From Average to Band 9: Crafting the Perfect IELTS General Letter

 

Understanding IELTS General Training Writing Task 1

Introduction to IELTS General Writing Task 1

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is one of the most widely recognized English proficiency tests worldwide. It has two main versions: Academic and General Training. While the Academic module is for students applying to universities or academic programs, the General Training module is more suited for individuals migrating to English-speaking countries for work, training, or immigration purposes. The Writing section of the General Training module includes Task 1, where you are asked to write a letter based on a real-life situation.

In Task 1 of the General Training Writing test, your job is to write a letter responding to a scenario described in the prompt. This task tests your ability to communicate in writing using a style and tone appropriate to the audience and context. It is not about creative storytelling or academic analysis—it’s about practical, effective written communication, similar to what you might do in everyday or workplace situations.

Common Situations You May Encounter

The scenarios presented in IELTS General Task 1 are all designed to reflect common, practical situations. These situations may involve writing to:

• A friend (e.g., thanking them for a visit or inviting them to an event) 
• A colleague (e.g., making suggestions during a business trip) 
• A landlord (e.g., reporting maintenance issues) 
• A manager or employer (e.g., requesting time off or reporting a problem) 
• A service provider or company (e.g., making a complaint about a product) 

Each prompt includes a short description of the situation followed by three bullet points. These points must all be addressed in your response for you to fulfill the task requirements.

Letter Types: Formal, Semi-formal, and Informal

Understanding the type of letter you need to write is key to choosing the appropriate tone and style. IELTS examiners look closely at how well you match your language to the context.

Formal Letters

A formal letter is written to someone you do not know personally or someone in a position of authority (e.g., a manager, official, or company representative).

Example situations:

• Writing to a company to complain about a product 
• Applying for a job or requesting information from an institution 
• Rescheduling a professional appointment 

Language features:

• Polite, professional tone 
• Full sentences with correct grammar 
• Use of titles and surnames (e.g., “Dear Mr. Smith”) 
• Avoid contractions (use “I am” instead of “I’m”) 

Semi-formal Letters

A semi-formal letter is usually written to someone you know but with whom you share a professional or distant relationship, such as a colleague or a neighbor.

Example situations:

• Writing to a colleague about upcoming travel plans 
• Suggesting improvements in a shared community space 
• Inviting a co-worker to an event 

Language features:

• Respectful and polite, but slightly more personal than formal 
• May use first names (e.g., “Dear Alex”) 
• Moderate use of contractions (“I’m,” “I’d,” “You’re”) 

Informal Letters

An informal letter is written to someone you know well, typically a friend or family member.

Example situations:

• Thanking a friend for a recent visit 
• Sharing news or personal updates 
• Giving informal advice or making plans 

Language features:

• Casual tone 
• Frequent use of contractions and colloquial language 
• Personal expressions and feelings are welcome.. 
• Addressed by first name (e.g., “Hi John” or “Dear Sarah”) 

Misjudging the required tone—for example, writing a casual note to your manager—can lower your score significantly, particularly in Task Achievement and Lexical Resource.

IELTS Marking Criteria

To score well in IELTS Writing Task 1, you must understand the four criteria used by IELTS examiners. Each one contributes 25% to your total band score for the task.

1. Task Achievement

This assesses whether you:

• Address all parts of the task prompt 
• Present relevant information clearly and accurately. 
• Maintain a consistent purpose throughout the letter. 

It is essential to write at least 150 words and to include all three bullet points coherently and completely. Missing even one bullet point can limit your score.

2. Coherence and Cohesion

This refers to:

• The logical flow of your ideas 
• Paragraphing (you should use 3 to 5 paragraphs) 
• The use of linking words and phrases to connect ideas 

Good writing uses transitions such as “However,” “In addition,” “If you prefer,” and “As a result” to make the letter easy to follow. Your letter should feel naturally organized and easy to read.

