How to Write IELTS General Training Task 1

Achieving a Band 9 in IELTS General Training Task 1 requires you to produce a letter that meets the highest standards of the IELTS assessment criteria: Task Achievement, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy.

Here are some detailed tips to help you achieve this:

Task Achievement

Understand the Prompt: Carefully read the task prompt and make sure you fully understand the purpose of the letter. Identify if it’s formal, semi-formal, or informal.
Address All Bullet Points: Ensure you cover all the points mentioned in the task. Provide detailed and relevant information for each bullet point.
Purpose and Tone: Match your tone and style to the purpose of the letter. For a formal letter, use a professional tone; for an informal letter, a more relaxed tone is appropriate.

Coherence and Cohesion

Structure: Organize your letter logically. Typically, this includes an opening, a body with several paragraphs, and a closing.
Paragraphing: Use clear paragraphs, each focusing on a single idea. This helps the reader follow your argument or narrative.
Linking Words: Use a range of cohesive devices to link ideas within and between paragraphs. Words like “furthermore,” “however,” “on the other hand,” and “in addition” can help create a smooth flow.

Lexical Resource

Vocabulary Range: Use a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately. Avoid repetition by using synonyms and varying your word choice.
Precision: Choose words that convey your meaning precisely. This is particularly important in expressing emotions and attitudes.
Collocations: Use common collocations and phrases to make your writing sound more natural and fluent.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

Sentence Variety: Use a mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences to show your grammatical range.
Accuracy: Ensure your grammar, punctuation, and spelling are accurate. Pay attention to verb tenses, subject-verb agreement, and correct use of articles and prepositions.
Error-Free: Aim to write without errors. Even minor mistakes can prevent you from achieving a Band 9.

Practice and Feedback

Practice Regularly: Write letters on various topics regularly to build your skills and confidence. We can guide you and help you practice.
Seek Feedback: Get feedback from teachers, tutors, or peers who can provide constructive criticism and help you identify areas for improvement.
Review and Revise: Review your practice letters and revise them based on the feedback you receive. Pay attention to recurring mistakes and work on correcting them.

Example Structure for a Formal Letter

Salutation: Dear Sir/Madam, (if you don’t know the name) or Dear Mr. Smith, (if you do know the name)
Introduction: State the purpose of the letter clearly.
Body Paragraph 1: Address the first bullet point in detail.
Body Paragraph 2: Address the second bullet point in detail.
Body Paragraph 3: Address the third bullet point in detail.
Conclusion: Summarize the key points or state the action you expect to be taken.
Sign-off: Yours faithfully, (if you don’t know the name) or Yours sincerely, (if you do know the name)
Signature: Write your full name underneath the sign-off.

Example Structure for an Informal Letter

Salutation: Hi John, / Dear Mary,
Introduction: Start with a friendly opening and state the purpose of your letter.
Body Paragraph 1: Address the first bullet point in a casual, friendly manner.
Body Paragraph 2: Address the second bullet point, sharing personal experiences or opinions.
Body Paragraph 3: Address the third bullet point with more personal anecdotes or suggestions.
Conclusion: Close with a friendly comment or a question to the recipient.
Sign-off: Best wishes, / See you soon, / Take care,
Signature: Use your first name only.

By focusing on these aspects and practicing regularly with ieltsclassesonline.com, you can improve your writing skills and increase

your chances of achieving a Band 9 in IELTS General Training Task 1.

You can see some of the sample Task 1 letters written by our students here:

VIDEO: Task 1 Sample Letters

Book: IELTS 18 General Training Student’s Book with Answers with Audio

We have tailor-made programs for your needs – get in touch with us and let us know what your problem areas are.

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