When writing an informal letter for the IELTS General Training Writing Task 1, you’re usually addressing a friend or someone you’re familiar with. Here’s a simple template for each section:
Informal Letter Template for IELTS General Training Task 1
1. Greeting
Start with a friendly greeting to set a casual tone. You can use phrases like:
– “Hi [Name],”
– “Hey [Name],”
– “Hello [Name],”
2. Opening Statement
Mention why you’re writing and inquire about the other person’s well-being. Here are some examples:
– “It’s been a while since we last spoke, so I thought I’d drop you a line to catch up.”
– “I hope everything’s going well on your end.”
– “I just wanted to reach out and see how you’re doing.”
3. Main Body
Address the main topic or request of the letter. This section might have one or more paragraphs, depending on the question prompt. You can include:
– The Reason for Writing: Explain why you’re writing. It could be to give news, invite someone to an event, or ask for advice.
– Sharing Information: Include any details that are relevant to the prompt. For instance, if you’re inviting someone to a party, mention the date, time, and venue.
– Requesting Help or Advice: If you need assistance with something, explain what you need and why.
4. Closing
Wrap up the letter with a friendly closing statement and a call to action, if needed. You can also express your feelings or hopes for the future. Examples include:
– “I hope to hear from you soon.”
– “Take care, and let’s catch up soon.”
– “Thanks in advance for your help.”
5. Signature
Sign off in a casual, friendly way. Some examples are:
– “Best,”
– “Cheers,”
– “Take care,”
– “All the best,”
– “See you soon,”
Remember to keep it personal and engaging, just like you would when writing to a friend.
A sample writing Task 1 for an informal letter to a friend
Hi [Friend’s Name],
I hope this letter finds you well. It’s been ages since we last caught up, and I’ve been thinking about you. I have some exciting news—I’m considering applying for a course at a college in your city, and I wanted to ask you a few questions about it.
First, can you tell me a bit about what the city is like? I want to get a sense of the atmosphere, the local culture, and what people generally do for fun. Any tips on good places to visit or things to try would be amazing.
Right now, I’m working as a [your job/position], but I’ve been looking to upgrade my skills. I’m also doing a bit of studying on the side, taking some online courses in [your current field of study]. It’s keeping me busy, but I feel like I need a change of scenery and more hands-on learning, which is why I’m thinking of studying in your city.
The course I want to apply for is [course name], and it seems like a great opportunity. It would help me develop skills that are in high demand, and it could open doors to new career prospects. Plus, I’ve heard great things about the college and the city itself. Since you’re already there, I’d love to hear your thoughts and any advice you have on applying.
Anyway, that’s my news! I hope to hear back from you soon with your insights. It would be great to catch up when I get there. Thanks in advance for your help.
Take care, and talk to you soon!
[Your Name]