IELTS General Writing
- Read the task carefully.
- Decide if the letter is formal, semi-formal or informal.
- Keep strictly to the bullet points.
- Check your openings and endings, making sure they match the "tone".
- Make sure your tone is consistent throughout the letter.
TASK 1
- Who are you writing to?
Your next-door neighbour likes to listen to music late at night. Because of the loud music, you often lose sleep. Write a letter to the building manager. In your letter
- describe the situation
- explain the problems it is causing you
- offer at least one solution
Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear ...
Formal Letter: Opening
not good, it's unformal
Dear Mr Jackson, How's it going? I just thought I'd write a few words about that young guy who moved in next door to me a few weeks back. Well, he plays this horrible rock music until 2 or 3 am and I can't stand that.
better, it's formal
Dear Mr Jackson, I hope you are well. As the owner of flat 24, I am writing to you to complain about the behaviour of the tenant at flat 25, my immediate next-door neighbour. Since he moved in last month, my nights have been disturbed by the incessant loud music coming from his flat from around 10 pm until the early hours of the following morning.
Formal Letter: Problem
better verion
The noise has affected us all very badly, especially our two young school-age children, as it is almost impossible for any of us to sleep either sufficiently or peacefully.
informal
None of us can get to sleep and that's really bad for our young kids who have school in the morning and for us too because we go to work.
Formal Letter: Solution
not good
You must write a letter now telling this man to stop making this noise and if he doesn't do anything, then you really should call the police.
better
Might I suggest that a letter be sent to this tenant and to the owner of the flat, reminding them of the rules regarding noise as agreed at the general meeting of proprietors and tenants held last year?
Formal Letter: Sign-Off
better one
I look forward to your comments on this matter.
Yours sincerely, Alex
not good
Please, do something about this.
All the best, Alex
Topic 2. Informal Letter
You have just won two tickets to a concert and want to invite your friend to go with you. Write a letter to yoru friend. In the letter:
- give details about the concert
- describe how you won the tickets
- explain why you've chosen your friend to go with you.
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear ...
Letter 2
Dear Maria,
(give details about the concert)
What are you doing Saturday next week? I'll tell you what you're doing. You're coming with me to see Taylor Swift in London! I know that we don't get to see each other as much as we'd like, what is not surprising with work and family, but wouldn't it be great to get away from all that for a day? The show starts at 8 pm, but we can get there early, have lunch and do some sightseeing.
(describe how you won the tickets) Now, believe it or not, I won the two tickets at work. It was our company's tenth anniversary party, and we all took part in this raffle. You can imagine how I felt when the boss read out my name as the winner of the concert tickets. I think it's the first time in my life I've ever won anything.
(explain why you've chosen your friend to go with you) The moment I held the tickets in my hand, I thought of you. Remember when we were at school and we listened to her all the time? We knew the lyrics to all her songs. It's going to be so great to see her live. I can't wait.
See you soon,
Helen
Topic 3. Semi-Formal Letter
You have just moved into a new home and are plannign to hold a party. You are worried that the noise may distrub your neighbour. Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter
- Introduce yourself
- describe your plans for the party
- invite your neighbour to come
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear ...
Dear Neighbour, My name is John Davis, and my family and I recently moved into the house next door to yours. We relocated from Geneva to London for my work. We're excited about joining the community, and our daughter is eagerly anticipating the upcoming school year.