3. Lexical Resource

This evaluates your vocabulary:

• Range and accuracy of word choice 
• Use of appropriate tone and expressions 
• Avoidance of repetition or vague words 

Using precise vocabulary like “reasonable,” “convenient,” “recommend,” and “suitable” instead of overused words like “good” or “nice” will help improve your score. Idiomatic expressions that fit the context also show higher lexical skill, especially in semi-formal or informal letters.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy

This refers to:

• Correct grammar usage 
• A variety of sentence types (simple, compound, complex) 
• Proper use of tenses, punctuation, and articles 

Candidates aiming for Band 7 or higher should show control over conditionals, modal verbs, and complex sentence structures without frequent mistakes.

Planning Your Letter

Spending just 2-3 minutes to plan your letter before writing can make a big difference in quality. Follow these quick steps:

Step 1: Identify the Letter Type

Is the situation formal, semi-formal, or informal? Choose the tone accordingly.

Step 2: Analyze the Bullet Points

What exactly are you being asked to write about? Make a brief note next to each point with your ideas.

Step 3: Organize Your Structure

Think of your letter as having three parts:

1. Introduction: Who are you? Why are you writing? 
2. Body paragraphs: Address the three bullet points, either in separate paragraphs or combined logically. 
3. Closing: End politely, with a sign-off appropriate to the tone. 

Step 4: Think of Useful Phrases

Prepare a few phrases that fit your ideas, like:

• “I’m writing to let you know…” (informal) 
• “I would like to suggest…” (semi-formal) 
• “Please let me know if you require further assistance.” (formal) 

Having these expressions ready before you write helps keep the language natural and confident.

Sample Prompt Analysis

Let’s take a common type of IELTS General Task 1 prompt:

A colleague from another branch is visiting your area for a few days.

Write a letter to your colleague. In your letter:

• Suggest where they could stay 
• Recommend some local attractions. 
• Offer to meet them and show them around. 

How to Approach It

1. Tone: Semi-formal (you know the person, but it’s a work relationship) 
2. Greeting: Use first name, e.g., “Dear Alex” 
3. Paragraph 1: Say you heard about their visit and are glad they’re coming 
4. Paragraph 2: Suggest hotels or guesthouses and give one or two brief reasons 
5. Paragraph 3: Recommend things to see or do—parks, museums, etc. 
6. Paragraph 4: Offer to meet, maybe suggest a day or activity. 
7. Sign-off: “Best regards,” or “Kind regards,” followed by your name 

This logical breakdown will help you respond thoroughly and appropriately.

The IELTS General Training Writing Task 1 is all about practical communication. It asks you to respond to a situation with a clear purpose and suitable tone. Understanding the three types of letters, using the appropriate language for each, and planning your response effectively will help you perform well. By focusing on the marking criteria—task achievement, coherence, vocabulary, and grammar—you can ensure your writing meets the expectations of the examiners.

Writing a High-Scoring Model Letter and Its Components

Introduction

In Part 1, we explored the overall purpose and structure of IELTS General Training Writing Task 1, including the importance of understanding the type of letter (formal, semi-formal, informal) and how to respond to all bullet points using appropriate tone and organization. Now, we turn our attention to what an effective response looks like.

This section will focus on analyzing a sample letter written in response to a typical IELTS prompt. By breaking it down and comparing it with the four IELTS writing assessment criteria—Task Achievement, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy—you will gain a practical understanding of what makes a letter strong and how you can model your writing accordingly.

The Prompt

Let’s start by revisiting the sample prompt. This is an example of a semi-formal letter where the task is to communicate with a colleague:

Prompt:

A colleague from another branch is visiting your area for a few days.

Write a letter to your colleague. In your letter:

• Suggest where they could stay 
• Recommend some local attractions. 
• Offer to meet them and show them around. 

Write at least 150 words.

The context indicates that the relationship between the writer and the recipient is professional but familiar. This sets the tone to semi-formal—friendly and respectful, without being too casual or too formal.

Model Letter

Dear Alex,

I hope you’re doing well. I heard you’ll be visiting our branch next week, and I wanted to share a few suggestions to help you make the most of your stay.

