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Mastering IELTS General Training Letter Writing: Tips, Tricks & Common Topics (2025 Edition)

For thousands of Indian IELTS aspirants every month, the IELTS General Training (GT) Writing Test feels challenging — not because of complex grammar or vocabulary, but because of lack of clarity and structure.

If you’re preparing for the IELTS GT Writing exam, understanding Task 1 (Letter Writing) is absolutely essential. It tests your ability to communicate effectively in everyday English — something employers and immigration officers value highly.

Whether you’re writing to your landlord, a company, or a friend — your tone, structure, and word choice matter.

But don’t worry — in this complete guide, you’ll learn everything you need to score Band 7+ in IELTS GT Letter Writing, along with useful templates, topic ideas, and practice strategies.

And if you want to master all three modules (Writing, Speaking, and Reading) for IELTS General Training, grab this complete combo today:
👉 IELTS GT Combo – Writing + Speaking + Reading (100 Band-8 Essays & Letters)
This combo, available on Amazon India, contains 100 solved Band 8+ sample essays and letters, with model answers, vocabulary, and templates — specially made for Indian test-takers.

Understanding IELTS GT Writing Task 1

Task 1 in IELTS General Training Writing requires you to write a letter based on a given situation.

You must write:

• At least 150 words

• Within 20 minutes

• Using the correct tone (formal, semi-formal, or informal)

This task evaluates:

1. Task achievement – Did you answer all bullet points?

2. Coherence and cohesion – Is your writing logically organized?

3. Lexical resource – Is your vocabulary varied and appropriate?

4. Grammatical range and accuracy – Are your sentences correct and flexible?

Types of Letters You May Get in IELTS GT Task 1

There are mainly three types of letters:

1. Formal Letters

Used when writing to:

• An organization or company

• Someone you don’t know personally (bank manager, HR, hotel, landlord, government officer)

Examples:

• Writing to complain about poor service

• Requesting information about a product or course

• Applying for a job or refund

Tone: Polite, professional, and objective.
Opening: “Dear Sir or Madam,”
Closing: “Yours faithfully,”

2. Semi-Formal Letters

Used when writing to:

• Someone you know professionally (boss, colleague, neighbour)

Examples:

• Requesting time off work

• Thanking a colleague for help

• Explaining a problem to a neighbour

Tone: Courteous but friendly.
Opening: “Dear Mr Sharma,” / “Dear Ms Verma,”
Closing: “Yours sincerely,”

3. Informal Letters

Used when writing to:

• A friend or family member

Examples:

• Inviting a friend to a party

• Apologizing for missing an event

• Sharing good news

Tone: Warm, personal, and conversational.
Opening: “Dear Rahul,”
Closing: “Best wishes,” or “Take care,”

Basic Structure of Every IELTS Letter

Every good IELTS letter should have four clear parts:

1. Greeting

Choose based on formality:

• Formal: Dear Sir/Madam

• Semi-formal: Dear Mr Singh

• Informal: Dear Aman

2. Opening Paragraph (Purpose)

Start by clearly explaining why you’re writing.
👉 “I’m writing to inquire about…”
👉 “I’m writing to complain about…”
👉 “I’m writing to thank you for…”

The first line should make the examiner understand your purpose immediately.

3. Body Paragraphs

Cover all three bullet points from the question. Each point should be a separate short paragraph with clear explanations and linking words.

Example:

Firstly, I would like to inform you that the air conditioning in my room has not been working properly since Monday. Secondly, I have contacted the front desk twice, but no one has fixed the issue yet.

4. Closing Paragraph and Sign-off

End with a polite closing sentence, such as:

“I look forward to your prompt response.”
“Please let me know what steps will be taken.”
“Hope to hear from you soon.”

Then, add your name depending on tone:

• Formal: Yours faithfully, Rahul Sharma

• Semi-formal: Yours sincerely, Amit

• Informal: Best regards, Ravi

Top 10 Tips for IELTS Letter Writing Success

1. Identify the Letter Type First

Before you start writing, identify whether it’s formal, semi-formal, or informal.
This determines your tone, greeting, vocabulary, and closing phrases.

2. Cover All the Bullet Points

Every question has three bullet points.
If you miss one, you lose marks in “Task Achievement.”
✅ Tip: Use one paragraph per bullet.

3. Use the Right Tone

• Avoid contractions (“I’m”, “can’t”) in formal letters.

