
How to write a letter in IELTS?
by IDP IELTS — August 6th, 2020
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.