In the IELTS General Training Writing Task 1, you may be asked to write to a newspaper editor about something that has recently changed or been introduced in your local area. These questions typically require a formal tone and a clear, organised structure.
In today’s model, the writer gives feedback on a new bus service. Below, you’ll find the task prompt, a strong sample letter, and a breakdown of how it meets the IELTS assessment criteria.
Model Question for IELTS General Training Task 1
A new bus service has recently started running between your area and the city centre.
Write a letter to the editor of a local newspaper. In your letter:
- describe the new service
- give your opinion of its advantages and disadvantages
- suggest how it could be improved for the community
Write at least 150 words.
Model Letter
Dear Editor,
I am writing to share my thoughts on the new 25X bus service connecting Lakeside to the city centre, which began operating earlier this month.
The service currently runs twice an hour from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and stops at key points including the shopping plaza, university, and main hospital. The buses are modern and comfortable, and the addition of free Wi-Fi is a welcome feature, especially for commuters.
That said, there are a few issues that limit its usefulness. The service does not run on Sundays, which is inconvenient for many people who work weekend shifts. In addition, the last departure from the city is too early for those attending evening classes or late appointments.
To better serve our growing population, I would suggest extending the timetable and introducing a limited Sunday service. I believe these small changes could significantly improve access and make the route more widely used.
Yours faithfully,
James Reynolds
Why This Letter Works Well
Task Achievement
The letter fully addresses all parts of the question. It explains how the new bus service works, gives a balanced opinion, and ends with realistic suggestions. The writer’s purpose is clear and the letter remains relevant throughout.
Coherence and Cohesion
Paragraphs are well-structured and each one has a clear purpose. Linking expressions like “That said” and “To better serve…” provide smooth transitions and help guide the reader logically through the ideas.
Lexical Resource
The vocabulary is precise and appropriate for a formal letter. Phrases such as “key points,” “a welcome feature,” and “weekend shifts” add specificity and naturalness to the writing.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
There’s a confident use of conditionals, passive structures, and varied sentence forms. The grammar is accurate and supports the overall clarity and formality of the letter.
Final Thoughts
This is a strong example of a formal IELTS General Task 1 response. Whether you’re preparing for the test or helping someone else, it’s a good reminder that effective letters are clear, polite, and purpose-driven.
Practice Makes Perfect
Writing formal letters can be challenging, but with regular practice, you’ll improve your ability to stay on topic and meet the IELTS requirements. Try writing your own response to this question, then compare it to the model answer above.
If you’d like feedback on your writing, book a lesson with us today.
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