If you’re getting ready for the IELTS General Writing Task 1 and finding writing a formal letter challenging, you’re in the right place. This guide has everything you need: important tips, clear examples, and a step-by-step method to do formal letters well.
And these are what we are going to discuss:
- Formal types of letters in IELTS Writing
- What to avoid in a formal letter
- IELTS Writing task 1 sample answer
- How to structure your answer
- Tips on Linkers
- Tips on Vocabulary
- Tips on Grammar
- Letter of Complaint
- Letter of Request
- Letter of Enquiry
- Letter of Recommendation
- Formal Letter Checklist
- AI IELTS Writing simulator
1.Formal letter types in IELTS Writing
There are four primary types of formal letters in the IELTS General Writing exam:
If you write to a person you don’t know at all or you don’t know well, stick to the formal style of writing. It sounds more polite, and phrases tend to be longer and more complex, the language is less direct.
- Letter of Complaint: express dissatisfaction, request resolution or compensation for issues like products, services, or experiences.
- Letter of Request: seek advice, help, information, or make requests like refunds, repairs, or reservations.
- Letter of Enquiry: request information on specific topics, services, or products.
- Letter of Recommendation: recommend someone for a job or provide a reference.
If you write to a person you don’t know at all or you don’t know well, stick to the formal style of writing. It sounds more polite, and phrases tend to be longer and more complex, the language is less direct.
2.What to Avoid in a Formal Letter
The following are some things to avoid in formal letters:
- Informal words and expressions, such as stuff and blown away.
- Contractions, such as I’m, we’ve.
- Abbreviations, such as etc. and e.g.
- Informal phrasal verbs, such as turns out.
- Vague expressions, such as things and something.
- Emotional responses, such as I think it’s amazing.
3.Model Answer
IELTS letter writing sample
You have lost an item of value on a train. Write a letter to the railway company. in your letter:
- describe the item
- explain where and when you left it
- say what action you would like the company to take
Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam.
Sample answer
Below is an example of a strong formal letter presented by the British Council.
Pay attention to the blue – topic-specific vocabulary, green – linkers, brown – grammatical structures.
Pay attention to the blue – topic-specific vocabulary, green – linkers, brown – grammatical structures.
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to report the loss of a valuable personal item on one of your trains.
The item is a small black leather wallet with the brand name ‘Urban Limit’ embossed on the front. Inside was a library card, a credit card, a swipe card for the gym, a student I.D. card and my driver’s licence – all in my name. There was also a little cash: about $25 in all.
I must have lost the wallet between 4.15 pm and 4.30 pm while travelling southbound on the Wyndham Line on Friday afternoon (15th May). If I recall correctly, I was in the second carriage sitting near the front.
Could you please let me know if a wallet of this description has been found. My phone number is 099 304 2442. If you have it, please keep it in a safe place and I will make arrangements to collect it at your earliest convenience.
Thank you.
Yours faithfully,
Joe Black
How to structure your answer
Use this structure to get a high score for task achievement.
Greeting
Dear Sir or Madam,
Opening statement (introduction/purpose)
I am writing to report the loss of a valuable personal item on one of your trains.
Response to the 1st bullet point
The item is a small black leather wallet with the brand name ‘Urban Limit’ embossed on the front. Inside was a library card, a credit card, a swipe card for the gym, a student I.D. card and my driver’s license – all in my name. There was also a little cash: about $25 in all.
Response to the 2nd bullet point
I must have lost the wallet between 4.15 pm and 4.30 pm while travelling southbound on the Wyndham Line on Friday afternoon (15th May). If I recall correctly, I was in the second carriage sitting near the front.
Response to the 3rd bullet point
Could you please let me know if a wallet of this description has been found. My phone number is 099 304 2442. If you have it, please keep it in a safe place and I will make arrangements to collect it at your earliest convenience.
Closing sentence
Thank you.
Closing phrase
Yours faithfully.
Your full name
Joe Black.
👆 The number of paragraphs depends on the task and your description.
Greeting
Dear Sir or Madam,
Opening statement (introduction/purpose)
I am writing to report the loss of a valuable personal item on one of your trains.
Response to the 1st bullet point
The item is a small black leather wallet with the brand name ‘Urban Limit’ embossed on the front. Inside was a library card, a credit card, a swipe card for the gym, a student I.D. card and my driver’s license – all in my name. There was also a little cash: about $25 in all.
Response to the 2nd bullet point
I must have lost the wallet between 4.15 pm and 4.30 pm while travelling southbound on the Wyndham Line on Friday afternoon (15th May). If I recall correctly, I was in the second carriage sitting near the front.
Response to the 3rd bullet point
Could you please let me know if a wallet of this description has been found. My phone number is 099 304 2442. If you have it, please keep it in a safe place and I will make arrangements to collect it at your earliest convenience.
