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This lesson is based on task 1 of the General IELTS Writing exam, in which you write some form of correspondence. There is a model answer and four exercises, practising aspects of informal language such as contractions and phrasal verbs. You must complete each exercise before moving on to the next.

Task type: apologising / giving advice
Key skills: using grammar (e.g. contractions) and vocabulary (e.g. phrasal verbs) for giving advice in informal writing

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

A friend recently asked for some advice about a work-related difficulty. You had planned to meet this person to discuss the issue but had to cancel at the last minute.

In your letter:
      – Apologise for cancelling your original meeting
      – Show that you understand what your friend is going through
      – Give advice about the problem your friend is dealing with

You should write at least 150 words.

You do not need to write your own address.

Hi Robin,

Just wanted to write to say I’m really sorry for cancelling on you last week. My dad went into hospital, so I had to fly home immediately. He’ll pull through, but I’m still here for now. I feel terrible for backing out on you at the last minute, though. I won’t let you down again. I’ll make it up to you… Drinks are on me when I get back.

I know it’s been a tough time for you lately, getting laid off and all. It’s not easy, that’s for sure. Maybe I haven’t mentioned this, but I went through a few difficult months last year after my contract ended with TDM. Not to say our experiences are exactly the same, but I do know how frustrating it can be.

Above all else, I’d say stay as positive as possible. Don’t let your immediate feelings stop you from seeing the glass as half full. Things will turn around, I’m sure! Just get out and stay active. If you’re lying in bed all day like I was, you’ll only spiral into a deeper sense of despair. Why not sign up at that kickboxing gym near your place?

Looking forward to those beers when I’m back!

Cheers,
Brett

This lesson is based on task 1 of the General IELTS Writing exam, in which you write some form of correspondence. There is a model answer and four exercises, practising collocations. You must complete each exercise before moving on to the next.

Task type: letter of enquiry
Key skills: using correct collocations

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

On a recent holiday you went on a sightseeing tour. When you got home you realised you had left an important item on the tour bus.

In your letter:
      – Explain what has happened
      – Describe the item you lost
      – Say what you would like them to do with the lost item

You should write at least 150 words.

You do not need to write your own address.

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing regarding an article of clothing that I sadly left behind on your tour bus last weekend. I was on your three-day Garden Route tour, and I was sitting towards the back of the bus on the left, where I believe I left my jacket.

The item is a dark green outdoor jacket with a North Face label on the front. Inside one of the pockets, you will find a small black and white purse with a student card and some small change. The wallet has a great deal of sentimental value to me, and the jacket is a top-of-the-range windbreaker.

I suspect that I left it under my seat when we stopped for lunch on our way back to Port St John and did not realise until I got home. I would appreciate it if you could contact me should you manage to locate it. If so, I would be most grateful if you could send it to me by courier; of course, I would be happy to pay for any costs incurred.

Thank you for your help. I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours faithfully,
Sarah Jones

This lesson is based on task 1 of the General IELTS Writing exam, in which you write some form of correspondence. There is a model answer and four exercises, practising consistent tone and register, as well as informal language. You must complete each exercise before moving on to the next.

Task type: informal letter to announce news
Key skills: consistency in tone and register / use of appropriate informal idiomatic vocabulary

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

You have some good news that you would like to share with a friend or relative who you have not seen for some time.

In your letter:
      – Describe what has happened and why it is a good thing
      – Explain how this news will affect you or your family members
      – Provide details about how you plan to celebrate and invite your friend or relative if appropriate

You should write at least 150 words.

You do not need to write your own address.

Hey Uncle Chris,

How are you doing? I hope you and Auntie Linda are keeping well. I’m writing because I got some great news last week: I got promoted to senior manager and was asked to relocate to New York. This is the position I’ve been working towards for the last few years. All my hard work seems like it’s finally paid off!

