GT Writing Task 1: Letter Writing Overview

In General Training Writing Task 1, you must write a letter of at least 150 words in approximately 20 minutes. The letter can be formal, semi-formal, or informal, and the prompt will specify the situation and the purpose of the letter. This task is worth one-third of your Writing band score.

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The Task Format

Every GT Writing Task 1 follows this structure:

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

[Situation and context]

Write a letter to [recipient]. In your letter:
• [bullet point 1]
• [bullet point 2]
• [bullet point 3]

Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:
Dear ________,

The prompt always gives you:

1. A situation (what has happened or what you need)
2. A recipient (who you are writing to)
3. Three bullet points (specific content you must include)
4. A tone indicator (the "Dear ___" opening tells you the formality level)

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The Three Registers

Understanding register (level of formality) is essential. The prompt signals the register through the recipient and the "Begin your letter as follows" instruction.

Formal

When: Writing to someone you do not know, an organisation, a company, or an authority figure.

Opening: "Dear Sir or Madam," or "Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms [surname]," Closing: "Yours faithfully," (if Dear Sir or Madam) or "Yours sincerely," (if you used a name)

Characteristics:

• No contractions (write "I would" not "I'd", "do not" not "don't")
• Formal vocabulary ("I am writing to enquire about" not "I want to ask about")
• Complex sentences with subordinate clauses
• Impersonal where appropriate ("It has come to my attention that...")
• No slang, idioms, or colloquialisms

Semi-Formal

When: Writing to someone you know in a professional capacity — a teacher, a landlord, a colleague, a neighbour you are not close to.

Opening: "Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms [surname]," or "Dear [first name]," (if the prompt indicates first-name basis) Closing: "Yours sincerely," or "Best regards,"

Characteristics:

• Some contractions are acceptable but not excessive
• Polite and respectful but not stiff
• More direct than formal letters
• Can include personal details where relevant

Informal

When: Writing to a friend or close family member.

Opening: "Dear [first name]," Closing: "Best wishes," / "Take care," / "Looking forward to hearing from you,"

Characteristics:

• Contractions are natural ("I've", "it's", "don't")
• Casual vocabulary and expressions
• Shorter sentences, conversational tone
• Personal anecdotes and emotional language
• Exclamations and rhetorical questions are acceptable

Register Quick Reference
═══════════════════════════════════════
Prompt says "Dear Sir or Madam"  → FORMAL
Prompt says "Dear Mr/Mrs Smith"  → FORMAL or SEMI-FORMAL
Prompt says "Dear John"          → INFORMAL (friend's name)
Prompt says "Dear Professor Lee" → SEMI-FORMAL to FORMAL

Band 7+ Tip: Using the wrong register is one of the fastest ways to lose marks. A formal complaint to a company written in casual language will not score well, regardless of how good the content is.

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Assessment Criteria for Task 1

Your letter is assessed on four criteria, each worth 25% of the Task 1 mark:

1. Task Achievement

• Have you addressed all three bullet points?
• Is the purpose of the letter clear?
• Is the tone appropriate?
• Have you written at least 150 words?

Band 7 requirement: All bullet points are clearly addressed, the purpose is consistently clear, and the tone is appropriate throughout.

2. Coherence and Cohesion

• Is the letter logically organised?
• Are paragraphs used effectively?
• Are linking words and phrases used naturally?
• Is there a clear progression from opening to closing?

Band 7 requirement: Information and ideas are logically organised with clear progression. Paragraphing is used well. Cohesive devices are used effectively but not mechanically.

3. Lexical Resource (Vocabulary)

• Do you use a sufficient range of vocabulary?
• Is the vocabulary appropriate for the register?
• Are there errors in word choice or spelling?

Band 7 requirement: A sufficient range of vocabulary for flexibility and precision. Less common vocabulary is used with some awareness of style and collocation. Occasional errors do not impede communication.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy

• Do you use a variety of sentence structures?
• Are your sentences grammatically correct?
• Is punctuation used correctly?

Band 7 requirement: A variety of complex structures is used with frequent accuracy. Grammar errors are occasional and do not impede communication.

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Letter Structure

Every letter should follow this structure: