IELTS General Task 1 Model Letters Explained

General Training Task 1 asks you to write at least 150 words in response to a situation and three bullet points. A strong model makes the purpose clear immediately, covers every bullet with specific detail, and maintains an appropriate relationship with the reader.

Study decisions rather than fixed phrases. Notice how the writer identifies the reader, chooses a formal, semi-formal, or informal tone, orders the bullet points, and closes the letter. Memorising a complaint letter is risky because a new prompt may require a different purpose, reader, and level of politeness. Instead, learn functional language for requesting, apologising, explaining, inviting, and complaining.

Formal letters go to unknown people or organisations, such as a customer service manager. Semi-formal letters often go to someone you know in an official role, such as a landlord or course tutor. Informal letters go to friends and close relatives. Tone is a range, but it must remain consistent.

Formal language uses complete forms, polite modals, and neutral expressions: I would be grateful if you could review this matter. Informal language can use contractions, personal reactions, and friendly questions: I'm really glad you can visit. Semi-formal writing can be warm while remaining respectful. Do not add slang merely to prove that a letter is informal, and do not make a formal complaint so indirect that the requested action becomes unclear.

Sample prompt: You recently attended a short course at a training centre, but the course did not match its advertisement. Write to the manager. Describe the course you booked, explain the problems, and say what action you would like the manager to take.

The opening should name the course and state the complaint. Paragraph one can identify the advertised programme, dates, and promised features. Paragraph two can explain two concrete gaps, such as fewer teaching hours and missing practical workshops. Paragraph three should request a reasonable outcome, perhaps a partial refund or a place on the complete course. This one-paragraph-per-bullet structure makes task coverage obvious. Add details that show why the missing content mattered.

Imagine an informal prompt asking you to invite a friend to stay, explain why the timing is convenient, and suggest activities. The content still needs detail, but the language changes: You could come in early September because my exams will be over. We can cycle along the coast and try the new food market near my flat.

Both formal and informal letters need clear paragraphing and complete bullet coverage. The difference lies in social language, directness, contractions, and closing conventions. A formal request can be firm without sounding aggressive. An informal letter can be friendly without becoming a text message. Accuracy remains important in every tone. Read each sentence aloud and ask whether you would genuinely use it with the named reader.

Spend three minutes identifying reader, purpose, tone, and one or two details for each bullet. Write for about fourteen minutes, then reserve three minutes to check. Aim for roughly 170 to 190 words so you can develop the situation without creating unnecessary grammar risk.

During review, underline the sentence that answers each bullet. Check names, pronouns, verb tense, articles, and closing convention. Then assess tone: would you use each expression with this reader? After comparing your letter with a model, rewrite one paragraph at a different level of formality. This contrast exercise develops flexible control. Keep a small bank of accurate request and apology patterns, but adapt the nouns and details every time.

A reliable model shows complete task coverage and consistent tone, not just polished phrases. Test every choice against the reader and purpose before adopting an expression.