IELTS General Training Task 1: Formal Letters (Complaints, Requests & Job Applications)
If you are taking the IELTS General Training exam, Writing Task 1 will always ask you to write a letter. While informal letters to friends are relatively easy, Formal Letters—such as writing to a manager, a company, or a local council—require a very specific tone, structure, and vocabulary.
Get the tone wrong, and your score will drop to a Band 5.5, even if your grammar is perfect.
This guide breaks down exactly how to structure a Band 7.0+ formal letter, providing the essential vocabulary and strategies you need to write flawless complaints, requests, and job applications in just 20 minutes.
How to Identify a Formal Letter
Before you start writing, you must identify your target reader. In the IELTS General Training test, a letter is considered formal if you are writing to someone you do not know personally, or someone in a position of authority.
Common Formal Scenarios:
- A manager of a hotel, restaurant, or store.
- A local city council or government official.
- A potential employer (job application).
- A landlord or property agency.
The Golden Rule of Formal Tone: Do not use contractions (write I am, not I’m), avoid slang, and do not include personal, friendly chit-chat in the opening. Get straight to the point.
The Perfect 4-Paragraph Structure
Do not waste time wondering how to organize your ideas. The IELTS letter will always give you a situation and three bullet points to cover. Use this proven framework for every formal letter:
The Salutation (Opening)
- If you do not know the person’s name: Dear Sir or Madam,
- If the prompt gives you a title/last name: Dear Mr. Smith, or Dear Ms. Johnson,
Paragraph 1: State Your Purpose (1-2 Sentences)
Immediately explain why you are writing.
- Example: “I am writing to formally complain about the poor service I received at your restaurant on October 12th.”
Paragraph 2: Address Bullet Point #1
Provide the background details requested in the first bullet point of the letter. Invent realistic details (dates, times, locations) to make the letter believable.
Paragraph 3: Address Bullet Point #2
Move to the second bullet point. Use formal transition words like Furthermore, Additionally, or However.
Paragraph 4: Address Bullet Point #3 (The Call to Action)
This is usually where you tell the reader what you want them to do (e.g., give a refund, offer an interview, fix a problem).
The Sign-off (Closing)
- If you opened with “Dear Sir or Madam”: Yours faithfully,
- If you opened with a name (“Dear Mr. Smith”): Yours sincerely,
- Always sign off with your full name (e.g., John Doe).
The 3 Types of Formal Letters
This is the high-level vocabulary you need to succeed in the three most common formal letter scenarios.
Type A: Letters of Complaint
You will be asked to complain about a faulty product, bad service, or a noisy neighbor. The key here is to be firm but polite. Do not sound aggressive or angry.
| Function | Band 7.0+ Vocabulary Phrases |
| Opening | I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with… / I am writing to formally complain about… |
| Explaining the Issue | Unfortunately, the product failed to function as advertised. / I was deeply disappointed by the unprofessional behavior of… |
| Demanding Action | I expect a full refund at your earliest convenience. / I would appreciate it if you could resolve this matter promptly. |
Type B: Letters of Request or Inquiry
You will be asked to request information about a course, ask a landlord to fix something, or inquire about an event.
| Function | Band 7.0+ Vocabulary Phrases |
| Opening | I am writing to inquire about… / I am writing to request further information regarding… |
| Asking for Details | Could you please provide me with… / I would be grateful if you could clarify… |
| Closing Request | Thank you in advance for your assistance. / I look forward to receiving this information. |
Type C: Job Applications
You will be asked to apply for a job, resign from a job, or ask for a promotion/course at work. This requires highly professional corporate language.
| Function | Band 7.0+ Vocabulary Phrases |
| Opening | I am writing to apply for the position of [Job Title] as advertised in… |
| Stating Qualifications | I have over five years of experience in… / My qualifications make me an ideal candidate for… |
| Call to Action | I have attached my resume for your consideration. / I am available for an interview at your convenience. |
Top 3 Exam-Day Strategies
- Manage Your Word Count: You must write at least 150 words. Aim for around 170-180 words. If you write less than 150, you will be heavily penalized.
- Invent Creative Details: The examiner wants to see your vocabulary. If you are complaining about a broken laptop, don’t just say “it is broken.” Say “the screen constantly flickers and the battery drains within twenty minutes.”
- Check Your Bullet Points: Before you hand in your paper or click submit, reread the letter. Did you explicitly cover all three bullet points? If you miss even one, your Task Achievement score drops to a Band 5.0.