IELTS General Writing Task 1: Tips, Sample Answers and Practice Questions

An informal letter is a friendly letter you write to a close acquaintance, friend, family, or relative. Since it's written to someone you are close to in a relationship, the letter has an informal and personal tone. An IELTS informal letter is always to a friend. The letter can be a thank you letter, an invitation, advice to a friend, or a letter of apology. So, remember whenever you are asked to write a letter to a friend then it's an informal letter.

Q1. You have moved to a new apartment. Next month, you have a family function. Write a letter to your friend, who lives abroad. In your letter:

• Explain why you have shifted
• Describe the family function 
• Invite your friend to attend the function. 

Sample Answer:

Dear Sanjay, 

I haven't heard from you since you went to Paris last year. I hope all is well with you. As you would be coming to India next month during vacations, I'd love to have you here, in my new house, on the occasion of my marriage. 

Since I am getting married, I have moved into an independent house of my own. Moreover, as my parents also live with me now, there will be frequent visits of guests. In addition, this place is close to my office. 

My fiancé is actually one of our college batch mates. This will be a special function as all our college friends are coming and we'll have a get together on 24th March. The wedding will be on 25th March and the reception party will be at my residence on the following day. 

Please plan your holiday accordingly, and join us with your family. You should take out three days to be a part of all the ceremonies. It would be great to catch up with you. 

Please confirm the date of your arrival. 

See you soon, 

Rajat

A formal letter is written to someone you know in a formal way such as your boss or someone you don't know or have never met such as some higher official of the bank you have an account with. Because you cannot be friendly and personal with someone you have a formal relationship with or someone you don't know at all, the tone of the letter needs to be formal when you write letters to such people. 

Q1 You bought a refrigerator ten days ago. But on reaching home, you discovered that it didn't work properly. You have got no response from the customer service. Write a letter to the company and in your letter:

• Introduce yourself 
• Explain the problem
• State the action that you would like the company to take 

Sample Answer:

Dear Sir/Madam 

I am writing this letter to report the defective refrigerator that I bought from your retail store on Juhu street last week. Moreover, I wish to draw your attention to the poor customer service I received since the purchase. 

My name is Meera Sharma. I have been a frequent customer of your company’s products for a very long time and I am pleased with the quality of products as well as your customer service. 

On 20th August, I bought a 350 liters silver colored Haier refrigerator with invoice number 258967/A from your store. However, on reaching home when I plugged it in, it didn't cool at all. I called the customer service department, they guaranteed that the problem would be resolved soon but sadly nothing has been done. 

As the refrigerator is under the warranty period, I would like it to be replaced with a new one immediately. Please contact me on my phone to let me know the course of action. 

I look forward to prompt action in this regard. 

Yours Faithfully

Meera Sharma

Q2. Recently you placed an order for a home delivery of vegetarian food for two and non vegetarian food for one. However, only non vegetarian food for three was sent. You decide to write a letter to the manager of the restaurant. In your letter:

• Introduce yourself 
• Complain about the wrong delivery 
• Write what you expect

Sample Answer:

Dear Sir/Madam

I am writing this letter to complain about the wrong delivery I received yesterday. My invoice number is……..

I am writing this letter from Metas Advantage Campus, Door no. 13 B, which is near 7th Day Advantage Hospital, Baryatu Road, Ranchi. Yesterday, I received a wrong order from your restaurant.

Yesterday, at 1:00 PM, I ordered lunch from your restaurant. I placed an order for two vegetarian and one non-vegetarian dish. But I received three non vegetarian dishes at 1:30 PM. I was really upset on receiving this order because my two friends who came to visit me yesterday had to remain hungry as they are vegetarians.

As I did not get what I paid for and also had to face a lot of embarrassment because of wrong delivery, I want you to refund my money.

I hope that you will refund my money by tomorrow and not repeat this type of thing in the future.

Yours Faithfully

Sunita Dara

A semi-formal letter is a letter to someone you know about something formal, like an invitation or an explanation about something. That someone could be your teacher, accountant, landlord, etc. This means it's to someone you know informally about something formal. The candidates must pay attention to opening lines, closing statements, paragraphs' etc. 

Q1. You have been working for a company for more than a few years and now you have decided to leave the company. 

Write a letter to your company manager saying that you want to leave the company. In your letter, explain:

• Your reasons for leaving your company
• What have you learned while working in the company? 
• Your feelings while leaving the company 

Sample Answer:

Dear Mr Gupta

I am writing to inform you that I have decided to resign from my position of Team lead, effective from the 1st of April. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the amazing three years that I have spent working with you at Gupta Corporations. 

