Important information about IELTS general writing task 1

• General writing task 1 takes the form of a letter. Here candidates are asked to respond to a complaint, request information or explain a certain situation.
• You should spend no more than 20 mins on this test and you should write at least 150 words.
• Task 1 forms 33% of your total writing mark
• There are four marking criteria that you will be assessed on:
  • Grammar - 25%
  • Vocabulary - 25%
  • Task achievement - 25%
  • Coherence and cohesion - 25%

• It is very important that candidates are able to express their ideas, provide general factual information and express opinions in this section of the exam.
• To get the best possible band score for your GT writing task 1, it is important that you familiarise yourself with the possible types of letter for this task.

 

2 main different types of letters : 

• Formal letter - This could be to complain about a product/service or provide an apology or apply for a job,
• Informal letter - This type of question can require you to ask for advice, thank a colleague/friend or invite a friend to vacation with you. Remember that you should write at least 150 words.

Practising the various types of letters is important so that can understand what the right vocabulary, style and tone is for each kind of letter.