IELTS-Simon-Writing-Task1-General-part-1

Summary

This video provides a step-by-step guide for tackling IELTS General Writing Task 1, focusing on letter writing. The process includes reading the task, determining the tone (formal or informal), selecting the appropriate greeting and ending, and structuring the letter into clear paragraphs. The script also covers essential tips, such as using the correct verb tense, avoiding mistakes with pronouns, and understanding how the examiner marks letters. Additionally, it discusses common questions and challenges, like whether to include dates, addresses, or complex sentence structures. By following these steps, test-takers can improve their score by crafting clear, well-structured, and appropriately toned letters.

Takeaways

• 😀 Read and highlight key details in the task to understand what you need to focus on.
• 😀 Choose the correct tone of the letter (formal, informal, or semi-formal) based on the recipient.
• 😀 Select an appropriate greeting and ending for your letter. Use 'Dear Sir or Madam' and 'Yours Faithfully' for formal letters.
• 😀 Start your letter with a clear purpose statement, explaining why you are writing.
• 😀 Structure your letter into five paragraphs: purpose, three main points, and a closing sentence.
• 😀 Each paragraph should serve a specific purpose: describe, explain, or suggest, based on the task requirements.
• 😀 Quickly brainstorm ideas for each point in the task to ensure you have enough to write about.
• 😀 Avoid mistakes in tone, as it significantly affects your score. Ensure it aligns with the context of the letter.
• 😀 Pronouns like 'I' and 'we' are necessary and appropriate in letter writing—don’t avoid them.
• 😀 Use a mix of simple and complex sentences for better grammar score, but focus more on avoiding errors.
• 😀 Letters are graded on task achievement, coherence, cohesion, vocabulary, and grammar, with each category contributing equally to the final score.

Q & A

What is the first step in writing an IELTS General Writing Task 1 letter?

The first step is to read the task and highlight key points such as the purpose of the letter and the specific points you need to address.

How should you choose the tone for your letter?

The tone should be selected based on the recipient. A formal tone is used for professional contacts, an informal tone for friends and family, and a semi-formal tone when writing to someone you're not very familiar with, like a neighbor.

What should you do if you're unsure whether to use a formal or informal tone?

If you're unsure, consider your relationship with the recipient. For example, if you're writing to a neighbor you don't know well, it's safer to use a formal tone.

What is the correct greeting and ending for a formal letter?

In a formal letter, the greeting should be 'Dear Sir or Madam', and the ending should be 'Yours faithfully'.

How many paragraphs should an IELTS General Writing Task 1 letter have?

An IELTS General Writing Task 1 letter should have five paragraphs: one for the purpose of the letter, one for each bullet point (description, explanation, suggestions), and one closing sentence.

What is the recommended structure for the body paragraphs in the letter?

The body should contain three paragraphs, each addressing one of the task's bullet points: describing the event, explaining why you were pleased, and suggesting improvements.

Can you use pronouns like 'I' or 'We' in your letter?

Yes, it is perfectly fine to use pronouns like 'I' or 'We'. These are commonly used in letters, especially to introduce the purpose or make requests.

Should you include your address and date in an IELTS letter?

No, you do not need to include your address or the date in IELTS General Writing Task 1 letters.

What tense should you use when writing a letter in IELTS General Writing Task 1?

The verb tense depends on the context. Use the past tense to describe past events, the present tense to explain ongoing issues or requests, and other tenses as appropriate for the task.

How are IELTS General Writing Task 1 letters scored?

The letters are scored based on four criteria: Task Achievement (25%), Coherence and Cohesion (25%), Vocabulary (25%), and Grammar (25%). A clear structure and minimal mistakes in grammar help improve the score.