Rules, comparisons and data

What types of letter come up in IELTS General Training Writing Task 1?

IDP lists complaint, invitation, request, enquiry, thanks, recommendation and suggestion letters as common General Training Task 1 situations. ielts.org describes everyday situations in which you ask for or give information or explain a situation, such as writing to a college accommodation officer or a renting agency. The style depends on who you write to, not on the letter type.
  • Guide updated · 30 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS
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Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026

The letter types IDP lists

From IDP's guide to General Training Task 1 (IDP):

Letter typeExamples IDP gives
ComplaintPersonal, business, a recent experience, a product
InvitationParty, dinner, celebration
RequestRefund, repair, advice, reservation; asking questions or for help
EnquiryInformation request, booking
Thanks or appreciationThanking someone
RecommendationJob, colleague
SuggestionIdeas, plans, solutions

ielts.org's example situations

ielts.org says the situations are common and everyday, for example writing to a college accommodation officer about accommodation problems, to a new employer about problems managing your time, to a local newspaper about a plan to develop a local airport, or to a renting agency about a heating problem (ielts.org). IDP gives a further example: suggesting how to improve facilities at a library (IDP).

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What every type tests

Depending on the task, ielts.org says you are assessed on asking for or giving factual information, expressing needs, wants, likes and dislikes, and expressing opinions such as views or complaints (ielts.org). Browse the complaint, request and application samples to see each type answered.

Frequently asked questions

Is a complaint letter always formal?+

IDP treats a complaint to someone you do not know, such as a store manager, as formal. The reader decides the tone.

Can the letter be to a friend?+

Yes. ielts.org says the letter may be personal, semi-formal or formal, and gives writing to a friend as the personal example.

How many bullet points does each letter have?+

Three. ielts.org says the task tells you what to include in the form of three bullet points.

How long must the letter be?+

At least 150 words, in about 20 minutes, according to ielts.org.

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.

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