Sample Answers to get band 7+ in IELTS writing task 1

In the past article, we discussed IELTS writing task 1. We discussed how to determine whether a question is formal or informal and the dos and dons of formal and informal letters. To check the details of IELTS writing task 1 click here.

Now let’s take a look into how can we attempt a formal letter in a real exam.
You have just finished your master’s degree and need to leave your current part-time job to search for full-time employment.
Write a letter to your current employer. In your letter
● explain why you will not pursue a full-time job in his/her company
● say why you’ve enjoyed working for him/her
● tell him/her how much longer you will continue to work for him/her

In the question, I’m not able to find the word “friend” which means it is a formal letter and then the question is indicating write to your current employer, which is indicating it is a formal letter to someone whom I know, so I’ll by starting Dear Mr. employer name. I’ll not use contraction and informal vocabulary as it will reduce my bands because I need to keep a formal tone to attempt the formal question.

Dear Mr. Ali,                                                   Opening

 

I am writing this letter to inform you that I have recently completed my master’s degree, and I want to leave my current part-time job in your restaurant, to look for a full-time job in a software company.                 

Purpose of writing

 

I have been working here as a manager for 3 years, but my degree is in computer sciences, which is why I don’t want to continue this job as a full-time employee. I am passionate about the development of software and want to pursue a career in this domain.                   Bullet point 1

 

I’ve enjoyed working in this restaurant because all my colleagues are helpful and friendly. They have always helped me whenever I got stuck in some issues since I joined. In addition to that, you always encouraged me to do better and provided me with opportunities to grow.       Bullet point 2

 

I will work here for one further month and 31st May 2020 will be my last day at work. During this time, I’ll hand in all my assigned tasks to the next person. Hopefully, in this period, you will be able to find my replacement.  Bullet point 3

 

I wish you all the best.

Yours sincerely,                                              Sign off

Aliza Basharat.                                                Full name because it is a formal letter

 

Note: do remember don’t use contractions in formal letters, such as I’d, I’d, or abbreviations. You can use contractions in information letters to set the informal tone of the letter. 

To get general information about the IELTS exam click HERE

To get general information about the IELTS assessment criteria click HERE

To get general information about the IELTS General Writing Task 1 click HERE

To get general information about the IELTS Listening exam click HERE

To get general information about the IELTS Speaking exam click HERE

Now let’s take a look at the sample answer for the informal letter

 

You have recently started work in a new company. Write a letter to an English-speaking friend. In your letter

 ● explain why you changed jobs

● describe your new job

● tell him/her your other news

 

I’ve highlighted some keywords in the question to fully analyze the question before writing it. You need to spend at least 2-3 minutes to fully understand the question and plan what you are going to write to attempt all parts of the question.  Each bullet point gives information about what you are supposed to write about.

 

Dear Annie,            opening

I’m writing to let you know I’ve left changed my old job and found a new one.   Purpose statement

I’d get bored because there was nothing much to learn in my previous job. I was working as a computer programmer, and that job was not exciting for me, so I decided to leave this job and started a new job as a network administrator in a telecommunication company. Bullet point 1

 My new job is very challenging and exciting at the same time. I’m responsible for managing the network team in Asia. Although I’ve been working hard since I joined to provide uninterrupted services to clients, I love the new challenges in this job. This job is giving me a great chance to learn new things about the connectivity of telecommunication devices.  Bullet point 2

I'm over the moon to tell you that I got a 50% increase in my salary and a three-bedroom flat near my workplace as a bonus after completing the targets assigned by my boss. Let’s celebrate this good news together. You’re welcome at my place this Sunday. We’ll have a barbecue party.  Bullet 3

 I’m looking forward to hosting you.

Your friend, (informal)

Aliza.     (first name only)

 

By following the above guideline, you can easily get a band 7. You need to make sure that you use the correct grammatical structure and letter tone. If you are writing formal letters, you need to set a formal tone using academic vocabulary, and if you are writing informal letters, you need to use informal vocabulary to keep the tone informal.