IELTS - Letter Writing 2024

The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is written by over 3 million candidates every year and is one of the most widely taken English proficiency exams around the globe. The writing component is usually considered challenging for most students, especially the Letter Writing Task. Candidates have to demonstrate that they can communicate clearly in written English for formal, semi-formal, and personal purposes to complete this task.

Examiners look for the following characteristics in your letter:

• The letter's purpose is stated.
• The letter's tone is suitable.
• There are provided, emphasised, and expanded bullet points.
• The letter format is appropriate.

Here are some essential tips and strategies for the IELTS letter writing task that will also help you with ways to enhance your writing ability.

The IELTS General Letter Writing section consists of three types of letters: formal, semi-formal, and informal letters. In each one, the tone, structure, and choice of language will be different to suit the intended recipient and purpose of the letter.

• Formal Letters: These letters are written to someone whom you don't know personally, including companies, organisations, or public authorities. This is professional and respectful in tone.
• Example: Writing to any company for a job application or to a landlord for repairs.
• Informal Letters: These are addressed to acquaintances, family members, and friends. The tone is casual and friendly.
• Example: Writing to a friend for an invitation to a party or to a family member to share news.
• Semi-Formal Letters: These are letters between formal and informal letters. Mostly, they are addressed to a person known to you but not closely related to you, for example, a colleague or a neighbour. The writing tone used is usually polite but not too formal.
• Example: Write to a neighbour to raise a complaint about noise or to a colleague showing appreciation for their help.

  Knowing the tone and the correct structure for each letter type is one of the important factors contributing to good results in the IELTS Letter Writing Task.

Formal Letters

• Job Applications
• Letter of complaint
• Letter of recommendation
• Complaint to a service provider
• Request for information from a company
• Letter to Editor
• Letter to authorities for official matters

Semi-Formal Letters

• Thanking someone for professional help
• Invitations to social events for colleagues or acquaintances
• Letter to neighbour regarding community issues

Informal Letters

• Invitation to friends or family
• Letter of request
• Sharing personal news or updates
• Thank you note for gifts or help
• Congratulations on achievements or events

Mentioned below is the section-wise writing protocol for formal, informal, and semi-formal letters:

Greetings:

• Formal: "Dear Sir/Madam,"
• Informal: "Dear [Friend's Name],"
• Semi-Formal: "Dear [Name],"

Introduction:

• State the purpose of the letter.
• Mention relevant context.

Body:

First Paragraph:

• Elaborate on the purpose of the letter.
• Provide specific details or reasons of relevance to the subject.

Second Paragraph:

• Further explanation or information on the topic. Any questions or issues that need to be brought up have to be discussed here, to clarify this subject and its relevance.

Third Paragraph:

• Additional information.
• Propose solutions, make requests etc.

Conclusion:

• Summarise the letter or restate the purpose.
• Outline what action you would want the recipient to take.

Closure:

• Formal: "Yours sincerely” or "Yours faithfully,", followed by your full name.
• Informal: "Warm wishes," "Best regards," or "Yours," followed by your first name.
• Semi-Formal: "Best regards," "Sincerely, or "Thank you, and then your full name or first name.

Here is an example of a formal IELTS sample letter:

Subject: Complaint About Faulty Product

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to express dissatisfaction with the purchase of a laptop from your store on 10th June 2024. The laptop has been malfunctioning right from the day it was bought.

First and foremost, the battery runs out within an hour while fully charged. The operating system crashes quite frequently, and at times I lose very important work. All these problems still exist even after going through the troubleshooting steps in the manual.

I humbly request a full refund or a replacement for this laptop. For your convenience, I've attached a copy of the receipt.

Yours faithfully,

Ian Bell

Once applicants are familiar with the format of the test, the kinds of questions that will be asked, and the scoring methodology, they will be able to ace the test. Candidates need to follow a few basic tips and strategies for letter writing, such as:

• Do Not Use Contractions: Don't use contractions in formal letters. For instance, spell out "cannot" in its entirety rather than using the word "can't."
• Practice Frequently: The finest approach to becoming a proficient English writer is constant practice. Establishing a regular reading and writing routine will help you achieve this. Read newspapers, novels, or magazines. Additionally, you can get IELTS Writing section practice worksheets, example papers and mock exams.
• Make Use of a Dictionary: When reading a new text, you might come across several new terminologies. Don't overlook them. Use a dictionary to try to understand what they imply. You will expand your vocabulary, acquiring new words and synonyms as a result.
• Examine Your Grammar: One of the key factors influencing the quality of your writing is its grammar. Make sure to use correct grammar in your letter. Use the proper terminologies and avoid mixing up grammatical devices.
• Avoid Spelling Errors: You will receive a penalty for spelling errors on your IELTS writing assignments. Make sure that your text is error-free. To ensure this, proofread your letter at least once after you finish writing.
• Use a Range of Sentence Forms: Demonstrate your skills in organising your arguments and phrasing your ideas correctly. Make use of both basic and complex sentences and also use idioms, linking words, and phrases.
• Maintain the Tone: When writing your letter, be careful to utilise the appropriate tone. Keep your writing professional if you are writing a formal letter. For an informal letter to a friend, keep a pleasant tone.
• Adjust Your Vocabulary: When writing a letter, you have to adjust not only the form and tone but also the vocabulary. You can use simpler language in an informal letter, but in a formal letter, stick to more formal and professional terminologies.

Achieving a high score on the IELTS General Training test would require performing effectively in the IELTS Letter Writing Questions. Knowing some of the common topics of letters will help in preparation and give one confidence in the test, regardless of the subject. The correct format, with a clear opening, clearly developed body paragraphs, and a concise closing, gives clarity and coherence to your writing.

Ready to excel in the writing section of your IELTS exam? Contact AECC today for expert guidance and resources on mastering the IELTS Letter Writing Task and achieving your dream score!