In IELTS General Writing Task 1, there are three types of letters: 

1. Formal letter

2. Semi-formal letter

3. Informal letter (also known as a personal letter) 

Here you will learn how to identify the type of letter you need to write and what beginnings-endings and tone of letter relevant sample letters under each type. Before you start writing, it is essential that you fully understand which type of letter you have to write. 

Differences between the three IELTS letters.

FORMAL	SEMI-FORMAL	INFORMAL
You don’t know the person’s name you are writing to (e.g. bank, foreign university)	You know the person, but he/she is not a close friend to you (e.g. teacher,   landlord,   manager, colleague)	You know him or her personally (e.g. friends, family)
Greetings: Dear Sir or Madam	Greetings: Dear Mr Smith, Dear Mrs Smith	Greetings: Dear Mom, Dear John, My dear friend
Letter endings: Yours faithfully	Letter    endings:    Yours sincerely / Sincerely yours (not Yours truly)	Endings: With best wishes, / See you soon, / Take care, / All the best,
Your name: Mr John Brown (always with a family name, but the title is optional)	Your name: John Brown (always with a family name, but the title is optional)	Your name: John (no title and no family name)
The tone of the letter is formal. Be polite. You can’t use contractions (use ‘I am writing’ not ‘I’m writing’).	The tone of the letter is polite. Mostly formal language; however, use a couple of phrases that are on the informal side.	The tone of the letter is informal. You can use contractions (I’m writing), but not abbreviations (see ya) and acronyms (OMG). Do not use academic language.

Formal Letter & Sample

A formal letter is when you need to write to a company or organisation where you don’t know the person to who you are writing. For example, a bank or a foreign university. Common formal letters are complaints, applications, resignations, making arrangements. See a formal letter sample:

Sample: Request Letter

Q. You have just started a course in a college which has no sports facilities of its own. Write a letter to the manager of the nearest private sports club. In your letter:
• introduce yourself
• say why you are interested in this sports club
• ask some questions about the club e.g. facilities, members, costs Begin as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

View model answer

Semi-formal letter

A semi-formal letter is when you write to someone you know by name and with whom you have a business or professional relationship. So someone you know, but they are not a close friend with you. For example, a teacher, trainer, neighbour, landlord, manager, work colleague etc. The surname should be used when addressing them. The topic of the letter will be more on the formal side as it is usually focused on a problem to solve. Common semi-formal letters are invitations, explanations, informative letters (all the letters can also be personal). See a semi-formal letter

Sample: Complaint Letter

Q. You have had a problem with your next-door neighbour. You have not been able to speak to your neighbour about this. Write a letter to this neighbour. In your letter
• Explain the problem
• Suggest a solution
• Say what action you will take if the situation does not improve Begin as follows: Dear … ,

View model answer

Informal/Personal Letter

An informal letter is when you write to a friend, family member or someone you know personally, and you write about a personal situation. Common personal letters are invitations, explanations, informative letters, apology (all these letters can be semi-formal as well). See an informal letter sample: Informal Letter

Q. Write a letter to your friend from a different country. Invite him/her to a party at your home and include the following:
• what the party is about
• give directions on how to get to your place
• suggest how to accommodate him/her Begin as follows: Dear … ,

View model answer

Model letters

Task 1: Write a letter to the manager of a local gym.

In your letter:

• Explain that you are moving to a new city and, therefore, will not be able to continue your gym membership.
• Provide the necessary details for canceling your membership.
• Inquire about any additional steps or paperwork required for the cancellation process.

Dear Manager,

---

Task 2: Write a letter to your neighbor regarding a recent party.

In your letter:

• Apologize for any inconvenience caused by the noise from your recent party.
• Explain the reason for the celebration.
• Promise to be more considerate in the future and perhaps suggest a small gesture to make amends.

Dear Neighbor,

---

Task 3: Write a letter to a colleague who is leaving your workplace.

In your letter:

• Express your appreciation for the colleague’s contributions.
• Share good memories or experiences you’ve had working together.
• Wish them well in their future endeavors and provide contact information to stay in touch.

Dear [Colleague’s Name],

---

Task 4: Write a letter to the editor of a local newspaper expressing concerns about a community issue.

In your letter:

• Clearly state the issue you are concerned about.
• Provide evidence or examples to support your concern.
• Suggest possible solutions or actions that could address the problem.

Dear Editor,

---

Task 5: Write a letter to the landlord about a maintenance issue in your apartment.

In your letter:

• Describe the specific issue and its impact on your living conditions.
• Request prompt attention to the matter and suggest a convenient time for repairs.
• Express appreciation for the landlord’s cooperation.

Dear [Landlord’s Name],