Semi-Formal & Informal Letters

While formal letters receive the most attention in IELTS preparation, semi-formal and informal letters appear regularly in the exam and have their own specific requirements. Many candidates struggle with these because they either write too formally (sounding stiff and unnatural) or too casually (losing marks on vocabulary range and grammatical accuracy).

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Semi-Formal Letters

When They Appear

Semi-formal letters are written to someone you know in a professional or respectful context:

• A landlord or letting agent
• A teacher, tutor, or college administrator
• A work colleague or manager you know by name
• A neighbour you are not close to
• A local council representative

How to Identify Semi-Formal in the Prompt

The prompt will typically:

• Address the recipient by title and surname ("Dear Mr Harrison")
• Describe a relationship that is professional but not distant
• Describe a situation that is personal but not intimate

Register Characteristics