I have lately accepted an offer for the position of General Manager at Hayden's Market Company, & I am required to join this company in May. Hence I would like you to discharge me from my duties by 1st April 2020. In the meanwhile, I will hand over the tasks assigned to me and finish my pending work. 

Working as a Team lead for marketing for almost three years in your esteemed company was one of the most learning opportunities in my life. I have acquired invaluable experience in dealing with clients, and marketing products and services, which I am sure will help me throughout my career. 

Leaving this company is like leaving a family that always supported and encouraged me. Infact, my colleagues and managers have always trusted me and shown complete faith and confidence in marketing ideas. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with them. 

Once again, I would like to thank you all and wish you all the best for your future endeavours. 

Yours Sincerely

Rahul

1. You and a friend recently went on a holiday together. There is a problem with the photos you have taken during the holiday. Write a letter to your friend to ask for a particular shot. In your letter:

• Tell him/her about the problem with your photos
• Say which photo you would like him/her to send you
• Explain why you need this photo.

Exam date- July 23, 2022

Source- Exam Word

2. You recently bought an electric gadget for your home. Your friend wants the same gadget and needs your advice. In this letter you should include:

• What the gadget is
• What you think about it
• Advice about other alternatives your friend could buy

Exam date- June, 2022

Source- How to do IELTS 

3. You saw an advertisement in the paper for a property management position at an apartment complex. Write a letter to express your interest. Include:

• Why you are writing
• Your suitability for the role
• How you would approach the position

Exam date- June 12, 2021

Source- How to do IELTS 

4. Write a letter to a friend who worked at your previous company. You have moved to a new job in a new city.

• Describe your city
• Describe your job
• Describe the arrangements for him to visit you

Exam date- May 18, 2021

Source- How to do IELTS 

5. You would like to invite your friend from abroad to a public event in your country. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:

• Invite him/her to the event
• Explain why you think he/she would like the event
• Tell him/her about the other activities you can do

Exam date- June, 2022

Source- IELTS Podcast

6. A friend you made while you were studying abroad has written to ask you for help in finding a job in your country. You have heard about a job in a local company that might be suitable for him/her. Write a letter to this friend. In your letter - 

• Tell your friend about the job and what sort of work it involves 
• Say why you think the job would be suitable for him/her 
• Explain how to apply for the job

Exam date- January-March, 2022

Source- IELTS Podcast

7. You recently stayed at your friend’s place, to look after the house while he/she is away. You accidentally damaged something in his/her house. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter, you should:

• Describe what the accident was
• Explain when it happened
• Suggest how the damage can be fixed.

Exam date- January-March, 2022

Source- IELTS Podcast

8. After being involved in an accident, you were looked after by a person you did not know before. Write a special thank you letter. In your letter:  

• Introduce yourself and let him/her know why you are writing to him/her
• Express your gratitude  
• Offer him/her to visit your home with his/her family

Exam date- January-March, 2022

Source- IELTS Podcast

9. You are moving home. Write a letter to your neighbours to say goodbye to them and to thank them for their help during your stay. In your letter

• Explain how they helped you
• Say what you will miss the most about the area where you lived
• Invite them to visit you at your new home.

Exam date- October-December, 2021

Source- IELTS Podcast

10. Your friend recently moved to the same town where your friend lives. Please write a letter to invite your friend to go to the gym together. In your letter

• Describe why you go to this gym
• Say what part of this gym you recommend
• Explain why you think it is suitable for your friend

Exam date- October-December, 2021

Source- IELTS Podcast

1. You are interested in applying for a new position at your company but have some questions. Write a letter to your boss. In your letter include:

• Which position you are considering
• What questions you have about it
• How your boss can help you decide whether or not to apply

Exam date- May 27, 2021

Source- How to do IELTS 

2. You live near a public school. The school has asked residents to help with the maintenance of school buildings and play areas. Write a letter to the principal. In your letter:

• Explain why you would like to help
• Tell them how you can help
• Let them know when you are available.

Exam date- July 16, 2022

Source- Exam Word

3. Write a letter to the manager of the Lost and Found department of the railway regarding the luggage you accidentally left on the train. In your letter:

• Give the details of your train trip
• Describe the luggage you left on the train
• Say what actions you want him/her to take.

