IELTS General Writing Task 1: Tips, Letter Samples & Evaluation

Overview

The IELTS General Writing Task is of 60 minutes, of which 20 minutes maximum is what is expected of a student to invest for Task 1 and 40 minutes for Task 2. In the IELTS General Writing Task 1, students are required to write at least a 150-word letter on the topic given by the examiner. In order to achieve a good band score in the writing Section, it is very important to perform well in task 1.

Therefore, in this blog, let’s explore the marking criteria of task 1, tips for preparing for it, and sample answers.

Table of Contents

Overview
IELTS General Writing Task 1
Evaluation Criteria for IELTS General Writing Task 1
Key Tips to Prepare for IELTS General Writing Task 1
IELTS General Writing Task 1 Topics
IELTS General Writing Task 1 Structure
IELTS Writing Task 1 Sample
Conclusion
FAQs

IELTS General Writing Task 1

In the IELTS General Writing Task 1, students are asked to write a formal, semi-formal, or informal letter. In order to answer properly, students need to recognise the difference between all three types of letters. So, let’s explore it below:

Letter Type	Formal	Semi Formal	Informal
Written For	Providing information to the manager or senior, applying for a job, applying for insurance, requesting details from the college administration, etc.	Lodging a complaint to the government officials, etc. Providing information about something, Asking permission, Asking brands for queries regarding their products, Asking permission from the manager, writing a Parent letter to the teacher, etc.	Writing a letter to your friend, apologising to your loved one, inviting your guests to the wedding or any other function, writing a letter to your family members, apologising for your mistake, etc.
Written To	Written to someone with whom one has a formal connection, such as a school teacher, city magistrate, etc	Written to a known person, e.g., landlord, colleague, etc	Written to a known person whom you know well personally. For example, friends, relatives, family members, etc.
Greeting	Dear Sir/Ma’am,	Dear Mr/Ms. name of a person,	Dear Name of a person,
Sign Off	Yours faithfully,	Yours sincerely,	Best wishes,
Opening Statement	Directly state purpose		Have some ‘chit-chat’ before you mention the purpose

Also, read: IELTS Academic Vs General - Key differences

Evaluation Criteria for IELTS General Writing Task 1

The candidates are evaluated on the basis of four criteria in IELTS Writing Task 1, which are mentioned below.

Task Achievement

This is the first criterion, and the examiner will generally assess the candidate's accuracy, knowledge, detail, and overview.

Lexical Resources

This metric is influenced by the candidates' diversified vocabulary use, the amount of errors, and their spelling.

Coherence and Cohesion

The examiner evaluates the candidate's paragraphing, information arrangement, and usage of linking words or connectors.

Grammatical accuracy and range

Candidates' band scores are also determined by their sentence structure, grammar, amount of errors, and control of tenses.

Below are the band scores provided according to the following criteria for your performances.

Band Score	Task Achievement	Lexical Resources	Coherence and Cohesion	Grammatical accuracy and range
Band 5	Lack of clear overview Inadequate coverage of key features Too much detail Lacking data to support statements Incorrect information	Minimal range of vocabulary Frequent errors with word formation and spelling Issues caused difficulties for the reader	Some organisation of details Limited paragraphing issues with linkers Continual lack of referencing	Limited sentence structure range Attempts to use complex sentences with restricted success Frequent grammar errors Punctuation errors Issues cause difficulty for the reader
Band 6	There is some overview Adequate highlighting of key features Well selected information A few pieces of information are incorrect	Ample vocabulary range for the task Utilises less common words but with certain errors Few errors in word formation and spelling Clear communication	Coherent organisation of data Reasonable paragraphing Effective use of linkers Errors in linking within and between sentences Faulty referencing	Use of simple and complex sentences Few grammar errors Few punctuation errors Clear communication
Band 7	Clear overview Clear highlights of key features Accurate information May need development in some areas	Sufficient vocabulary range Use of less common words Somewhat awareness of collocation and style Occasional errors in word choice and spelling	Logical organisation of information Fine paragraphing Utilises a range of linkers May under or overuse linking devices Fine referencing	Variety of sentence structures Error-free sentences Good control over grammar Few errors in punctuation and grammar
Band 8	Clear overview Well-illustrated and clearly highlighted key features Sufficient coverage of all requirements	Wide vocabulary range Skillful use of less common words Rare or no errors in spelling and word choice	Logical interpretation of ideas and information Sufficient paragraphing Effective management of cohesion and linking No issues with referencing	A wide range of complex structures Free of error sentences

Key Tips to Prepare for IELTS General Writing Task 1

When writing a letter for the IELTS General Writing Task 1, a specific format must be followed. Students can use the following strategies and guidelines to ace in IELTS Writing Task 1:

