How to write a letter in IELTS?

It can sometimes be confusing which language to use when writing a letter in the IELTS General Training Task 1 section, how to start and end with which address. So how to write a letter in IELTS?

Let’s not forget that the language of the letter and the way we address it will vary depending on the person we write. So first we need to know who to write the letter to. While ending the letter, let’s take a look at in which cases it is necessary to write “Yours faithfully” and “Yours sincerely”.

Remember, you may need to write your letter in a formal (to a bank manager), semi-formal (to your boss) or a no-language (to your friend) language. That’s why you can’t write all letters the same.

Let’s take a look at how we can write letters to different people. (Note that there are different options available outside of these examples)

1-University application office (formal, we do not know the name)

Introduction

Dear Sir or Madam,

Ending

Yours faithfully,

Sam Evans (write your name and surname)

2- Close friend (informal, address by name)

Introduction

Dear Alex,

Ending

All the best, (you can also write “Cheers” or “See you later”)

Sam (write your name only)

3- Teacher (semi-formal language, only name or only last name)

Introduction

Dear Chelsea,

Ending

Kind regards,

Sam

OR

Introduction

Dear Ms. Smith,

Ending

Kind regards,

Sam Evans

4- Someone you know (semi-formal, address by name)

Introduction

Dear Daniel,

Ending

Kind regards,

Sam (write your name only)

5- Co-worker (semi-formal, address by name)

Introduction

Dear Paul,

Ending

Regards,

Sam (write your name only)

The difference between “Yours faithfully” and “Yours sincerely”

Both are used when writing letters on formal languages. If we know the name of the person we wrote, we need to write “Yours sincerely”, if we don’t know, “Yours faithfully”.

For example; 

Dear Sir or Madam,

….

Yours faithfully,

—————–

Dear Mr. Brown,

….

Yours sincerely,

Things to consider when writing letters

1- Choose the language you will use and use the same tone in the whole article. Formal, semi-formal, or informal.

2- Let your beginning address and ending be harmonious.

3- Match your name with the formality of the name of the person you are addressing. If you write only by name, write only your name. If you started writing with name and surname or do not know the name of the other party, write your name and surname.

Now that we’ve learned how to write a letter, check out the IELTS Writing Assist if you want feedback from an IELTS expert before the test.

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