So, you are preparing for the IELTS General Training test. You’ll need to know how to approach the writing section of the exam. Today, I will give you what you need to know to ensure you do well on Writing Task 1.
In the General Training exam, Writing Task 1 is different from the Academic exam. We’ll briefly see how they are similar and then get you on the road to WT1 success for your General Training exam.
General Training and Academic: What’s similar?
You will have an hour to complete the writing section of the exam, that’s 20 minutes for writing task 1 and 40 minutes for writing task 2.
You must write at least 150 words for Writing Task 1 in 20 minutes.
For the Academic and General Training, you will have the same questions and marking criteria for Writing Task 2. Therefore, if you see information about Writing Task 2 it will apply to you no matter which exam you are taking. I have a series of blogs on Writing Task 2, start here.
This is where the similarities end, so if you are studying for the academic exam see this blog post to help you.
General Training, right this way. Keep reading!
What you will find in this guide:
• How you are assessed for General Training WT1
• What you will need to write and a strategy for it
• How to know if it is formal or informal + examples
• Scenarios you may have to write about
• How to plan your formal letter and helpful phrases
• How to plan your informal letter and helpful phrases
• What to do next in your preparation
How am I assessed in General Training Writing Task 1?
You will be assessed on your ability to convey information in a clear and appropriate tone. You are scored from 0 to 9 for each task independently, but they are averaged to determine your overall writing section of the exam score. This is why you must be able to execute both tasks well, and not blow off Writing Task 1 because it’s only worth a 1/3 of the overall writing score.
What will be asked of me in the General Training Writing Task?
You will always be asked to write a letter. Do not let formality confuse you here as it will be a formal or informal letter. Ignore any advice about semi-formal writing. Keep it simple and give the examiner what they want.
Luckily, the General Training Writing Task 1 always follows the same format. You will be given a scenario and asked to write about the 3 bullet points given.
Format:
Scenario
Write a letter to [X]. You should include:
• Bullet point 1
• Bullet point 2
• Bullet point 3
Example:
You have been volunteering at a local organization, but you can no longer do so.
Write a letter to the head of the organization to explain why you must leave. In your letter:
• Describe the work you have been doing and what you have learned.
• Explain why you must leave.
• Suggest someone to replace you.
Because the format is the same every time, you can use a simple strategy that will help you write efficiently and accurately for this task. This strategy works if you are writing a formal or informal letter. It's a two-for-one deal!
Notice above that it says: Write a letter to the head of the organization to explain why you must leave. I’ve underlined the head of the organization because that tells you it is a formal letter. If you are NOT writing to a friend, then it is formal. That’s all you need to remember.
Your strategy:
Dear X, (here we do not know the name of the person and it is NOT a friend, so Dear Sir/ Madam should be used)
Paragraph 1- State the purpose of the letter
Paragraph 2- First bullet point
Paragraph 3- Second bullet point
Paragraph 4- Third bullet point
Sign off,
Your name
How do I know if it is formal or informal??
This is the easiest part of the IELTS. It’s simple, if you are asked to write to a ‘friend’, it is always informal. Writing to anyone else is a formal letter. I know that sounds too simple, but that’s it. No -ifs, buts, or what abouts. It is this simple. All you need to do is look for the word 'friend'. You’ll know exactly what to do if it’s there or if it’s not.
What will I be asked to write about?
The following are possible scenarios you might be asked to write about:
• Letter of complaint
• Application or resignation letter
• Inviting a friend or colleague to join you at an event or social occasion
• Making a request
• Making formal arrangements
• Explaining something to a friend or colleague
• Making an apology
Below are some example questions:
A. You are working for a company. You need to take some time off work and want to ask your manager about this.
Write a letter to your manager. In your letter:
• Explain why you want to take time off from work.
• Give details of the amount of time you need.
• Suggest how your work could be covered while you are away.
B. A friend has agreed to look after your house and pet while you are on holiday.
Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:
• Give contact details for when you are away.
• Give instructions about how to care for your pet.
• Describe other household duties.
C. On a recent holiday you lost a valuable item. Fortunately, you have travel insurance to cover the cost of anything lost.
Write a letter to the manager of your insurance company. In your letter:
• Describe the item you lost.
• Explain how you lost it.
• Tell the insurance company what you would like them to do.
Can you tell which one is informal? Of course, you can! Follow the strategy.
Look for the word friend. Right there, letter B. That’s the informal letter. The others are formal.
A word of caution: even if you are close to your manager at work in real life, you must assume in IELTS writing that this is a formal letter as it does NOT say, friend. Do not lose points because you missed the formality of the letter!
Formal Letters
How do I know?
You will know if it is a formal letter because the instructions do NOT say to write to ‘a friend’. Formal letters will never tell you to write a letter to a friend. You are most often asked to write to a manager or someone you do not know. Even if it is your manager at work, it is formal. When you are writing a complaint, applying for a job, or resigning from a job, it will always be a formal letter.
How to plan a formal letter
Most people do not think about planning a letter in real life, but there are occasions when you would, so you are exact in what you want to say. For instance, a resignation letter, a cover letter to a new job, or a complaint to a company. These all should have some planning. Therefore, when preparing for the IELTS WT1, you should plan your writing as well.
