Structure and tone
How to write an IELTS invitation letter
The tone comes from the reader, not the purpose. In this set: 2 formal, 2 semi-formal, 15 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.
19 letters
All IELTS invitation letter samples
- An informal letter inviting a friend to birthdayYou are having a birthday party next week.informal · invitation
- Inviting a friend to the local food festivalThere is a public event coming up in your town.informal · invitation
- Letter to a close friend inviting them to HawaiiYou have won a holiday to Hawaii with one extra ticket.informal · invitation
- Letter to a colleague inviting them to lunchYou are leaving your current job and having a farewell lunch.semi-formal · invitation
- Letter to a famous actor requesting an opening appearanceYou work for an entertainment company which plans to open a new theatre soon. You want to invite a famous actor to open the new theatre.formal · invitation
- Letter to a friend inviting them hikingYou are planning a challenging hiking trip and want a friend to join you.informal · invitation
- Letter to a friend inviting them on holidayYou are planning a holiday in another country and would like a friend to accompany you.informal · invitation
- Letter to a friend inviting them on vacationYou Are Planning to Take a Vacation.informal · invitation
- Letter to a friend inviting them to a partyYou are going to organise a family party next week at your home. You want to invite a friend to this party.informal · invitation
- Letter to a friend inviting them to dinnerYou made a friend when you visited another city a few months ago. This friend has come to your city for some work and will stay for another week. You want to invite this friend to your home for dinner.informal · invitation
- Letter to a friend inviting them to housewarmingYou have recently moved into a new house and would like to invite an English-speaking friend to your housewarming party.informal · invitation
- Letter to a friend offering a spare roomYou have a spare room in your apartment and want to offer it to a friend.informal · invitation
- Letter to a friend sharing exciting competition newsYour photograph recently won a photography competition and will be shown in an exhibition.informal · invitation
- Letter to a high school friend about a partyYour high school friend who has moved to another country will be visiting your country for a month. You have arranged a party for him/her.informal · invitation
- Letter to a holiday friend inviting them to stayLast year you met someone on holiday and became friends. He/she has informed you that he/she will be travelling near your hometown on business in a few months' time.informal · invitation
- Letter to a neighbor regarding an upcoming housewarming partyYou have just moved into a new home and are planning to hold a party. You are worried that the noise may disturb your neighbor.semi-formal · invitation
- Letter to an MP secretary inviting them to meetingYou are organizing a local committee meeting. You would like a local MP to attend the meeting to contribute to a discussion about green areas in the community.formal · invitation
- Letter to best friend proposing shared living arrangementsYour best friend is moving back to your city after being overseas for five years.informal · invitation
- Letter to parents inviting them to graduationYou will be graduating from university and would like to invite your family to the ceremony.informal · invitation
Frequently asked questions
Should an IELTS invitation letter be formal or informal?+
It depends on who you are writing to, not on the purpose. Of the 19 invitation letters here, 2 formal, 2 semi-formal, 15 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 invitation 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
- Information letters · 67
- Application letters · 42
- Apology letters · 31
- Advice letters · 28
- Arrangement letters · 25
- Thank-You letters · 15
- Landlord letters · 20
- All IELTS letter samples
- IELTS General Training writing practice
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