Read the question for writing task 1 and determine the type of letter. Next, determine the purpose of the letter. For example, the objective of a letter could be 'thanking a friend',' making a request', and so on.
Make sure the word count is not less than 150 words.
It is critical to use the appropriate wording and tone for a given type of letter. A formal letter should not contain any words or phrases that make the tone personal. Similarly, a personal letter should not include a large vocabulary.
Use acceptable words when signing off on various types of letters. For example, a professional letter should close with 'Yours faithfully', an informal message with 'Regards or Best Wishes', and a semi-formal letter with 'Yours sincerely'.
Letters should begin with appropriate salutations. For example, a formal letter should start with 'Dear Sir' or 'Dear Madam'. Salutations for informal letters include 'Dear Akash or 'Dear Vihan while for semi-formal letters, it would be something like Dear Mr./Ms. Akash.
Keep track of the time, you only have 20 minutes to complete this task.
The letter should be entirely free of grammatical and spelling problems. Grammar should be relevant to the sort of letter being written.
The sentences should be concise and convey a clear message.
Break the entire letter into short paragraphs to make it easier for the examiners to read.
If the letter includes a request or suggestion, use terms like 'I will be grateful if you…'.

IELTS General Writing Task 1 Topics

Here are some popular types of letters that candidates can ask in the IELTS General Writing task 1.

Apologising letter
Letter of expression of satisfaction
Justification letter
Letter of recommendation
Letter expressing concern
Suggestion letter
Thank you letter
Letter informing someone of good/bad news
Invitation letter

Also, check: How to write a high-scoring IELTS essay in 10 easy steps

IELTS General Writing Task 1 Structure

Below is the basic structure of how to write a letter in the IELTS Writing Section 1:

Salutation (Dear Madam, Dear Sir, Dear XYZ)
Opening Statement (Must include the reason or purpose of writing the letter)
Paragraphs 1 and 2 (These paragraphs must contain crucial details explaining the provided situation)
Paragraph 3 (Should have an elaborate discussion of the final point before the letter ends)
Closing statement (winding up the letter before signing off)
Signing off (Yours sincerely, Yours faithfully, and more)
Name

IELTS Writing Task 1 Sample

Question: You are a current student of Loren Brusque University, studying Business Administration. You want to apply for the Quality Assurance Manager post you recently saw on the university's notice board.

Write a letter to Mr. Marten, and

-Give your reason for writing

-Tell about your education

-Describe your work experience and explain why you would be suitable for the job.

Write at least 150 words.

Note- You need not write any addresses.

Dear Mr. Marten,

I am writing to express my interest in the position of Quality Assurance Manager recently advertised on the university's notice board. As a current student of Business Administration at Loren Brusque University, I have developed a solid foundation in quality management principles, and I think my knowledge and skills are perfect for this role.

My education has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of business processes, project management, and quality control techniques. Besides my academic background, I have gained valuable work experience through internships and part-time roles.

I am very sure that my academic qualifications, practical experience, and skills make me a suitable candidate for the Quality Assurance Manager position. I am highly motivated, detail-oriented, and committed to continuous improvement, which I believe are essential qualities for success in this role.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing this matter in person with you.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Full Name]

Also, check: Section-wise IELTS Sample Questions for your IELTS test

Conclusion

We hope that this blog has informed you completely about the IELTS General Writing Task 1. However, you should remember that practice is the key to success. It is suggested that you appear on mock tests as much as possible and attempt a diverse range of topics.

Are you also planning to appear for the IELTS exam? If yes, then you may contact Prepare IELTS Exam (PI) expert counsellors for more guidance and IELTS preparation. Our team of education experts is dedicated to providing you with the best guidance in the IELTS exam. You can get a one-on-one counselling session online via our platform. Contact us at info@prepareieltsexam.com or call us at +91 9773398388.

FAQs

The IELTS General Training writing task 1 requires you to compose a formal, semi-formal or informal letter on a certain topic. The work rubric typically includes three bullet points that you should address in your letter. You have around 20 minutes to write a letter with at least 150 words.

In order to complete the IELTS General Writing task 1, students are allotted around 20 minutes.

There is no specific vocabulary to employ in IELTS General Writing Task 1, but it must be relevant and appropriate to the task. For formal letters, one must use formal language and vocabulary. For informal letters, one can use informal vocabulary.

Yes, you can go beyond the predefined word limit of 150 words. However, ensure that you have enough time to accomplish Task 2 within the time restriction.

In IELTS General Writing task 1, you will be given subjects based on ordinary scenarios, such as complaining to a firm about poor service, apologizing for missing a friend's party or, expressing interest in a new position, etc.