How to answer an Invitation Letter question in IELTS writing task 1 General Training

The invitation letter is the semi-formal or informal letter asked in IELTS Writing Task 1. In task one candidates are asked to respond to a given problem with a letter requesting information or explaining a situation. 

It is suggested that about 20 minutes is spent on task 1, which requires the candidate to write at least 150 words. 

Always keep in mind that the examiner will assess your ability to-

• Engage in personal correspondence 
• Elicit and provide general information
• Express needs, wants, likes, and dislikes.
• Express opinions. (views, complaints)

In this blog, we will learn about- 

• Invitation letter Introduction
• Marking criteria 
• Letter structure`
• Planning of the letter
• Letter writing 
• Useful vocabulary

Before starting keep in mind to identify your audience to whom you are writing. This is really important because it will help you decide on the formality of the language you will use and what will be your writing style and pattern. 

So, now as you have understood your audience and writing format let’s begin.

Purpose of the Invitation

The invitation letter for the IELTS exam can be either semi-formal or informal. 
In these types of letters, you look forward to inviting someone to a party or an event. 
The invitation letter may include your graduation party, birthday party, backyard barbeque party, or any other social event.

If you are writing the invitation letter to your manager, professor or people like them then it will be a semi-formal letter and semi-formal letters are sent to those people whom we don’t know well. In another case, if you are writing the letter to your friend or any family member then it would be considered an informal letter because you know them well.
While writing your letter try remembering both the points and then use your expressions and phrases accordingly.

Let’s take a quick example-

Last month you had a holiday overseas where you stayed with some friends. They have just sent you some holiday photographs. Write a letter to your friends. In your letter

• Thank them for the holiday and the photographs
• Explain to them why you didn’t write earlier.
• Invite them to stay with you.

You should write at least 150 words.
Begin your letter as follows- Dear…….

Example 2
Write a letter to your friend who lives in another town and invite him/her to your party that you are organizing.
In the letter, explain 

• Why are you organizing this party?
• Who are expected to gather at the party?
• How to get there?

You should write at least 150 words.
Begin your letter as follows, Dear…….

Example 3
You are planning to go to a music concert in your town and would like on of your friend to accompany you. Write a letter to your friend and in the letter say-

• What the content of the music concert is about?
• Where and when the music concert is?
• Why do you think your friend should go to this concert?

You should write at least 150 words.
Begin your letter as follows, Dear……

Marking Criteria

The examiner will mark your answers through four criteria

Task Achievement
In this criteria, the examiner will score you well if you fully satisfy all the requirements of the task. Presented and highlighted all the key features and bullet points appropriately. Present the clear purpose of the letter with the appropriate and clear tone.

Coherence and Cohesion
In this criteria, it refers to how clear and structured your letters are. To increase your score you need to use cohesion in such a way that it attracts no attention. You need to skillfully manage all the paragraphs. You need to logically organize all the information and ideas by using a range of cohesive devices. 

Lexical resource
This criterion refers to how you use your vocabulary and grammar. To score more in this regiment you should know using a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features and keep in mind to have very rare and minor error. If you have many errors then it will decrease your band score. 

Grammatical Range of Accuracy
This criterion refers to how you use your grammatical power. Using a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy will help increase your band score. Having rare and minor errors will also let you increase your band score.

Letter Writing Framework

• Start your letter with greetings.
• Start with the opening sentence and your reason for writing.
• Write your body paragraph A, B, C.
• End your letter with the closing statement. 
• Use the closing greeting. 

Here’s the sample structure you should follow while writing for GT writing task 1.

Dear [First name]

Opening sentence[state your reason for writing the letter]
I am writing to let you know……………

Paragraph A [Cover your bullet point 1]
Paragraph B[Cover your bullet point 2 with supporting details]
Paragraph C[Cover your bullet point 3 and add supporting details only to meet word limits if required.]

Closing sentence.
Looking forward to meeting you soon.

Closing greeting.
Have a wonderful day.

[Your good name]

Quick three-step planning of the invitation letter-

 Step 1: Analyze the question/ Identify the letter type
Try to identify the format of the letter. Analyze deeply about the question. This will save your time and you will write in a clear and organized way. 

Step 2: Highlight the keywords in the question
Always focus on highlighting the keywords in the question. This will help the examiner to understand your letter in a clear and understanding manner. 

Step 3: Brainstorm all the ideas, explanations, and vocabulary
Remember that your letter must be well organized and easy to read. Try to focus on new ideas and have the ability to use a mix of complex sentence structure correctly. Only use synonyms when you are 100% sure.

Let’s refer to the given example-

You are planning to go to a music concert in your town and would like one of your friends to accompany you. Write a letter to your friend and in the letter say-

• What the content of the music concert is about?
• Where and when the music concert is?
• Why do you think your friend should go to this concert?

You should write at least 150 words.
Begin your letter as follows, Dear……

Step 1- analysis of the question
Write a letter to your friend and in the letter. 
Begin your letter as follows, Dear…… 
 INFORMAL LETTER.

Step 2- Highlight keywords in the question. 
You would like one of your friends to accompany you. Write a letter to your friend. 
Begin your letter. Dear…..
Address all the parts of the question.

• What the content of the music concert is about?
• Where and when the music concert is?
• Why do you think your friend should go to this concert?

This is task achievement

Step 3- Brainstorm all the ideas, explain and use your vocabulary.
Dear [First name of friend]

Opening sentence[state your reason for writing the letter]
I am writing to invite me to accompany me to a musical concert.

Paragraph A [Open air music concert, hometown, top-class singers.]
Paragraph B[If you are really interested to accompany]
Paragraph C[Cover your bullet point 3 and add supporting details only to meet word limits if required.]

Closing sentence.
Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Closing greeting.
Have a wonderful day.
[Your good name]

Sample letter

Dear Rahul,

It has been a while since I met you or talked to you in person. So I hope that everything is well with you. Anyway, I am writing to invite you to accompany me to a musical show which will be held on April 20.

With regard to the concert and its content, it will be an open-air concert which will take place at the sports complex in my hometown in Mumbai. I am asking you to come with me because I believe you will love the concert. A couple of your favorite and few other top-class country singers are going to play some of their most popular music at the event. Besides some techno music will also be played there, and I remember how much you like it. And I don’t think that I would really be able to enjoy the evening all by myself.

So, let me know what you think about the idea. But, if you are really interested to go along with me just let me know within a few days so that I can arrange the tickets for both of us in advance. 

Warm Wishes, 
Richa

Useful Vocabulary for Informal Letter
 I hope you had a great birthday/ holiday; anyway, the reason I am writing is……
 I hope things are going well. The reason I am writing is that….
Thanks for your kind letter and the superb photos,.....
 How are you? I hope this letter finds you well. I am just writing to let you know that….
I am writing to tell you that…..
Please let me know if you can come, so I can plan a few surprises for you. 
Please email me if you…..
Thanks again for….. And let me know if you….
Take care and write back soon
I am looking forward to seeing you/ to hearing from you.
Best wishes
See you soon
Take care of yourself
I wish you all the best
All the best.

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