How to write an IELTS informal letter (with Band 7 and Band 9 samples)
Last verified 8 October 2026 · 7 min read · ieltspractice.app
Quick answer
An IELTS informal letter is a General Training Task 1 letter to a friend or relative. IELTS calls this style personal. Write a letter of at least 150 words in about 20 minutes, cover all three bullet points, and use a warm, chatty tone with contractions.
Photo: Kristin Hardwick — Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
What is an informal letter in IELTS?
In General Training Writing Task 1, you write a letter. IELTS says “the letter may be personal, semi-formal or formal in style”. Most guides, and this page, call the personal style informal. It is the style you use for a friend or a family member.
The task tells you who to write to. IELTS says the style “depends on who you are asked to write to and how well you are supposed to know them”. Its own example is “writing to a friend (personal)”. So if the task says “Write a letter to your friend”, write an informal letter.
The task also gives you three bullet points: the things your letter must include. IELTS says this task “tests if you are able to write a letter which is well organised and appropriate in its register and style”. Register means how formal or informal your language is.
Informal does not mean careless. Your letter still needs clear paragraphs, correct grammar and a clear reason for writing. The difference is the voice: you sound like a friend, not like an office.
| What | What IELTS says |
|---|---|
| General Training Task 1 | a letter of at least 150 words |
| General Training Task 1 time | about 20 minutes |
| General Training letter styles | personal, semi-formal or formal |
| What the letter must include | three bullet points that tell you what information to include |
| General Training weighting | Task 2 contributes twice as much as Task 1 to the Writing score |
| Who you write to (IELTS’s example) | Letter style |
|---|---|
| A friend | Personal (informal) |
| A manager | Semi-formal or formal |
The practice task
We use this task for both samples on this page. It is an original practice task, written in the style of the test. It is not a real exam question.
A friend who lives in another city has just got a job in the town where you live. Your friend has asked you for advice about moving there.
Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:
• suggest the best area of town to live in
• explain how to find a flat
• offer your help on moving day
Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ……………,
Before you write, underline the key word in each bullet point: area, flat and moving day. Each one needs its own paragraph in your letter.
One request in three tones
The fastest way to understand an informal letter is to compare it with the other two styles. Here is the same small request, asking someone to collect your post while you are away, written three ways.
Informal, to a friend: “Hi Sara, I’m away for two weeks from Friday, so could you grab my post when you’re passing? I’ll leave you the key. Thanks so much! Love, Rafi”
Semi-formal, to a neighbour you know a little: “Dear Mr Khan, I hope you’re well. I’m away for two weeks from 10 March, and I wondered if you could collect my post while I’m gone. I’d be happy to do the same for you. Many thanks, Rafi Ahmed”
Formal, to the building office: “Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing to ask whether my post could be held at reception from 10 to 24 March, while I am away. I would be grateful if you could confirm that this is possible. Yours faithfully, Rafi Ahmed (Flat 4B)”
What changes from informal to formal
The greeting
“Hi Sara” uses a first name and a relaxed word. “Dear Mr Khan” uses a title and surname. “Dear Sir or Madam” is for someone whose name you do not know. These are common conventions: the IELTS format page does not set a rule for greetings.
The first line
The informal letter jumps straight in, like a message to a friend. The semi-formal one starts with a short, polite “I hope you’re well”. The formal one states its purpose at once: “I am writing to ask…”.
Contractions
Contractions are short forms such as I’m and you’re. The informal and semi-formal letters use them. The formal letter writes every word in full: “I am”, “I would”.
How you ask
Informal: “Could you grab my post?” Semi-formal: “I wondered if you could collect my post.” Formal: “I would be grateful if you could confirm…”. The more formal the letter, the more indirect and careful the request.
Word choice
Informal letters use everyday words such as “grab” and “when you’re passing”. Formal letters use more formal words such as “held at reception”. Semi-formal sits in the middle: “collect”.
The sign-off and name
Informal: “Love,” or “Best wishes,” and your first name. Semi-formal: “Many thanks,” or “Kind regards,” and your full name. Formal: “Yours faithfully,” after “Dear Sir or Madam”. IELTS does not say which words to use, but its guide says a letter needs a closing. These are common conventions. What matters is that the whole letter keeps one style.
How to structure an informal letter
Greeting
Use the greeting the task gives you, then your friend’s first name: “Dear Leila,” or “Hi Leila,”. You do not need addresses: IELTS says “You do not need to write any addresses at the top of your letter.”
Opening paragraph: why you are writing
In one or two sentences, react to the situation and say why you are writing: “Congratulations on the new job! Here’s what I’ve learnt about living here.” Do not copy the task’s words.
One paragraph for each bullet point
Give each bullet point its own paragraph, and add a reason or a detail to each. Watch for “and” and plurals in a bullet: some bullets ask for two things.
