IELTS General Writing Task 1: Samples, Examples And Types

The International English Language Testing System is one of the most widely recognized English proficiency tests in the world. The IELTS General Training test includes two writing tasks. This guide provides a detailed look at IELTS General Writing Task 1: Samples, Examples, and Types. It provides valuable insight, practical tips, and sample letters that will help you succeed. We will also cover Task 2 so that you have a complete understanding of the writing section.

Understanding: Writing Task 1 General

IELTS Task 1 General Writing requires you to respond to a situation by writing a letter. This task aims to test your ability to communicate in a practical and everyday manner. You will be asked to write 150 words within 20 minutes. You may be asked to write formal, semi-formal, or informal letters. Each letter type has a different tone, structure, and style.

In a formal letter, you write to someone who is not a personal friend or in a business context. Examples include:

• Write to an organization to complain.
• Obtaining information from an organization.
• Applying for a job.

A formal letter should be written in a formal tone and with formal language. The letter will begin with a formal salutation such as “Dear (Title) [Last name]” or “Dear Mr/Madam,” followed by a clear purpose. The body of the correspondence should be brief and direct, addressing the issue or request in detail. The letter should end with a formal closure such as “Yours truly” or “Yours faithfully.”.

These letters are sent to someone that you know, but they’re written professionally, like a landlord, colleague, or neighbour. They are polite but not as formal as the other types. It is common to start the letter with “Dear (Title) [Last Name]” or “Dear (First Name), depending on your relationship. The first paragraph of your letter should clearly state its purpose. The body paragraphs must include all necessary information, including background. The letter should end with a polite closing, such as “best wishes” or “kindest regards.“.

You can write an informal letter to someone that you are close with, like a family member or friend. They are written in a casual tone and with informal language. These letters often begin with “Dear [First Name]” or “Hello [First Name].” The first paragraph should start with a friendly salutation and the purpose of writing. The body paragraphs should be relaxed and conversational. Share personal stories or news. The letter can be concluded with a casual close such as, “Best wishes,” “Cheers,” or “Take Care.”.

Writing Task 2 General IELTS

Writing Task 2 in the General IELTS exam requires candidates to write a formal essay in response to a given topic or question, aiming to test their ability to present a clear, logical argument supported by evidence and examples. Candidates need to write at least 250 words in approximately 40 minutes, discussing issues of general interest. The task types include opinion essays, where the writer must state and justify their viewpoint; discussion essays, which involve examining two opposing perspectives; problem-solution essays, which require identifying issues and proposing solutions; and advantage-disadvantage essays, which include evaluating the pros and cons of a given situation. This task assesses the candidate’s ability to articulate their thoughts coherently, use appropriate language, and demonstrate critical thinking skills, all of which are crucial for effective communication in an English-speaking environment.

IELTS General Writing Task 1 Samples

It’s important to follow a structured format when writing formal letters. Start with a formal greeting, and then state the purpose of your correspondence. If you bought an item online and it was late, you could start your letter by expressing dissatisfaction with your purchase. In the body, express your problem with the purchase. Give specific examples and ask the recipient to take action, like fast delivery or check the status; otherwise, replace. Formally close the letter, repeating your request for resolution.

A semi-formal letter should have a professional tone but a less formal style. You may need to address a neighbor with a complaint, like loud music at night.

1. Begin with a friendly greeting and then explain the problem.
2. Provide details about the impact noise has on you in the body of your letter. You can suggest solutions, such as turning down the volume or wearing headphones at night.
3. Thank the recipient for their understanding and cooperation.

Informal letters can have a relaxed, friendly tone. Start your letter by wishing your friend a warm welcome and thanking them for the invitation. Express your disappointment and explain why you are unable to attend the wedding. You can suggest different ways to celebrate, like planning a get-together when you’re available. Close the letter in a friendly way by wishing them all the best on their special day.

