General Training Writing Task 1 · formal · other

Letter to newspaper editor praising local restaurant: 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.
  • 180 words
  • Formal letters
  • Other
  • 20 minutes
Write a letter, get a band free →Read the letter

The task

Recently you went to a local restaurant with your family and you were very satisfied with their food and service.

Write a letter to the editor of a local newspaper to tell him/her about it. Describe the meal you and your family members had and let the editor know why you think the restaurant is worth visiting. In your letter:

  • →what inspired the chef to create such a diverse and flavorful menu?
  • →how does the restaurant ensure the quality and freshness of its ingredients?
  • →are there any upcoming events or special promotions at the restaurant that readers should know about?

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

Model answer

Band 8 sample letter

Band 8180 words. Names and details are invented; write your own.

Dear Editor,

I am writing to express my admiration for The Golden Bistro, a local establishment that recently provided my family with an exceptional dining experience. We were thoroughly impressed by both the culinary standards and the impeccable service.

During our visit, we sampled the signature slow-cooked lamb and a vibrant Mediterranean mezze platter. The chef explained that the menu was inspired by his extensive travels across the Levant, aiming to fuse traditional regional spices with contemporary cooking techniques to create such diverse, robust flavours.

Regarding quality, the management maintains a strict farm-to-table policy. They partner exclusively with local organic cooperatives, ensuring that all produce is harvested within twenty-four hours of reaching the kitchen. This commitment to freshness is evident in every bite.

I believe readers should be aware that the restaurant is hosting an 'Artisan Food Festival' next month. This event will feature live cooking demonstrations and exclusive tasting menus, making it an ideal destination for local food enthusiasts.

I highly recommend this venue to anyone seeking a high-quality, authentic dining experience in our community.

Yours faithfully,

Arthur Pendelton

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.

Write a letter, get a band free →

Examiner's view

Why this scores well

This response achieves Band 8 by addressing all bullet points with sophisticated vocabulary and a cohesive, professional tone. A common mistake for Band 6 candidates is failing to invent specific details for the bullet points, resulting in vague or repetitive content.

  • →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

  • impeccable

    flawless and perfect in every single detail

  • culinary

    related to cooking or the kitchen environment

  • robust

    strong, healthy, and full of intense flavour

  • farm-to-table

    a movement focusing on locally sourced food ingredients

  • cooperatives

    organizations owned and run by their members

  • enthusiasts

    people who are very interested in something

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 addressing all bullet points with sophisticated vocabulary and a cohesive, professional tone. A common mistake for Band 6 candidates is failing to invent specific details for the bullet points, resulting in vague or repetitive content.

Keep practising

More other letters

© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy

Write a letter, get a band free