Practicing IELTS Writing Task 1 for the General exam? Get ready with sample questions!

Susan is studying to pass the IELTS exam, but they weren't aware that IELTS Writing Task 1 includes many different types of letter writing questions.

The IELTS Writing test is typically the hardest part of the exam, where candidates get lower band scores.

By practicing with sample questions, Susan will be able to do well on the test — and so can you!

The General test is for people who want to prove their English level for a new job. For Writing Task 1, you'll be asked to write a letter in either a formal, semi-formal, or informal tone.

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Key points:

• Spend around 20 minutes on task 1.

• Write over 150 words (around 155 to 165).

• Task 1 equals about 33% of the overall writing mark.

• Include the three bullet points provided in the task prompt.

Four marking criteria:

1. How well you answer the question.

2. How clear your writing is.

3. Use of vocabulary.

4. Use of grammar.

Remember, you need to write your reply depending on how formal the letter needs to be.

• Formal tone: Use formal language for letters to authorities, businesses, or people you don't know personally.

• Semi-formal tone: Adopt a respectful but slightly less formal tone for colleagues or neighbors.

• Informal tone: Use casual and friendly language when writing to friends or family.

End the letter appropriately. For example:

• "Yours sincerely," for formal.

• "Best regards," for semi-formal.

• "Warm wishes," for informal.

The question will have two or three requirements and you must address them in your letter. Underlining or highlighting them when preparing your answer is a good idea.

Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash

Typically, the structure of your letter should be:

1. Greeting (E.g., "Dear"... "Hi"...)

2. Opening statement (state the purpose)

3. Two or three body paragraphs covering all bullet points

4. Closing statement

5. Sign-off (e.g., "Yours sincerely," or "Best wishes,")

You recently stayed at a hotel during a business trip. However, you weren't satisfied with the service you received. Write a letter to the hotel manager stating:

1. Describe the problems you faced during your stay.

2. Explain how these issues affected your business trip.

3. Suggest what the hotel should do to improve their service.

Write at least 150 words.

Model answer:

Dear Mr Smith,

I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with the service I experienced during my recent stay at your hotel.

[1. Describe the problems you faced during your stay.]

Firstly, the room allocated to me was not up to the expected standard. The air conditioning was malfunctioning, which made the room uncomfortably warm. Despite reporting this issue to the reception multiple times, no action was taken to resolve it. Additionally, the Wi-Fi connection was extremely unreliable, often disconnecting during important video calls.

[2. Explain how these issues affected your business trip.]

The lack of a comfortable working environment meant I had to make alternative arrangements, causing unnecessary stress and delays in completing my job. Moreover, the unresponsiveness of the staff added to my stress of having to reorganize my meetings.

[3. Suggest what the hotel should do to improve their service.]

I strongly suggest that you improve your Wi-Fi hubs so the internet connection functions properly. Also, I would recommend some staff training so that they are aware of how to solve these problems and deal with them in a more polite manner

I hope my feedback helps you address these issues for any future visitors.

Yours sincerely,

Susan Jones

Your neighbor keeps a pet that is noisy and causes trouble. Write a letter to your neighbor. In your letter:

1. Explain the problems caused by the pet.

2. Describe how it has impacted you.

3. Suggest ways to address the issue.

Write at least 150 words.

Model Answer:

Dear Mr Smith,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to discuss a problem regarding your pet, which has been causing some disruption in the neighborhood.

[1. Explain the problems caused by the pet.]

Firstly, the persistent noise created by your dog barking in your garden, especially during the night, has started to disturb our sleep. It often begins late in the evening and continues sporadically throughout the night, keeping us all awake.

[2. Describe how it has impacted you.]

This situation has been particularly challenging for us as the lack of a good night's rest has begun to affect my productivity at work and my children’s ability to concentrate at school. It is very difficult to concentrate with only three hours of sleep.

[3. Suggest ways to address the issue.]

Would it be possible for you to take your dog inside your house at night so that it doesn't wake us or the rest of the neighborhood up? It seems when it is outside that it barks more.

I appreciate your understanding.

Best regards,

Susan Jones

You are organizing a birthday party and want to invite your friend. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:

1. Describe the event and when it will take place.

2. Explain why you want them to attend.

3. Suggest how they can prepare for the event.

Write at least 150 words.

Model answer:

Hi John,

I’m writing to invite you to my birthday party. It’s been ages since we celebrated together.

[1. Describe the event and when it will take place.]

The party is on Saturday, 20th January, at 7:00 PM at my house. I’ve planned a fun evening with some music, delicious food, and a few games to make it fun.

[2. Explain why you want them to attend.]

It would mean so much to me if you could come because you are such an important friend to me and you have been there for me when I needed you. It’s been way too long since we caught up properly, and this will be the perfect opportunity

[3. Suggest how they can prepare for the event.]

The party will be fancy dress, with the theme of the Romans, so try to find a nice outfit so you'll look the part. But don’t worry if you can’t, just come as you are. Let me know if you need help with transportation or anything else

Looking forward to hearing from you soon!

Warm wishes,

Susan

Continue learning about different parts of the IELTS exam.