Examples Of Types Of Letters

Tap On The Given Below Link For General Writing Task 1 samples:-

Formal Writing	Semi Formal Writing	Informal Writing
Write a Letter of Complaint About Late Delivery to The Website	You Forget Your Bag in The Gym The Gym Management Announced	You Missed Attending a Friend’s Invite
You Travelled by Plane Last Week, and Your Suitcase Was Lost	You Have a Complaint About the Hotel You Stayed	You Are Planning to Take a Vacation
You Have a Problem with A Recently Hired Employee in Your Workplace	The Road in Front of Your House Got Damaged a Long Ago	You Recently Went on Holiday, and Your Friend Lent You a Travel Guidebook
You Have Seen an Advertisement for ‘weekend Work’ in A Hotel in The Town Where You Are Staying	Write a Letter to The Local Council to Stop the Closure of A Children	You borrowed an important textbook from a classmate last term
You Are Currently Taking a Course at A College	Write a Letter to Your Colleague Asking for Help in Setting up The Equipment	Your Neighbours Have Recently Written to You to Complain About the Noise
You Recently Went on A Business Trip and Stayed in A Hotel	You Work for A Small Company, and You Need Some Advertising Materials	Your Next-Door Neighbour Owns a Small Dog That Barks
You Have Received a Bank Statement Showing that The Bank	You and Some of Your Friends Want to Start a Weekly Dance Club	You Recently Stayed with Your Friend to Look After the House
Your Local Newspaper Wants to Reward People Who Have Made a Great Contribution to Society	You Recently Attended a Conference and Would Like to Give	Your Friend Is Thinking About Learning to Drive
You Wish to Study at A Foreign University	On a Recent Holiday, You Lost a Valuable Item	You Recently Bought an Electric Gadget for Your Home
You Have Been Invited to Speak at Your Old High School	The Street Where You Live Is Very Polluted	You Play a Sport (E.G. Football) for A Local Team
You have just read an article in a national newspaper claiming that town centres in your country all look very similar. You don’t fully agree with this opinion.	Your Local Council Is Considering Closing a Sports and Leisure Centre that It Runs to Save Money.	One of your friends recently had a birthday celebration, but you missed it and forgot to tell your friend that you couldn’t attend
Write a letter to the manager of the Lost and Found department of the railway regarding the luggage you accidentally left on the train.	You Are Doing a Three-Month Course at A Training Institute. You Have Recently Been Offered a Full-Time Job at A Company and Can Not Continue the Course.	You have just returned home after living with a family in an English-speaking country for six months. You now realise that you left a small bag of personal possessions in your room
Your company has recently introduced a new uniform for the staff.  Write a letter to your manager saying you are unhappy with the new uniform.	You are organising an executive event for the company you work for.  Write a letter to the person in charge of a venue that you are considering for the event and ask for detailed information regarding dates, services and costs.	Your American friends are going to a city you have just visited.
You have taken a holiday cruise and were disappointed with the experience.  Write a letter to the cruise provider.	You recently bought an item of clothing from a shop. You discovered that it had a fault and returned it to the shop for replacement or refund. However, the assistant told you that this was against the store’s policy.	You have booked a holiday for a member of your family and yourself. Unfortunately, your family member cannot now go with you. A friend of yours may be interested in the trip
The local government is planning to change the bus timetable. You are not happy about the proposed changes. You have decided to write about it to the local newspaper editor.  Write a letter to the newspaper.	You exercise regularly and have been a member of many different gyms. Recently, you moved into a new neighborhood and joined a new gym	A friend has agreed to look after your house and pet while you are on holiday.  Write a letter to your friend
Letter to Council for The Dirty Street	You saw an advertisement for a tennis course in England, but you have some problems and can’t stay for the whole course.	your friend is taking an exam and has asked to you help him/her with studying because he/she knows that you usually do well. write a letter to your friend

