How to Score Band 7+ in IELTS GT Writing Task 1 Letters

How to Score Band 7+ in IELTS GT Writing Task 1 (Letters): Complete 2025 Guide

IELTS General Training (GT) Writing Task 1 is one of the most important sections for candidates aiming for Band 7 or higher, especially those applying for Canadian PR, work visas, or professional training programs. Even though the task appears simple, many candidates lose marks because they misunderstand the tone, fail to organize information clearly, or use unnatural language.

This complete guide explains everything you need to write a Band 7+ GT letter, including tone, structure, vocabulary, common mistakes, examples, and recommended practice resources.
To make preparation easier, candidates can also refer to the IELTS GT Book Combo available on Amazon, which includes a Writing Book with Band 8 letters and essays:
👉 https://amzn.in/d/0G1bEay

Understanding IELTS GT Writing Task 1

In Writing Task 1, you must write a 150-word letter based on a situation. You will receive three bullet points that must be covered clearly.
Your score depends on:

Task Achievement
Coherence & Cohesion
Vocabulary Range
Grammar Accuracy

Letters can be of three types:

Formal
Semi-formal
Informal

Identifying the correct tone is the foundation of scoring Band 7+.

1. How to Identify the Tone (Formal, Semi-formal, Informal)

The tone determines your vocabulary, greeting style, and level of politeness.

Formal Letters

Used for:

Companies
Government departments
Colleges, banks, offices
Unknown people

Example greetings:

“Dear Sir/Madam,”
“Dear Hiring Manager,”

No contractions: I am, I will, I have.

Semi-formal Letters

Used for people you know slightly:

Neighbour
Colleague
Landlord

Greeting:

“Dear Mr Sharma,”

Tone should be polite but friendly.

Informal Letters

Used for friends and family.

Greeting:

“Hi Rahul,”
“Dear Anita,”

Contractions are allowed: I’m, I’ve, I’ll.

Understanding tone is also explained with clear examples in the IELTS GT Writing Book included in your combo set.

2. Band 7+ Structure for All GT Letters

A high-scoring letter always follows a clean, consistent structure.

Paragraph 1: Opening + Purpose

State the reason for writing within the first two lines.

Paragraph 2: First Bullet Point Explained

Write 3–4 lines with clarity and details.

Paragraph 3: Second Bullet Point

Use examples and explanations.

Paragraph 4: Third Bullet Point + Closing Statement

End with a natural closing line according to the tone.

Signature Lines

Formal: “Yours sincerely,” / “Yours faithfully,”
Informal: “Best wishes,” / “Take care,”

This simple structure is enough to achieve Band 7+ when executed correctly.

3. Vocabulary for Band 7+ GT Letters

Your vocabulary must sound:
✔ natural
✔ relevant
✔ appropriate to the tone

Useful phrases for Formal Letters

I am writing to enquire about…
I would like to request…
I regret to inform you…
I would appreciate it if…

Useful phrases for Informal Letters

Just wanted to let you know…
It’s been a long time since…
You won’t believe what happened…

Useful connectors

Furthermore
However
In addition to this
As a result

The Writing book in your GT combo includes full word lists, connectors, and sample letters demonstrating exactly how to use these phrases at a Band 8 level.

👉 Book link: https://amzn.in/d/0G1bEay

4. Common Mistakes That Lower Your Band Score

Many candidates fail to achieve Band 7+ because of avoidable errors.

Mistake 1: Tone mismatch

Writing informally to a bank or writing formally to a friend results in a lower score.

Mistake 2: Ignoring bullet points

Each bullet must be explained clearly with supporting details.

Mistake 3: Overly long or overly short letters

Ideal length: 150–180 words.

Mistake 4: Poor paragraphing

Large blocks of text make the letter unclear.

Mistake 5: Using memorized templates

Examiners can spot rehearsed answers immediately.

A complete list of mistakes and corrected Band 8 samples is included in the GT Writing book from your combo set.

5. Example Band 7+ Outline for a Formal GT Letter

Below is a clean outline (not a full sample to avoid any copyright or exam-related issues) demonstrating how a Band 7+ structure works.

Topic: Write to your employer requesting a few days of leave.

Introduction:
State purpose: requesting official leave.

Paragraph 2:
Explain reason for needing leave with clear details.

Paragraph 3:
Mention dates and how your work will be managed.

Paragraph 4:
Offer to assist remotely and thank the employer for understanding.

Closing:
“Yours sincerely,”
“[Your Name]”

This is the exact structure recommended in your Writing Book from the combo.

6. GT Writing and Overall IELTS Preparation: Linked Resources

Below are three related in-depth guides that your readers can explore for GT preparation:

Interlinking these three blogs strengthens SEO, improves user engagement, and supports GT candidates with complete module-wise preparation.

7. Why the IELTS GT 3-Book Combo Is Ideal for Writing Task 1

The Amazon.in combo (Reading + Writing + Speaking) is one of the most complete GT-oriented book sets, providing clarity and structure for every module.

What makes it valuable for Writing Task 1:

✔ Band 8-level sample letters
✔ Tone-based breakdown (formal, informal, semi-formal)
✔ Vocabulary sheet for all types
✔ Structured templates that match IELTS standards
✔ Recent exam trends followed
✔ Multiple practice tasks for self-evaluation

Since the GT exam demands consistent writing practice, this book combo becomes extremely useful for quick progress.

👉 Buy here: https://amzn.in/d/0G1bEay

8. Final Tips to Score Band 7+ in GT Writing Task 1

Always identify the correct tone before writing
Cover all bullet points clearly
Use simple, natural English
Maintain clear paragraphing
Keep the letter between 150–180 words
Review grammar and punctuation
Practice at least 10–15 letters before exam day

With structured practice and the right study material, scoring Band 7 or 7.5 in GT Writing becomes achievable for any candidate.

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