Exam date- July 16, 2022

Source- Exam Word

4. You have a complaint about the hotel you stayed at while attending a meeting that was booked by the organizer of a company meeting. Write a letter to the organizer of the meeting and include:

• Details about the meeting
• The problem you face
• What should be done

Exam date- December , 2021

Source- How to do IELTS 

5. You are interested in applying for a new position at your company but have some questions. Write a letter to your boss. In your letter include:

• Which position you are considering
• What questions you have about it
• How your boss can help you decide whether or not to apply

Exam date- May 27, 2021

Source- How to do IELTS 

6. You have an appointment with your manager the next day. Write him/her a letter about what you’re going to discuss at the meeting. In your meeting, you should tell:

• What did you do for the company during the years you worked there
• What changes you would like to recommend
• What training you require

Exam date- June, 2022

Source- IELTS Podcast

7. Your company has sent you on a three-month course in another country. The course is coming to an end but you would like to prolong your stay. Write a letter to your manager, in your letter:

• Describe how the course has benefited you
• Explain why you would like to delay your return
• Suggest a date when you would like to come back

Exam date- June, 2022

Source- IELTS Podcast

8. You use the local swimming pool often, and during one of your visits, you encountered a problem. Write a letter to the manager. In your letter

• Describe what the problem was
• Tell what the swimming pool staff have done about it
• Suggest your own solution to the problem.

Exam date- June, 2022

Source- IELTS Podcast

9. Write a letter to a transport office about a problem with the transportation system in your area. 

• Describe the situation you are facing 
• Why do you consider it a problem 
• What change would you like to recommend?

Exam date- January-March, 2022

Source- IELTS Podcast

10. You are a student at a University in the UK. You have recently lost your University ID card. Write to the local police station, giving details of 

• Who you are
• What happened and 
• Ask to record your details so that you can apply for a new ID card.

Exam date- January-March, 2022

Source- IELTS Podcast

1. You want to arrange a conference for your company, and you need to ask one of your colleagues to give a presentation in this conference. Write a letter to your colleague. In your letter include:

• Details about the conference
• Why you want your colleague to give presentation
• What arrangement will you do for this conference

Exam date- March 24, 2021

Source- How to do IELTS 

2. Write a letter to your landlord complaining about noise in the block of flats which he owns. Include:

• Where you live
• The problem
• What he should do

Exam date- February 18, 2021

Source- How to do IELTS 

3. A neighbor has damaged your car while parking his/her car in the lane in front of your house. Write a letter to your neighbor. In your letter:

• Explain why you’re writing
• Describe the damage to your car and express your feelings about it
• Recommend what steps he/she should take to resolve the situation

Exam date- June, 2022

Source- IELTS Podcast

4. You have been asked to do a presentation and you would need help with setting up the equipment. Write a letter to your colleague, in your letter:

• Let him/her know when and where the presentation will take place
• Tell him/her what equipment you will need
• Explain how him/her can help you

Exam date- June, 2022

Source- IELTS Podcast

5.  The apartment that you have rented was repaired recently. Later you discovered some defects in repairs. Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter

• Explain what the problem is
• Suggest how it can be fixed
• Say what you would like the landlord to do about it.

Exam date- October-December, 2021

Source- IELTS Podcast

6.  You are renting a house in an English-speaking country, and the landlord has been helpful during your stay. Now your friend is interested in renting your place. Please write a letter to your landlord to inform your friend that you will be moving out. In your letter

• Tell your landlord that you are leaving and explain why
• Thank your landlord for being helpful
• Recommend your friend as a prospective tenant.

Exam date- October-December, 2021

Source- IELTS Podcast

7.  You rent an apartment and you are quite happy with it but you want to suggest a renovation. Write a letter about your suggestion. In your letter, you should tell:

• Your appreciation of current condition
• What is the renovation and why?
• What are the benefits of your suggestion?

 Exam date- October, 2019

Source- IELTS Podcast

8.  You have recently taken a two-day course. Write to give your feedback to the course organizer. In your letter, you should tell:

• The details of the course
• What you liked or disliked about it
• Suggest some improvements to the course.

Exam date- August, 2019

Source- IELTS Podcast

9.  Your landlord wants to increase your house rent. Write a letter to him to explain your situation. In your letter, you should tell:

• Why you think the rent shouldn’t be increased
• What you will do if it is increased.

Exam date- July, 2019

Source- IELTS Podcast

10. A young person is going to spend his first day at the office next month. Write a letter to explain what he should do on his first day. In your letter, you should tell:

• What work should be done in the company
• What he/she will do on the first day of work
• What items/objects he /she needs to take along.

Exam date- July, 2019

Source- IELTS Podcast