
IELTS GENERAL WRITING TASK 1 TIPS
In the IELTS General Writing Task 1, you’re asked to write a letter in response to a situation. You need to write at least 150 words, and it’s recommended you spend 20 minutes on this task. Your response is graded on four criteria: Task Achievement, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Here’s how to excel in each area.
Understand the Type of Letter
The most crucial first step is to identify the letter type: it can be formal, semi-formal, or informal. Each has its own style, tone, and structure. Formal letters are typically written to people you don’t know personally (like a manager or organization), while informal letters are to friends or family. The language, vocabulary, and opening/closing phrases should match the tone. For instance, start a formal letter with “Dear Sir or Madam” and end with “Yours faithfully”. For an informal letter, you might say “Hi John” and end with “Best wishes” or “Take care”.
IELTS GENERAL WRITING TASK 1 TIPS
Read the Prompt Carefully
Always analyze the question prompt in detail. The task will give you a situation followed by three bullet points. These are not optional; each one must be addressed in your letter. Failing to do so will lower your score in Task Achievement. Treat each bullet point as a separate paragraph or section of your letter to ensure you cover all required content.
Structure Matters
Your letter should follow a clear and logical structure. Start with a brief introduction stating the purpose of the letter. Then, develop each bullet point in its own paragraph, explaining your ideas clearly and coherently. End with a suitable conclusion or closing statement, depending on the tone of the letter. This structure helps the examiner follow your points easily and shows good organization.
IELTS GENERAL WRITING TASK 1 TIPS
Use the Right Tone and Vocabulary
The tone of your letter must remain consistent throughout. Formal letters require polite, professional, and neutral language. Avoid contractions (write “I am” instead of “I’m”) and use phrases like “I would appreciate it if…” or “I am writing to express…”. In informal letters, use friendly and conversational language. It’s fine to use contractions and expressions like “It was great to hear from you” or “Can’t wait to catch up soon.”
Vocabulary should be varied and topic-appropriate. Avoid repeating the same words—use synonyms where possible. For example, instead of repeating the word “problem,” you can say “issue,” “concern,” or “difficulty.”
IELTS GENERAL WRITING TASK 1 TIPS
Focus on Grammar and Sentence Range
To get a high band score, you must demonstrate a good range of grammatical structures. Mix simple, compound, and complex sentences. Be careful with tense consistency—for example, when describing past events, use the past tense. Also, check for subject-verb agreement and punctuation. Errors in grammar can affect clarity and reduce your score.
Be Clear and Concise
Although you must write at least 150 words, it’s better to aim for 160–180 words to develop your points fully without becoming wordy. Avoid unnecessary repetition or off-topic content. Stick closely to what’s asked in the prompt and express your ideas clearly and efficiently.
IELTS GENERAL WRITING TASK 1 TIPS
Plan and Review
Spend the first 2–3 minutes planning. Quickly decide what points you’ll write for each bullet and the tone you’ll use. After writing, reserve 2–3 minutes to review your work. Check for spelling errors, missing words, grammar mistakes, and make sure you’ve answered all parts of the question.
Practice Regularly
Like any skill, letter writing improves with practice. Use sample IELTS prompts to write letters regularly. With time, you’ll naturally learn how to structure your thoughts, choose the right tone, and finish within the time limit.
IELTS GENERAL WRITING TASK 1 TIPS
In summary, success in IELTS General Writing Task 1 depends on your ability to identify the correct tone, organize ideas clearly, use a wide range of vocabulary and grammar, and fully address the task. With smart planning, careful writing, and focused practice, achieving a high band score is entirely possible.

IELTS GENERAL WRITING TASK 1 TIPS