There’s a comfortable hotel just five minutes from the office called The Elmwood. It’s reasonably priced and well-rated by business travellers. If you prefer something quieter, the Rosewood Guesthouse is a lovely alternative nearby.

While you’re here, I’d definitely recommend taking a walk through Riverside Park—it’s especially beautiful this time of year. If you’re interested in history, the City Museum offers a great overview of the local area and has a few excellent exhibitions running.

If you have some free time one evening, I’d be happy to take you out for dinner and show you around the city centre. Just let me know which day suits you best.

Looking forward to seeing you soon.

Best regards,
Jordan

Now, let’s analyze this letter based on each of the IELTS scoring criteria.

Task Achievement

Task Achievement refers to how well you fulfill the requirements of the task. This includes responding to all parts of the prompt, presenting relevant information, and maintaining a consistent purpose and tone throughout the letter.

Full Coverage of Bullet Points

This sample does an excellent job of addressing all three bullet points:

• Accommodation: The writer suggests two places to stay, offering reasons for both. 
• Attractions: The letter includes two distinct recommendations—a nature park and a museum—tailored to different interests. 
• Offer to Meet: The writer explicitly offers to meet and proposes a specific activity (dinner and a city tour), inviting the colleague to choose a convenient day. 

Each point is addressed and supported with details. The writer doesn’t simply mention the points but develops them with just enough elaboration to be helpful and engaging.

Clear Purpose

From the first sentence, the reader understands why the letter is being written. The phrase “I wanted to share a few suggestions to help you make the most of your stay” sets the stage and guides the rest of the content. The closing lines, “Looking forward to seeing you soon,” reinforce the positive, welcoming tone and bring the letter to a satisfying conclusion.

Appropriate Tone

Since this is a semi-formal situation, the tone must strike a balance between professional and personal. This letter does just that—it avoids overly formal or distant expressions, but also avoids casual phrases that might be inappropriate in a workplace context. The tone remains respectful and helpful throughout.

Coherence and Cohesion

Coherence and Cohesion refer to the clarity and logical organization of your writing, as well as the use of linking words and cohesive devices that connect ideas smoothly.

Logical Structure

The letter follows a very clear and logical paragraph structure:

1. Introduction and purpose 
2. Accommodation suggestions 
3. Tourist recommendations 
4. Offer to meet and closing remarks. 

Each paragraph covers a specific point, aligned with the task requirements. This organization helps the reader quickly understand and follow the content without confusion.

Use of Linking Devices

The letter uses several natural linking phrases that contribute to its fluency:

• “I heard you’ll be visiting…” connects to the context. 
• “There’s a comfortable hotel…” introduces the first suggestion. 
• “If you prefer…” offers an alternative. 
• “While you’re here…” transitions into the next main idea. 
• “If you have some free time…” introduces the final offer. 

These cohesive devices make the transitions between points feel effortless. The flow of ideas is smooth and natural, without sounding mechanical or over-planned.

Effective Paragraphing

The writer uses paragraphing effectively. Each paragraph has a clear topic and develops it with one or two well-chosen examples. No paragraph is overcrowded with information, and none feels underdeveloped. This is a mark of a well-balanced response.

Lexical Resource

Lexical Resource evaluates your range of vocabulary and your ability to use it accurately and appropriately.

Variety of Vocabulary

This letter uses a wide range of vocabulary that fits the task and tone. Examples include:

• “Comfortable hotel” 
• “Reasonably priced” 
• “Well-rated by business travellers” 
• “Lovely alternative” 
• “Offers a great overview” 

Each of these phrases demonstrates a natural command of the language. None are too basic or repetitive. The writer avoids vague language like “nice hotel” or “interesting place,” opting for more precise and idiomatic expressions.

Collocations and Phrasing

The letter includes several effective collocations—groups of words that naturally go together:

• “Make the most of your stay.” 
• “Take a walk through” 
• “Especially beautiful this time of year.” 
• “Let me know which day suits you best.” 