Susanne and the kids of course will be coming with me. Susanne is over the moon that she’ll finally be in a big city after four years in the middle of nowhere. And, Brian and Stephen are going nuts, as you can imagine. They’re already begging me for season tickets to the Yankees games! We’re all so excited and can’t wait to start a new chapter.

To celebrate, and to say goodbye to Bodenville, Susanne and I are planning a party for June 29th. It’s a weekend, so I thought you might be able to make it. I know it’s a long train ride, but the boys would love to see you and Auntie Linda, and if you brought Benji, they’d be absolutely blown away. It would be so nice to have you there, especially since we haven’t been able to see you since Dad passed.

Let me know as soon as you can.

Best wishes,
Thomas

This lesson is based on task 1 of the General IELTS Writing exam, in which you write some form of correspondence. There is a model answer and four exercises, practising collocations and phrasal verbs. You must complete each exercise before moving on to the next.

Task type: letter of complaint
Key skills: use of collocations / phrasal verbs

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

You live near a park which has recently become very dirty because of garbage from the residents in the area. You have spoken to a local government representative about rubbish collection, but the problem has still not been resolved.

In your letter:
      – Introduce yourself and explain the situation
      – Describe what you have tried to do
      – Say what action you would like the government to take

You should write at least 150 words.

You do not need to write your own address.

Dear Mayor Smitts,

I am writing this letter to complain about the growing problem with refuse accumulation in the eastern part of Wade park. Approximately six weeks ago, I noticed that the public dumpsters located on Wilburn Boulevard had been taken away. No new dumpsters were brought in, and unfortunately the residents in the area have been leaving their garbage where the dumpsters once were. What is even worse, rubbish collection has stopped since that time. As a result, an overwhelming amount of garbage has piled up and the odour has become unbearable.

I have already made efforts to solve this problem. On February 20th, I made a call to Ms Jodie Yarde who is my local government minister. Not only was it extremely difficult to get in touch with her, but when I finally got through to her, she seemed oblivious to the matter. She told me she would look into the situation, but sadly nothing has been done.

As a resident of this area, I strongly believe we need to look after our community. I think two steps need to be taken at this point. First and foremost, garbage collection must resume immediately. Secondly, the dumpsters should be brought back or new ones should be provided. Allowing bags to pile up and their contents to spill out or be thrown around by animals is completely unacceptable.

I look forward to an effective solution to this problem in the very near future.

Yours sincerely,
Nancy Johnson

This lesson is based on task 1 of the General IELTS Writing exam, in which you write some form of correspondence. There is a model answer and three exercises, practising spelling and related parts of speech. You must complete each exercise before moving on to the next.

Task type: letter of request (for information)
Key skills: accuracy of spelling / use of word forms

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

You have registered for a two-month course in another city to upgrade your professional qualifications. You have read that accommodation is available on the campus where the course will take place, but you do not know if it will be suitable for you.

In your letter:
      – Introduce yourself and say why and when you need accommodation
      – Describe the type of accommodation you require
      – Request information about different room types and costs

You should write at least 150 words.

You do not need to write your own address.

Dear Mr Jenkins,

I am writing this letter to find out more about the accommodation options that will be available to me at the Hamilton campus of Humber College in August and September of this year.

I will be coming to Hamilton to study the advanced business diploma course, and as I am from Windsor, I will require accommodation on campus during my two-month stay. The course begins on August 3 and finishes on September 30, so I would need a room for this entire period.

I understand that single rooms are available in the undergraduate student dormitories, but I do not think this would be suitable for me, considering my age and the fact that my wife will be staying with me for part of the time. I would prefer a larger room in a quieter building, away from the noise of student parties, if possible. A two-bedroom flat in a mature students’ or professors’ building would be ideal.

I was not able to find information about different room types on the college website. Could you please provide specific details about the rooms that would be available to me, taking my preferences into consideration, and how much they would cost for the two-month period?

Thank you very much. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours sincerely,
Greg Walton