Complete IELTS Test Practice and Band Score Simulator

📚 7-Day IELTS Band 7+ Challenge

📊 IELTS Band 7+ Challenge – Day 2: General Writing Task 1 (Introduction & Strategy)

Welcome to Day 2 of the IELTS Band 7+ Challenge! By the end of this guide(Day 2), you won’t need to study anything else for IELTS General Writing Task 1 — you’ll be fully equipped with advanced strategies, sample answers, planning tools, and vocabulary to perform at your peak. On Day 7, you’ll take a full mock exam to overcome panic and prove to yourself that you’re ready to achieve your target band score on test day!

This process may be a little tiring, but we will help you reach your IELTS 7+ goals for each section — and today’s focus is IELTS Writing Task 1.

✉️ Part 1 – IELTS General Writing Task 1: Introduction + Band 7+ Letter Strategy

In IELTS General Writing Task 1, you're required to write a letter based on a specific situation. This could be formal, semi-formal, or informal depending on the context. Many candidates lose marks here by failing to match the tone, leaving out bullet points, or writing in a disorganized manner. In this section, you’ll learn what examiners expect and how to consistently score Band 7 or higher.

📝 What You’ll Be Asked To Do

You will receive a prompt with 3 bullet points and a situation such as:

You must:

🔍 Examiner Expectations (Band 7+ Criteria)

🚨 Why Many Candidates Get Stuck at Band 6.0–6.5

✅ Band 7+ Letter Blueprint

Regardless of tone, your letter should be structured like this:

✍️ Sample Openings and Closings

Formal:

Informal:

🔥 Warm-Up Exercise

Read the following prompt and decide: Is the tone formal or informal?

Your friend is coming to visit your city next month. Write a letter giving them suggestions on where to stay and what to do.

Answer: Informal – because the recipient is your friend.

This tone-identification exercise is critical. One of the biggest causes of Band 6.0 is tone mismatch — always analyze the audience before you begin writing.

📬 Part 2 – Common IELTS Letter Types + Structure & Strategy

In IELTS General Writing Task 1, the situation you are given will fall into one of several common letter types. Each has a slightly different tone, structure, and purpose. Below are the 7 most common types, with guidance for each:

📌 1. Making a Complaint (Formal)

Situation: Write to a company or authority to report a problem.

Structure:

Useful Phrases:

📌 2. Requesting Information (Formal)

Situation: Write to a company/agency to ask for details about a service/product.

Structure:

Useful Phrases:

📌 3. Giving Information (Semi-formal/Formal)

Situation: You are informing someone (e.g. a manager or agency) about a situation.

📌 4. Apologizing (Formal/Informal)

Situation: You've made a mistake or failed to meet an obligation.

Tone: Depends on audience (formal = authority / informal = friend)

📌 5. Inviting Someone (Informal)

Situation: Invite a friend/family member to an event or place.

📌 6. Making Suggestions (Semi-formal/Informal)

Situation: You are offering ideas or advice to solve a problem.

📌 7. Explaining a Situation (Any tone)

Situation: You must clarify or justify a personal/professional issue.

🧠 Strategy Tip: Always identify the letter type first, then choose the correct tone and structure. Use paragraphing to handle each bullet point separately.

Coming up next: Part 3 – Band 7+ (Strong) Sample Letters + Breakdown.

📨 Part 3.1 – Band 7+ Sample: Formal Complaint Letter + Breakdown

Task: You recently stayed at a hotel and were disappointed with the service. Write a letter to the hotel manager. In your letter:

🖋️ Sample Answer:

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with the service I received during my recent stay at your hotel from May 12th to May 15th.

Despite the positive reviews I had read online, my experience was far from satisfactory. Firstly, the room assigned to me was not cleaned properly. The bedsheets had visible stains, and the bathroom had not been sanitized. Secondly, I encountered several issues with the front desk staff, who were often unresponsive and unhelpful when I raised concerns. Additionally, the advertised “complimentary breakfast” was neither complimentary nor of decent quality.

These issues significantly affected the enjoyment of my stay. I had chosen your hotel for a relaxing break but ended up feeling uncomfortable and stressed. As someone who travels frequently, I expect basic cleanliness and courteous service — both of which were lacking during my visit.

I would appreciate it if you could investigate these matters and offer a formal apology. A partial refund or a voucher for a future stay would also be appropriate given the circumstances. I hope you will take steps to prevent such occurrences in the future.

Yours faithfully,
Alex Morgan

🔎 Why This Scores Band 7+ (Strong Answer):

💡 Highlighted Vocabulary & Collocations:

🧪 Practice Task:

Your Turn: Write a formal letter of complaint about a poor service you received.