The great thing about the IELTS WT1 is that the format is the same every time! They will first tell you the scenario (the reason why you are writing) and then give you three bullet points that you must cover. So, if you follow the following format, you will have your strategy in place to write effectively and efficiently on the exam.
Dear Sir/Madam,
Paragraph 1- Say why you are writing to them. (I am writing in regard to…)
Paragraph 2- Bullet point 1 and supporting details.
Paragraph 3- Bullet point 2 and supporting details.
Paragraph 4- Bullet point 3 and supporting details.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully,
[Your Full Name]
This is the only plan you need. Take the few short minutes that it will require to write this out in your exam. Then you only need to add the supporting details.
*A note on supporting details: just think of relevant ideas. They do not need to be overly exciting or entertaining. Keep it simple, make them relevant.
What language should I use in my formal letter?
When writing formal letters on the IELTS exam, there are helpful phrases that you can use.
A quick tip: you do not need to date the letter or include a mailing address.
Addressing the person you are writing to:
Formal and you don’t know the name: Dear Sir/Madam
Formal and you do know the name: Dear Mr./ Mrs.
Beginning:
• I am writing to inform you that…
• I am writing to bring to your attention that…
• I am writing to report…
• I am writing in regard to…
• I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with…
Requests and Suggestions:
• I would be grateful if you would…
• I would like you to…
• I would like to suggest that…
• I am entitled to request that you…
Closing:
• I look forward to hearing from you.
• I thank you for your consideration.
• I await your prompt service.
• I look forward to receiving your response.
• Please respond at your earliest convenience.
Sign off:
• Yours faithfully,
• Yours sincerely,
Informal Letters
How do I know?
As discussed in the formal letter section, the word you need to look for is friend. When the instructions say to write to ‘a friend’ then you know it is informal. It is that simple.
How to plan an informal letter
Now, this may seem silly to you to plan an informal letter, as you might not plan one in real life. However, IELTS is not real life. It is the exam that allows you to move on to your real life. Therefore, you should have a plan to write an informal letter on the IELTS exam. It will save you time and allow you to write a well-organized letter.
As mentioned above, the beauty of IELTS General Training WT1 is that the format is the same every single time. They will first tell you the scenario (the reason why you are writing) and then give you three bullet points that you must cover. If you follow the format, you have your strategy for letter writing.
Dear [First name only of friend]
Paragraph 1- Say why you are writing to them (I’m writing to let you know….)
Paragraph 2- Bullet point 1 and supporting details.
Paragraph 3- Bullet point 2 and supporting details.
Paragraph 4- Bullet point 3 and supporting details.
Looking forward to hearing from you soon.
All the best,
[Your first name only]
There you have it! Now you only need to supply relevant supporting details based on the instructions. Remember as I said about the formal letter, you do not have to get fancy, but you must stick to the instructions and be relevant!
What language should I use in my informal letter?
First, this is informal writing, NOT a text message. You are being tested, and your grammar and spelling must be correct. Do not write to ‘a friend’ using abbreviations or emojis like you might in a text (SMS) message.
Do not use: LOL, OMG, TTL, luv ya, etc.
However, you can use contractions such as: I’d, she’ll, we’ve, etc. These will show the examiner you know how to write an informal letter.
Helpful phrases for informal letters:
Address your friend (You can insert any name. I suggest sticking to an easy one to spell and using it over and over as you practice.)
Dear [first name only]
Stating Purpose:
• I’m writing to let you know that...
• I wanted to let you know about…
Apologizing:
• I’m very sorry about…
• I’d like to apologize for…
Asking for help:
• I was hoping you could do me a favor…
• I’d be grateful if you could…
• I was wondering if you would give me a hand with…
Expressing Satisfaction:
• I was thrilled to learn/hear about…
• I was delighted to hear about…
• I was so excited to…
Giving bad news:
• I’m afraid I’ve some bad news for you...
• I’m sorry to let you know that…
Closing:
• All the best.
• Keep in touch.
Sign off:
• Kind regards,
• Best wishes,
Your Checklist for Writing Task 1
• Did I read and understand the instructions?
• Is it a formal or informal letter?
• Did I make a writing plan?
• Did I include both the reason for writing and the 3 bullet points?
• Did I separate my letter into paragraphs?
• Did I support each bullet point with relevant details?
• Did I use appropriate language?
• Are my ideas clear and easy to understand?
• Did I avoid copying the question and vary my vocabulary?
• Did I check for grammar and spelling mistakes?
If you answer each of these questions you are well on your way to writing an excellent Writing Task 1 letter, either formal or informal!
Now what?
You now know the format and have a strategy to write any letter in the General Training WT1. Use the practice prompts and sample letters with model answers (below) to help you with your at-home preparation.
Be sure to look at my post on General Training WT1: Key Advice and Common Mistakes So You Avoid Them. These combined resources will have you well on your way to IELTS General Training Writing Task 1 success!
Comment and let me know if this was helpful. Wishing you all the best in your studies!
For your at-home preparation:
Official IELTS Writing Sample Answer Sheet