In IELTS General Training Writing Task 1 you write a letter of at least 150 words in about 20 minutes. Below are three model letters (formal, semi-formal and informal), with the structure, greetings and closings to use for each.
Last updated: 7 October 2026 · Written by the PrepEve team
Formal, semi-formal or informal?
Type
Who to
Opening
Closing
Formal
Someone you don't know (a company, a manager you've never met)
Dear Sir or Madam / Dear Mr Thompson
Yours faithfully (no name) / Yours sincerely (name)
Semi-formal
Someone you know but not closely (your manager, a landlord)
Dear Ms Collins
Yours sincerely / Kind regards
Informal
A friend or relative
Dear Sam / Hi Sam
Best wishes / Love / See you soon
A simple structure that works
Opening line: say why you are writing.
One paragraph per bullet point in the task. Cover all three, or your Task Achievement score drops.
Closing line: what you want to happen next.
Write at least 150 words. Spend about 20 minutes on Task 1 and leave 40 minutes for the essay.
Sample 1: formal complaint letter
Task: You bought a washing machine that has stopped working. Write to the store. Say what you bought and when, describe the problem, and say what you want them to do.
Dear Mr Thompson,
I am writing to complain about the washing machine I bought from your store on 12 September, as it has stopped working only three weeks after delivery.
From the first week, the machine made a loud knocking noise during the spin cycle. Last Saturday it stopped completely in the middle of a wash and now shows an error code that the manual does not explain. As a result, I have had to use a laundrette, which is both inconvenient and expensive for a family of four.
I would therefore like you to arrange for a technician to inspect the machine this week. If it cannot be repaired quickly, I would expect a replacement or a full refund. I have kept the receipt and the warranty card, and I can send copies if needed.
I look forward to your prompt reply.
Yours sincerely,
Ravi Sharma
Sample 2: semi-formal request letter
Task: Write to your manager asking for two days off. Say why you need the leave, explain how your work will be covered, and suggest how to contact you.
Dear Ms Collins,
I am writing to request two days of leave on 14 and 15 November in order to attend my sister's wedding in Jaipur.
I am aware that this falls close to the end of the quarter, so I have already planned my work around it. The monthly report will be completed and shared with the team by 12 November, and my colleague Priya has kindly agreed to handle any client queries while I am away. I will also be reachable by email in case of anything urgent.
I would be very grateful if you could approve this request, and I am happy to discuss it if you have any concerns.
Yours sincerely,
Anil Mehta
Sample 3: informal letter to a friend
Task: A friend is visiting your city. Congratulate them on their news, suggest places to visit and offer to meet.
Dear Sam,
It was so good to get your message, and congratulations on the new job! I'm really pleased for you.
You asked about places to visit when you come to Chandigarh next month. You definitely shouldn't miss the Rock Garden. It's full of sculptures made from recycled material, and it's much bigger than it looks from the entrance. Sukhna Lake is lovely in the early evening, when it's cooler and you can take a pedal boat out. If you like food, Sector 17 has some great small cafés.
I'd love to show you around myself. I'm free on the weekend of the 18th, so let me know your dates and we'll plan something.
Can't wait to see you!
Best wishes,
Meera
Common mistakes
Mixing tone, for example "Dear Sir" followed by "Hey, what's up".
Missing one of the three bullet points.
Memorised openings that do not fit the task.
Writing under 150 words, or spending 30+ minutes on Task 1.
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