General Training Writing Task 1 · formal · request

Formal Request to the Head of Department for Course Transfer

You are not happy with the course you are doing at college and would like to change to a different course.

Write a letter to the Head of Department to change your course. In your letter:

Write at least 150 words. You do not need to write any addresses. Begin your letter: Dear ...,

Band 8 sample letter

Dear Professor Higgins,

I am writing to formally request a transfer from my current programme of study, the Diploma in Business Administration, to the Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics, effective from the upcoming semester.

I am presently enrolled in the Business Administration course. While the curriculum is comprehensive, I have found that the core modules focus predominantly on theoretical management principles rather than the analytical skills I had anticipated. Consequently, I feel my current academic path does not align with my long-term career aspirations in technology and quantitative research.

Having reviewed the university prospectus, I am convinced that the Data Analytics course is a much better fit for my skillset. It offers the technical training in statistical modelling and programming that I am eager to pursue. I have already completed several introductory modules in mathematics and computer science, which I believe will ensure a seamless transition into this new field of study.

I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this request with you at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your time and for considering my application for this transfer.

Yours sincerely,

Jonathan Miller

185 words. Names and details are invented; write your own.

Why this scores well

A Band 8 response clearly addresses all three bullet points with a logical structure and consistent formal tone suitable for a department head. A common Band 6 error is failing to explain the reasoning for the dissatisfaction clearly, instead providing vague complaints that do not justify the request for a transfer.

Useful phrases from the letter

comprehensive
including all or nearly all elements or aspects
predominantly
for the most part or mainly
aspirations
a hope or ambition of achieving something
prospectus
a printed document advertising a college or course
seamless
smooth and without any apparent problems or difficulties
at your earliest convenience
as soon as it is easy for you

Write your own and get a band

Answer this prompt in a timed General Training writing test and get a band for task achievement, coherence, vocabulary and grammar, with the sentences to fix.

Practise IELTS General writing

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Frequently asked questions

Is this letter formal or informal?

Formal. Write to an organisation or someone you do not know: open with Dear Sir or Madam, close with Yours faithfully.

How long should an IELTS General Training letter be?

At least 150 words, and 160 to 200 is the comfortable range. Spend about 20 minutes on it and leave 40 for Task 2, which carries twice the marks.

What does the examiner look for?

A Band 8 response clearly addresses all three bullet points with a logical structure and consistent formal tone suitable for a department head. A common Band 6 error is failing to explain the reasoning for the dissatisfaction clearly, instead providing vague complaints that do not justify the request for a transfer.

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