IELTS Letter Writing Samples with Answers

Updated on: Jul 15, 2024
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The International English Language Test System (IELTS) is a standard assessment for candidates to assess their level of proficiency in English. IELTS is a widely recognised exam across the world for international students and the working population. The exam is accepted as proof of English language proficiency in more than 11,000 educational institutions in several countries. The IELTS exam contains four sections that determine the candidate's language skills. Here are the IELTS letter writing samples for better understanding and to score well in the assessment.

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IELTS letter writing samples for task 1: Key highlights

No. of tasks1
Minimum word limit (in words)150
Duration (in minutes)20
Question formatA formal, semi-formal, or personal letter

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IELTS General Training: An overview

It is essential for candidates to learn about the format and syllabus of the exam before preparing for the tasks. The IELTS General Training exam is structured for candidates who plan to work or immigrate to an English-speaking country.

The General Training exam consists of four sections.

  • Listening
  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Speaking

IELTS General writing task 1

Name of task: Letter writing

Total duration: 20 minutes

  • IELTS General Training’s writing task 1 is a letter of at least 150 words. You will be given a situation and should provide a personal response according to the instructions.
  • The letter can be in a formal, semi-formal, or personal tone.
  • You should request a piece of information or explain a situation concerning the task.
  • The task will be assessed based on the candidate’s ability to provide factual information, express their needs and requirements, and convey their opinion clearly.
  • Even though writing Task 2’s score contributes twice as Task 1, IELTS Writing Task 1 holds equal importance, and preparing well for the assessment is necessary.

IELTS General Training writing task 1: Grading criteria

  • Task achievement
  • Coherence and cohesion
  • Lexical resource
  • Grammatical range and accuracy

Also read: Describe a daily routine that you enjoy

IELTS letter writing samples

The letter-writing task will require you to provide or elaborate on the information. Make sure to create a response that satisfies the requirements of the grading criteria. Several IELTS letter writing samples are available for candidates to practice and improve their writing skills.

IELTS letter writing sample 1

A friend of yours has agreed to look after your apartment and pet while you go on an important business trip. Write a letter to your friend with thedetails mentioned below.

  • Contact details for when you are away
  • Instructions about the care of your pet
  • Essential household duties

Write at least 150 words in the letter. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Dear Annie,

I hope this letter finds you well. I want to thank you for agreeing to take care of my apartment and my furry dachshund, Shadow, while I am on a business trip to London.

I must admit, the thought of leaving Shadow behind was quite unsettling, but knowing that you are looking after him brings me immense comfort. I cannot thank you enough for being there for me during this time.

In case you need to reach out to me concerning the apartment or Shadow, please feel free to contact me on my phone at +0123456789 or through email at rachel@yahoo.com. I shall get back to you as soon as possible.

Shadow can be a handful with his energy and enthusiasm, but I'm sure you'll love him. Please remember to feed him twice a day, in the morning and evening. And don't forget to provide him with water throughout the day. He adores playing, so it would be great if you could spare some time and embark on playful adventures with him.

Now, onto the vital household responsibilities. I kindly ask you to shower some love and water on the plants every morning. Additionally, it would be helpful if you could take out the trash on the designated days. I know you'll ensure the apartment is in order in my absence.

Once again, I would like to express my gratitude for your help. Your assistance lets me travel with peace of mind, knowing that my home and Shadow are in the best hands.

I'm waiting to see you, Annie, and hoping to hear some fun stories about the time you and Shadow had together. I'm sure he'll charm you with those puppy dog eyes!

Warm regards,

Rachel.

IELTS letter writing sample 2

Write a letter to the administration of a shopping mall, explaining a valuable item you lost. In your letter:

  • Describe the item lost
  • Explain where and when you last saw it
  • Request the administration to work on the action you would like them to take

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing this letter to bring to your attention a valuable item I lost during my recent visit to your shopping mall. I hope you can assist me in locating it.

The item I lost is a silver watch with a black leather strap. The watch is valuable to me monetarily and holds immense sentimental worth.

I last saw the watch in the seating area near the food court on June 17 at around 13:00 hours. I vividly remember taking it off while having lunch and placing it on the table. However, in the rush to leave, I accidentally left it behind. Upon realising my mistake, I returned to the area, but unfortunately, the watch was no longer there.

I kindly request that you initiate a thorough investigation into the matter. It would be greatly appreciated if you could review the CCTV footage from the mentioned seating area during the specified time frame. Additionally, please notify the mall's security personnel and staff members about the lost item in case it has been found and handed in.

I understand that it might be challenging to recover a lost item, but I genuinely hope that with your assistance, there is a possibility of locating and retrieving my watch. I eagerly await your response and remain hopeful for a positive outcome.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Yours sincerely,

Rachel Matthews.

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Also Read: Complex Sentence for IELTS

IELTS letter writing sample 3

Write a letter to your college accommodation officer, share your concerns about your dormitory, and request a room change. In your letter:

  • Mention the room and block of the building you live in
  • Explain the problems you face in the current room
  • Request the administrator to change your room from the next term

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Dear College Accommodation Officer,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to express my concerns regarding my current dormitory room and to request a room change for the upcoming term.