Closing sentence
Thank you.
Closing phrase
Yours faithfully.
Your full name
Joe Black.
👆 The number of paragraphs depends on the task and your description.
IELTS Writing tips on Linkers
Use at least 2-3 linkers.
Adding information
Moreover, furthermore, in addition, finally etc.
Comparing and contrasting things
However, whereas, while/whilst, on the other hand etc.
Comparing time
While, meanwhile, at the same time, simultaneously, at this point etc.
Summarising
Overall, on the whole, to sum up, to summarise, in conclusion etc.
Illustrating a point
For example, for instance, such as, including, namely etc.
Showing cause and effect
Therefore, Consequently, As a consequence, Thus etc.
Conceding something
Although, even though, in spite of etc.
Adding information
Moreover, furthermore, in addition, finally etc.
Comparing and contrasting things
However, whereas, while/whilst, on the other hand etc.
Comparing time
While, meanwhile, at the same time, simultaneously, at this point etc.
Summarising
Overall, on the whole, to sum up, to summarise, in conclusion etc.
Illustrating a point
For example, for instance, such as, including, namely etc.
Showing cause and effect
Therefore, Consequently, As a consequence, Thus etc.
Conceding something
Although, even though, in spite of etc.
IELTS General Writing task 1 tips on vocabulary
Use formal expressions throughout your letter.
Greetings
Dear Sir or Madam/Dear Mr Black / Dear Mrs Black (married)/ Dear Ms Black (married or not) / Dear Mr and Mrs Black
Opening statements
I am writing to you to … / because … / I am writing to inform you about… / I am writing this letter with regard to.../ I am writing in response to/ With reference to your letter of (5 March) …
Other formal expressions
Please let me know whether …; would like to inform if / when; would be most grateful if you could/ would; it will be my pleasure; perhaps we could; was wondering if you could etc.
Closing sentences
Thank you for your time and consideration; Let me know if you need any further information; If you need more ..., please do not hesitate to contact me ...; Feel free to contact me at... etc.
Closing phrases
Yours sincerely (you know the person’s name); Yours faithfully (you don’t know the person’s name); Best wishes; Kind regards etc.
Greetings
Dear Sir or Madam/Dear Mr Black / Dear Mrs Black (married)/ Dear Ms Black (married or not) / Dear Mr and Mrs Black
Opening statements
I am writing to you to … / because … / I am writing to inform you about… / I am writing this letter with regard to.../ I am writing in response to/ With reference to your letter of (5 March) …
Other formal expressions
Please let me know whether …; would like to inform if / when; would be most grateful if you could/ would; it will be my pleasure; perhaps we could; was wondering if you could etc.
Closing sentences
Thank you for your time and consideration; Let me know if you need any further information; If you need more ..., please do not hesitate to contact me ...; Feel free to contact me at... etc.
Closing phrases
Yours sincerely (you know the person’s name); Yours faithfully (you don’t know the person’s name); Best wishes; Kind regards etc.
TIPS on Grammar
Use a variety of tenses
Present Continuous to describe something that is happening right now, temporary events, or trends.
Example:
I am currently experiencing some problems with the … due to …
Past Simple and Past Perfect to describe the time in the past.
Examples:
The hotel underwent extensive changes and improvements.
Leisure activities had gained more prominence by 2015.
Present Perfect and Present Perfect Continuous when you are describing something that started in the past and is still continuing.
Examples:
The exhibition centre has altered dramatically since 2010.
I have been using your products for over 10 years.
Future Simple and Future Perfect to speak about the future.
Examples:
The town will develop and transform significantly in the future. By 2025 the housing area will have increased.
Example:
I am currently experiencing some problems with the … due to …
Past Simple and Past Perfect to describe the time in the past.
Examples:
The hotel underwent extensive changes and improvements.
Leisure activities had gained more prominence by 2015.
Present Perfect and Present Perfect Continuous when you are describing something that started in the past and is still continuing.
Examples:
The exhibition centre has altered dramatically since 2010.
I have been using your products for over 10 years.
Future Simple and Future Perfect to speak about the future.
Examples:
The town will develop and transform significantly in the future. By 2025 the housing area will have increased.
Quantifiers
Use quantifiers correctly
Countable nouns: many/a lot of, (a) few, a number of (people)
Uncountable nouns: much/a lot of, (a) little, an amount of (time)
Examples:
only a few people... /very little time.../ a large number of issues...
Countable nouns: many/a lot of, (a) few, a number of (people)
Uncountable nouns: much/a lot of, (a) little, an amount of (time)
Examples:
only a few people... /very little time.../ a large number of issues...
Modal verbs
Use modal verbs to sound polite
Could for polite questions and statements:
Examples:
Could you help me to reach the bank, please? / I was just wondering if you could tell me how to fix it.