A short closing line
Finish warmly and look ahead: “Let me know how the flat hunt goes” or “Can’t wait to see you.”
Sign-off and first name
End with a friendly sign-off such as “Best wishes,”, “Take care,” or “Lots of love,” and your first name.
Band 7 sample: clear, but limited
This letter answers every bullet point and is easy to follow. The numbered notes under it show what holds it at Band 7.
Band 7 sample
General Training Task 1Answer to the practice task above (moving to your town).
Our team wrote this sample to show what the public band descriptors describe.
Dear Leila,
I was very happy to hear about your new job and that you will move to my town. I would like to give you(note 1) some advices(note 2) about it.
In my opinion, the best area to live is Riverside(note 3). It is quiet and near to the river, and also it is not far from the town centre. It is also cheaper(note 4) than other areas, so you can save some money.
About finding a flat, you can look on the internet because there are many websites for this. You should be quick because good flats are rented very fast(note 5). Also, you should visit the flat before you pay any money.
Finally, I can help you on moving day. My brother has a van, so we can use it to move your things. I will be really happy to help you with everything.(note 6)
I hope to see you soon. I am sure you will like living here.
Best wishes,
Nadia
Notes on this answer
TATask achievement
“I would like to give you”: Too formal for a close friend. “I thought I’d give you a few tips” keeps the personal style.
GRAGrammatical range and accuracy
“some advices”: “Advice” cannot be counted (you cannot say “one advice, two advices”), so it has no plural: “some advice”. A small error that does not block the meaning.
GRAGrammatical range and accuracy
“the best area to live is Riverside”: A missing preposition (a small linking word such as in, at or to): “the best area to live in”. Errors like this are typical at Band 7.
CCCoherence and cohesion
“and also it is not far from the town centre. It is also cheaper”: “Also” twice: the ideas are listed, not linked. Band 9 joins them with “but”.
LRLexical resource
“good flats are rented very fast”: Clear but plain. Compare Band 9: “the best places go within days”, a more natural phrase.
TATask achievement
“I will be really happy to help you with everything.”: The offer is there but vague. A concrete plan would develop this bullet point.
Why Band 7: All three bullet points are covered, each in its own paragraph, and the tone is mostly friendly. Some phrases are too formal for a friend, ideas are listed rather than developed, and there are a few small grammar errors.
Band 9 sample: natural, warm and precise
The same task, answered at a higher level. Notice how each bullet point gets a reason or a tip, and how the friendly voice never slips.
Band 9 sample
General Training Task 1Answer to the practice task above (moving to your town).
Our team wrote this sample to show what the public band descriptors describe.
Dear Leila,
Congratulations on the new job!(note 1) I was thrilled to read your news, and I can’t wait to have you living just down the road. Here’s what I’ve learnt in my five years here.
If I were you, I’d look for(note 2) somewhere in Riverside. It’s a quiet area, but it’s only ten minutes from the town centre by bus.(note 3) The park along the river is perfect for your morning runs, and rents are a bit lower than in the centre.
Finding a flat is easier than you might think. Most landlords advertise on the local property websites, but the best places go within days(note 4), so set up alerts and book viewings quickly. Whatever you do, don’t pay a deposit(note 5) before you’ve seen the flat in person.
Once you’ve found somewhere(note 6), just tell me the date of your moving day. I’ll borrow my brother’s van, and we can carry everything in one trip. Afterwards, dinner’s on me(note 7)!
Let me know how the flat hunt goes.
Lots of love,
Nadia
Notes on this answer
TATask achievement
“Congratulations on the new job!”: A warm reaction to the situation sets the personal style from the first line and shows why you are writing.
GRAGrammatical range and accuracy
“If I were you, I’d look for”: “If I were you, I’d…” is a second conditional (if + a past form, then would + a verb), a common way to give advice. It is accurate, and the short form “I’d” sounds natural to a friend.
TATask achievement
“It’s a quiet area, but it’s only ten minutes from the town centre by bus.”: The first bullet point is answered and supported with reasons the friend will care about.
LRLexical resource
“the best places go within days”: Natural wording: “go” here means “are rented”. It is idiomatic, which means it is how people really say it.
LRLexical resource
“Whatever you do, don’t pay a deposit”: A friendly, direct warning in spoken-style English that suits a letter to a friend.
CCCoherence and cohesion
“Once you’ve found somewhere”: “Once you’ve found somewhere” means “after you have found a flat”. This time clause (words that say when something happens) links the flat search to moving day, so the letter flows.
LRLexical resource
“dinner’s on me”: “Dinner’s on me” means “I will pay for dinner”. A warm, everyday phrase that suits a letter to a friend.
Why Band 9: Every bullet point is fully developed with reasons and practical detail, and the personal tone is consistent from greeting to sign-off. Vocabulary is natural and precise, and complex sentences are accurate throughout.
What lifts a letter from Band 7 to Band 9?
Both letters cover the three bullet points, so neither misses part of the task. The difference is in how well each point is developed and how natural the language sounds.
IELTS says Task achievement “refers to how well your letter achieves its purpose”. The Band 9 letter gives reasons and practical tips, so it is more useful to the friend. Its tone also stays personal all the way through.
The Band 9 letter also links ideas with words like “but”, “so” and “once”, instead of “also” again and again. For more of these words, see our guide to linking words for IELTS.
| Criterion | Tag in our notes | What IELTS says it assesses |
|---|---|---|
| Task achievement | TA | how well your letter achieves its purpose |
| Coherence and cohesion | CC | how clear and fluent your writing is, and how you organise ideas and information |
| Lexical resource | LR | the range of vocabulary you have used, and how accurately and appropriately you use it |
| Grammatical range and accuracy | GRA | the range of grammar you have used and how accurately and appropriately you have used it |
Useful phrases for an informal letter
To open
“It was great to hear from you.” “Sorry it’s taken me so long to write back.” “Congratulations on…!”
To give advice
“If I were you, I’d…” “Why don’t you…?” “Whatever you do, don’t…”
To ask for something
“Could you do me a favour?” “Would you mind…?” “I was wondering if you could…”
To offer help
“I’d be happy to…” “Just let me know if you need a hand.” (A hand means help.)
To close
“Can’t wait to see you.” “Write back soon.” “Let me know how it goes.” Then a sign-off such as “Best wishes,” or “Take care,”.
Common mistakes in IELTS informal letters
Mixing styles. A letter to a friend that suddenly says “I am writing to inform you” sounds strange. IDP’s letter guide says to “maintain consistency throughout the letter in terms of the tone you choose.”
Too casual. Informal is not text-message English. Avoid short forms such as “u” for “you”, and emojis. Keep full sentences and correct spelling.
Missing part of a bullet point. IELTS’s guide to Task achievement says “All three bullet points need to be presented”, and some bullets contain more than one element.
Notes or a list. The task gives bullet points, but your answer must not use them. IELTS says your answer must be “a whole piece of connected text (i.e. you must not use notes or bullet points)”.
Too short. Under 150 words, IELTS says “there may not be enough evidence of the language features needed in order to award higher bands”. See how IELTS Writing is scored for the four criteria in detail, and check your length with our word counter (choose Task 1).
Is your letter informal or semi-formal?
Not every letter to a person you know is informal. A neighbour, a landlord or a manager you know usually needs a semi-formal letter: polite, but not stiff. IELTS’s semi-formal guide calls this style “more neutral in style (neither formal nor informal)”.
Read our IELTS semi-formal letter guide for that style, with its own Band 7 and Band 9 samples. For all three styles in one place, see our General Training letter writing guide. For a formal letter, read our Band 9 formal letter sample.
More General Training letter guides
Frequently asked questions
Is a personal letter the same as an informal letter in IELTS?
Yes. IELTS says a General Training letter “may be personal, semi-formal or formal in style”, and gives “writing to a friend (personal)” as its example. Most guides call the personal style informal.
Can I use contractions in an IELTS informal letter?
Yes. Contractions such as I’m, can’t and you’ll are normal in a letter to a friend, and they help the tone sound natural. Keep spelling and grammar correct, and avoid text-message short forms such as “u”.
How do I start an informal letter in IELTS?
Follow the greeting the task gives you, then add your friend’s first name, such as “Dear Leila,” or “Hi Leila,”. In the first paragraph, react to the situation and say why you are writing. IELTS does not say which words to use in the greeting. But its guide to General Training Writing says a letter needs a greeting and a closing, and the examiner checks the format. These examples are common conventions.
How do I end an informal letter?
Add a short closing line, such as “Let me know how it goes”, then a friendly sign-off such as “Best wishes,”, “Take care,” or “Lots of love,” and your first name. Do not use “Yours faithfully” in a letter to a friend.
How many words should an IELTS informal letter be?
At least 150 words. IELTS says you need a letter of at least 150 words and should spend about 20 minutes on it. You are not penalised for writing more, but Task 2 counts twice as much, so do not take time from it.
Can I use slang or idioms in an informal letter?
Everyday phrases such as “I can’t wait” or “give me a call” are fine and natural. Avoid heavy slang, swear words and text-speak. Use an idiom only when you are sure of its meaning, because a wrong idiom costs more than it gains.
Sources
- IELTS (ielts.org): IELTS General Training format, Writing
- IELTS (ielts.org): How to write a semi-formal letter for General Training Writing Task 1
- IELTS (ielts.org): Reach a band 5 and higher in General Training Writing
- IDP IELTS: General Training Writing Task 1, how to write a letter
Facts on this page last checked against these sources on 8 October 2026.
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