I am currently residing in Room 304 in the Athena Block of the college dormitory. Unfortunately, I have been facing several issues that significantly impact my living conditions.

Firstly, the room is located near a noisy common area, making it difficult for me to concentrate on my studies and get a good night's sleep. The constant noise has been affecting my academics and overall well-being.

Moreover, the ventilation in the room is inadequate, resulting in poor air circulation and a stuffy environment. This has led to discomfort and health concerns, such as increased allergies and difficulty maintaining a clean living space.

Considering the previously mentioned problems, I kindly request that you arrange to change my room for the next term. I understand that room availability might be limited, but I would greatly appreciate it if you could prioritise my request and find a more suitable accommodation option for me. A quieter room with better ventilation would greatly contribute to my academic success and overall satisfaction with the college living experience.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to hearing from you regarding the possibility of a room change. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.

Yours sincerely,

Rachel Matthews.

IELTS letter writing sample 4

The school library is seeking applicants for a job over summer break. Write a letter to the library’s manager. In your letter, include the following:

  • A brief introduction of yourself
  • Your experience and relevant skills
  • Why do you want the job

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Dear Library Manager,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to express my interest in the job opportunity at the school library over the summer break. Please allow me to introduce myself and highlight my relevant experience and skills.

My name is Rachel Matthews, and I am currently enrolled at the University of Liverpool. I have always had a profound love for books and a deep appreciation for the library as a vital resource for knowledge and learning. Hence, I am thrilled at the prospect of contributing to the library's mission during the summer break.

I have previous experience working as a library assistant during my high school years, where I gained valuable knowledge of library operations and developed essential skills such as cataloguing, shelving, and assisting patrons with their inquiries. Additionally, I am proficient in library management and possess organisational skills, attention to detail, and excellent communication abilities.

Moreover, my passion for books and literature and my ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment would make me a suitable candidate for this position. I am eager to contribute my skills, provide exceptional service to library users, and assist in maintaining an organised library.

Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to work at the school library over the summer break and contribute to the enriching experience of fellow students. I look forward to discussing my application further and appreciate your time and consideration.

Yours sincerely,

Rachel Matthews.

IELTS letter writing sample 5

Your friend recently moved to a new city. You will also be moving to the same city. Write a letter to your friends and include:

  • Ask where to find a place to live
  • Tell them what type of place you’re looking for
  • Share some fun things you would like to do when you get there

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Dear Annie,

I wanted to share some exciting news with you—I'll be moving to the same city as you! I can't wait to explore New York together and create unforgettable memories. I would greatly appreciate your guidance and suggestions as I search for a place to live.

I was hoping you could provide some advice on the best neighbourhoods or areas to consider. I am looking for a comfortable and safe place, preferably within close proximity to public transportation. A one-bedroom apartment or a small studio would be ideal for me, as I prefer a cosy living space that is easy to maintain.

On another note, I've been researching some exciting activities and attractions in our new city. I would love to explore and immerse myself in the city's vibrant atmosphere. I'm also looking forward to trying different cuisines and discovering unique coffee shops, as I know how much we appreciate a good cup of coffee!

I am very grateful for your support and guidance during this transitional period. Your experience and recommendations will be invaluable. I cannot wait to join you in our new city and create lasting memories.

Wishing you all the best, and looking forward to our upcoming adventures!

Warmest regards,

Rachel.

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Pro tips to prepare for the IELTS letter writing task

Here are some vital tips on how to prepare for the IELTS exam.

  • Understand the exam format and learn about the grading criteria. So you can have a better knowledge of the exam and eases your preparation process.
  • Prepare a study schedule to plan things ahead and save time. It also helps you keep track of your study progress during preparation.
  • Develop your vocabulary by reading books, magazines, and newspapers.
  • Ensure you understand the grammar rules you need to know for IELTS for better score.
  • Make use of online tests and practice materials. There are several IELTS letter writing samples online that would help you understand the task expectation and improve your language skills.
  • Start practising writing every day. Develop frameworks to write the letter in a structured format. It is also important to analyse your mistakes and work on them.

Frequently asked questions

How to write a letter for the IELTS test?

  • Identify the type and purpose of the letter
  • Open and close the letter appropriately
  • Effectively use vocabulary in writing
  • Add details to make the letter more believable
  • Divide your letter into paragraphs for better visibility and understanding

Can I write 300 words in IELTS writing?

The IELTS letter writing task requires you to write at least 150 words. There is no maximum word limit so you can write a letter of 300 words.

Is letter writing in IELTS Academic?

There is no letter writing task in IELTS Academic exam. Only the General Training version has a letter writing task.

How can I improve my IELTS letter writing skills?

  • Understand the exam format and learn about the grading criteria.
  • Develop your vocabulary by reading books, magazines, and newspapers.
  • Make sure to understand the grammar rules for the IELTS exams for better scoring.
  • Make use of online tests and practice materials so that you can understand the task expectation and improve your language skills.
  • It is also important to analyse your mistakes and work on them.
  • Start practising writing every day. Develop frameworks to write the letter in a structured format.

What is the IELTS letter writing topics?

  • Letter of complaint
  • Letter of request
  • Letter of thanks
  • Letter of invitation
  • Letter of explanation
  • Letter of application
  • Letter of resignation