IELTS General Training Writing Task 1 Teachers Notes & Answer Keys
1. Overview of the Task
In the IELTS General Training (GT) Writing module, Task1 requires candidates to produce a letter of 150words. The letter can be formal, semiformal or informal, and it must respond to a given situation (e.g., making a complaint, requesting information, giving advice). The assessor looks for:
- Task achievement does the response address all three points?
- Coherence & cohesion logical ordering, appropriate paragraphing, linking devices.
- Lexical resource range of vocabulary, correct tone, idiomatic language.
- Grammatical range & accuracy sentence structures, verb tenses, punctuation.
2. Teachers Notes How to Teach the Task Effectively
- Explain the three letter styles and give authentic examples.
- Teach the typical structure: salutation, opening paragraph, twotothree body paragraphs, closing paragraph, signoff.
- Practice recognizing the prompt bullets the three points that must be covered.
- Provide a list of highfrequency collocations for each register (e.g., I am writing to enquire about for formal, Hey, could you ? for informal).
- Highlight polite formulas, modal verbs, and concession phrases.
- Run activities that transform informal expressions into formal equivalents and viceversa.
- Teach the 5minute plan method: read, underline the three points, decide tone, outline paragraph content.
- Use graphic organizers that map each prompt bullet to a paragraph sentence.
- Emphasise time management 20 minutes for Task1, 40 minutes for Task2.
- Mixing formal and informal language.
- Leaving out one of the three points.
- Incorrect salutation or signoff for the chosen register.
- Overuse of filler words (I think that ) which reduces lexical precision.
- Students write a draft under timed conditions.
- Peerreview using a checklist based on the four assessment criteria.
- Teacher provides a marked answer key (see next section) and explains each deduction.
- Students rewrite the letter incorporating feedback.
3. Sample Prompt
Prompt: You recently bought a laptop online but it arrived with a broken screen. Write a letter to the online retailer. In your letter:
- Explain the problem.
- State how this has affected you.
- Tell them what you would like them to do.
Choose a formal style.
4. Model Answer (150Word Sample)
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to inform you that the laptop I ordered (order #45321, placed on 2May) arrived with a cracked screen. The damage is clearly visible on the front panel and renders the device unusable.
This situation has caused considerable inconvenience as I needed the laptop for a university project due next week. I have been forced to borrow a friends computer, which has disrupted my study schedule.
In light of the above, I would appreciate it if you could either send a replacement unit immediately or arrange for a full refund. Please advise me of the steps required to return the faulty product.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Yours faithfully,
Emma Clarke
| Criterion | Evidence from the Sample |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement | All three bullet points are covered: problem description, personal impact, clear request for replacement or refund. |
| Coherence & Cohesion | Logical paragraphing: opening, problem, impact, request, closing. Linking words such as In light of the above aid flow. |
| Lexical Resource | Appropriate formal register I am writing to inform you, rendered unusable, appreciate it if you could. Variety of nouns, adjectives and verb forms. |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | Complex sentences (I am writing that the laptop arrived), correct use of conditional (if you could either or), accurate punctuation. |
5. Teachers Marking Rubric (Answer Key Template)
| Band | Task Achievement | Coherence & Cohesion | Lexical Resource | Grammatical Range & Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Fully addresses all three points with added detail. | Clear, logical structure; effective cohesive devices. | Wide range of precise vocabulary; natural formal tone. | Complex structures, virtually errorfree. |
| 8 | Addresses all points; occasional minor omission. | Wellorganized; occasional overuse of linking words. | Good range; occasional inappropriate collocation. | Varied structures; few minor errors. |
| 7 | Meets each point but with limited development. | Logical order; some paragraphing issues. | Adequate vocabulary; some repetition. | Range of structures; occasional grammatical slips. |
| 6 | One point partially addressed or missing. | Some cohesion problems; linking may be mechanical. | Limited lexical range; occasional inaccuracy. | Frequent errors that may hinder communication. |
| 54 | Multiple points omitted; limited relevance. | Poor organization; frequent paragraph errors. | Very basic vocabulary; many inappropriate choices. | Frequent grammatical errors; impede meaning. |
Use this table as a quick reference when marking student work. Highlight which band descriptors the candidate meets and note specific examples from their writing.
6. Classroom Activities Linked to the Notes
Activity 1 BulletPoint Blitz
Students receive a prompt and 2minutes to underline the three required points. They then spend 3minutes drafting a onesentence outline for each point. Teacher circulates, offering instant feedback on completeness.
Activity 2 Tone Switch
Provide a formal letter. In pairs, students rewrite it informally, then swap back and rewrite the informal version formally. Discuss how word choice, salutations and closings change.
Activity 3 Error Hunt
Give a copy of a lowscoring student letter. Students work in groups to locate errors related to each criterion, record them on a worksheet, and suggest corrections.
Activity 4 Timed Mock
Set a 20minute timer. Students complete a full Task1 under exam conditions, then submit for teacher marking using the rubric above.
7. Tips for Students (Summarised from Teachers Notes)
- Read the prompt twice; underline the three tasks.
- Decide on the appropriate register before you start writing.
- Spend the first 23 minutes planning a short outline saves time later.
- Use a formal salutation (Dear Sir/Madam) and a suitable signoff (Yours faithfully).
- Check word count aim for 15010words.
- Leave 23 minutes at the end to proofread for grammar and spelling.
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