If you are taking the IELTS General Training Test, you probably know that there are four parts of the exam: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Many test-takers worry they lack the skills to achieve a high score in the IELTS Writing General section, particularly in Task 1.

However, the key to success in this section lies in consistent practice and preparation. To help you improve, we have put together some things you need to know about the IELTS General Writing Task 1.

If you have registered for the IELTS Academic Test, the Writing section will feature different content compared to the General Training exam.

Get to know the Writing section of the IELTS General Training Test

This section might seem short. However, your score depends on avoiding some mistakes that could be perceived as small but can significantly affect the meaning or grammar of your text. That’s why it is crucial to stay focused and well-prepared.

There is plenty of material to prepare for the IELTS, and this can help a lot for the Writing section of the General Training Test. With those resources, you can improve your vocabulary and grammar, which will be reflected in your performance.

The IELTS General Training Test Writing Section consists of two parts: Task 1 and Task 2. You have approximately 60 minutes to complete both. It is recommended to spend about 20 minutes on IELTS General Writing Task 1 and allocate the remaining 40 minutes to IELTS General Writing Task 2.

The IELTS General Writing Task 1

For the IELTS General Writing Task 1, you are given a situation about a general interest topic and asked to write a letter in response. Understanding the IELTS General Writing Task 1 Format is essential, as it may require you to write in a formal, semi-formal, or informal tone.

You are given three points of interest that you must cover in the letter with as much detail as you can. The length of the letter must be around 150 words, so keep that in mind.

Remember the difference between formal, semi-formal and informal letter. The formal and semi-formal tones should be used when the information or your relationship with the other person is professional in nature. On the other hand, the informal one is used when you write to a friend or a family member.

Formal/Semi-Formal Example

Write about the following topic:

You have been volunteering at a local organization, but you can no longer do so. Write a letter to the head of the institution to explain why you must leave. In your letter:

• Describe the work you have been doing and what you have learned.
• Explain why you must leave.
• Suggest someone to replace you.

Informal Example

Write about the following topic:

A friend has agreed to look after your house and pet while you are on holiday. Write a letter to him or her. In your letter:

• Give contact details for when you are away.
• Give instructions about how to care for your pet.
• Describe other household duties.

How is your IELTS General Writing Task 1 reviewed?

When you finish your IELTS General Writing Task 1, you might have a good and interesting text. However, the trained examiner who will read your work will take into consideration four key areas that you must cover:

• Task achievement: This is one of the easiest things to accomplish. If all the bullet points of the task were covered in the letter and you did write the required number of words, you will not have any problem with this.
• Coherence and cohesion: This is where the task might get difficult because you can write a letter, but can it be easy to understand? It’s important to ensure that you make good use of linking words so your ideas and your writing flow just fine.
• Grammatical accuracy: If you use the verb tenses and a variety of complex sentence structures correctly, you might get some points here.
• Lexical resource: Vocabulary is vital in IELTS General Writing Task 1, and if you use different words and spell them correctly, it will help you in your final score.

Tips to Write Your Letter

Writing a letter can be easy, but there are a few things you need to have in mind while doing it. Here are some things you should have in mind during the IELTS General Writing Task 1.

Always Start by Stating the Purpose

Any type of communication needs some context to work, and letters are no exception. It is better to explain the reason you are writing from the beginning so your ideas can be articulated from there.

Remember that you must always start having in mind the tone you are required to use. For example:

Use the correct vocabulary according to the tone

There is always a formal and informal way to say something, and keeping that in mind is essential when completing the IELTS General Writing Task 1.

Some vocabulary is easy to learn, however, in the Road to IELTS Preparation Course you will get tips and advice that you can use to find the right words.

Here are some examples of vocabulary in both tones:

Do Not Use Contractions in a Formal Tone

It sounds kind of strange, but contractions are inappropriate in a formal tone. It is better to use the complete form since it sounds more serious and professional. If you do not know how to replace a contraction, try to separate the subject from the verb that is contracted.

If the contraction is a negative form, you must separate the verb from the negative. There are many contractions you might be using, but if you are writing a formal letter, remember to always choose the longer word.

Here are some examples of contractions:

But in the end, practice and preparation are essential to have success in the IELTS General Writing Task 1. By practicing enough and having confidence, you can achieve a high score in this section of the IELTS General Training test.

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Related articles:

Learn all about the IELTS General Training Writing Test

IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics