General Writing Task 1 Sample Letters

IELTS Sample Letters for Writing Task 1

Here is a collection of sample letters to help you prepare for IELTS writing task 1
for the General Training Paper (students taking the Academic Paper will not get
letters for writing task 1). The IELTS sample letters below are a range of personal,
semi-formal and formal which are all common in task 1.

[1]Letter of Instruction

You have just spent a week with a friend on holiday. When you got
home, you realised you had left your wallet there.

Write a letter to your friend. In your letter

• thank your friend for the holiday
• explain that you left your wallet in their house:
• give them instructions of how to send it back to you

[2]Asking for a Letter of Reference

You are applying for a job and need a letter of reference.

Write a letter to a former teacher. In your letter:

• give details of the job
• explain why it is important to you
• suggest what information your teacher could put in the reference

[3] Letter of Advice

A friend has written to you asking for advice about a problem at work. You have had a similar problem in the past. 

Write a reply to your friend. In your letter:

• tell your friend you understand the problem
• explain what happened to you in the past
• suggest possible solutions to the problem.

[4] Letter of Complaint

Work is being done on the street where you live. The noise is disturbing you.

Write a letter of complaint to your local council. In your letter:

• introduce yourself
• explain what the problem is
• suggest solutions to the problem

[5] Letter of Application

You saw an advert in the newspaper asking for volunteers to help run a charity event.

Write a letter of application to the organisers. In your letter:

• explain why you are interested in helping
• give details suitable past experience
• suggest ways you might help with the event

[6] Letter of Request

You free to take leave from your work of over one month for personal reasons.

Write a letter to your boss. In your letter: 

• explain the reason for the leave and the length of the leave you need
• explain how you will keep up-to-date while you're away
• suggest how your work could be covered while you are away

[7] Letter of Resignation

You have decided to resign from your work in order to try a new field.

Write a letter of resignation to your boss. In your letter:

• tell your boss of your decision and explain why you are leaving
• explain what you have learnt from your current job and how you feel about leaving
• ask for a letter of reference

[8] Letter of Arrangement

You have organised to go on holiday with your friend. However, you must change your plans.

Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:

• tell them how much you are looking forward to the holiday
• explain why you must change your plans
• suggest alternative arrangements

[9] Letter of Complaint

You recently ordered something online. When the delivery came it was not complete.

Write a letter to the company. In your letter:

• explain what you ordered and what was missing from your delivery
• explain the importance of this delivery
• ask for a replacement item to be sent

[10] Letter of Acceptance

A friend has offered you some work in his company. 

You are currently employed and not able to start for three months.

Write a reply to your friend. In your letter:

• give details of what you know about his company
• explain your current situation
• give your answer to the offer and explain why

You can click here to know Top Ten Grammar Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Happy Learning ❤