These are common, native-like phrases that help elevate the response to a higher band level. They show that the writer is not simply translating from their first language but has an intuitive sense of how English is used in context.

Appropriate Language for the Tone

The vocabulary is also well-suited to the semi-formal tone. Phrases like “I’d definitely recommend” and “Just let me know” strike a friendly but respectful balance. At no point does the language feel too casual or too stiff.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

Grammatical Range and Accuracy assesses how well you use grammar, including sentence structures, verb forms, punctuation, and more.

Sentence Structure Variety

The model letter includes a healthy mix of sentence types:

• Simple sentences: “There’s a comfortable hotel just five minutes from the office.” 
• Complex sentences: “If you prefer something quieter, the Rosewood Guesthouse is a lovely alternative nearby.” 
• Compound sentences: “I’d be happy to take you out for dinner and show you around the city centre.” 

This variety contributes to a more natural and engaging style. Relying only on simple sentences would limit the fluency and readability of the writing.

Use of Modals and Conditionals

The writer uses modal verbs effectively:

• “I’d be happy to…” (a polite offer) 
• “You could stay…” (suggestion) 
• “Just let me know…” (polite request) 

Conditionals are also used correctly and appropriately:

• “If you prefer something quieter…” 
• “If you have some free time one evening…” 

These structures reflect a command of intermediate to advanced grammar, and they are used naturally in context.

Accuracy and Control

There are no noticeable grammar errors in the letter. Punctuation is used correctly, including commas after introductory phrases and the correct use of the em dash for emphasis. Articles (“the office,” “a lovely alternative”) are used properly, which is often a challenge for many test-takers.

Consistent grammatical accuracy, combined with a wide range of structures, can help push your score into Band 7 or higher.

This model letter is an example of a high-scoring IELTS General Training Task 1 response. It is:

• Thorough: It responds clearly to all three bullet points 
• Well-structured: It uses logical paragraphs and smooth transitions. 
• Natural in tone: It maintains a semi-formal register throughout 
• Lexically strong: It uses appropriate, varied vocabulary. 
• Grammatically accurate: It demonstrates a good range of sentence structures without errors. 

Studying this kind of response is an excellent way to improve your writing. By paying close attention to how the task is developed, how the tone is maintained, and how ideas are connected, you can begin to apply these same principles in your practice.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in IELTS General Task 1

Introduction

Even well-prepared candidates can lose valuable marks in IELTS General Training Writing Task 1 due to avoidable errors. These often have less to do with language knowledge and more to do with misunderstanding the task, misusing tone, or neglecting planning. In this section, we’ll explore the most common mistakes that test-takers make, explain why they negatively affect scores, and offer practical advice to help you avoid them in your writing.

Understanding these pitfalls is just as important as knowing how to write a good letter. IELTS examiners are trained to identify patterns that indicate weak performance across the four scoring categories: Task Achievement, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. By identifying and correcting these mistakes, you can significantly improve your band score.

Task Achievement: Failing to Fulfill the Prompt

Mistake 1: Ignoring One or More Bullet Points

A frequent error is failing to address all three bullet points in the prompt. Sometimes, candidates only respond to two, or they touch on all three but fail to develop them adequately. For example, in a letter suggesting places to stay, visit, and offering to meet, someone might spend too much time on accommodation and briefly mention the others in a single sentence.

Why It Hurts Your Score:
Examiners are instructed to look for coverage of all three points. If you ignore one, your score in Task Achievement is capped and may not exceed Band 5.

How to Fix It:
Plan your structure so that each bullet point gets its paragraph or at least equal treatment. Include specific examples or details for each point. You don’t need long explanations, but your suggestions must be clear and helpful.

Mistake 2: Misinterpreting the Situation

Another common problem is misreading the situation or inventing unrealistic content. For example, if the prompt says a colleague is visiting for work, it’s inappropriate to invite them to a party with friends or offer to let them stay at your house unless the context allows for informality.

Why It Hurts Your Score:
Misinterpreting the task shows a lack of awareness and results in writing that is irrelevant or inappropriate. Examiners may mark the content as off-topic.

