General Training Writing Task 1 · formal · request

Letter to Local Official Requesting Community Center Funding: 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.
  • 179 words
  • Formal letters
  • Request
  • 20 minutes
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The task

Your local community center is in poor condition and needs funding for repairs.

Write a letter to a local government official. In your letter:

  • →describe the importance of the community center
  • →explain the current poor condition of the facilities
  • →request specific funding and outline how it would be used

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

Model answer

Band 8 sample letter

Band 8179 words. Names and details are invented; write your own.

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to formally request urgent financial assistance for the renovation of the Oakwood Community Centre. This facility serves as a vital hub for our neighbourhood, providing essential space for youth programmes, elderly social groups, and local town hall meetings.

Unfortunately, the building has fallen into a state of severe disrepair. The roof currently suffers from significant leaks that have caused water damage to the main hall, and the electrical wiring is outdated, posing a genuine safety hazard to all visitors. Furthermore, the lack of wheelchair-accessible ramps restricts access for many of our disabled residents.

I am requesting a grant of £15,000 to address these critical issues. These funds would be specifically allocated towards replacing the roof insulation, upgrading the electrical distribution board, and installing a permanent ramp at the main entrance. Completing these repairs would ensure that the centre remains a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.

I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this proposal and am available to discuss the budget breakdown at your earliest convenience.

Yours faithfully,

Julian Thorne

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

A Band 8 response fully addresses all three bullet points with specific, logical details and maintains a consistently professional tone throughout. A common Band 6 error is failing to provide specific plans for the funding or using overly simplistic language that lacks the appropriate formal register.

  • →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

  • vital hub

    a central and essential place for activity

  • disrepair

    the state of being in bad condition

  • posing a genuine safety hazard

    creating a real risk of physical harm

  • allocated

    officially set aside for a specific purpose

  • inclusive environment

    a place that welcomes and accommodates everyone

  • earliest convenience

    at the first available opportunity for you

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?+

A Band 8 response fully addresses all three bullet points with specific, logical details and maintains a consistently professional tone throughout. A common Band 6 error is failing to provide specific plans for the funding or using overly simplistic language that lacks the appropriate formal register.

Keep practising

More request letters

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