IELTS Formal Letter

A formal letter is written in many instances. It is required to submit a request, raise a complaint, give a recommendation/suggestion, for resignation, invitation, job application etc.

In the IELTS General Writing Task 1, you have to write a letter to the person given in the question. There are 3 types of letters in IELTS writing - formal, informal and semi-formal. In this article, we will discuss how to write an IELTS formal letter. You can find the structure of a formal letter, vocabulary, tips to write and some useful vocabulary that you can use while writing. You can also use the IELTS Formal Letter sample that is given here to learn how to write a formal letter.

Check Out our YouTube Channel to Practice Full-Length IELTS Listening Tests Daily

Identifying a question for writing a formal letter

The first step in answering the IELTS General Writing Task 1 is to identify the type of question asked. The question will ask you to write a letter to someone. From the question you have to identify if you have to write a formal letter or not. Usually in a formal letter, the designation of the person will be given instead of their name. A formal letter is generally written to raise a complaint, request etc. Check out a sample IELTS formal letter question below.

You are a final year student of Basel University, studying MBA. You want to apply for the post of Quality Assurance Manager you have recently seen on the university's notice board.

Write a letter to the HOD, and

• Give your reason for writing
• Tell about your education
• Describe your work experience and explain why you would be suitable for the job.

You can see that the letter has to be written to the Head of Department, which tells us that it is an IELTS formal letter question. 

IELTS Formal Letter Format

Before writing an IELTS Formal letter, it is important to plan the structure of the letter. All the formal letters have a similar structure. See below to know what the IELTS Formal Letter Format is.

• Dear Sir/Madam,
• Paragraph 1- Write why you are sending this letter. (I am writing this letter to inform you…) 
• Paragraph 2- give supporting details 
• Paragraph 3- More supporting details if any
• I hope to hear from you. 
• Yours faithfully,
• [Your Full Name]

Use this IELTS Formal Letter Format to frame your answer before you start attempting the writing task 1. Add good supporting details to make your letter relevant.

Tips for writing an IELTS Formal Letter 

1. First identify what type of letter you have to write - formal, informal or semi formal.
2. Find why you have to write the letter. It can be to raise a complaint, request for something or to give suggestions etc.
3. Give a proper salutation when you start the letter. Eg. - Dear Sir/Madam.
4. Likewise, end the letter with Yours faithfully, yours sincerely etc. 
5. Give a good introduction stating why you are writing the letter.
6. Use formal words and phrases and avoid colloquial language.
7. Write the formal letter carefully without mistakes. Check your letter once after writing.
8. Divide the letter into small paragraphs by leaving a line in between so it becomes easier for the reader to read.
9. Write a minimum of 150 words in the letter.
10. Understand the IELTS band descriptors and keep those in mind while writing.

For more details you can check out the IELTS General Writing Task 1 Tips.

Useful Phrases/Vocabulary for IELTS Formal Letter 

We have given a set of phrases below that will be helpful while writing the IELTS formal letter. Choose the words according to the intent of the letter.

Introduction

• I am writing this letter to enquire about…
• I am writing this letter to find out about…
• I am writing this letter to bring to your attention…
• I am writing this letter to inform you that…
• I am writing this letter to express my dissatisfaction with…..

Main Body

• I would be obliged if you could…
• I request you to…
• I kindly request that you….
• I was thinking if you could….
• I would like to recommend that….

Ending

• I look forward to hearing from you soon.
• I expect to receive your response.
• I await your prompt reply.
• I thank you in advance for your consideration.
• Kindly respond at the earliest.

Make sure you don't dilute your IELTS formal letter with other irrelevant usages. Keep your words formal and short. Check out IELTS general writing task 1 vocabulary page for more reading.

Checklist for Writing IELTS Formal Letter

You have to remember a few points and check if you have followed it while writing the IELTS formal letter in General Training task 1.

1. Read and follow the instructions in the question.
2. Identify the type of letter to be written
3. Construct the letter format in your mind
4. Make good supporting details to write the letter.
5. Use a paragraph to explain the reason why you write the letter
6. Use formal language throughout the letter
7. Divide the letter into paragraphs.
8. Make sure you have conveyed your requirement clearly
9. Don't repeat the words. Use good vocabulary.
10. Check for spelling mistakes and grammatical errors.

If you follow this checklist you can write a good IELTS formal letter.

IELTS Formal Letter Sample for Band 9 

You can use the IELTS Formal Letter Sample given below to learn to write a band 9 letter in the test.

You are looking for a full-time job. Write a letter to an employment agency. In your letter:

Introduce yourself
Explain what sort of job you would like
Say what experience and skills you have
Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir/Madam,

You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

IELTS Formal Letter Sample

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing this letter to express my interest to start working for a full-time job.

I am Robert, a recent graduate from York University. I completed my MBA in marketing in the year 2022. I stay in Ontario and am presently searching for a full-time job that matches my field of education. 

I am looking for a job in the corporate finance sector and am ready to dedicate my full-time to the job. I am also seeking to learn a lot from my first job. 

During my studies I have completed an internship at a leading fintech company as a finance intern. I have good financial reporting and logical reasoning skills and can complete my assigned tasks on time. 

It would be great if your agency can find me a suitable role in a good company. I look forward to hearing from you soon and registering with your agency. 

Your Faithfully,
Robert Reeds.

Download IELTS formal letter sample PDF here. 

IELTS Examiner’s Report on Formal Letter 

The candidate has written a proper salutation as mentioned in the question. The introduction has been written properly by stating the reason for writing the letter. The candidate has introduced himself with his educational background in a formal tone. The reason for writing the letter has been supported with relevant details. The purpose of the letter has been conveyed very well. The candidate has used the vocabulary very well and all the sentences are grammatically correct.

Band 9

Other IELTS General Writing Task 1 Letter types

Check out the other IELTS General Task 1 letter types below:

• Informal Letter
• Semi-Formal Letter

Conclusion

This article is a comprehensive guide with a sample and useful tips for writing an IELTS Formal letter. Write a band 9 letter in the IELTS General Writing Task 1 using the help of this article.

FAQ

1. How do I start a formal letter in IELTS?

You should start a formal letter with a salutation like, Dear Sir/Madam. Address the person first before writing your concerns.

2. How to write a formal letter in IELTS task 1?

Start with a salutation, introduction explaining why you are writing the letter, a body with supporting details, a proper ending telling them what you are expecting and your name at the end. Make sure to state the purpose of the letter in a direct response to the situation outlined in the question. 

3. How should I end a formal letter in IELTS?

You should end your letter with a valediction, eg. Yours sincerely, Yours faithfully etc. and followed by your full name.

4. How do you write a 9 band letter?

Follow a good structure, write the letter with formal language and avoid spelling and grammatical errors while writing. Also check out other tips given in this page.

5. How can I improve my IELTS General writing?

Manage your time properly, write at least 150 words, practice writing more formal letters, improve your vocabulary and language and follow a good format to write the letter. 

6. How many types of letters are there in IELTS General?

There are 3 different types of IELTS letters in General Task 1 - formal, informal and semi-formal letters. Each of these letters have a different way of writing.

7. What are formal letters in IELTS?

In formal letters, the tone of writing is well-controlled, formal and polite. This will only contain the necessary information that you want to convey and will be kept short and crisp.