Types of letters - General Training (Task 1)

Depending on who you are writing to, a letter may be formal, informal, or semi-formal. Examples of some of the most frequent types you find in the General Training module for Task 1 are:

APOLOGY

Your neighbours have recently written to you to complain about the noise from your house/flat. Write a letter to your neigbours. In your letter:

• explain the reasons for the noise
• apologise
• describe what action you will take [IELTS 5 p.113]

APPLICATION

You are looking for a part-time job. Write a letter to an employment agency. In your letter:

• introduce yourself
• explain what sort of job you would like
• say what experience and skills you have [Instant IELTS p.100]

ASKING FOR A FORGOTTEN ITEM TO BE RETURNED

You have just returned home after living with a family in an English-speaking country for six months. You now realise that you left a small bag of personal possessions in your room. Write a letter to the family. In your letter:

• describe the things you left behind
• ask them to send some or all of the things to you
• offer to cover the costs [IELTS Practice Tests Plus 1 p.143]

COMPLAINT

You were hurt in a minor accident inside a supermarket, and you wish to complain to the supermarket. Write a letter to the manager of the supermarket. In your letter:

• say who you are
• give details about the accident
• suggest how the supermarket could prevent similar accidents [IELTS 4 p.115]

ENQUIRY

You see an advertisement for a course designed to help improve your memory. Write a letter to the organisers of the course. In your letter:

• explain why you would like to do the course
• enquire about methods used on the course
• enquire about course fees and dates [Vocabulary for IELTS p.15]

INVITATION

You have just moved into a new home and are planning to hold a party. You are worried that the noise may disturb your neighbour. Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter: 

• introduce yourself
• describe your plans for the party
• invite your neighbour to come [IELTS 6 p.126]

POSTPONING/CANCELLING

You are due to start a new job next week but you will not be able to because you have some problems. Write a letter to your new employer. In your letter: 

• explain your situation
• describe your problems
• tell him/her when you think you can start [IELTS 3 p.112]

PROVIDING INFORMATION AND ADVICE

An English-speaking friend is coming to study at your college next year and has written asking for information and advice. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: 

• give advice about accommodation in the town
• describe the best thing about the college
• offer to show your friend around the college [Objective IELTS workbook p.45]

RECOMMENDATION

You work in a busy but poorly organised office and you are keen to be promoted. Your employer needs to find a new supervisor for your department. Write a letter to your employer. In the letter: 

• ask to be considered for this job
• explain why you would be a suitable candidate
• outline the current problems and the changes you would like to make. [Vocabulary for IELTS p.93]

SALE OF ITEMS

You want to sell some of your furniture. You think a friend of yours might like to buy it from you. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: 

• explain why you are selling
• describe the furniture
• suggest a date when your friend can come and see the furniture [IELTS 4 p.129]

THANKS

Last month you had a holiday overseas where you stayed with some friends. They have just sent you some photos of your holiday. Write a letter to your friends. In your letter: 

• thank them for the photos and for the holiday
• explain why you didn’t write earlier
• invite them to come and stay with you [IELTS 7 P.128]