
Explore examiner expectations for writing task 1 and master formal, semi-formal, and informal letters using band descriptors, customized checklists, and practice prompts.
Master IELTS general training writing task 1 by crafting formal, semi-formal, or informal letters that expand on three bullet points within about 150–180 words using the computer-delivered test.
Explore the four equally weighted IELTS general writing task 1 criteria—task achievement, coherence and cohesion, lexical resource, and grammatical range and accuracy—and how to address them to improve your score.
create a practical checklist for task one that covers task achievement, coherence and cohesion, lexical resource, and grammatical range and accuracy, to calm nerves and ensure exam-ready letters.
Apply a repeatable algorithm for IELTS general training writing task 1, using game plan, pen down, and review and update to stay focused and manage time.
Differentiate informal, semi-formal, and formal letters by analyzing prompts and cues. Learn how greetings, language, and endings vary, including 'Dear Sir or Madam' for formal letters.
Identify the purpose of the letter to stay focused on the task and boost task achievement by addressing the main topic in the opening paragraph using a job advertisement example.
Discover how to highlight the right words in ielts task 1 by separating topic words from performance words, and practice applying these categories to improved writing and note taking.
Master the note-taking step of the IELTS writing game plan, using concise notes and three bullet points to draft an informal letter with topic and performance words.
Learn to write greetings for formal, semi-formal, and informal letters in IELTS task 1, including when to use dear sir or madam and first or last names.
Learn to structure IELTS general training writing task 1 letters with a four-paragraph layout, clear intro, expanded three bullet points, and a concise conclusion, plus practical phrasing tips.
Practice choosing the appropriate ending for each letter type, from formal 'yours faithfully' to semi-formal 'yours sincerely' and informal closings. Learn to format the signature and name with correct punctuation.
Review and update your writing task 1 letter in 2–3 minutes using a checklist to ensure task achievement, cohesion and coherence, lexical resource, spelling accuracy, and grammatical range and accuracy.
Master informal letter writing by using contractions, collocations, phrasal verbs, and idioms to sound natural and conversational. Maintain consistency, avoid overly formal words, and end with friendly phrases.
Learn to write a band nine informal IELTS general task 1 letter by following a dynamic prompt-to-draft process, including gratitude, describing a home, and inviting a friend.
Learn how to write an informal letter to a friend about moving to Dubai for a job at Oracle, describing the role, housing questions, and local sights in the Emirates.
Learn to write formal letters by using expanded forms instead of contractions, avoiding informal phrases and exclamations, and employing formal transitions, passive voice, and polite opening and closing phrases.
Learn to craft a band nine formal letter for IELTS general training task 1, detailing a lost cabin bag to an airport manager with polite requests.
Learn to draft a formal letter for a hotel food and beverage manager role, detailing qualifications and experience, and inquiring about salary, health insurance, and restaurant details.
Semi-formal letters are to professionals you know, with a tone between formal and informal; use active voice, avoid contractions, and 'I am writing to' and closings like 'yours sincerely'.
Learn to write a semi-formal letter to a direct manager requesting six days off for a sister's wedding, with dates, a handover to George, and remote-work arrangements in Toronto.
Develop a semi-formal IELTS letter by analyzing a Thai cooking course prompt, highlighting keywords, drafting feedback on enjoyment and cooking since the course, and proposing a science of cooking course.
Master grammar basics with this crash course on articles and subject-verb agreement, illustrating non-count nouns, indefinite and definite articles, and essential sentence structures for writing.
Master verb tenses, active and passive voice, and adjective clauses with subject and object relative pronouns, including restrictive versus nonrestrictive clauses, to boost IELTS general training writing task 1.
Explore real and unreal conditionals, with if clauses and main clauses, plus sentence types—simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex—focusing on independent and dependent clauses and punctuation.
Master common grammatical errors in IELTS general training writing task 1 by mastering punctuation, including commas, periods, and semicolons, plus contractions and possessives to fix comma splices.
Enhance IELTS general training writing by addressing spelling mistakes, article usage, and greetings through active strategies: read regularly, draft in editors without autocorrect, and seek feedback on word lists.
Explore common grammatical errors in letter endings and salutations across formal, semi-formal, and informal letters, including the correct first-line purpose and sample corrections.
Practice consistently with self-reflection and feedback to improve your IELTS general training writing score. Use Cambridge general training prompts and sample letter prompts—10 formal, 10 semi-formal, and 10 informal—for practice.
Acquire the tools to ace part one of the general training writing section, commit to persistent practice, and keep learning for IELTS success and personal growth.
In this course, you’ll start by understanding what the examiners are looking for in our letter; this will include a detailed understanding of the four band descriptors:
Task Achievement
Coherence and Cohesion
Lexical Resource
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
You’ll then learn about various types of letters- informal, semi-formal, and formal letters. You’ll address the specific requirements of the various types of letters.
We’ll use an algorithm to parse through the various parts of the letter and cover all the necessities for each letter type. Checklists will come to our rescue too as we do not want to leave any stone unturned. There are lots of exercises and quizzes for you to engage, reflect and solidify your learning. You’ll also learn time-saving strategies that will help you in focusing on critical tasks and relax your tired brain as the writing section is the last part in the IELTS exam.
You'll find two model letters for each type of letter; it will help you understand how to write these high-quality letters with ease and confidence.
In the additional section, you'll find in-depth videos about a few common grammatical errors and how to correct them.
Understand the basic skills required and build a strong foundation in writing impressive letters, not only for the IELTS exam but also for life!