Would for questions and polite requests.
Examples:
Would you mind moving your car, please? / I would like to inform you …
Could for polite questions and statements:
Examples:
Could you help me to reach the bank, please? / I was just wondering if you could tell me how to fix it.
Would for questions and polite requests.
Examples:
Would you mind moving your car, please? / I would like to inform you …
Letter of Complaint
In a letter of complaint, use the following topic-specific vocabulary:
Opening statements
I am writing to express my (dissatisfaction) with …; I would like to make a complaint about ...; I wish to complain about ...; I am writing to request a full refund of …; I regret to inform you … etc.
Other formal expressions
would appreciate your immediate attention to this matter; Thank you for (giving) your attention to this complaint/matter; I would be very grateful for your assistance in this matter; I would be very grateful if you could … etc.
Closing sentences
I look forward to hearing from you on this at the earliest; I eagerly await your response; I would appreciate it if you could let me know by the end of the (week) etc.
Opening statements
I am writing to express my (dissatisfaction) with …; I would like to make a complaint about ...; I wish to complain about ...; I am writing to request a full refund of …; I regret to inform you … etc.
Other formal expressions
would appreciate your immediate attention to this matter; Thank you for (giving) your attention to this complaint/matter; I would be very grateful for your assistance in this matter; I would be very grateful if you could … etc.
Closing sentences
I look forward to hearing from you on this at the earliest; I eagerly await your response; I would appreciate it if you could let me know by the end of the (week) etc.
Letter of Request
In a letter of request, use the following topic-specific vocabulary:
Opening statements
I am writing to request ...; Could I kindly request that ...; I am writing to ask if I could please … etc.
Closing sentences
I look forward to hearing from you on this at the earliest; I look forward to hearing from you and thank you in advance for your help; I would like to thank you in advance for…; I eagerly await your response.
Other formal expressions
I would like to make a claim for (this item); I would appreciate your immediate attention to this matter; Thank you for (giving) your attention to this matter; I would be very grateful for your assistance in this matter etc.
Opening statements
I am writing to request ...; Could I kindly request that ...; I am writing to ask if I could please … etc.
Closing sentences
I look forward to hearing from you on this at the earliest; I look forward to hearing from you and thank you in advance for your help; I would like to thank you in advance for…; I eagerly await your response.
Other formal expressions
I would like to make a claim for (this item); I would appreciate your immediate attention to this matter; Thank you for (giving) your attention to this matter; I would be very grateful for your assistance in this matter etc.
Letter of Enquiry
In a letter of enquiry, use the following topic-specific vocabulary:
Opening statements
I am writing this letter to enquire about ...; I would like some more information about ...; I am writing to ask if I could please …; I am writing this letter to clarify … .
Closing sentences
I look forward to hearing from you on this at the earliest; I look forward to hearing from you and thank you in advance for your help; I would like to thank you in advance for…; I would appreciate it if you could let me know by the end of the (week).
Other formal expressions
Would you please explain …? I would appreciate your immediate attention to this matter. Thank you for (giving) your attention to this matter. I would be very grateful for your assistance in this matter. I would be very grateful if you could … .
Opening statements
I am writing this letter to enquire about ...; I would like some more information about ...; I am writing to ask if I could please …; I am writing this letter to clarify … .
Closing sentences
I look forward to hearing from you on this at the earliest; I look forward to hearing from you and thank you in advance for your help; I would like to thank you in advance for…; I would appreciate it if you could let me know by the end of the (week).
Other formal expressions
Would you please explain …? I would appreciate your immediate attention to this matter. Thank you for (giving) your attention to this matter. I would be very grateful for your assistance in this matter. I would be very grateful if you could … .
Letter of Recommendation
In a letter of recommendation, use the following topic-specific vocabulary:
Opening statements
I am writing to apply for ...; I am writing to express interest in ...; I'm writing in response to your advertisement for a ... .
Closing sentences
I hope you will find this information useful. … will be willing to provide references. Please find attached my CV. I hope I have shown that I am an ideal candidate for this position. I very much feel we would be a good fit for each other.
Other formal expressions
I have always shown an interest in working in/with ... . I am seeking a career in ... As you will see from my CV, … My background in … will allow me to ... My skills and expertise ...
Opening statements
I am writing to apply for ...; I am writing to express interest in ...; I'm writing in response to your advertisement for a ... .
Closing sentences
I hope you will find this information useful. … will be willing to provide references. Please find attached my CV. I hope I have shown that I am an ideal candidate for this position. I very much feel we would be a good fit for each other.
Other formal expressions
I have always shown an interest in working in/with ... . I am seeking a career in ... As you will see from my CV, … My background in … will allow me to ... My skills and expertise ...
Formal Letter Checklist
👆TIP. Use this cool checklist while practising at home. It will help you get prepared for the exam.👆
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