IELTS EXPERTS: WRITING GENERAL TASK 1

IELTS EXPERTS: WRITING GENERAL TASK 1

In General Task 1 of the Writing module, a prompt poses a problem or describes a situation that requires a written response in letter format.

For example, you may be required to write a letter to an imaginary person such as a friend or a teacher, or it may be formal letter to a stranger or an official. You are required to use informal, semi-formal writing styles.

It is suggested that about 20 minutes is spent on Task 1, which requires candidates to write at least 150 words. Depending on the task suggested, candidates are assessed on their ability to:

·       engage in personal correspondence

·       elicit and provide general factual information

·       express needs, wants, likes and dislikes

·       express opinions (views, complaints etc.)

IELTS Tip

You do not have time to write a detailed plan for your letter so think about drafting (writing in rough) the opening line of each of the sections:

1) Opening
2) Main paragraphs
3) Closing

with notes on one or two main points. This will give your writing a sense of direction.

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

You play a team sport with some friends. Last week a member of the team had an accident and wasn't able to play with you at the weekend. You decide to write to him in hospital, telling him about the match.

Write a letter to your friend. In your letter,

·       tell him which team won

·       describe the conditions on the day

·       say how you felt about the match

·       Write at least 150 words.

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Dear Ahmad,

I was so sorry to hear about your accident! I hope you're feeling a lot better today and that it's not too boring in hospital.
(Expresses sympathy and asks about the reader's health.)

The match on Saturday was disappointing. The score was 2 all, probably because you weren't there to score that extra goal! The awful thing was that we were winning until 10 minutes before the end, when suddenly they scored another goal. I was so shocked when I saw the ball hit the back of the net.
(Tells him the score and briefly describes how you felt about the match.)

I think the weather was to blame. It was a really wet day and the pitch was very muddy. By the end of the game you could hardly see the grass and we were sliding around in the mud. Everyone was exhausted.
(Mentions the weather and conditions.)

Let us know when you're going home and we'll arrange for someone to bring you to watch the next game. The rest of the team send their regards and we all wish you a speedy recovery.

(Finishes with good wishes.)

Best wishes,
Nouman Khan

Examiner’s comments

This is a good answer because it covers all the points in the question, though not necessarily in the same order, and introduces some original ideas. It is well paragraphed and both the introduction and the closing paragraph are appropriate to the situation. The use of adjectives to describe how the writer felt is excellent and there is a good range of structures used. The tone and overall communicative quality of the letter are good.

Sample task 2

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

You are studying for a qualification, and you would like some time off work to complete it.

Write a letter to your manager. In your letter:

·       Ask for some time off to complete a qualification.

·       Suggest what you will do later at work if you have time off.

·       Say how the qualification helps your job or company.

Write at least 150 words.

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Dear Mr Max,

I am writing to you about the possibility of taking a fortnight off work in order to complete my Master’s degree in Engineering. I am almost finished writing my thesis, which must be submitted to my university by June 30th. Unfortunately, all my annual leave has been used up. Any time I took off, would naturally be unpaid; I would also check my email daily, and be available for emergency phone calls. On return, I would endeavour to come into the office earlier than usual and work Saturdays in order to catch up on anything I had missed. I have already spoken about my situation to my colleagues Mr Grunewald and Ms Tak, who are both willing to assume my responsibilities for two weeks.

I realize my temporary absence could be an inconvenience to you and the rest of the team, but in the long term, our company will benefit from my research. As you may be aware, I have been investigating 3-D printing for some time, and my thesis compares three printers already on the market with two designs pending patent and production. Since our company is considering developing software for these printers, my expertise will help give us a competitive edge.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

Andrew

IELTS EXPERTS: UNSOLVED EXERCISES

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

You live in an area where the local council has made some changes to regulations. You believe these changes are not good for residents.

Write a letter to a councillor. In your letter: 

• Introduce yourself.
• Describe the problem.
• Say what you think the council should do about the situation.

You should write at least 150 words.

Exercise  no 2

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

Write a letter to an electronics company requesting information about their latest model of digital camera you have seen advertised.

Ask about the following items:

• the price and availability of the new camera
• the exact size and special functions of the set

You should write at least 150 words. You do not need to write any addresses.

Exercise  no 3

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

You are organizing a trip to the Black Mountains in West Wales for a group of students from Canterbury in Kent, UK. Write to the manager of Student Hostel Services and explain when you want to visit the Black Mountains, how long you will stay, how many students are in your party, and what accommodations you will require.

You should write at least 150 words.

Execise  no 4

Write a semi-formal letter to a person and invite her/ him to a celebratory event. Write three paragraphs that focus on

• venue, date and time
• atmosphere of celebratory
• response to the invitation

You should write at least 150 words.

You do NOT need to write your own address.

Execise no 5

you should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

You are going on a month training programme to the UK and know that the head of the course would like one of the participants to be the social events’ organiser.

Write a letter to the Training Organiser

• expressing your interest in the role
• requesting more information about it
• explaining what experience you have

Write at least 150 words.