• Avoid overly emotional or casual words in formal writing.

• Keep semi-formal polite but natural.

• Use friendly language only for informal letters.

4. Plan for 2 Minutes

Use 2–3 minutes to plan your letter:

• Note bullet points

• Decide examples

• Choose greeting, opening, and closing phrases
  Planning saves time later.

5. Keep Paragraphs Balanced

Aim for 4 paragraphs (Intro, 2 Body Paras, Closing).
Each paragraph should have 2–4 sentences only.
Avoid writing one huge block of text.

6. Use Linking Words

Connect ideas using:

• For formal letters: “Furthermore”, “In addition”, “However”, “Therefore”

• For informal letters: “By the way”, “Anyway”, “Actually”, “To be honest”

7. Add Details Naturally

Avoid being too general. Add realistic but simple details to sound authentic.
Example:

“I booked Room 205 for two nights last weekend, but the air conditioning was not working properly.”

8. Use a Range of Grammar

Include:

• Simple, compound, and complex sentences

• Active and passive voice

• Modal verbs (could, would, should)

9. Don’t Exceed 180–190 Words

Write around 160–180 words.
Writing too much often leads to more mistakes and irrelevant details.

10. Leave 2 Minutes to Proofread

Check for:

• Spelling errors

• Missing commas or punctuation

• Capital letters for names, places, days

Common IELTS Letter Topics (Updated for 2025)

Here’s a list of frequently repeated IELTS GT letter topics to practice:

1. Complaint about noise in your neighbourhood

2. Requesting information about a training course

3. Applying for a part-time job

4. Writing to your manager about a project delay

5. Inviting a friend to stay with you

6. Requesting a refund for faulty goods

7. Writing to thank someone for their hospitality

8. Explaining why you cannot attend a meeting

9. Asking for information about renting a flat

10. Apologizing for missing an event

11. Requesting leave from work

12. Complaining about transport issues

13. Requesting information about local facilities

14. Writing to recommend someone for a job

15. Inviting a colleague to a farewell party

16. Writing to explain a problem at your workplace

17. Complaining about poor service in a restaurant

18. Asking for permission to organize an event

19. Requesting information from a travel agency

20. Writing to express appreciation for good service

If you practice these 20 types — and learn model phrases for each — you’ll be ready for almost any IELTS letter topic that appears.

Useful Phrases for Different Situations

Situation	Useful Phrases
Requesting information	“I would be grateful if you could provide me with…”
Making a complaint	“I am writing to express my dissatisfaction regarding…”
Apologizing	“Please accept my sincere apologies for…”
Inviting someone	“I would like to invite you to…”
Requesting help	“I would appreciate it if you could help me with…”
Thanking someone	“I am extremely thankful for your kindness in…”
Explaining a problem	“The issue I am facing is that…”

These ready-made expressions help you save time and sound natural.

Why You Should Get This IELTS GT Combo Book

If you’re preparing for IELTS GT in 2025, you’ll love this Amazon India combo:
👉 IELTS GT Combo – Writing + Speaking + Reading (100 Band-8 Essays & Letters)

Here’s what you’ll get:

• 💥 100 solved Band-8 sample essays and letters

• 📘 Complete coverage of IELTS GT Writing (Task 1 & 2)

• 🗣️ Speaking cue cards and vocabulary for all parts

• 📖 Reading practice sets for GT passages

• Designed specifically for Indian test-takers

The Writing book in this combo is particularly valuable — it includes model letters for every type (formal, semi-formal, informal), with detailed explanations, opening/closing phrases, and vocabulary lists.

Having model Band 8 letters allows you to:

• Understand examiner expectations

• Learn natural vocabulary for real-life contexts

• Avoid tone and structure mistakes

• Save time during preparation

This book combo is an all-in-one IELTS toolkit — perfect for anyone aiming for Band 7 or higher.

Final Thoughts

IELTS General Training Letter Writing is not about fancy words — it’s about clarity, structure, and tone.
By following these tips:

• Identify the correct letter type

• Cover all bullet points

• Maintain logical flow and correct tone

• Practice regularly using model letters

you can easily improve your writing score.

Stop wasting hours searching for random sample letters online. Learn from structured, high-band examples written specifically for the IELTS GT exam.

👉 Order your copy today:
IELTS GT Combo – Writing + Speaking + Reading Book (India Edition)

It’s time to write your way to success and make your IELTS dream a reality!