How to Fix It:
Read the prompt carefully. Ask yourself:

• What is my relationship with the person? 
• What is the purpose of this letter? 
• What tone is expected? 

Then tailor your content accordingly. If in doubt, err on the side of polite and neutral language.

Coherence and Cohesion: Poor Organization and Transitions

Mistake 3: No Clear Paragraph Structure

Some candidates write the entire letter in one or two massive paragraphs or divide it unevenly, placing all the ideas in one part and using a very short conclusion.

Why It Hurts Your Score:
Poor paragraphing makes your writing hard to follow. Examiners look for logical progression and the use of paragraphs to separate ideas.

How to Fix It:
Use 3–5 paragraphs. A simple structure could look like this:

• Introduction and purpose 
• First bullet point 
• Second bullet point 
• Third bullet point 
• Conclusion and closing line 

Each paragraph should begin with a clear idea and build on it with 2–3 supporting sentences.

Mistake 4: Weak or Overused Linking Words

Many test-takers overuse basic linking words like “and,” “but,” or “so,” or they rely too heavily on mechanical transitions like “Firstly,” “Secondly,” or “Lastly.” Others fail to use cohesive devices at all, causing their writing to feel disjointed.

Why It Hurts Your Score:
A lack of cohesion makes your writing sound choppy. On the other hand, unnatural or repetitive transitions can seem forced.

How to Fix It:
Use a range of natural connectors:

• To add ideas: “In addition,” “What’s more,” “Also” 
• To contrast: “However,” “Even though,” “Although” 
• To explain: “This means,” “For example,” “Such as” 

These phrases should be integrated naturally into your writing without calling attention to themselves.

Lexical Resource: Weak or Inappropriate Vocabulary

Mistake 5: Repetitive or Vague Word Choice

Using generic or overused words like “nice,” “good,” “very,” or “thing” weakens the impact of your writing. Repeating the same verbs (e.g., “go,” “see,” “stay”) also shows limited vocabulary.

Why It Hurts Your Score:
Limited or repetitive vocabulary is a sign that your lexical resource is underdeveloped. To score Band 7 or higher, you need to show a wider range of appropriate word choices.

How to Fix It:
Use precise and context-appropriate vocabulary. For example:

• Instead of “nice place,” write “comfortable and well-located hotel.” 
• Instead of “good view,” write “a scenic view of the river.” 
• Instead of “go to the museum,” write “explore the City Museum’s historical exhibitions.” 

Make a list of topic-specific vocabulary for common letter themes: accommodation, travel, complaints, invitations, etc.

Mistake 6: Using Informal or Slang Terms in Formal Contexts

Words and expressions like “Hey,” “You guys,” “It’s awesome,” “Wanna,” or “Cool” are often used inappropriately in letters that require formal or semi-formal language.

Why It Hurts Your Score:
These expressions are considered inappropriate in formal writing and indicate poor awareness of tone.

How to Fix It:
Learn how to adjust your vocabulary based on tone:

• Informal: “Thanks for the invite, it sounds great.” 
• Semi-formal: “Thank you for the invitation. I’d be happy to attend.” 
• Formal: “I appreciate the invitation and would be pleased to participate.” 

Practice rewriting informal phrases in a more appropriate register depending on the task.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Repeated Errors or Simple Sentences

Mistake 7: Using Only Basic Sentence Structures

Some candidates stick to simple subject-verb-object constructions: “I stayed at a hotel. It was good. It had a park nearby.” These are grammatically correct but show no variety.

Why It Hurts Your Score:
Even if your grammar is accurate, a lack of range will limit your score to Band 5 or 6.

How to Fix It:
Vary your sentence structures:

• Use conditionals: “If you prefer a quieter place, the Rosewood Guesthouse would be ideal.” 
• Use modals: “You might want to consider the Elmwood Hotel.” 
• Use relative clauses: “There’s a café nearby that serves an excellent breakfast.” 

Balance short and long sentences for a more natural rhythm.

