IELTS GT Writing Task 1 Vocabulary & Templates for Band 8+ (2025)

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IELTS General Training Writing Task 1 Vocabulary & Templates for Band 8+ (With Examples for Every Letter Type)

When it comes to the IELTS General Training Writing Task 1, most candidates in India lose easy marks — not because of poor grammar or spelling, but because they don’t know how to use the right vocabulary, structure, and tone for each letter type.

This part of the exam is not about fancy English — it’s about clear, correct, and appropriate communication. Whether you’re writing to a friend, an employer, or a company, the words and expressions you use determine your Band Score.

In this blog, we’ll cover:

  • The structure and scoring of GT Writing Task 1

  • Vocabulary and phrases for formal, semi-formal, and informal letters

  • Templates and sample lines you can use in the test

  • Tips to write a perfect Band 8+ letter

And before we begin, if you’re preparing for IELTS in India and want the complete practice kit for Writing, Reading, and Speaking — here’s your must-have set 👇

This combo includes:

  • IELTS GT Writing Book: 50 solved letters (formal, informal, semi-formal) with templates, vocabulary & sample answers.

  • IELTS GT Reading Book: 15 full-length GT Reading Tests with answers & explanations.

  • IELTS GT Speaking Book: 50 solved cue cards, 100 part 1 & 2 questions, vocabulary, and tips for Band 8+.

Perfect for Indian students and professionals applying for PR (Canada, Australia, UK) or study abroad programs.

1. Understanding IELTS General Training Writing Task 1

You will be given a situation and asked to write a letter of at least 150 words.

You must:

  • Address all bullet points in the question

  • Use the correct tone (formal, semi-formal, informal)

  • Organize your letter properly

  • Use a variety of vocabulary and grammar

There are three main types of letters in GT Writing Task 1:

  1. Formal Letter – To a company, employer, authority, or stranger.

  2. Semi-Formal Letter – To someone you know professionally (teacher, landlord, neighbor).

  3. Informal Letter – To a friend or family member.

2. Universal IELTS Letter Structure (Works for All Types)

A perfect Band 8 letter usually follows this structure:

Greeting

  • Formal: Dear Sir/Madam,

  • Semi-formal: Dear Mr. Sharma, / Dear Ms. Kapoor,

  • Informal: Hi Rohan, / Dear Meera,

Opening Statement (Purpose of the Letter)

Formal:

  • I am writing to request information regarding…

  • I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with…

  • I am writing in response to your recent advertisement about…

Informal:

  • Hope you’re doing well! It’s been a while since we last met.

  • I just wanted to drop you a quick message about…

Body Paragraphs

  • Address all bullet points given in the question.

  • Use appropriate vocabulary and linking words.

Linking Words:
Furthermore, in addition, however, therefore, as a result, besides, on the other hand, whereas

Closing & Sign-off

Formal:

  • I look forward to hearing from you.

  • Yours sincerely, / Yours faithfully,

Informal:

  • Take care! / Lots of love, / Best wishes,

3. Vocabulary for Formal Letters (Complaints, Requests, Applications)

Formal letters are polite, structured, and professional. Avoid contractions (like “I’m” or “can’t”).

Common Purposes:

  • Requesting information

  • Making a complaint

  • Applying for a job

  • Giving feedback

  • Making an enquiry

Useful Vocabulary and Phrases:

Opening:

  • I am writing to inquire about…

  • I would like to bring to your attention…

  • I am contacting you regarding…

Making Requests:

  • I would be grateful if you could…

  • I would appreciate it if you could provide…

  • Could you please send me details about…

Complaining Politely:

  • I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with…

  • I regret to inform you that…

  • I am disappointed with the service I received…

Giving Suggestions:

  • I suggest that you consider…

  • It might be a good idea to…

  • I would recommend that your company…

Closing Lines:

  • Thank you for your assistance.

  • I look forward to your prompt reply.

  • Yours faithfully,

Example Sentences:

  • “I am writing to enquire about the availability of apartments in your area.”

  • “I would be grateful if you could send me further information about the upcoming conference.”

  • “I regret to inform you that the product I received was damaged.”

4. Vocabulary for Semi-Formal Letters (Invitations, Complaints to Neighbors, Requests)

These are written to people you know but are not close friends. The tone should be polite but not overly formal.

