The General Training version of Writing Task 1 isn’t a chart description — it’s a 150-word letter. Three registers (formal, semi-formal, informal), three required bullet points, 20 minutes. It’s actually easier to score Band 7+ on than Academic Task 1 if you nail the register and structure. This guide covers both.
The structural skeleton (works for any register)
- Greeting
- Match the register (Dear Sir / Dear Mr Smith / Dear Sarah).
- Opening line — purpose
- ONE sentence stating why you’re writing. “I am writing to [request / complain / apologise / inform / thank]…”
- Body paragraph 1 — first bullet
- Address bullet point 1 from the prompt. ~3–4 sentences.
- Body paragraph 2 — second bullet
- Address bullet point 2. ~3–4 sentences.
- Body paragraph 3 — third bullet
- Address bullet point 3. ~3–4 sentences.
- Closing line
- ONE sentence wrapping up. “I look forward to your reply” / “Hope to hear from you soon” / “Thanks again”.
- Sign-off
- Match the register (Yours faithfully / Yours sincerely / Best wishes).
Register markers — the giveaways
Formal
I am writing to enquire… I would be grateful if you could… Please find attached… I look forward to your response. Yours faithfully, [full name]
Informal
Just thought I’d drop you a line… Could you give me a hand with…? I’ll send the photo over later. Hope to hear from you soon! Cheers, [first name]
The contraction rule
Contractions (I’m, don’t, you’ve) are fine in semi-formal and informal letters, but avoid them in formal ones. One slip won’t tank your band, but consistent avoidance is what pushes you into Band 7+ Lexical Resource on a formal letter.
The complete formal letter — example
Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing to formally complain about the delayed delivery of an item I ordered through your website on 12 March 2026 (order number AX-4421). According to your delivery policy, the item should have arrived within five working days. It is now nineteen days later, and despite three follow-up emails to customer service, I have received no update on the location of the parcel. I would be grateful if you could either dispatch a replacement immediately or process a full refund to the original payment card. I have already had to source the item from another retailer at additional cost, and I would expect this to be reflected in any compensation offered. I look forward to your prompt response within seven working days. Yours faithfully, [Full name]
158 words. All three register markers (greeting / opening / sign-off) align as formal. The three bullets — context, problem, requested action — each get their own paragraph.
Pick the register match
You’re writing to a friend who lent you a book. Which opening sentence fits?
Pick one. You'll see why straight away.