IELTS General Training Letter Writing

A globally known English language proficiency test, the International English Language Testing System or IELTS is designed for test takers who are non-native English language speakers. This test is used for work, study, or migration purposes. Primarily this test is accepted by countries such as the USA, the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

The popular English language test IELTS is an English Standardized test that is taken by non–native English speakers to prove their English language proficiency. A good IELTS score is an essential admission requirement for students planning to study in destinations such as the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

There are two types of IELTS tests: Academic and General Training. While the test format for IELTS Academic and General Training is the same for the listening and speaking sections, it is different for the reading and writing sections.

To make sure that you know everything about this test, let us focus on the letter writing task for IELTS General Training. Read on to know more.

IELTS Letter Writing Task

The IELTS General Training writing section consists of two tasks. A test duration of 60 minutes is given to complete these two tasks. The letter writing task is task 1 and task 2 is essay writing.

In Writing Task 1, the test taker is required to write a letter of a minimum of 150 words. The expected response can be formal or informal in deliverance. The situation asked can be general in nature and not specifically related to academics.

Considering the option to have a formal and informal tone of writing, you might be confused about which option to consider. So, here’s a difference between formal and informal English for letter writing. There are several Online IELTS training options available for test takers.

Difference Between Formal & Informal English for Letter Writing

1. Use of Contractions

When it comes to the tone of writing one major difference that should be considered is the use of contractions. In formal writing, no contractions are used. Whereas in informal writing, you can use contractions. Examples of informal contractions are I’ll and can’t, while in formal writing, you will have to use I will and cannot.

2. Length of Sentences

In formal letter writing, sentences can be long and complicated. But in informal letter writing, sentences can be short and simple. So the length of sentences should be highly considered while writing.

3. Use of Correct Word

When it comes to formal and informal writing styles, vocabulary is a major deciding factor for distinguishing your writing as formal or informal. So, if you are deciding to opt for a formal tone of writing, then you must avoid using informal vocabulary. Taking an example to explain this, if you are writing in a formal tone, you will be writing ‘inform me’. Whereas if the writing tone is informal then you can use ‘let me know’.

4. Start and End of the Letter

In letter writing, the start and end of the letter can be a good point of difference between the tone of writing. The formal letter will start by addressing the person as ‘Dear Sir/Ma’am or by using their complete name. However, the informal letter might start casually with Hi or Hello. The sign-off or end for a formal letter will be ‘Yours sincerely or Yours faithfully’ while for the informal letter, it can end with a ‘bye’.

5. Size of the Letter

When it comes to the size of the letter, formal letters should be concise and informal types can be large or concise depending on the topic of letter writing.

With the right test preparation and test strategy, a test taker will easily ace this test and score high. There are many options for online IELTS test preparation, enrol for one and get started with your test preparation for IELTS.