General Training Writing Task 1 · formal · request

Letter to a local tutor requesting language lessons: IELTS formal letter sample

An IELTS General Training Writing Task 1 formal letter with a Band 8 sample answer, why it scores well and the phrases worth borrowing for your own letter writing.
  • 177 words
  • Formal letters
  • Request
  • 20 minutes
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The task

You want to learn a language. A teacher who teaches this language lives near the area where you live.

Write a letter to the teacher. In your letter:

  • →say how you came to know about him/her
  • →explain why you want to learn this language
  • →ask what help he/she can offer

Write at least 150 words. You do not need to write any addresses. Begin your letter: Dear ...,

Model answer

Band 8 sample letter

Band 8177 words. Names and details are invented; write your own.

Dear Mr. Henderson,

I am writing to enquire about the possibility of arranging private Spanish lessons with you. I recently noticed a flyer you posted at the community library, which mentioned your expertise in teaching Spanish to local residents.

My primary motivation for learning the language stems from a career opportunity that has recently opened up. My company is expanding its operations into Latin America, and I have been selected to lead a project in Mexico starting next year. Acquiring a solid grasp of Spanish would be invaluable for both my professional performance and for navigating daily life during my residency abroad.

Could you please let me know if you are currently accepting new students? I would be interested to learn about your teaching methodology, your typical hourly rates, and whether you offer intensive sessions for those with upcoming travel deadlines. I am generally available on weekday evenings, though I am happy to adjust my schedule to accommodate your availability.

I look forward to hearing from you soon regarding how we might proceed.

Yours sincerely,

Arthur Penhaligon

Write your own and get a band

Answer this prompt in a timed General Training writing test and get a band for task achievement, coherence, vocabulary and grammar, with the sentences to fix.

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Examiner's view

Why this scores well

This response achieves Band 8 by fully addressing all bullet points with professional, cohesive language and a consistently formal tone. A common mistake for Band 6 candidates is failing to explain the specific professional motivation for learning the language or using overly casual phrasing that undermines the formal request.

  • →Write to an organisation or someone you do not know: open with Dear Sir or Madam, close with Yours faithfully.
  • →If you know the person's surname, use Dear Mr or Ms and close with Yours sincerely.
  • →No contractions, no slang; polite indirect requests such as I would be grateful if you could.

6 phrases

Useful phrases from the letter

  • enquire

    To ask for information about a specific matter

  • expertise

    Expert skill or knowledge in a particular field

  • stems from

    To be caused by or originate from something

  • invaluable

    Extremely useful or indispensable in a specific situation

  • methodology

    The system of methods used in a particular area

  • accommodate

    To provide what is needed for someone's convenience

Frequently asked questions

Is this letter formal or informal?+

Formal. Write to an organisation or someone you do not know: open with Dear Sir or Madam, close with Yours faithfully.

How many words should an IELTS General Training letter be?+

At least 150 words, and 160 to 200 is the comfortable range. Spend about 20 minutes on it and leave 40 for Task 2, which carries twice the marks.

What does the examiner look for?+

This response achieves Band 8 by fully addressing all bullet points with professional, cohesive language and a consistently formal tone. A common mistake for Band 6 candidates is failing to explain the specific professional motivation for learning the language or using overly casual phrasing that undermines the formal request.

Keep practising

More request letters

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