IELTS General Writing Task 1 Practice Tests

The IELTS General Writing task 1  practice test will be for 20 minutes and you will be asked to write a letter. It accounts for 33% of your scores. The practice tests contain questions and sample answers.

Things to be borne in mind by the test takers

• Make sure you understand the type of letter before beginning to write the letter.
• Plan your letter according to the type of essay. Each type of letter has a dedicated vocabulary.
• Decide the structure of the letter, based on the type identified.
• Decide on how to start writing the letter by identifying the right kind of greeting.
• Decide on how to close the letter by identifying the right signoff.
• Read the question statement along with the three bullet points given with it. Compose the body paragraphs of the letter in such a way that it addresses all parts of the question.
• Make use of the right sentence structures. Pay special attention to the language used to write the letter (varies based on the type of letter) and tone.
• Use idioms, slangs, phrasal verbs and reductions on appropriate places.
• Read through the letter you have written for any kind of spelling mistake. You are marked for your spellings.

Tips to review your practice tests:

Ensure that the following checklist is met once you have completed the IELTS task 1 letter. 

Explanation for the checklist:

Did I identify the type of the letter correctly?

Letters are of three types. They are:

• Formal – Letter to someone you don’t know 
• Semi formal – Letter to someone you know formally
• Informal – Letter to someone you know personally

You should identify which of the three types the question falls into. It is the most important step as this will decide the rest of the letter.

Did I jot down the right IELTS writing vocabulary for the type chosen?

There is a dedicated vocabulary for each type.

Examples :

Did I understand what category the letter falls into? (Eg: Complaints)

There are many topics which can also be called as categories. Some of them are:

• Complaints
• Apology
• Explanation
• Recommendation
• Request
• Invitation

Did I address the letter aim?

Aim refers to the purpose of the letter. It means the following:

After identifying the category, using the right words to address it.

Did I address the three bullet points under the question?

There will be three bullet points given under each question. You should ensure that you have addressed all parts of the question

Did I choose the right language to write the letter?

Choosing the right language is very important. Language varied based on letter type.

Example: For a formal letter you won’t be using contractions like “I’ll”. It will be “I will”.

Did I make use of idioms, phrasal verbs ,slangs and reduction based on type of the letter?

Example: In formal letters we won’t be using the following :

Idioms: “Python coding is a cakewalk for her”. Instead you should prefer “python coding is very easy for her.”

Phrasal verbs: “The company cut down its costs”. Instead, “the company reduced its expenditure.”

Slangs: “That makes 100 bucks”. Instead you should use, “That makes 100 dollars”.

Reduction: “It’s gonna be alright.” Instead you should use “It’s going to be alright”.

Have I organised the letter in paragraphs ensuring coherence and cohesion?

Ensuring logical flow in the paragraphs . Choosing one central idea for each paragraph etc .

Did I compose the sentence structures properly?

Ensuring proper grammar.

IELTS General Writing letter samples

IELTS General Writing Task 1 Practice Test 1

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