Mistake 8: Repeated Grammar and Punctuation Errors

Common grammar issues include:

• Article misuse (“the office” vs “office”) 
• Incorrect verb tense 
• Subject-verb disagreement 
• Misuse of commas and periods 

Why It Hurts Your Score:
Frequent errors—even small ones—can make your writing seem careless and reduce clarity.

How to Fix It:
Proofread your work if time allows. Focus on your common errors and practice writing under timed conditions. Work specifically on:

• Using articles correctly (a, an, the) 
• Matching verb tenses with the time frame 
• Proper punctuation at the end of each sentence 

Grammar-focused practice drills will improve accuracy over time.

Tone and Register: Inconsistent or Inappropriate Voice

Mistake 9: Switching Between Formal and Informal Language

Sometimes candidates start with formal phrases like “Dear Sir,” and then shift to casual expressions like “Hope you’re doing great!” This creates inconsistency.

Why It Hurts Your Score:
Inconsistent tone confuses the reader and shows poor control of style. It may affect your scores in Task Achievement and Lexical Resource.

How to Fix It:
Decide on the tone before writing. Use the relationship and context in the prompt as a guide. Stick to that tone from beginning to end.

• Use “I’m writing to…” for formal and semi-formal letters. 
• Use “Hope you’re well” for informal letters only. 

Mistake 10: Improper Salutations and Closures

Opening with “Hey” or closing with “Cheers” in a formal letter is a common misstep. Conversely, using “Yours sincerely” in a letter to a close friend may seem stiff and unnatural.

Why It Hurts Your Score:
Salutations and closings are part of tone and show awareness of social norms in English writing.

How to Fix It:
Learn standard greetings and sign-offs for each letter type:

Formal

• Greeting: “Dear Sir or Madam” 
• Closing: “Yours faithfully” 

Semi-formal

• Greeting: “Dear Mr. Smith” / “Dear Alex” 
• Closing: “Best regards” / “Kind regards” 

Informal

• Greeting: “Hi Sarah” / “Hey John” 
• Closing: “Take care” / “See you soon” 

Use these consistently to frame your letter appropriately.

Avoiding common mistakes in IELTS General Task 1 can significantly raise your score. Most errors stem from a poor understanding of task requirements, tone, or structure, not from a lack of language skills. The good news is that these are correctable with focused practice and awareness.

Here’s a quick checklist to help you avoid common pitfalls:

• Read the prompt carefully and address all three bullet points 
• Choose the correct tone (formal, semi-formal, or informal) 
• Use clear paragraphing with logical transitions. 
• Avoid vague or repetitive vocabulary. 
• Vary your grammar and sentence structure. 
• Proofread for small but consistent errors. 

Practice Strategies and Examiner Insights for IELTS General Task 1

Introduction

Writing a strong IELTS General Training Task 1 letter is not just about knowing the format—it’s about consistent, focused practice using the right strategies. In this final section of the guide, we’ll go beyond sample letters and scoring rubrics to explore what examiners are looking for, how to build effective writing habits, and which techniques can help you increase both accuracy and confidence.

Whether you’re preparing for a Band 6 or aiming for a Band 8 or higher, the insights and strategies covered here will help you approach the test with a clear plan. You’ll learn how to set up your practice, use feedback effectively, and prepare under real test conditions.

Examiner Insights: What the Markers Are Looking For

IELTS examiners are trained to assess four specific criteria—Task Achievement, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy—but they also look for subtle signs of competence that go beyond simply “ticking the boxes.”

Understanding how they interpret your writing gives you an edge during practice and on test day.

Examiners Want to See Purposeful Writing

Every IELTS Task 1 letter has a specific function—to apologize, to request, to inform, to complain, to invite, etc. Examiners expect your writing to serve that function clearly and effectively.

Letters that meander without a strong purpose or jump between unrelated ideas often feel weak, even if the language is technically correct.

Strategy: Before writing, ask yourself:

• What is the core message of this letter? 
• What does the reader need to know or do after reading it? 

Then ensure every paragraph and sentence supports that goal.

