Understanding Writing Task 1 for General Training
When you prepare for the IELTS exam, the general training writing task 1 is the first part of the writing section. It requires you to write a letter in response to a situation. The letter may be formal, semi-formal, or informal, depending on the context.
You have about 20 minutes to complete the task, and the word limit is a minimum of 150 words. The ability to organize thoughts, use proper tone, and follow instructions is what examiners assess.
This task is different from the academic module. While academic writing task 1 deals with charts, graphs, and reports, the general module focuses on practical letter writing. That is why understanding its scoring system is essential.
Why Scoring Criteria Matters
The scoring system for general training writing task 1 helps examiners judge your ability to use English in real-life communication. Without knowing these criteria, many candidates write letters that miss key points, which lowers their band score.
By learning the exact areas examiners focus on, you can write more effectively and increase your chances of achieving your target band.
Four Main Criteria of Assessment
Examiners use four official criteria to score general training writing task 1. Each has equal weight and contributes 25% to the overall score.
1. Task Achievement
This means answering all parts of the question. If the task asks you to write a complaint letter with three bullet points, you must address each one. Examiners check if:
You followed the instructions.
You included all points mentioned in the prompt.
Your tone fits the context (formal, semi-formal, or informal).
2. Coherence and Cohesion
This refers to how well your letter flows. Ideas must be connected logically. Examiners look for:
Paragraphing (introduction, body, ending).
Linking words such as “however,” “for example,” “therefore.”
Smooth transitions between ideas.
3. Lexical Resource
This criterion measures vocabulary use. A wide range of words shows fluency. Examiners want to see:
Appropriate word choice for the type of letter.
Avoidance of repetition.
Use of precise expressions.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy
This means how well you use grammar. Examiners expect:
Correct sentence structures.
Variety in sentence types (simple, compound, complex).
Few grammatical errors.
Word Count and Time Management
Candidates must write at least 150 words. Writing fewer words leads to a penalty. On the other hand, writing too many words can cause time issues, leaving less time for Task 2.
The recommended time for general training writing task 1 is 20 minutes. Planning for 2–3 minutes, writing for 15 minutes, and checking for 2–3 minutes usually works well.
Formal, Semi-Formal, and Informal Letters
Different prompts require different tones. Choosing the correct style is part of scoring high in general training writing task 1.
Formal Letter: Used when writing to companies, employers, or strangers. Language must be professional.
Semi-Formal Letter: Used when writing to acquaintances, such as neighbors or colleagues. The tone is polite but not overly formal.
Informal Letter: Used when writing to friends or family. The style is casual, using personal expressions.
Structure of a High-Scoring Letter
A clear structure helps improve your score. Here is a common structure for general training writing task 1:
Salutation – Begin with “Dear Sir/Madam” for formal, or “Dear John” for informal.
Introduction – State the purpose of the letter in one or two sentences.
Body Paragraphs – Cover all bullet points given in the task. Each idea should be in a separate paragraph.
Ending – Close politely, depending on the tone. Examples: “Yours faithfully,” “Best regards,” or “Take care.”
Importance of Tone
Tone is a key factor in scoring. For example, using informal language in a formal complaint letter will reduce your marks. Always match the tone with the situation described in the task prompt.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many candidates lose marks in general training writing task 1 due to simple mistakes. Some common errors include:
Ignoring one of the bullet points.
Writing fewer than 150 words.
Mixing formal and informal language.
Using limited vocabulary repeatedly.
Forgetting to proofread.
How to Improve Each Criterion
Improvement is possible with practice and focus on each scoring area.
Task Achievement: Read the prompt carefully and underline keywords.
Coherence and Cohesion: Use linking words naturally. Avoid mechanical repetition of connectors.
Lexical Resource: Learn synonyms and topic-specific vocabulary.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Practice writing complex sentences, but avoid unnecessary complexity.
Example of Letter Openings
To understand tone better, here are some sample openings:
Formal: “I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with the recent service I received at your store.”
Semi-Formal: “I wanted to let you know about an issue I faced with the shared parking area.”
Informal: “It’s been so long since we last met! I wanted to share some exciting news with you.”
These examples show how the choice of words sets the tone immediately.
Linking Practice to Scoring
Every practice session should focus on scoring criteria. Writing without keeping them in mind often leads to repeated mistakes. For example, if vocabulary is weak, dedicate extra practice to learning new words and applying them in letters.
The best way to build accuracy is through consistent practice with feedback. Reading model letters also helps understand structure and tone.
Role of Checking and Editing
The final step in general training writing task 1 is checking. Always leave 2–3 minutes to:
Count words quickly.
Correct spelling mistakes.
Adjust sentence structures if needed.
Ensure the tone matches the situation.
This habit can prevent small errors that lower the overall band score.