You would like to work in a different city to be closer to your family. Write a letter to your employer to request a transfer to another office.	Write a Letter to The Editor to Give Your Opinion About Your Purchased Magazine	Last Month, You Travelled to Another City. You Told a Friend Who Lives in The City that You Would Meet Them, but You Did Not.
You and your family have just returned from a vacation in a rented apartment overlooking the sea. The apartment was very unsatisfactory. Write a letter of complaint to the manager of the agency where you rented an apartment.	You Recently Completed a Course and Borrowed a Book from Your Teacher that You Couldn’t Return in Time. You Would Like to Return the Book Now.	Your friend has asked you to help him/her find a music teacher for his/her child. Write a letter to your friend that you have found a suitable teacher.
Write a letter to a hotel manager in another city for an upcoming 2-day business trip for you and your colleagues.	You Are Working in A Giant Company that Does Financial or Other Items to Help The Different Groups of The Local Community. Write to Your Manager About Some Group You Want to Provide Help Next Year.	A  friend is considering buying a house nearby, but you have decided to leave the area due to a rise in crime.
You learned a piece of news from your friend regarding a part-time job at a new international company near your house.	You Are Applying for A Job and Need a Reference. Write a Letter to The Boss in Your Former Job.	You are planning a week-long vacation, and you need someone to take care of your house while you are away.
Write a letter to the Department of Education to provide financial assistance for a short training course that you want to do in a foreign country.	You work for an international company and would like to spend six months working in its head office in another country.	You recently spent a weekend with your friend in her/his new house. Write a letter to your friend.

IELTS Writing Task 2 General Overview

IELTS Writing Task 2 requires you to write an essay in response to a topic or question. You must write 250 words or more in about 40 minutes. This task tests your ability to make a logical, clear argument and back up your thoughts with examples and evidence. There are four common types of essays in IELTS Writing Task 2: opinion essays, discussion essays, problem-solution essays, and advantage-disadvantage essays.

In opinion essays, you must state your opinions on a particular topic. You will also need to provide examples and reasons to support your position. If you’re asked whether technology makes our lives simpler or more complex, you should present both arguments and support your opinion with relevant examples.

You will be asked to present two opposing viewpoints on a particular topic. You might be asked to talk about the pros and cons of online shopping. It is important to present both sides impartially and then give your opinion supported by examples.

You must identify the problems and propose solutions to a given topic in a problem-solution essay. If the topic is the rising levels of pollution in the cities, then you will need to describe the issues caused by the pollution and suggest practical solutions.

Advantage-disadvantage essays require you to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of a particular issue. You might be asked to talk about the pros and cons of living in a big city. Give both sides of an argument and a balanced conclusion.

