How to write an informal letter in IELTS task 1 general training 

Letter writing is one of the most common questions when it comes to IELTS writing task one general training. 

There can be three types of letters an examiner can ask you to write. One can be a formal one, a semi-formal one, or an informal one. You need to know who you are writing to in order to know the difference between a formal, semi-formal, and informal one. 

Let’s discuss first what an informal letter is. 

Considering the IELTS exam, every single letter is not an informal one. Only those letters your examiner asks you to write to your friend is an informal letter. The format of the question will specifically tell you who you are going to write that letter to and how. 

As far as an informal letter is concerned, it is always going to be written to a friend. The letter should be breezy yet carefully crafted. Even if you are writing this to your friend, you must avoid using any slang words or other “informal” words. The letter is friendly, personal and chatty, just like you would speak to your friend. 

Your examiner might ask you to write about your experiences or explain how that particular experience is affecting you or your like. Even though the topic is a little formal, if written to a friend, the letter would be informal. 

In your exam, an informal letter will be asked in the following manner: 

Your friend recently moved to a new city. You are also planning to move to the same city. Write a letter to your friend. In the letter: 

• Ask for their suggestions on a place to live
• Explain to them the kind of place you are looking for or any other requirements you have
• Share your plans, how you are willing to spend your time in that city with them

Marking criteria 

The marking criteria for your informal letter in your upcoming IELTS exam will be based on four parameters. These are: 

1. Task Achievement 

Your score under this criterion will depend on how well you are in terms of paying attention to the requirements of the question. It will also depend on your skills being relevant in terms of the questions. Going off topic and not making sense will only lead you to a lower score spectrum.  

2. Cohesion and coherence

Concisely crafted pieces, written in not more than four paragraphs with a logically central idea is what your examiner is looking for. Your score in this criterion depends on your ability to present your ideas in a structured manner, with the right linking words supporting the body of the written piece and having a central topic flowing in a particular paragraph. 

3. Lexical resource and vocabulary 

You can score well in this particular section by keeping in mind just three things: 

1. Your ability to use appropriate words 
2. Your ability to use the words in their right collocative manner 
3. And, your ability to spell those words right. 

These three tips will go a long way as far as this particular section is concerned. 

4. Grammar range and accuracy 

Errors must not be made in the most common grammar rules. You must avoid using the wrong tenses and the wrong verbs as much as possible. Also, you must not forget to focus on the sentence structure and syntax, word order in the sentence, as well as the correct punctuation marks. 

Each criterion carries a 25% weightage in order to determine your final score for that answer.

Structure of an informal letter 

Even though it is an informal letter, it will still be structured in a proper manner. 

The informal letter should begin with a greeting to your friend. This will already be present in your question, you will be required to simply paraphrase it in your answer. 

The next thing to do while you are writing your informal letter would be to give your reason for writing the letter, along with an opening statement. You will be simply required to write the date, place, and other details as per your imagination. 

The next will be your body paragraphs. Usually, two body paragraphs are sufficient when it comes to writing an informal letter. However, if the need arises you could use a third body paragraph. In the body paragraphs, you shall write about details as per the question prompts. Filling in the necessary details in two body paragraphs is a great move. However, you are free to have the third body paragraph if it comes to filling up the word limit or any other missing detail that needs to be filled in.

It is imperative that you end your informal letter with a closing statement. The closing statement will completely depend on the question and the tone of the question as well as the letter. 

Lastly, the letter must have closing greetings.

Planning an informal letter 

Planning an informal letter happens in three phases:

1. Analysis of the question and identification of the kind of letter asked in the same 

Analyse the question properly as soon as you read it. Identify if it is actually an informal letter or not. An informal letter can also be written to your parents or other relatives or anyone whom you know closely. Informal letters are not restricted to just friends. Identify the person whom the letter is addressed to. Spare a few minutes before you begin writing and structure it in your mind. 

2. Highlighting the keywords properly 

It is important that you proofread the letter once it is completed and highlight all the keywords and other important details before submitting your answers to the examiner. 

3. Brainstorming the ideas and other details in advance 

Use the right language, brainstorm all the little details that are required to be put in your answer in advance. Sparing a few minutes to plan a cohesive and coherent answer in advance will ensure you get the edge over other candidates. 

What should you not do?

There are a few mistakes that you must avoid making when it comes to an informal letter in your IELTS task 1 general training exam. 

• A few students do have difficulty when it comes to identifying the kind of letter they are supposed to write. They deem a letter as formal if it is simply not addressed to a friend. Remember, an informal letter can be informal even if it is addressed to your close family members or someone you know on a personal level. Being able to identify the type of letter you are required to write is an essential part of letter writing. 
• Always ensure you are supporting the introduction with the background information. Not being able to do so puts you in a bad spot. Paraphrasing and introducing your introduction goes a long way in an informal letter. It sets the base for the further paragraphs and information to come. 
• Always make sure you are using appropriate language and an appropriate tone. Even though it is an informal letter, you are not supposed to use slang words and phrases or any other offensive language. Along with the language you should also focus on the tone of your letter. The letter, no matter written to a very close friend, should never be rude and impolite. 
• Avoid repeating the same word over and over again. Using the same word can put you in a troublesome spot altogether. Try and broaden your vocabulary horizon, and use different synonyms instead of that particular word. 
• Try not exceeding your word limit. Usually, the answers are supposed to be answered in about 150 words. However, when required and deemed extremely necessary, try not to go over 180 words. Stick to a healthy word limit of 150-180 words. 
• And lastly, always plan your answer in advance. Think about the structure and the phrases that are going to be used in your answer. What most students do not understand is the fact that it is very important to spare a few minutes thinking about the answer and the content to write in the same. If you do not spare that time, you lose grip in the middle of writing and then go ahead with a letter that is structured illogically. Avoid making these mistakes. 

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