Below you will find a model answer for an informal IELTS General Writing Task 1 question.
Note how every paragraph has at least two sentences. Examiners want to see how you connect your ideas within a sentence, and one-sentence paragraphs can limit your score.
Our model answer follows the following template…
Salutation – the letter is informal and so starts with the friend’s first name
1st paragraph – answering the first bullet point
2nd paragraph –answering the second bullet point
3rd paragraph – answering the third bullet point
Sign-off – the letter maintains the tone by signing off with the author’s first name
The Mock IELTS General Task 1 Question
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Write at least 150 words
You have just graduated from university, and a friend has written to ask you about the university you attended and whether you would recommend it.
Write a letter to this friend. In your letter
- explain your reasons for choosing this university
- describe something you didn’t like about the university
- say whether or not you would recommend this university for your friend
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear …………… ,
Mock Informal Answer
Dear Molly,
It’s great to hear that you’re considering Birkbeck, University of London, for your studies. I chose it because I sought the stimulation of the big city rather than a quieter student life on a campus – and it was undoubtedly the right choice. The capital fizzles with activity, and you’ll never be short of things to do. Perhaps as a result, Birkbeck scores highly on undergraduate experience metrics, and it’s well known for academic excellence in the humanities fields too.
One thing that was – to put it charitably – less than ideal was the quality of the student accommodation. Birkbeck’s halls of residence are very much in need of refurbishment, and you may well find yourself looking for an alternative option after you’ve moved in. Rental prices in London are, of course, the highest in the country, so you may wish to consider carefully whether a year in halls of residence is right for you.
On balance, though, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Birkbeck as your first choice. I’m sure you’ll have a hugely enjoyable three years there – and I wish you the best of luck in your application!
Yours,
Pete
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.