Examples Of Types Of Writing Task 2

Tap On The Given Below Link For General Writing task 2 samples:-

Agree/Disagree	Discuss & Opinion	Advantage/Disadvantage	Problem & Solution
In Today’s Digital Age, Anyone with A Smartphone Can Capture and Share Photographs. This Accessibility to Photography Diminishes the Value of Professional Photographers. To What Extent Do You Agree or Disagree?	Some believe that Students Should Begin Learning a Language Very Early in School While Others Think These Subjects Should Be Taught Later. Discuss Both Sides and Give Your Own Opinion.	These Days Mobile Phones and The Internet Are Very Important to How People Relate to One Another Socially. Do the Advantages of This Development Outweigh the Disadvantages?	Students leave high school without learning how to manage their money. What are the reasons and solutions for this issue?
Some Feel that Movies and TV Shows Are a Good Way to Study History Despite Their Lack of Historical Accuracy at Times. to What Extent Do You Agree or Disagree?	Some people think that climate change could hurt business.  Other people think that climate change could create more business opportunities. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.	In many societies, there is a growing emphasis on individualism, with people prioritizing their personal goals and desires over collective interests. Is this a positive or negative development?	Many students find it hard to concentrate in class nowadays. What are the reasons behind this? What solutions can you suggest?
In a School that makes use of Books Children Find It More Boring While Using Films, Tv video games. They Find It More Interesting. To what extent do you agree with this?	Some people think that children can learn about history by visiting museums, while others believe that there are better ways to learn about history. Discuss both views and give your opinion.	New technologies have changed the way children spend their leisure time. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?	An increase in the production of consumer goods results in damaging the environment. What are the causes of this, and give a positive solution?
Although It Is Generally Illegal, Physical Punishment Continues in Many Countries. Some Argue that Parents Should Have the Right to Punish Their Children in This Way. Do You Agree or Disagree?	Many people believe that individuals over 65 should not be allowed to continue working. Others think that people should be allowed to work for as long as they choose. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.	Nowadays, most countries are improving their standard of living through economic development. But as a result, some social values ​​are lost. Do you think the advantages of the phenomenon outweigh the disadvantages?	Many people think that there is a general increase in anti-social behaviour and disrespect for others. What do you think? What are the reasons for this, and how to fix the situation?
Some scientists think that computers will soon become more intelligent than humans. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?	Some people think that it is better to educate girls and boys in separate schools. Others, however, believe that boys and girls benefit more from attending mixed schools. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.	These days mobile phones and the internet are very important to how people relate to one another socially. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?	An increase in the production of consumer goods results in damaging the environment. What are the causes of this, and give a positive solution?
As well as making money, businesses also have social responsibilities. To what extent do you agree or disagree?	Some people believe that governments should enact laws on nutrition and food choices to improve public health, while others believe it is a matter of personal choice and responsibility. Discuss both points of view and give your opinion.	New technologies have changed the way children spend their leisure time. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?	Today more people are travelling than ever before. Why is this the case? What are the benefits of travelling for the traveller? Give reasons for your answer and include relevant examples from your knowledge or experience.
Creative artists should always be given the freedom to express their ideas (in words, pictures, music, or film) in whichever way they wish. There should be no government restrictions on what they do. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?	Some people think they have the right to use as much freshwater as they want, but others think that the government should control the use of freshwater as it is a limited resource. Discuss both points of view and express your opinion.	These days mobile phones and the internet are very important to how people relate to one another socially. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?	Children Are Facing More pressure nowadays from Academic, Social and Commercial Perspectives. What Are the Causes of These Pressures, and What Measures Should Be Taken to Reduce These Pressures?
Universities should accept equal numbers of male and female students in every subject. To what extent do you agree or disagree?	Some think using taxpayer money to search for life on other planets is crucial. However, others believe this is a waste of public funds because many more critical issues require funding in our world. Discuss both points of view and give your opinion.	Demand for gas and oil is increasing, so finding new sources in remote and untouched areas is a necessity. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?	Some young people like to copy the behaviour and clothes of famous people today. Why might this be the case? What problems can it cause?
People’s shopping habits depend more on the age group that they belong to than other factors. To what extent do you agree or disagree?	Some believe that students should begin learning a language very early in school, while others think these subjects should be taught later. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.	Nowadays, more and more people decide to have children later in their life. What do you think are the reasons for this? Do the advantages of the trend outweigh the disadvantages?	Nowadays both men and women spend a lot of money on beauty care. This was not so in the past. What may be the root cause of this behaviour? Discuss the reasons and possible results.
Some people think that a person improves intellectual skills better when doing group activities. To what extent do you agree? Use specific details and examples to explain your view.	Some people prefer activities and lifestyles in hot climates, while others prefer living in cold climates. Discuss both views and give your opinion.	It is now possible for scientists and tourists to travel to remote natural environments, such as the South Pole. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?	Research shows that some activities are good for health and others are bad. Despite knowing that, millions of people engage in unhealthy activities. What is the cause of this? What can be done?
Nowadays, distance learning programs have gained popularity, but some people argue that online courses can never be as good as those taken at a college or university in person. To what extent do you agree or disagree?	Some People Say that every human being can create art. Others think only people born with the ability can create art. Discuss both views and give your opinion.	These days, many people like to watch live performances (such as shows or concerts) at home, either on TV or on a computer, instead of attending in person. Do the advantages of this trend outweigh its disadvantages?	In some parts of the world, traditional festivals and celebrations have disappeared or are disappearing. What problems is this causing? What measures could be taken to counter this situation?
In the modern world, it is no longer necessary to use animals for food or animal products, for instance, clothing and medicines.	Provocative adverts have no place in civilized society	Trends in to use of alternative forms of medicine are increasing day by day in modern society. What are the pros and cons of such forms?	More and more children from wealthy countries are doing unpaid work in poor countries, such as teaching, building houses etcetera. Why are they doing this?  Who gets more benefit, the community or the young people?
More and more people are using computers and other electronic devices to access information. So, printing of books, magazines and newspapers should not be done.	Some people believe governments should spend money on building trains and Some people believe governments should spend money on building trains and subway lines to reduce traffic congestion. Others think that building more and wider roads is the better way to reduce traffic congestion	To solve traffic problems, governments should tax private car owners heavily and use the money to improve public transportation.	Environmental problems such as pollution and climatic variations are increasing Environmental problems such as pollution and climatic variations are increasing nowadays. The governments have taken some measures at a global level.
As we are facing more and more problems, which affect the whole planet, good As we are facing more and more problems, which affect the whole planet, good relationships between different countries are becoming more important than ever before.	Human activities have negative effects on plant and animal species. Some Human activities have negative effects on plant and animal species. Some people think it is too late to do anything about this problem. Others believe that effective measures can be taken to improve this situation.	Some students take one year off between finishing school and going to university, Some students take one year off between finishing school and going to university, to travel or to work.	Many people believe that today there is a general increase in anti-social behaviour Many people believe that today there is a general increase in anti-social behaviour and lack of respect for others. What might have caused this situation? How to improve it?
Some people believe that air travel should be restricted because it causes serious Some people believe that air travel should be restricted. After all, it causes serious pollution and uses up the world’s fuel resources.	Some people say that playing computer games is bad for children, whereas others Some people say that playing computer games is bad for children, whereas others say that it has positive effects on the way children develop.	Differences between countries are barely evident these days. Everyone in the world is wearing the same brands and watching the same TV channels and movies.	Some people believe that young people know about international pop and movies Some people believe that young people know about international pop and movie stars but know very little about famous people from the history of their own country.
Some people think that the news media nowadays have influenced people’s lives in negative ways	Some people say that economic development is necessary to reduce poverty in Some people say that economic development is necessary to reduce poverty in the world. Others say that economic growth should be stopped immediately to stop damaging the environment.	In some countries fast food restaurants and supermarkets give money to schools to promote their products .	Children are facing more pressures nowadays from academic, social and commercial perspectives. What are the causes of these pressures and what measures should be taken to reduce these pressures?

