General Training Writing Task 1 · semi-formal · request

Letter to a teacher requesting a progress meeting: IELTS semi-formal letter sample

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

You want to discuss your child's progress at school.

Write a letter to your child's teacher. In your letter:

  • →state your child's name and class
  • →explain why you would like to arrange a meeting
  • →suggest some dates and times when you are available

Write at least 150 words. You do not need to write any addresses. Begin your letter: Dear Mr/Ms [Name],

Model answer

Band 8 sample letter

Band 8188 words. Names and details are invented; write your own.

Dear Ms. Thompson,

I am getting in touch regarding my son, Leo Miller, who is currently in your Year 4 class. As we approach the end of the term, I have been reflecting on his recent academic reports and would appreciate the opportunity to discuss his development with you.

While Leo thoroughly enjoys your lessons, he has mentioned finding the recent geometry unit particularly challenging. I am keen to understand how he is progressing with these specific mathematical concepts and whether there are additional resources or strategies I could implement at home to better support his learning journey. Your expert insight would be invaluable in ensuring he maintains his confidence as he advances.

I would be very grateful if we could arrange a brief meeting at your convenience. I am generally available on Tuesday or Thursday afternoons after 3:30 pm. Alternatively, I am free all day next Wednesday if that aligns better with your schedule. Please let me know if any of these times are suitable for you, or feel free to suggest an alternative.

Thank you for your continued dedication to Leo’s education.

Yours sincerely,

Sarah Miller

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 letter achieves Band 8 by addressing all bullet points with specific, natural details while maintaining a consistently professional and polite tone. A common mistake for Band 6 candidates is using overly rigid, repetitive openings or failing to provide specific availability, which makes the request appear vague.

  • →Write to someone you know but not closely, such as a manager, landlord or neighbour, using their title and surname.
  • →Polite and friendly at once: a few contractions are fine, slang is not. Close with Yours sincerely or Kind regards.
  • →State the purpose in the first two sentences; small talk costs words you need for the bullets.

6 phrases

Useful phrases from the letter

  • reflecting on

    Thinking deeply or carefully about something specific

  • keen

    Showing a strong desire or enthusiasm for something

  • invaluable

    Extremely useful or helpful beyond any measurable price

  • at your convenience

    At a time that is suitable for you

  • aligns

    Fits or matches well with another thing

  • dedication

    The quality of being committed to a task

Frequently asked questions

Is this letter formal or informal?+

Semi-formal. Write to someone you know but not closely, such as a manager, landlord or neighbour, using their title and surname.

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 letter achieves Band 8 by addressing all bullet points with specific, natural details while maintaining a consistently professional and polite tone. A common mistake for Band 6 candidates is using overly rigid, repetitive openings or failing to provide specific availability, which makes the request appear vague.

Keep practising

More request letters

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