card. And also that you can cope with that situation while living in an English-speaking country.
10. If you are writing a complaint letter do not seem angry or rude. Mention the problem and let them know you are dissatisfied.
11. Know how to spell words and phrases commonly used in letter writing (e.g. sincerely, regards, madam, etc.).
12. Be aware of what tenses to use. If your letter is about something that happened in the past, the past tense will mainly be used.
If your letter is a request, it will probably use mostly the present tense. But try not to use the same grammar for EVERY sentence, remember you are also graded on your grammatical range.