Formal, semi-formal or informal?
The person you are writing to decides the tone. The task always tells you who that is.
| Tone | Writing to | Open | Close |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formal | Someone you don't know (a company, a manager) | Dear Sir or Madam, | Yours faithfully, |
| Semi-formal | Someone you know but not closely (a landlord, a colleague) | Dear Mr Khan, | Yours sincerely, |
| Informal | A friend or relative | Dear Sam, | Best wishes, / Love, |
Keep the tone consistent
A formal letter with Hi there! or an informal letter full of I am writing to inform you sounds wrong. Match your phrases to the reader from the first line to the last.
A simple structure
- Opening: the greeting, then one or two sentences saying why you are writing.
- Bullet point 1: a short paragraph.
- Bullet point 2: a short paragraph.
- Bullet point 3: a short paragraph.
- Closing: a line about what you expect next, then the sign-off and your name.
Worked example
The task
You recently bought a coffee machine online, but it stopped working after a week. Write a letter to the company. In your letter:
- give details of your purchase
- describe the problem
- say what you would like the company to do
Tone: formal (a company you don't know). Opening: Dear Sir or Madam.
A model opening and first paragraph
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to complain about a coffee machine I bought from your website on 3 March. The model was the Barista 200, order number 45187, and it was delivered two days later.
The next two paragraphs describe the problem (what happens, when it started, what you have tried) and what you want (a replacement or a refund, and by when). Then close with “I look forward to hearing from you. Yours faithfully,” and your full name.
Common mistakes
Skipping or rushing a bullet point
Every bullet point must be covered. One missing or thin point holds back Task Achievement.
The wrong sign-off
“Dear Sir or Madam” goes with “Yours faithfully”; a name goes with “Yours sincerely”. Mixing them is a small but avoidable error.
Addresses and dates
You don't need to write addresses or the date. Start with the greeting.
Questions
How long should a General Training Task 1 letter be?+
At least 150 words. Around 160 to 180 words gives you room to cover all three points without rushing.
Do I need to write my address in the letter?+
No. Begin with the greeting (for example, Dear Sir or Madam) and end with a sign-off and your name.
Can I invent details like dates and order numbers?+
Yes. Adding realistic details makes the letter more complete and helps you cover the bullet points fully.