Tone Consistency Matters

One of the biggest giveaways of an inexperienced writer is shifting tone—switching from formal to informal, or being overly emotional in a professional context. Examiners quickly notice these inconsistencies and mark down for them under Task Achievement and Lexical Resource.

Strategy: Practice writing the same letter in different tones. For example:

• Write a complaint to a friend (informal) 
• Write the same complaint to a landlord (formal) 

This builds tone awareness and vocabulary control.

It’s Not About Fancy Words—It’s About Appropriate Words

Many candidates think that using complex or rare vocabulary will boost their score. However, examiners care more about natural, precise language than about long words or idioms.

Using phrases like “I am writing about…” or “You might consider staying at…” shows a strong grasp of task-specific expressions. On the other hand, forcing words like “utilize” or “plethora” into casual letters can backfire.

Strategy: Learn a functional language suited for letters. Create phrase banks for:

• Making suggestions 
• Making complaints 
• Giving directions 
• Apologizing 
• Requesting information 

Use them in your practice regularly.

Effective Practice Techniques

Now that we’ve covered what examiners look for, let’s focus on how you should practice. Writing letters randomly and hoping for improvement is not enough—you need deliberate, targeted strategies to build the skills required by the IELTS test.

Set a Weekly Writing Routine

Consistency beats intensity. Writing one letter every day for a week is more effective than writing five in one day and none for the rest of the month. Develop a routine you can stick to, even if it’s just three letters a week.

Suggested schedule:

• Day 1: Write one letter using a past IELTS prompt 
• Day 2: Review that letter and rewrite it using the examiner’s feedback or self-correction 
• Day 3: Focus on grammar or vocabulary from that letter (study your weak areas) 

Each week, rotate letter types and tones (formal, semi-formal, informal) so you gain comfort in a variety of contexts.

Use Real IELTS Prompts

Practice using authentic IELTS questions—from past tests or reputable IELTS preparation sources. Random writing may help fluency, but it won’t build exam-specific skills.

Start building a personal database of prompts. As you practice, categorize them by:

• Letter purpose (complaint, request, advice, invitation, etc.) 
• Tone (formal, semi-formal, informal) 

This helps you quickly identify patterns and recall useful phrases in each situation.

Time Your Practice

One of the biggest challenges on test day is managing time. You’re expected to write a fully developed letter in about 20 minutes. Practicing without time limits might improve quality, but it won’t help your test performance.

Strategy:

• Start by writing without a time limit to build accuracy and structure. 
• Then, transition to 30-minute timed practice, and eventually work down to 20-minute writing sessions. 
• Practice under test conditions at least once a week (no notes, no help, quiet environment). 

Timing your work also trains your brain to think more efficiently under pressure.

Getting and Using Feedback

Get Professional Feedback if Possible

Feedback is where real growth happens. Without knowing what you’re doing wrong, it’s hard to fix it. If you can afford a tutor, even just one or two feedback sessions can make a big difference.

Choose a teacher or service that:

• Explains why an error is wrong, not just what is wrong 
• Gives suggestions for improvement, not just scores 
• Focuses on exam criteria 

Use that feedback to build a list of your error patterns (e.g., article misuse, tone inconsistency, repetitive vocabulary).

Self-Review Strategy: The 3-Step Review

If you’re practicing on your own, develop a consistent review system. Use the 3-step method:

1. Content Check 
   • Did you address all three bullet points? 
   • Is the purpose clear from beginning to end? 
2. Language Check 
   • Underline grammar errors and rewrite the correct versions. 
   • Highlight repeated words and replace them with synonyms. 
3. Structure Check 
   • Does each paragraph serve a purpose? 
   • Are transitions and linking words natural? 

Keep a journal of corrected mistakes and phrases to review regularly.

Build a Personal Phrasebook

One of the most powerful tools you can create during your preparation is a personal phrasebook—a collection of useful, high-quality expressions categorized by tone and purpose.

