Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
What the official pages say
ielts.org says you are given a situation and must write a response of at least 150 words in the form of a letter, in about 20 minutes (ielts.org). IDP's band 5 guide says the letter needs a proper format and tells you not to write an email or an essay (IDP).
What a letter format includes
IDP lists three parts (IDP). Addresses are not needed (ielts.org).
| Part | Examples IDP gives |
|---|---|
| Greeting | Dear Sir/Madam, Dear John, Dear Mr Smith |
| Main body | Paragraphs for each part of the letter (each bullet point) |
| Closing | Yours sincerely, Yours faithfully, Best wishes, Kind regards, Love |
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How format is marked
The key assessment criteria list 'use an appropriate format for the letter' under Task Achievement for General Training Task 1. ielts.org also says answers must be connected text, not notes or bullet points (ielts.org).
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a subject line?+
No. IDP's letter format is a greeting, body paragraphs and a closing; a subject line is not part of it.
Is it still a letter if I type it on computer?+
Yes. ielts.org says on computer you type your answer on screen; the task is still a letter.
Can I use bullet points in the letter?+
No. ielts.org says you must not write your answer as notes or bullet points.
Does Academic Writing have a letter?+
No. The letter is only in General Training Task 1.
Keep reading
Related
- How many paragraphs in an IELTS letter?
- Can you use bullet points in IELTS Writing?
- General Training letter question type
- All 3112 guides
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