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Here, we focus upon demystifying few of the challenges and provide you a sample to read and familiarise on how to score good in IELTS General Writing Task-1. For finer nuances and techniques you should consider enrolling for Srishti's IELTS course
Basic Tips for IELTS General Writing Task-1
Tips for IELTS General Writing Task-1
In this task, you may be asked to write a letter. The letter topic varies based on the situation that is narrated in the question and the students will be required to respond to the tasks mentioned therein.
One easy-tip with letter writing is that the question details the aspects to be covered in the letter which can be easily mapped onto paragraphs in our writing. Yes, you will need to write 3 paragraphs in your main body of the letter
Let us look at the assessment criteria for IELTS General Writing Task-1 along with a sample question as well as the model answer to help you build towards your goal of scoring high in IELTS test.
Key Feature | Assessment criteria |
Task response |
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Coherence and cohesion |
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Lexical resources |
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Grammar range and accuracy |
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Having seen the various assessment criteria that you will be scored for, let us look at a sample. This sample should provide an overview of scoring 8+ in IELTS Writing Task-2 Essay. Do not just read the sample response but you should analyse and relate it to the assessment criteria detailed above
You have received a letter from your bank, asking you to acknowledge receipt of a new bank card. However, the card was missing from the envelope.
Write a letter to the bank’s head office. In your letter:
- explain why you are writing
- express concern about the missing card
- ask them what they intend to do
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any address.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear __________
Key inputs to analyse
Let us take a few moments to analyse the type of letter and the ideas provided in the question.
- First this is a ‘formal letter’ as you are writing to the bank manager. So your salutation and subject line is critical
- Second, the three paragraphs clearly indicates the coverage that is required in your writing, namely, first paragraph indicating the purpose f this letter, second paragraph describing the concerns as the card was missing and the last paragraph detailing the actionable you intend to take or you need the bank to initiate
- The overall word count of the letter should be in the range of 165 – 175 words
The opening
- ‘The opening’ section may include a brief introduction about yourself. Be sure to introduce in the context of a bank’s customer and do not explain your background, address etc
The Model Answer
We will now look at the model answer for this IELTS General Writing Task-1
Dear Sir / Madam
I am writing in connection with a missing or stolen debit card from your bank. This is an urgent matter as the bank card could prove dangerous in the hands of the wrong person.
Just yesterday, I received a letter from your bank’s head office. It stated that my new bank card was enclosed and asked me to acknowledge receipt. However, when the envelope arrived in my mailbox, it was in a tattered state. More importantly, the debit card which was supposed to be included, was missing. I checked and rechecked around the mailbox, but found nothing. I am concerned that someone has gone through my mail and possibly stolen the card.
For this reason, I request that you cancel the existing debit card immediately. The debit card in question is related to my account number 1234568 at your branch. After it has been cancelled, please arrange to send me a new one, as I need to travel overseas next week and will need to carry the new bank card with me.
Thank you kindly in advance,
Yours faithfully,
XYZ
Word Count
Word count in perfect range (172 words). Neither too less nor too many
Word Usage
Good vocabulary range, no repetition of words and appropriate words used to describe the overall sense of the charts
Coverage
The points of discussion are clearly presented and the reasons are well substantiated
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