Useful Vocabulary and Phrases:

Opening:

  • I hope you’re doing well.

  • I’m writing to ask if you could…

  • I wanted to let you know about…

Making Requests:

  • Would you mind helping me with…?

  • I’d really appreciate your help with…

  • I was wondering if you could possibly…

Making Suggestions:

  • Why don’t we…?

  • It might be a good idea to…

Apologizing:

  • I’m sorry for any inconvenience caused.

  • Please accept my apologies for…

Closing Lines:

  • I look forward to seeing you soon.

  • Thanks in advance for your help.

Example Sentences:

  • “I wanted to ask if you could water my plants while I’m away.”

  • “I’m sorry for the noise caused by the renovation last weekend.”

  • “Why don’t we organize a small get-together at the park?”

5. Vocabulary for Informal Letters (Friends and Family)

Informal letters are friendly and conversational. You can use contractions and phrasal verbs.

Common Purposes:

  • Inviting a friend

  • Apologizing

  • Giving news

  • Making plans

  • Thanking someone

Useful Vocabulary and Phrases:

Opening:

  • How have you been?

  • It’s been ages since we last talked!

  • You won’t believe what happened last week…

Expressing Feelings:

  • I was thrilled to hear about…

  • I can’t wait to meet you soon!

  • I was really sorry to hear that…

Making Suggestions:

  • Let’s catch up over coffee.

  • How about going on a trip next month?

Closing Lines:

  • Take care and write back soon!

  • Lots of love,

  • See you soon!

Example Sentences:

  • “I was so happy to hear about your new job!”

  • “Let’s plan a short trip when you visit Delhi next time.”

  • “It’s been too long since we last met, and I really miss our long talks.”

6. IELTS GT Letter Templates (Use These in the Exam)

Template for Formal Letter (Complaint)

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with [product/service]. 
The issue began when [describe the problem]. Despite [your actions], the problem remains 
unresolved. 

I would appreciate it if you could [suggest solution]. 
Please let me know how this issue can be resolved promptly.  

Yours faithfully,  
[Your full name]

Template for Semi-Formal Letter (Request)

Dear Mr./Ms. [Surname],

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to ask if you could [state request].  
The reason for my request is [give reason].  

I would really appreciate your help in this matter. Please let me know if it is possible.  

Best regards,  
[Your name]

Template for Informal Letter (Invitation)

Hi [Friend’s Name],

Hope you’re doing great! I’m writing to invite you to [event].  
It’s going to be held on [date] at [place]. You should definitely come — it won’t be the 
same without you!  

Let me know if you can make it. Can’t wait to see you soon!  

Take care,  
[Your name]

7. Common Mistakes to Avoid in IELTS GT Writing Task 1

  1. ❌ Mixing tones — Never use informal words in formal letters.

  2. ❌ Ignoring bullet points — You must address all three points.

  3. ❌ Writing too short — Minimum 150 words required.

  4. ❌ Forgetting closing lines — Always end politely.

  5. ✅ Proofread your letter — Grammar and punctuation count.

8. Tips for Scoring Band 8+

  • Understand the tone (formal vs informal).

  • Use varied sentence structures — simple + complex sentences.

  • Avoid repetition — use synonyms.

  • Organize logically — introduction → details → closing.

  • Use linking words — moreover, however, therefore, in addition.

Your Complete IELTS GT Preparation Kit

If you want all 50 solved letter samples, vocabulary lists, and templates for each type, the IELTS General Training Book Combo is your best resource.

Inside this combo, you’ll find:

  • 50 high-scoring letters for Task 1

  • Writing task 2 essays with vocabulary

  • Complete Reading tests with answers

  • Speaking cue cards & mock interviews

  • Vocabulary lists tailored for Indian candidates

Thousands of test-takers have already used this combo to score Band 7.5+ on their first attempt!

Final Thoughts

IELTS General Training Writing Task 1 may look simple — but mastering tone, vocabulary, and structure takes practice. The right words, polite expressions, and organized paragraphs can easily take your score from Band 6.5 to Band 8+.

Start by memorizing the vocabulary above, use the templates in your practice sessions, and review solved examples from reliable sources like the IELTS General Training Book Combo.

 Prepare smartly, write confidently, and move closer to your PR dream or global career goal. 

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