IELTS Writing Task-1 Sample Formal Letters + Answers: IELTS formal letters are commonly asked topics in General Training Writing. These type of questions generally correspond to a person that you have never met, and you do not know their name.
In this lesson, you will learn how to write a perfect band 7+ answer using THREE sample letters and their model answers. We will adopt the following structure which has proven to be the most suitable for formal letters. Practice this structure on the PDF version of the IELTS Writing Task 1 answer sheet.
(a salutation)
Para 1- Say why you are writing to them
Para 2- Bullet point 1 + supporting details
Para 3- Bullet point 2 + supporting details
Para 4- Bullet point 3 + supporting details
(a farewell note)
Yours faithfully,
[Your Full Name]
Note:
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
Write at least 150 words.
Sample Letter #1 – Complain about missing luggage
You recently took a plane to a holiday. On arrival, you found your luggage missing. You did not receive your luggage until the final day of your vacation.
Write a letter to your airline:
– Complain about the missing luggage
– Tell the company why it caused problems
– Seek compensation
| Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with the recent service experience I had with your airline. On July 15, 2021, I traveled on Flight 655 from Alberta to Toronto. Firstly, the airline lost my luggage in transit. Secondly, when I received it after few days, it was in tattered state. This has caused me substantial inconvenience, as the suitcase contained my clothing, travel charger and books. I therefore obliged to buy all these items at extortionate prices. Moreover, to add insult to injury, the locks were damaged and many items were missing when I finally received the suitcase. I therefore request you to take due cognizance of the matter and kindly compensate for the loss of items. I have enclosed a list of items with this letter. As you see, the amount I mentioned does not include compensation for my inconvenience and wasted time, which I am prepared to forgo if you settle the charge promptly. Thank you, I look forward to receiving your confirmation that my request will be honoured. Yours faithfully, [Name] |
RELATED: IELTS Writing Agree / Disagree Essay Topics
Sample Letter #2 – Local newspaper
You are unhappy about a proposal to make domestic airport bigger and increase the total number of flights. You live near the airport.
Write a letter to local newspaper:
– Explain where you live
– Describe your problems
– Give reasons why you do not want this development
| Dear Sir/Madam, I am [Name], a resident of HSR housing society, Chandigarh. I am writing to draw your kind attention towards the considerable inconvenience that people in my locality will face if the local airport is expanded and the number of flights is increased. I am hoping that you would publish an editorial to protest the development and support us in this cause. Life near the airport is already troublesome, as loud noises are too frequent. If the total number of flights is increased, it will aggravate the problem by adding more turbulence and nuisance. Besides, it would worsen the traffic conditions of the adjacent service road which is our only means of entry and exit from the society. In addition, the expansion of local airport will diminish our recreational ground, which is an integral part of our living. Hence, we believe it would be ideal if the authorities could come up with an alternate plan. Last but not least, I would request your editorial section to publish an article on this moot issue. Your support in this matter is of dire importance. Yours faithfully, [Name] |
Sample Letter #3 – Applying for job
The school library is seeking applications for a job over summer break. You want to apply for the job.
Write a letter to the manager of the library:
– Introduce yourself
– Tell about your past experience and skills
– Give reasons why you need that job
| Dear Sir/Madam, I am [Name], a final year student of B. Sc. – Biology of your school. I am writing to express my interest in the job that was recently advertised on the job board in the career development centre. While I was in high school, I was appointed as care-taker of library activities in the evening. Moreover, I was responsible for handling books, making entries to the digital library management system, and answering queries over the telephone. Also, I am familiar with the different sections of the library. I am hopeful that this job could add more credit points to my summer internship assignment. Furthermore, it would be an additional source of income for me so that I can buy my course literature for the next semester. I therefore request you to kindly accept my application for the aforementioned position and oblige me thereby. Thank you for your consideration. Yours faithfully, [Name] |
We hope that this complete overview of IELTS Writing Task-1 Sample Formal Letters and Answers will help you organize your writing better and ultimately fetch you a high band score.