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.

---

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)

---

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.