General Training Task 1 looks easier than Academic Task 1 because it uses letters rather than charts, but it still catches many candidates out. The problem is usually not ideas. It is register. A strong GT letter sounds appropriate for the reader, covers every bullet point fully, and stays organised from start to finish. This guide shows you the main 2026 letter themes, the three registers, and two realistic model answers.
What Is IELTS General Training Task 1?
In General Training Writing Task 1, you write a letter in response to a practical situation. The task may ask you to complain, request, invite, explain, recommend, or apologise. The official IELTS guide for test-takers explains that you need to cover all the bullet points and use the correct style for the situation. If you want the wider format explained step by step, open the GT Task 1 guide.
The Three Letter Registers: Formal, Semi-Formal, Informal
| Register | Tone | Opening | Closing | Contractions | Typical scenario |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Formal | Respectful and professional | Dear Sir or Madam, | Yours faithfully, | Avoided | Complaint to a company or local authority |
| Semi-Formal | Polite but familiar | Dear Mr Ahmed, | Kind regards, | Limited | Request to a landlord, manager, or teacher |
| Informal | Warm and personal | Dear Sam, | Best wishes, | Natural | Invitation, advice, or apology to a friend |
Most Common Task 1 Letter Topics in 2026
How to Open and Close Each Register Correctly
| Register | Opening salutation | Closing sign-off |
|---|---|---|
| Formal | Dear Sir or Madam, / Dear Ms Brown, | Yours faithfully, / Yours sincerely, |
| Semi-Formal | Dear Mr Singh, | Kind regards, / Best regards, |
| Informal | Dear Aisha, / Hi Daniel, | Best wishes, / Take care, |
Band 7 Model Letter (Formal — Complaint)
Formal
Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing to complain about the poor service I received during my recent stay at your Lakeside Hotel from 12 to 14 February. Although I booked a quiet double room in advance, I was given a room next to the lift, which was extremely noisy throughout the night. As a result, I was unable to sleep properly. In addition, the room had not been cleaned thoroughly, and there were used cups left near the desk when I arrived. I reported these problems to reception on the first evening, but no action was taken. This was particularly disappointing because I had chosen your hotel for an important business trip and expected a much higher standard of service. I would therefore appreciate either a partial refund or a complimentary stay in the future. I hope you will investigate this matter and take steps to improve the quality of service for other guests. Yours faithfully, Rohan Patel
Band 7 Model Letter (Informal — Invitation)
Informal
Dear Sara, I hope you're doing well. I'm writing because my family is planning a small celebration at our house next month, and I'd really love you to come. The occasion is my brother's graduation, and we're having it on Saturday 18 April in the evening. A few relatives and close friends will be there, so it should be relaxed and enjoyable rather than too formal. We're planning to have dinner in the garden if the weather is good, and later we might go out for dessert nearby. If you can stay overnight, that would be even better, because we have a spare room and it would give us more time to catch up properly. Let me know as soon as you can, because I need to finalise the food arrangements next week. I really hope you'll be able to come. Best wishes, Maya
Common Mistakes in GT Task 1
Using an informal tone in a formal complaint letter
Fix: Check the relationship with the reader before you write the opening line.
Missing one of the three bullet points
Fix: Tick off each prompt while planning so every point gets proper coverage.
Ending a formal letter with the wrong sign-off
Fix: Use “Yours faithfully” if you do not know the name and “Yours sincerely” if you do.
Writing one long paragraph
Fix: Separate purpose, detail, and action into clear paragraphs so the letter is easier to follow.
Check Your GT Task 1 Letter for Register, Format and Band Score
Check Your GT Task 1 Letter for Register, Format and Band Score
Find out whether your tone, opening, closing, and bullet-point coverage suit the task before you practise another letter.
Try the IELTS Letter Checker toolFrequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between formal and informal letters in IELTS GT Task 1?
Formal letters use a respectful tone, full forms, and professional openings and endings. Informal letters sound warmer and more personal, and they may include contractions and a friendlier register.
How long should an IELTS General Training Task 1 letter be?
You need to write at least 150 words, but many strong letters are around 170 to 190 words because that allows you to cover all three bullet points properly.
Do bullet points count towards the word count in GT Task 1?
The bullet points in the task prompt are not part of your response and do not count towards your word total. Only the words you write are counted.
Is GT Task 1 easier than Academic Task 1?
It depends on your strengths. Many candidates find the everyday scenarios more familiar, but strong register control and complete bullet-point coverage are still essential for a high score.
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