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IELTS Writing Task 1 (General Training): 2026
What is IELTS Writing Task 1 (General Training)?
The IELTS Writing Task 1 (General Training) requires you to write a letter based on a given situation. You must write at least 150 words in about 20 minutes.
In this guide, you’ll learn the types of questions in IELTS Writing Task 1, along with clear examples and structure tips to help you score Band 7+ or higher.
Types of IELTS Writing Task 1 (General Training)
1. Formal Letter
📌 When to use:
Writing to a company, manager, or official
Making complaints
Requesting information
📄 Example Question:
You received a damaged product. Write a letter to the company:
Describe the problem
Explain what you want
Say what you expect them to do
✍️ Structure:
Opening: Dear Sir/Madam
Purpose: I am writing to complain about…
Details: Explain the issue clearly
Closing: I look forward to your response
Yours Faithfully
Example: Formal Letter
You recently bought a piece of equipment from a company, but it has not worked properly.
Write a letter to the company. In your letter:
* Describe the problem
* Explain what you have done to try to fix it
* Say what you would like the company to do
👉 Identify this as: Formal Letter
💢Before writing your answer, always identify the letter type — this alone can improve your band score.
Band 9 Sample Answer
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with a piece of equipment I recently purchased from your company, which has failed to function properly.
Two weeks ago, I bought a blender from your online store (Order No. 78452). Unfortunately, from the very first use, the machine began making an unusual noise and stopped working after a few minutes. I carefully followed the instruction manual and even attempted basic troubleshooting steps such as checking the power connection and cleaning the components, but the issue remains unresolved.
Given the circumstances, I would appreciate it if you could arrange for a replacement or provide a full refund at your earliest convenience. I would also suggest that your quality control procedures be reviewed to prevent similar issues in the future.
I look forward to your prompt response.
Yours faithfully,
[Your Name]
2. Semi-Formal Letter
📌 When to use:
Writing to someone you know professionally
Teacher, landlord, colleague
📄 Example Question:
Write a letter to your landlord:
Explain a problem in your apartment
Say what you want them to do
Suggest a solution
✍️ Structure:
Opening: Dear Mr./Ms. [Name]
Tone: Polite but slightly personal
Content: Clear explanation + request
Closing: Yours sincerely
👉 Identify this as: Semi-Formal Letter
💢Before writing your answer, always identify the letter type — this alone can improve your band score.
Example: Semi-Formal Letter
You are renting an apartment, but there is a problem with it.
Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter:
* Describe the problem
* Explain how it affects you
* Say what you would like the landlord to do
Band 9 Sample Answer
Dear Mr. Davidson,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to inform you about an issue I have been experiencing in the apartment I am currently renting from you.
Over the past week, the water supply in the kitchen has been extremely inconsistent. At times, there is no running water at all, while on other occasions, the pressure is too low to be usable. This has made it quite difficult to carry out daily tasks such as cooking and cleaning, causing significant inconvenience.
I would greatly appreciate it if you could arrange for a plumber to inspect and resolve the issue as soon as possible. Please let me know a convenient time for the repair work, as I am available most evenings after 5 PM.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt response.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
3. Informal Letter
📌 When to use:
Writing to friends or family
📄 Example Question:
Write a letter to your friend:
Invite them to your hometown
Describe what they can do there
Suggest when they should visit
✍️ Structure:
Opening: Dear [First Name]
Tone: Friendly and casual
Content: Personal details and suggestions
Closing: Best wishes / Take care
Example: Informal letter
You have not seen your friend for a long time.
Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:
* Say why you have not seen each other recently
* Explain what you have been doing lately
* Suggest meeting somewhere soon
👉 Identify this as: Informal Letter
💢Before writing your answer, always identify the letter type — this alone can improve your band score.
Band 9 Sample Answer
Dear Amber,
I hope you’re doing well! It’s been ages since we last caught up, and I really miss spending time with you.
I’m sorry we haven’t been able to meet recently. I’ve been extremely busy with my studies and some personal commitments, which have taken up most of my time. However, things have finally started to settle down, and I now have a bit more free time.
Why don’t we plan to meet sometime next week? We could go to our favorite café or even watch a movie together, just like we used to. Let me know what works best for you, and I’ll adjust my schedule accordingly.
Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Best wishes,
[Your Name]
Final tip: Formal vs Semi-Formal Letters (Quick Clarification)
Many students get confused between formal and semi-formal letters in IELTS Writing Task 1. Here’s an easy way to understand the difference:
👉 Formal Letter:
You write to someone you do NOT know personally (e.g., company, manager, official).
Tone is completely professional and polite.
Example: Complaint to a company.
👉 Semi-Formal Letter:
You write to someone you know, but not closely (e.g., teacher, landlord, boss).
Tone is polite but slightly personal.
Example: Letter to your landlord.
👉 Simple Trick to Remember:
- Don’t know the person → Formal
- Know the person (not a friend) → Semi-Formal
- Close friend/family → Informal
💢Before writing your answer, always identify the letter type — this alone can improve your band score.
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