How to Write an Informal IELTS Letter
General Training – Writing Task 1
In the IELTS General Training Writing Task 1, you're given a situation and asked to write a letter of at least 150 words in about 20 minutes. The letter can be formal, semi-formal, or informal — and the tone you choose directly affects your score. This guide focuses on the informal letter: how to recognise it, structure it, and fill it with the right language to hit a high band.
When Is the Letter Informal?
You write an informal letter when the person you're writing to is someone you know well — a close friend, a family member, or a relative. The prompt usually signals this clearly with words like a friend, your cousin, or someone you know well.
Informal — write casually when the prompt says:
- ✓ "a friend"
- ✓ "your cousin"
- ✓ "someone you know well"
- ✓ "a close colleague"
Formal — switch tone when the prompt says:
- ✗ "the manager"
- ✗ "a company"
- ✗ "an official"
- ✗ "whom it may concern"
Reading the prompt carefully to identify the relationship is the single most important first step. Getting the tone wrong costs you marks in both Task Achievement and Lexical Resource.
Structure of an Informal IELTS Letter
A strong informal letter has five clear parts:
Greeting (Salutation)
Use Dear + first name, or a more relaxed opener.
Opening line
Start warmly. Ask how they are, mention your last contact, or jump straight to your reason for writing.
Body (the three bullet points)
The prompt gives you three things to cover. Each one usually becomes its own short paragraph. Address all three fully — missing one will lower your Task Achievement score.
Closing line
Wrap up in a friendly way.
Sign-off
Use a casual closing + your first name only.
Language Features of Informal Letters
This is what separates an informal letter from a formal one. Aim to include:
Avoid stiff phrases like "I am writing to inform you" or "I look forward to your prompt response" — those belong in a formal letter.
A Quick Phrase Bank
Openers
- How's everything going?
- Thanks so much for your letter — it was great to hear from you.
- Sorry I haven't been in touch lately, I've been so busy!
Linking / body
- Anyway, the reason I'm writing is…
- Oh, and another thing…
- You'll never guess what happened…
Closers
- Anyway, I'd better dash.
- Can't wait to see you!
- Let me know what you think.
- Give my love to everyone.
Step-by-Step Method
Sample Question + Model Answer
Question
A friend has agreed to look after your house and pet while you are on holiday. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:
- give contact details you will need while you are away
- explain how to care for your pet
- describe other things they should do around the house
Dear Sam,
Thanks a million for agreeing to look after the house while I'm off in Spain next week — you're a real lifesaver! I honestly owe you one.
Let me give you my details so you can reach me. I'll be staying at the Sol Hotel in Barcelona, and the easiest way to get hold of me is on WhatsApp, since normal calls might be pricey. If it's ever urgent, my sister Lara has the hotel number too.
Now, about Biscuit. He needs feeding twice a day, morning and evening — there's a big bag of food in the kitchen cupboard. Don't forget to take him for a quick walk every afternoon, or he gets really grumpy! He also loves a belly rub before bed.
Oh, one more thing — could you water the plants every couple of days and pop the bins out on Thursday? That would be brilliant.
Thanks again, Sam. I'll bring you back something nice!
All the best,
Jamie
More IELTS Writing practice
Common Mistakes to Avoid
How It's Marked
Examiners score Task 1 on four equal criteria:
Getting the tone right feeds directly into Task Achievement and Lexical Resource, which is why informal language matters so much here.
Final Checklist
- ☐Correct informal greeting (Dear + first name)
- ☐Friendly opening line
- ☐All three bullet points covered, one paragraph each
- ☐Contractions, phrasal verbs, and a chatty tone
- ☐Warm closing line
- ☐Informal sign-off + first name
- ☐At least 150 words (aim for 160–190)
- ☐Checked spelling and grammar
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should an informal IELTS letter be?
At least 150 words. Aim for 160–190 — enough to develop all three points without rushing or running out of time. Going under 150 will cost you marks.
How much time should I spend on it?
About 20 minutes. Task 2 is worth more, so don't overspend. Roughly: 3–4 minutes planning, 13–14 writing, 3 checking.
How do I know if the letter should be informal?
Look at who you're writing to. If it's a friend, family member, or someone you know well, write informally. If it's a manager, official, or company, write formally.
What greeting should I use?
Dear + first name (Dear Sam,) is safe and natural. Hi or Hello + name also work for informal letters. Never use Dear Sir/Madam — that's strictly formal.
How should I sign off?
Use a casual closing such as Best wishes, All the best, Take care, or Love, followed by your first name only. Avoid Yours faithfully or Yours sincerely — those are formal.
Can I use contractions and slang?
Yes to contractions (I'm, don't, you'll) — they're expected in informal letters. Use mild idioms and phrasal verbs too. Avoid heavy slang or text-speak (gonna, u, lol), which can look careless.
Do I need to invent a name and details?
Yes — you can make up any names, dates, places, and details to make the letter realistic. Examiners don't check facts; they check your English.
Should each bullet point be a separate paragraph?
That's the clearest approach. One paragraph per bullet, plus a short opener and closer, gives you a tidy, well-organised letter that's easy to mark.
Will I lose marks for not covering all three points?
Yes. Missing or under-developing a bullet point lowers your Task Achievement band. Cover all three in roughly equal detail.
What's the difference between informal and semi-formal letters?
Informal is for close friends and family (relaxed, contractions, first names). Semi-formal is for people you know but aren't close to — a neighbour, a colleague, a landlord — so it's polite but a little warmer than a fully formal letter.
Can I start with "How are you?"
Yes, that's a natural informal opener. You can also reference your last contact (It's been ages!) before getting to your reason for writing.
Is handwriting or word count my main worry?
On paper-based IELTS, write neatly. In both formats, count your words mentally and make sure you're over 150 — that and covering all three points are the two things most likely to cost you marks.