IELTS information

IELTS - 'International English Language Testing System', is an international standardised test of English language proficiency. It is jointly managed by University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, the British Council and IDP Education Pty Ltd, and was established in 1989.

There are two versions of the IELTS: the Academic Version and the General Training Version:

• The Academic Version is intended for those who want to enroll in universities and other institutions of higher education and for professionals such as medical doctors and nurses who want to study or practise in an English-speaking country.
• The General Training Version is intended for those planning to undertake non-academic training or to gain work experience, or for immigration purposes.

IELTS is accepted by most Australian, British, Canadian, Irish, New Zealand and South African academic institutions, over 3,000 academic institutions in the United States, and various professional organisations. It is also a requirement for immigration to Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

No minimum score is required to pass the test. An IELTS result or Test Report Form is issued to all candidates with a score from 1 (no knowledge) to 9 (expert user) and each institution sets a different threshold. Institutions are advised not to consider valid a report older than two years, unless the user proves that he has worked to maintain his level.^[1] [2]

General Task 1 Letter writing

1.  Offer information - suggest
You successfully passed a job interview. You are expected to start on November 15, but you will not be available on that date.

Task: Write a letter to your new boss, explaining your situation, expressing your concern and suggesting a solution.

2. Offer information - request
 You stayed at your friends’ house when you participated in a business seminar in Australia. You left a file with important documents in your room.

Task: Write a letter to your friend, describing the file and ask him/her to return it to you by post.

3. Booking - offer information
You and your family are planning to spend a weekend at a seaside hotel.

Task: Write a letter to the hotel making the arrangements. Let them know when you will be arriving and leaving, what type of rooms you would like, and ask them how much the weekend will cost. Also enquire about activities and places of interest near the hotel.

4.  Complaint
You have recently ordered an item through the Internet, but are not happy with the purchase. Write to the company. In your letter:

– describe what you purchased,
– explain why you are not happy with the purchase,

– tell them what you would like them to do about the situation.

5. Request
You are not happy with the course you are doing at college and would like to change to a different course. Write a letter to the college director requesting to change your course. You should include details about:
– what course are you doing now
– why you are not satisfied with that course

– what course would you like to change to

1.  Arranging Accommodation
You are being sent on a one month work assignment in San Francisco, California. You need a place to stay while you are there. Write a letter to the Maury Samson 

Real Estate Agency. In your letter:

• explain the situation
• describe the kind of accommodation you would like
• provide the dates you will need it

2. Asking for Permission
You are studying overseas. You need to return to your country before the end of the semester for a family event. Write a letter to your supervisor. In your letter:

• Request time off
• Explain why you need to leave early
• Reassure him / her that your studies will not suffer

3. Complaining to a Landlord
You have been living in a rental apartment for the past year. Recently a new neighbour moved in who has loud parties several times a week. Write a letter complaining about this to the landlord. In your letter:

• explain the situation
• describe why it bothers you
• suggest a solution

4. Making a Suggestion
You exercise regularly and have been a member of many different gyms. Recently, you moved into a new neighborhood and joined a new gym. You have noticed that people at this gym do not bother to wipe down the machines after use and often leave dirty towels on the benches in the change rooms. Write to Mr Koto, the manager. In your letter:

• explain who you are
• describe the problem exactly
• make suggestions to improve the gym

5. Booking Accommodation
You are going to take a short holiday in Singapore and you want to rent a holiday apartment while you are there. Write to the tourist information office. In your letter:

• explain what you need
• say when you plan to be there
• ask for information about prices

Write at least 150 words.

You do NOT need to write any address.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear __________

IELTS General Writing Task 1

IELTS General Writing Task 1: formal and informal

Let's compare some of the formal and informal features in the two letters that you can see if you click here.

Formal letter

• Beginning: Dear Sir or Madam
• Stating the purpose: I am writing with regard to
• Formal choice of language: due to, I intended, as a result of, caused me great inconvenience, compensate me, the additional flight
• No contractions: I am (not "I'm")
• Ending: I look forward to receiving your response. Yours faithfully,

Informal letter

• Beginning: Dear John
• Stating the purpose: I'm just writing to let you know that
• Informal choice of language: As you know, Well, prices are crazy, on the bright side, it's got nice big windows, a lovely view, if you ever fancy, great to see you
• Use of contractions: I'm, we've, isn't, it's
• Ending: Keep in touch! All the best