Rules, comparisons and data

How should you start an IELTS General Training letter?

Start with the greeting the task gives you, then say why you are writing. Every letter task ends 'Begin your letter as follows:' with either 'Dear Sir or Madam,' or 'Dear ...,'. IDP says to keep 'Dear Sir or Madam' as given and to complete 'Dear ...' with a name that suits the reader. You do not need an address or a date.
  • Guide updated · 30 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS
Take a free mock →Read the guide

Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026

What the task gives you

IDP says each General Training Task 1 question gives you a situation, who to write the letter to and what you must include, as three bullet points (IDP). The task then tells you how to begin. When it says 'Dear Sir or Madam,' the letter is formal; for informal letters the task only gives 'Dear ...,' (IDP Australia).

IDP also notes there is no need to include the date or any addresses; you can begin with the salutation (IDP Australia). ielts.org says the same about addresses (ielts.org).

Greetings IDP says not to use

IDP's formal letter guide takes a complaint to a store manager, where the task says to begin 'Dear Sir or Madam,', and lists openings that do not fit (IDP Australia).

OpeningProblem IDP points out
Dear Jenny,Using a given name makes the letter informal
Dear Manager,The instructions say to begin with 'Dear Sir or Madam'
Dear Sir,Goes against the instructions, and the reader may be female
Dear sir or madam,'Sir' and 'Madam' are not capitalised
Dear Mr Smith,A surname says you know the person; use it only when you know them and need to be polite or formal, such as a boss or professor

Know your target? Check where you stand

Take a free AI-scored IELTS mock and see your score per skill before you book the real test. Free account, no card.

Take a free mock →

Practise before you book: free IELTS mock test, IELTS reading practice, IELTS listening practice and IELTS speaking predictions.

After the greeting: the purpose

IDP says the reason for writing should be clear in the opening paragraph and respond directly to the situation in the question (IDP). The key assessment criteria list 'clearly explain the purpose of the letter' as part of Task Achievement. For how to word it, see the first sentence of an IELTS letter.

Frequently asked questions

Should I write 'Dear Sir or Madam' or 'Dear Sir/Madam'?+

IDP pages use both forms. Follow the wording the task gives you, with capital letters for Sir and Madam.

What name do I put after 'Dear ...'?+

You supply it. IDP's informal model letter to a friend begins 'Dear Andrew'. Use a first name for a friend and a title and surname only when the reader is someone you know but must address formally.

Do I need to write the date or my address?+

No. IDP says there is no need for the date or any addresses, and ielts.org says you do not need to write addresses.

Can I start with 'Dear Manager' if I am writing to a manager I do not know?+

Not when the task says to begin 'Dear Sir or Madam'. IDP lists 'Dear Manager' as an opening that goes against the instructions.

Keep reading

Related

Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.

© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy

Take a free mock