IELTS General Training Writing Task 1: formal vs informal letters
In IELTS General Training, Writing Task 1 is always a letter — about 150 words in 20 minutes. Beyond covering the three bullet points, the single thing that most affects your score is register: writing in the right level of formality, consistently. Here's how to get it right.
Three registers, and how to spot which
- Formal: to someone you don't know (a company, a manager, an official) — a complaint, a job application, a request to an organisation.
- Semi-formal: to someone you know a little (a landlord, a colleague, a neighbour).
- Informal: to a friend or close family member — an invitation, thanks, or news.
The prompt tells you who you're writing to. 'Write a letter to the manager' is formal; 'write a letter to your friend' is informal. Read that line carefully — it decides everything below.
Match the greeting and sign-off
- Formal (name unknown): 'Dear Sir or Madam' … 'Yours faithfully'.
- Formal/semi-formal (name known): 'Dear Mr Khan' … 'Yours sincerely'.
- Informal: 'Dear Sam' or 'Hi Sam' … 'Best wishes' / 'Take care'.
The fastest way to lock in register is to write real letters and get them marked. Take a free IELTS mock test — feedback on your register, tone and all four criteria in seconds.
Take a free IELTS mock test →Keep the tone consistent
Don't mix registers. A formal letter avoids contractions (write 'I am' not 'I'm'), slang and exclamation marks, and uses fuller phrasing ('I am writing to express my concern'). An informal letter can use contractions, friendly openers and a warmer tone. Slipping from formal into chatty — or vice versa — costs you marks.
Cover all three bullets
Whatever the register, address every bullet point on the prompt and develop each a little. A letter in perfect register that misses a bullet still loses on Task Achievement.