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Avoid common mistakes when preparing for IELTS Task 1 General Writing. These include not responding to all aspects of the prompt, poor organization organization, inappropriate tone, grammatical and spelling errors, or a lack of length. You can avoid making these mistakes by making sure you understand the entire prompt and that you respond appropriately. Before you begin writing, plan your letter or essay. Use clear paragraphs and topic sentences. Your tone should be appropriate to the recipient, as well as the context and formality of the letter. Make sure you proofread to find any errors and that your response meets the word count requirements (150 words for Task 1, 250 words for Task 2)

Tips for Success: IELTS General Writing Task 1

If you want to succeed at IELTS General Writing Task 1, understand the requirements, plan out your response, use appropriate language and tone, and practice regularly. You can also seek feedback. It would help if you familiarized yourself with the different types of essays and letters you might be asked to compose. Before you begin writing, spend a few moments organizing your thoughts and drafting your response. It would help if you adapted your tone and language to the letter or essay that you are writing. Practice writing letters and essays to improve your skills. You can get feedback from your teachers, classmates, or online forums.

Regular Practice For General IELTS Writing Task 1

Examples and Practice Questions

Imagine that you visited a restaurant in your town and were unsatisfied with the food or service. You can write a letter expressing your dissatisfaction and giving details about your visit to the restaurant manager. Suggestions on what the restaurant should do to resolve the problems you experienced. Formally thank the manager for the attention they have given to your letter.

Imagine that you and your child have just moved to a different city. Your child will also be attending a brand-new school. Introduce yourself and your child to the principal and ask for information on the school policies and extracurriculars. Give details about your child’s interests, and tell them what you hope for their experience. Thank the principal with a polite closing.

Imagine that your friend asked you to move them to a new place next weekend. However, you have another commitment. You can write a letter explaining your situation and offering an alternative way to help. Make the letter more interesting by using a friendly tone. Include personal stories. Casually closing the letter with your best wishes and a casual close will make it more engaging.

Conclusion: IELTS General Writing Task 1

Understanding the different types and styles of letters is key to mastering IELTS Task 1. Regular practice, feedback, and constant improvement are all necessary. You can communicate effectively in any situation by familiarising yourself with formal, semi-formal, and informal letters. Understanding Task 2 and writing essays will also improve your writing abilities. Preparation and practice are the keys to getting a high IELTS Writing section score. You can improve your writing skills by using the examples and prompts in this guide.