IELTS Writing Task 1 General Training (GT)| 6-Step Letter Writing ✍🏻Formula

IELTS Writing Task 1 General Training (GT) is entirely different than IELTS Academic Writing Task 1. It requires you to write a letter using standard phrases and structure.

In this article, I’m going to show you a 6-Step Letter Writing Formula and how you can use this strategy to maximise your band scores in writing task 1.

Now let’s get started …

Understanding IELTS Writing Task 1 General Training (GT)

For General Task 1, the candidates will be asked to write a minimum of 150 words letter. The letter must be written in the correct tone/style :

Types of Letters

There are broadly Six types of letters that a candidate might be asked to write in the exam:

Requesting information

You should spend about 20 minutes on task 1 You are planning a vacation with your friends to a resort in Montreal, Canada. Write a letter to the manager of the resort requesting more information. Your letter should include: 🔘 When you hope to be arriving at the resort 🔘 Ask for suggestions on activities to do 🔘 Ask for advice on places to visit in the city Write at least 150 words

Providing personal or factual information

You should spend about 20 minutes on task 1 You have recently started a new job in a company. Write a letter to your English speaking brother. Your letter should include: 🔘 Explain why you changed jobs 🔘 Describe your new workplace 🔘 Tell him your other news Write at least 150 words

Explaining wants or needs

You should spend about 20 minutes on task 1 A neighbour has agreed to look after your house and cat while you are on holiday. Write a letter to your neighbour. Your letter should include: 🔘 Give contact details for when you are away 🔘 Give instructions about how to care for your cat 🔘 Describe other household duties Write at least 150 words

Complain about a service

You should spend about 20 minutes on task 1 You live in a dormitory (room) in college which you share with another student. However, you do not like this arrangement and you find it difficult to adjust. Write a letter to the accommodation officer at the college. In the letter: 🔘 Describe the situation 🔘 Explain your problems and why it is difficult to adjust 🔘 Say what kind of accommodation you would prefer Write at least 150 words

Make a suggestion/recommendation

You should spend about 20 minutes on task 1 An English-speaking friend wants to spend a two week holiday in your city and has written asking for information and advice. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: 🔘 Offer advice about where to stay 🔘 Give her information about the activities to do 🔘 Provide details about what clothing to bring Write at least 150 words

Explain a problem or situation

You should spend about 20 minutes on task 1 You are working for a company. You need to take some time off work and want to ask your manager about the leave. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter: 🔘 Explain why you want to take leave 🔘 Give details of the amount of time you need 🔘 Suggest how should your work be managed while you are away Write at least 150 words

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The 6-Step Letter Writing Formula

Follow this step-by-step formula to produce well-structured Letter that can fetch you high band scores:

1. Analyse the question statement. Have a careful look at the situation and the three bullet points that help you write the letter. You will also find a sentence at the end saying who you need to write to. Make sure to underline such keywords to help focus on key ideas of the letter.

2. Write Introductory paragraph including salutation. Here, you will introduce yourself and explain the purpose of your letter using the background information given in the statement.

3. Write Body paragraph-1. In this paragraph, you’ll cover first bullet point i.e explain your situation. Make sure to use your own ideas and don’t go off topic.

4. Write Body paragraph-2. In this paragraph, you will write about second bullet point i.e describe the problems with the house.

5. Write Body paragraph-3. In this last paragraph, you will cover the third bullet point i.e. say what you would like to happen, and sign off from the letter.

6. Check your letter for errors. Finally, use the spare time to check spellings, grammar & punctuation. Remember, they’ve the most impact on your band score.

To learn more about the implementation of this 6-Step Letter Writing Strategy, carefully observe the sample response written for the above statement.

SAMPLE ANSWER Dear Sir or Madam, My friends and I rented one of your apartment on Colorado Street last November and I am writing to inform you of some difficulties that we are facing. I am writing on behalf of all three of us. The most pressing reason for writing to you now is that there are several problems in the house that needs fixing. Also, I would like to rent out one of the spare rooms to share the cost. In relation to house problems, the roof of the kitchen is leaking and this is causing damage to the furniture. Moreover, there are no smoke alarms fitted, which is a dangerous violation of law. I am hoping you would hire a professional to do the repairs and fitment. Apart from this, We all are living on a budget and hence I would like to seek landlord’s permission to rent our spare room to another student to cut individual cost. Could you please arrange a meeting with the landlord to discuss the issues in this letter? I am hopeful that you will accede to my request and resolve this promptly. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Yours faithfully, Andrew Ross [194 words]

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How examiner will assess a letter ?

Your letter will be assessed by the examiner based on the following criteria:

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Important Tips

✅ In IELTS Writing Task 1 General Training (GT), you must manage your time well. We strongly advise you to only spend 20 mins on task 1 as Task 2 is worth twice as many points as task 1.

✅ Spare at least 03 mins at the end to check your writing; mainly spellings, punctuation and grammar.

✅ When you are writing remember that the letter is in present about something that – happened in the past, has happened recently, is happening now, will happen in the future, would like to happen in the future.

✅ Study the IELTS writing test 2021 – Beginners guide to know the actual pattern of the exam.

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Conclusion

The 6-Step Letter Writing Formula is a proven strategy to score band 8 and above in IELTS Writing Task 1 General Training (GT). With enough practice, this strategy will guide you to produce a well structured letter.

I hope you find this article “IELTS Writing Task 1 General Training (GT) | 6-Step Letter Writing ✍🏻Formula” useful. If you have any doubts, please write down in the comment section below or mail us at help@cictalks.com.

Wish you best of luck in your exam.

Happy learning !!