Examples by Tone

Formal:

• I am writing to inform you that… 
• Please let me know if any further information is required. 
• I would be grateful if you could… 

Semi-formal:

• I hope this message finds you well. 
• You might want to consider staying at… 
• Let me know which day works best for you. 

Informal:

• Just wanted to say thanks for… 
• Let’s catch up while you’re in town! 
• Hope everything’s going great with you. 

Examples by Function

Making Suggestions:

• One option you might consider is… 
• You could try… 

Offering Help:

• I’d be happy to assist with… 
• Let me know if you need anything during your stay. 

Making Complaints:

• I was disappointed to find that… 
• This has caused considerable inconvenience. 

Regularly revising and using this phrasebook in practice helps you internalize expressions and increases your writing speed.

Final Week Preparation Plan

In the final week before your IELTS test, shift your focus from learning to refining. This means building confidence in the skills you already have, fixing small errors, and maximizing test-day performance.

Day-by-Day Plan

Day 1

• Write a timed letter 
• Review and rewrite it. 
• Revise key tone-based vocabulary. 

Day 2

• Study a model Band 8 letter. 
• Compare it with one of your past letters. 
• Identify 3 differences and rewrite one paragraph. 

Day 3

• Grammar focus: review common error areas 
• Write 5 example sentences using different tenses and modals. 
• Practice transitions in paragraph writing 

Day 4

• Write a full Task 1 and Task 2 under timed conditions. 
• Review both and log your errors. 

Day 5

• Take a break or do a light review (phrasebook, grammar drills) 

Day 6

• Final timed Task 1 letter 
• Focus on fluency, tone, and natural flow. 
• Write by hand if you’re taking the paper-based test. 

Day 7 (Test Day)

• Review your opening and closing expressions 
• Do not cram—focus on calm, clarity, and pacing. 

Scoring well in IELTS General Training Task 1 is completely achievable with the right approach. Examiners are not looking for perfection—they want clear, relevant, purposeful writing that communicates effectively.

By understanding what they expect, avoiding common mistakes, and building strong practice habits, you can approach the task with confidence. Remember that preparation is not just about writing letters—it’s about training your awareness of audience, tone, structure, and purpose.

To review the full process:

1. Understand the task type and its requirements 
2. Learn what makes a model letter work. 
3. Identify common pitfalls and fix them through targeted practice. 
4. Use examiner insights and strategies to refine your performance. 

With regular practice, smart review, and good time management, you can meet and even exceed your target IELTS Writing score.

Final Thoughts

Mastering IELTS General Training Writing Task 1 is less about memorizing fixed templates and more about developing the flexibility and awareness to respond appropriately to a range of everyday scenarios. Whether you’re writing to a friend, a colleague, or a formal contact, your success hinges on your ability to understand the situation, adopt the right tone, and structure your ideas.

This four-part guide has taken you through every stage of preparation:

• Introduced the task and laid the foundation by helping you understand what’s expected in terms of tone, structure, and scoring. 
• Analyzed a high-scoring sample letter, illustrating how strong responses meet examiner expectations. 
• Revealed the most common mistakes candidates make, along with practical ways to avoid them. 
• Offered you strategic tools, examiner insights, and a practice routine to build real, lasting improvement. 

If you apply these lessons consistently, your writing will become more purposeful, structured, and fluent, and you’ll feel much more confident on test day.

Key Takeaways

• Always read the prompt carefully and respond to all three bullet points with clarity and relevance. 
• Match your tone to the relationship and situation—this shows cultural and linguistic awareness. 
• Structure your letter with logical paragraphs, each focused on one main idea. 
• Use a varied but natural vocabulary—aim for clarity and accuracy over complexity. 
• Develop a regular, timed practice habit and focus on your weak points through review and feedback. 

The IELTS Writing test is not just about English proficiency—it’s about effective communication. Focus on being clear, helpful, and polite in your letters. If you can do that and present it in well-organized English, you’re already well on your way to a high score.

Best of luck with your IELTS preparation. If you’d like help with personalized practice, error correction, or feedback on your writing, feel free to reach out or upload a practice letter for review.