IELTS General Training Task 1 letters: sample questions and how to answer them
IELTS General Training Writing Task 1 letter questions—formal, semi-formal and informal—with the tone, structure and phrases each type needs for Band 7.
By English Grader study guides · AI-assisted educational content · Official sources linked below
The short answer
Every GT letter gives you three bullet points—covering all three fully, in the right tone, is worth more than any advanced vocabulary.
The three letter types
Formal letters go to people you do not know: complaints to companies, applications, requests to officials. Semi-formal letters go to people you know professionally: a landlord, a manager, a teacher. Informal letters go to friends and family.
The type decides your opening (Dear Sir or Madam / Dear Mr Khan / Hi Sara), your closing (Yours faithfully / Yours sincerely / Best wishes), and your tone throughout.
- Formal: complaint, application, request
- Semi-formal: landlord, boss, neighbour you barely know
- Informal: friend or family member
Cover all three bullet points
Every question lists three things you must include. Write one paragraph per bullet, and add specific invented details—names, dates, reasons—to show range.
Missing or barely touching one bullet caps your Task Achievement score no matter how good the English is.
Related guide: Full letter-writing guide
A sample question
You recently moved to a new city. Write a letter to a friend. In your letter: explain why you moved, describe your new home, and invite your friend to visit.
Notice the three bullets map to three paragraphs: reason, description, invitation. Open informally, close warmly, and keep contractions natural—they are expected in informal letters.
Answer this type of question →Practise
Pick a letter question and write it in 20 minutes, then check your band estimate.
Start Task 1 letters →Put this into practice
Choose a letter question, write 150 words in 20 minutes, and get instant band feedback.
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Official sources and further reading
Practice examples and study routines are illustrative advice, not official band-scored answers or predictions of exam questions.