General Task 1BeginnerTarget: Band 5.5–6.0

Informal Letter Template

Basic, friendly language focusing on explicitly answering the three bullet points one by one without complex linking.

Paragraph Structure

Salutation & Opening

Dear Name, I hope you are doing well. I am writing to tell you some good news.

Start with a simple, friendly greeting before stating the purpose of the letter.

Point 1 (Answering Bullet 1)

First, I want to say Information. It was very Adjective and I liked it a lot.

Directly address the first prompt requirement. Tell a short story.

Point 2 (Answering Bullet 2)

Also, I want to ask you if you can Request. Please let me know if you are free.

Directly address the second prompt requirement. Ask a simple question.

Point 3 & Closing (Answering Bullet 3)

Finally, come and visit me soon! I miss you. Talk to you later. Best wishes, Your Name

Address the final point, then use an informal sign-off ('Best wishes', 'Talk soon').

Useful Phrases

I hope you are doing well.
I am writing to tell you some good news.
First, I want to say...
It was very... and I liked it a lot.
Also, I want to ask you if you can...
Please let me know if you are free.
Finally, come and visit me soon!
Talk to you later.

Sample Answer

Dear Sarah, I hope you are doing well. I am writing to tell you some good news because I just moved into a new apartment! First, I want to tell you about the place. It is very big and bright. It has a large balcony with a nice view of the park. I really love sitting out there in the mornings with my coffee. Also, I want to ask you if you can come visit me next weekend. We can cook dinner together and watch a movie in the new living room. Please let me know if you are free on Saturday. Finally, I need to buy some new plants for the balcony. I know you are good at gardening, so maybe you can help me pick some? Talk to you later, Emma

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using formal language with a friend

Writing 'Dear Sir' or 'I am writing to inform you' to your best friend sounds completely unnatural and lowers your Tone score.

Fix: Use contractions (I'm, can't, won't) and friendly openers ('Hope you're doing well').

Forgetting to sign your name

It's a letter, so it must follow letter conventions.

Fix: Always end with an appropriate sign-off and a name (you can make up the name).

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Informal Letter (Beginner) - IELTS Writing Template