This month we have tackled a formal General Task 1 question. Formal letters always begin with Dear Sir or Madam. It is important to maintain a formal tone throughout and to end with an appropriate sign off.rt
Note how our model answer does not address the bullet points in order but instead answers the second bullet point last. This is perfectly acceptable and can be a signature of a higher-level answer.
Our model answer follows the following template…
Salutation – a formal letter must start with Dear Sir or Dear Madam
1st paragraph – answering the first bullet point
2nd paragraph –answering the third bullet point
3rd paragraph – answering the second bullet point
Sign-off – a formal sign-off that could also be used in a semi-formal letter (Yours)
The Mock IELTS General Task 1 Question
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Write at least 150 words.
You belong to a society that organises a festival for the local community every year. However, this year your club is unable to organise an event.
Write a letter to the local newspaper. In your letter
- say why your club will not be organising an event this year
- describe what your club plans to do next year
- explain how the local community benefits from the festival
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Sir or Madam,
Mock Formal Answer
Dear Sir or Madam,
I write, with regret, to inform you that the annual Dunkelbier Wochenende German Beer Festival will not be proceeding as planned this year. Events entirely outside of our control, namely the ongoing uncertainty around restrictions on large gatherings of people, have sadly left us without enough time to organise with the venue, suppliers and local council.
We know that the festival is an important and long anticipated event in the community calendar, bringing the people of Masham – and, of course, many Germans living around the UK – together. We understand you will be disappointed and we will, of course, be offering full refunds on all tickets.
Next year, we hope, the event will go ahead as normal, free from social distancing measures and offering a wider selection of German beers, traditional fare and music than ever before. Planning has already begun.
Yours,
Patrick Bamford
President, Dunkelbier Wochenende Society
How to Continue Your IELTS Study
If you would like to get some IELTS practice, answer the same question and purchase one of our Writing Correction Packages to get feedback.
If you would like to watch a video about how to write IELTS General Task 1 letters, visit this page.