IELTS General Training Letter Templates (2026)
IELTS General Training Task 1 letter templates for complaint, request, enquiry, apology, invitation, advice, job application and thank-you letters, with tone notes and high-band purpose phrases.
How GT letter templates work
General Training Task 1 templates are flexible letter frames examiners accept when you cover every bullet with specific detail. The opening names your purpose, each body paragraph answers one bullet, and the closing matches the relationship (formal, semi-formal or informal).
Do not memorise a single opening for all letters. Dear Sir or Madam does not fit a friend, and Hi John is wrong for a company manager. Read the situation line first, choose tone, then drop task-specific facts into the [brackets].
Weak
Wrong tone
Using slang in a complaint to a hotel manager, or stiff formality to a close friend.
- •Mismatched greeting
- •Odd closing
- •Harms Task Achievement
Stronger
Matched tone
Formal for unknown officials, semi-formal for a named neighbour or colleague, informal for a friend.
- •Greeting fits reader
- •Purpose clear early
- •Bullets fully covered
Complaint and request letter templates
Complaints need a calm factual account plus a clear desired outcome. Requests need a polite ask, enough context, and any timing or constraints the reader needs.
| Part | Complaint (usually formal) | Request (formal / semi-formal) |
|---|---|---|
| Opening | Dear Sir or Madam, / Dear [Manager's name], I am writing to complain about [product / service / incident] on [date]. | Dear [Name / Sir or Madam], I am writing to request [help / information / permission] regarding [topic]. |
| Bullet 1 | Describe what happened: On [date], [what went wrong] at [place]. | Explain the situation: I need [item / action] because [reason]. |
| Bullet 2 | Explain the effect: As a result, [problem for you / others]. | Give details the reader needs: [dates, amounts, constraints]. |
| Bullet 3 | State the remedy: I would like you to [refund / replace / investigate] by [timeframe]. | Make the ask clear: Could you please [action]? I would be grateful if [extra detail]. |
| Closing | I look forward to your prompt response. Yours faithfully, [Full name] | Thank you for your help. Yours sincerely, / Best regards, [Name] |
Enquiry and apology letter templates
Enquiry letters ask focused questions. Apology letters admit the issue, explain briefly, and offer a repair without sounding defensive.
| Part | Enquiry | Apology |
|---|---|---|
| Opening | Dear [Name / Sir or Madam], I am writing to enquire about [course / service / event]. | Dear [Name], I am writing to apologise for [mistake / missed event] on [date]. |
| Bullet 1 | State why you are interested: I am considering [option] because [reason]. | Admit responsibility: I am sorry that [what you did / failed to do]. |
| Bullet 2 | Ask question set 1: Could you tell me [detail A] and [detail B]? | Explain briefly: This happened because [honest reason], not as an excuse. |
| Bullet 3 | Ask question set 2 / next step: I would also like to know [detail C]. Please let me know how to [apply / book]. | Offer repair: To make up for this, I can [action] on [date], or [alternative]. |
| Closing | I look forward to hearing from you. Yours sincerely, [Name] | Once again, I apologise. Best regards, / Yours sincerely, [Name] |
- Enquiry: turn bullets into specific questions the reader can answer
- Apology: keep the explanation shorter than the repair offer
- Tone: semi-formal is common for named people you do not know well
Invitation and advice letter templates
Invitations must include enough event detail for the reader to decide. Advice letters usually present options and a clear recommendation.
| Part | Invitation (often informal / semi) | Advice (often informal / semi) |
|---|---|---|
| Opening | Hi [Name], / Dear [Name], I am writing to invite you to [event] on [date]. | Hi [Name], / Dear [Name], Thanks for asking about [problem]. Here is my advice. |
| Bullet 1 | Give event basics: It will be held at [place] from [time], and [purpose]. | Option 1: One approach is to [advice], which helps because [reason]. |
| Bullet 2 | Add what to expect: There will be [activities / guests / dress code]. | Option 2: Alternatively, you could [advice], especially if [condition]. |
| Bullet 3 | Make the invite direct: I really hope you can come. Please let me know by [date]. | Recommendation: Overall, I suggest [choice] because [weighing reason]. |
| Closing | Looking forward to seeing you! Best wishes, [Name] | Hope this helps. Write back if you need more ideas. Best wishes, [Name] |
Job application and thank-you letter templates
Job applications are usually formal: match skills to the role and ask for an interview. Thank-you letters can be formal or informal depending on the reader, but they should name the help received and show appreciation with a concrete note.
| Part | Job application (formal) | Thank-you (tone by reader) |
|---|---|---|
| Opening | Dear Sir or Madam, / Dear [Hiring manager], I am writing to apply for the position of [role] advertised [where]. | Dear [Name], / Hi [Name], I am writing to thank you for [help / gift / hospitality] on [date]. |
| Bullet 1 | Why you fit: I have [years / experience] in [field], including [achievement]. | What you appreciated: Your [support / advice / gift] meant a lot because [reason]. |
| Bullet 2 | Evidence: In my current / previous role, I [responsibility + result]. | Extra detail: In particular, [specific moment or benefit]. |
| Bullet 3 | Availability / ask: I am available for interview from [dates]. I have attached my CV. | Follow-up: Please let me return the favour by [offer], or I hope we can [next step]. |
| Closing | I look forward to your reply. Yours faithfully, [Full name] | Formal: Yours sincerely, [Name] / Informal: Thanks again, [Name] |
- 1Underline the three bulletsCopy their verbs into your plan so none is skipped under time pressure.
- 2Choose greeting and sign-off togetherYours faithfully with Dear Sir or Madam; Yours sincerely with a named formal reader.
- 3Add concrete nounsDates, places, amounts and names make templates sound task-specific, not memorised.
High-band phrases by purpose
Use purpose phrases that match the letter type. Keep informal letters warmer, but still clear and organised.
| Purpose | High-band phrases |
|---|---|
| Complaint | I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with...; I expect a full refund; I would appreciate a written explanation |
| Request | I would be grateful if you could...; Would it be possible to...; Please let me know whether... |
| Enquiry | I would like to know...; Could you clarify...; I would also appreciate details about... |
| Apology | I sincerely apologise for...; It was my fault that...; To make amends, I will... |
| Invitation | I would love you to join us for...; The event will take place at...; Please RSVP by... |
| Advice | If I were you, I would...; One option is...; On balance, I recommend... |
| Job application | I am writing to apply for...; My experience includes...; I am available for interview... |
| Thank-you | I am writing to thank you for...; I truly appreciate...; Please accept my thanks again |
- Tone and register - Formal, semi-formal and informal choices
- Bullet points - Cover every required content point
- Complaint model - See a full complaint walkthrough
- Job application tips - Evidence and interview asks
Practise next
Frequently asked questions
How long should a GT letter be?+
At least 150 words. Aim for a short opening, one paragraph per bullet, and a closing. Do not pad with unrelated stories.
Can I use contractions?+
Yes in informal letters to friends. Prefer full forms in formal letters to companies or unknown officials.
What if I invent details?+
That is allowed and expected. Invent plausible names, dates and places that answer the bullets. Keep them consistent through the letter.
Do templates lower my score?+
Only if they stay generic. Examiners want bullet coverage, suitable tone and clear organisation. Filled frames are fine; memorised openings that ignore the prompt are not.
Should I include my address?+
No. Start with the greeting. IELTS letters do not need postal addresses or dates unless the prompt asks for them.