Structure and tone
How to write an IELTS information letter
The tone comes from the reader, not the purpose. In this set: 30 formal, 8 semi-formal, 29 informal.
The outline every sample here follows
- 1.Salutation: Write to an organisation or someone you do not know: open with Dear Sir or Madam, close with Yours faithfully. Write to someone you know but not closely, such as a manager, landlord or neighbour, using their title and surname. Write to a friend or relative by first name and close with Best wishes, Love or See you soon.
- 2.Opening: State the purpose of the letter in the first one or two sentences.
- 3.Body: One paragraph per bullet point, in the order given, each with a specific detail (a date, a name, a reason).
- 4.Closing line: Close with the action you want: I would appreciate a reply by Friday, or Let me know when you are free.
- 5.Sign-off: A sign-off that matches the salutation, then your name.
61 to 67 of 67
All IELTS information letter samples
- Letter to music club requesting course informationYou're interested in a music course that you saw in an advertisement.formal · giving information
- Letter to my sibling sharing life updatesYour sibling has sent you a letter asking for an update on your life.informal · giving information
- Letter to seminar organizer requesting event informationYou would like to participate in a work-related seminar in another country.formal · giving information
- Letter to shop owner inquiring about electrical goodsYou would like to buy some electrical goods at a shop in a nearby town.formal · giving information
- Letter to Sports Club Manager Requesting Membership InformationYou have recently moved to a new neighbourhood and would like to join a sports centre there. You have found a private sports club.formal · giving information
- Letter to the newspaper requesting a room rental advertisementYou have an extra room in your apartment and would like to rent it out to a student.formal · giving information
- Moving to a new city and inviting a friendYou have recently gone to live in a new city. You want to let an English-speaking friend who lives in another country know about it.informal · giving information
Frequently asked questions
Should an IELTS information letter be formal or informal?+
It depends on who you are writing to, not on the purpose. Of the 67 information letters here, 30 formal, 8 semi-formal, 29 informal. From the reader named in the prompt. An unnamed organisation or official is formal; a named person you deal with professionally is semi-formal; a friend or family member is informal.
How should I structure an IELTS information letter?+
Open with the purpose in one sentence, then one paragraph per bullet point in the order given. Close with the action you want: I would appreciate a reply by Friday, or Let me know when you are free.
How many words and how long for the letter?+
At least 150 words in about 20 minutes; 160 to 200 is the comfortable range. Leave 40 minutes for Task 2, which carries twice the marks.
How is the letter scored?+
Scored on task achievement (purpose clear, all bullets covered, tone consistent), coherence and cohesion, lexical resource, and grammatical range and accuracy. Task 1 is worth half of Task 2.
Keep going
Other IELTS letter types
- Formal letters · 266
- Semi-Formal letters · 88
- Informal letters · 129
- Complaint letters · 118
- Request letters · 103
- Application letters · 42
- Apology letters · 31
- Advice letters · 28
- Arrangement letters · 25
- Invitation letters · 19
- Thank-You letters · 15
- Landlord letters · 20
- All IELTS letter samples
- IELTS General Training writing practice
© 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