IELTS general writing task 1 tips and tricks for students

Following are some writing tips:

  • Find out the type (formal, semi-formal or informal) and purpose of the letter
  • Based on the type of the letter the addressing and ending should be as follows:
    TypeAddressingEnding
    FormalDear Sir/MadamYours faithfully
    Semi FormalDear Mr Joe/Mrs JennierYour sincerely
    InformalDear Joe/ JenniferRegards
  • Start the letter appropriately
    TypeLetter starting
    FormalI am writing to inform you …
    InformalI hope you and your family are all well
  • Use standard expression such as “It would be good if you could …”
  • Always try to write correct spelling. If you are not sure about the spelling use the synonyms
  • Try to divide the letter into paragraphs. Usually the letter writing task can have 4 paragraphs.
    • The introduction
    • The problem/situation
    • The solution/action
    • The conclusion
  • If the letter has bullet points, always answer those
  • The writing should be clean and readable
  • Do not repeat words instead use synonyms to show your vocabulary
  • Use sub-ordinate clause (compound, complex sentences) into your writing instead of multiple simple sentences which is using different sentence types
  • Practice, practice and practice

IELTS writing task 2 tips
IELTS reading tips
IELTS speaking tips and tricks for students
IELTS listening tips