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Mastering Informal Letters for the IELTS General Training Writing Section

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Gail Pitts

29-Aug-2024

Gail Pitts

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Mastering Informal Letters for the IELTS General Training Writing Section

If you're gearing up for the IELTS General Training exam, you'll encounter a variety of tasks in the Writing section. One of the most engaging parts of this section is the informal letter. While formal and semi-formal letters have their own set of rules, informal letters offer a more relaxed and personable way to showcase your writing skills. In this blog post, we'll delve into the specifics of informal letters, review a sample question and answer, and provide you with tips to ensure you ace this part of the exam.

Understanding Informal Letters

Informal letters are written to friends, family members, or acquaintances with whom you have a personal relationship. These letters are more relaxed in tone and style compared to formal or semi-formal letters. The purpose of an informal letter can vary widely—from catching up on life events to asking for advice or expressing gratitude.

Examples of Informal Letters:

• Thanking a friend for hosting you during your visit.
• Asking a friend for advice on a personal matter.
• Informing a family member about your travel plans.

How IELTS Informal Letters Are Marked

In the IELTS General Training Writing section, informal letters are assessed based on four key criteria:

1. Task Achievement:
• Did you address all parts of the letter’s prompt?
• Did you meet the minimum word count of 150 words?
2. Coherence and Cohesion:
• Are your ideas logically organized and easy to follow?
• Did you use appropriate linking words to ensure smooth flow?
3. Lexical Resource:
• Did you use a range of vocabulary accurately?
• Were there any instances of informal expressions or idioms?
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy:
• Did you demonstrate varied sentence structures?
• Were your sentences free from grammatical errors?

Sample Informal Letter Question and Answer

Let's explore a typical informal letter question and see how to craft a well-rounded response.

Sample Question:

You are going to another country to study. You would like to do a part-time job while you are studying, so you want to ask a friend who lives there for some help. Write a letter to this friend. In your letter:

1. Give details of your study plans.
2. Explain why you want to get a part-time job.
3. Suggest how your friend could help you find a job.

Write at least 150 words.

Suggested Response:

Hi John,

I hope you’re doing great! I’m thrilled to let you know that I’ll be moving to Canada next year to pursue my studies. I’ll be attending the University of Montreal, starting in September. The program lasts until the end of May, and I’m really looking forward to diving into my coursework and exploring the city.

Given the high cost of living there, I’m hoping to find a part-time job to help with expenses. I would be available to work in the evenings from 5 PM and on weekends.

I remember you mentioning that your uncle owns a bakery in town. Do you think you could check if there are any job openings there and put in a good word for me? It would be a huge help!

Can’t wait to catch up and hear from you soon.

Thanks a lot!

Best,

Harry

Comments on the Sample Response:

This response would likely score highly due to the following reasons:

• Task Achievement: The letter addresses all three points in the prompt and exceeds the minimum word count.
• Coherence and Cohesion: The ideas are clearly organized, with a logical flow from study plans to job request.
• Lexical Resource: The letter uses a range of vocabulary effectively and includes informal idiomatic expressions like “Can’t wait to catch up.”
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The grammar is accurate, and sentence structures vary, showing a good command of language.

Tips for Writing Informal Letters

To make sure your informal letter stands out, consider the following tips:

1. Use the Recipient’s First Name: Start with a friendly salutation like "Hi [Name]" or "Dear [Name]." This sets the tone for an informal conversation.
2. Utilize Contractions: It’s perfectly acceptable to use contractions (e.g., "I’m" instead of "I am") to keep the tone casual and conversational.
3. Incorporate Informal Language: Feel free to use idiomatic expressions and conversational phrases. Phrases like “catch up on old times” or “looking forward to” help convey a friendly tone.
4. Employ Informal Punctuation: While it’s okay to use exclamation marks to express enthusiasm, avoid overdoing it. Aim for a balanced tone.
5. Be Personal and Genuine: The strength of an informal letter lies in its personal touch. Make sure your letter reflects your genuine voice and feelings.

Wrapping Up

Informal letters in the IELTS General Training Writing section provide a fantastic opportunity to showcase your ability to communicate in a friendly, conversational style. By focusing on the specific requirements of the task, organizing your ideas clearly, and using appropriate language and grammar, you can craft a compelling informal letter that will impress the examiner.

For more practice and tips on the IELTS General Training exam, be sure to visit our IELTS Prepare Page and IELTS Blog. Best of luck with your IELTS preparation—you're one step closer to achieving your goals!