Here is a collection of sample letters to help you prepare for IELTS writing task 1 for the General Training Paper (students taking the Academic Paper will not get letters for writing task 1). The IELTS sample letters below are a range of personal, semi-formal and formal which are all common in task 1.
Letter of Instruction
You have just spent a week with a friend on holiday. When you got home, you realised you had left your wallet there.
Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:
- thank your friend for the holiday
- explain that you left your wallet in their house
- give them instructions of how to send it back to you
Asking for a Letter of Reference
You are applying for a job and need a letter of reference.
Write a letter to a former teacher. In your letter:
- give details of the job
- explain why it is important to you
- suggest what information your teacher could put in the reference
Letter of Advice
A friend has written to you asking for advice about a problem at work. You have had a similar problem in the past.
Write a reply to your friend. In your letter:
- tell your friend you understand the problem
- explain what happened to you in the past
- suggest possible solutions to the problem.
Letter of Complaint
Work is being done on the street where you live. The noise is disturbing you.
Write a letter of complaint to your local council. In your letter:
- introduce yourself
- explain what the problem is
- suggest solutions to the problem
Letter of Application
You saw an advert in the newspaper asking for volunteers to help run a charity event.
Write a letter of application to the organisers. In your letter:
- explain why you are interested in helping
- give details suitable past experience
- suggest ways you might help with the event
Letter of Request
You need to take leave from your work of over one month for personal reasons.
Write a letter to your boss. In your letter:
- explain the reason for the leave and the length of leave you need
- explain how you will keep up-to-date while you’re away
- suggest how your work could be covered while you are away
Letter of Resignation
You have decided to resign from your work in order to try a new field.
Write a letter of resignation to your boss. In your letter:
- tell your boss of your decision and explain why you are leaving
- explain what you have learnt from your current job and how you feel about leaving
- ask for a letter of reference
Letter of Arrangement
You have organised to go on holiday with your friend. However, you must change your plans.
Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:
- tell them how much you are looking forward to the holiday
- explain why you must change your plans
- suggest alternative arrangements
Letter of Complaint
You recently ordered something online. When the delivery came it was not complete.
Write a letter to the company. In your letter:
- explain what you ordered and what was missing from your delivery
- explain the importance of this delivery
- ask for a replacement item to be sent
Letter of Acceptance
A friend has offered you some work in his company. You are currently employed and not able to start for three months.
Write a reply to your friend. In your letter:
- give details of what you know about his company
- explain your current situation
- give your answer to the offer and explain why