Tip: Clearly state the issue, give specific details (what, when, where), and suggest a reasonable resolution.

Next: Part 3.2 – Band 7+ Request Letter Sample.

📨 Part 3.2 – Band 7+ Sample: Request Letter (Formal) + Breakdown

Task: You are planning a business trip to another city next month. Write a letter to the hotel where you would like to stay. In your letter:

🖋️ Sample Answer:

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to inquire about the availability of accommodation at your hotel for an upcoming business trip I will be taking to Manchester from the 12th to the 16th of August.

Specifically, I am looking for a single occupancy executive room that includes a work desk and a high-speed internet connection, as I will need to work remotely during my stay. Could you please confirm whether such rooms are available during the dates mentioned above?

Additionally, I would like to know more about the services provided by your hotel. Do you offer airport transfers, breakfast, and access to a business center? These facilities would greatly enhance the convenience of my stay.

Lastly, I have a dietary restriction and require gluten-free meal options. If your restaurant or kitchen can accommodate this, I would appreciate it if you could confirm in advance.

I look forward to your response with the details requested so that I can proceed with my booking.

Yours faithfully,
Thomas Green

🔎 Why This Scores Band 7+ (Strong Answer):

💡 Highlighted Vocabulary & Collocations:

🧪 Practice Task:

Your Turn: Write a formal letter requesting information or a service.

Tip: Keep a polite tone, state your reason for writing, include specific questions or requests, and thank the reader in advance.

Next: Part 3.3 – Band 7+ Informal Letter Sample

💌 Part 3.3 – Band 7+ Sample: Informal Letter (to a Friend) + Breakdown

Task: You recently moved to a new city and you want to invite a friend to visit you. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:

🖋️ Sample Answer:

Dear Sarah,

I hope you're doing great! I wanted to let you know that I’ve finally settled into my new place in Brighton, and it’s everything I hoped for — and more!

The flat is a cozy two-bedroom space on the second floor, with a little balcony that overlooks a lovely park. The neighborhood is super chill — full of friendly cafés, a weekend farmers’ market, and just a 10-minute walk to the beach. You’d love the vibe here.

I’ve been meaning to invite you over, and now that everything’s set up, I think it’s the perfect time. Why don’t you come down for a long weekend sometime next month? I’ve got a comfy guest bed ready for you!

We can go paddleboarding, check out the local vintage shops, and even catch a live band at the pier — they do open-air shows on Fridays. Trust me, we’ll have a blast.

Let me know what dates work for you. I can’t wait to show you around!

Take care,
Emma

🔎 Why This Scores Band 7+ (Strong Answer):

💡 Highlighted Vocabulary & Collocations:

🧪 Practice Task:

Your Turn: Write an informal letter to a friend about a recent experience or plan.

Tip: Use a friendly tone, contractions, and informal expressions. Share feelings, personal updates, and ask about your friend.

Next: Part 3.4 – Semi-Formal Letter to a Neighbor or Colleague- 7+ Essay Sample

✉️ Part 3.4 – Band 7+ Sample: Semi-Formal Letter + Breakdown

Task: You are going to be late for a meeting with your neighbor. Write a letter to your neighbor. In your letter:

🖋️ Sample Answer:

Dear Mr. Clarke,

I hope you’re well. I’m writing to sincerely apologize for the delay in our scheduled meeting today. We had agreed to meet at 3 p.m. to discuss the upcoming community garden project, but unfortunately, I won’t be able to arrive on time.

There was an unexpected delay at work due to an urgent client call that required my immediate attention. I understand that your time is valuable, and I’m truly sorry for any inconvenience caused by this change in plan.

If it suits you, I’d be happy to meet later this evening around 6 p.m., or tomorrow at your convenience. I’m still very keen to contribute to the planning and would love to hear your ideas for the project.

Thank you for your understanding, and I hope we can reschedule without much trouble.

Warm regards,
James Ellis

🔎 Why This Scores Band 7+ (Strong Answer):

💡 Highlighted Vocabulary & Collocations:

🧪 Practice Task:

Your Turn: Write a semi-formal letter to someone you know in a professional or official setting (e.g., a neighbor or coworker).

Tip: Use a polite but slightly personal tone. Mention shared context, state your request or concern, and end on a respectful note.

Coming next: Part 4 – Vocabulary, Linking Devices, and Lexical Resource Tips.

🧠 Part 4 – Vocabulary, Linking Devices, and Lexical Resource Tips

One of the most important aspects of scoring Band 7+ in IELTS General Writing Task 1 is demonstrating a wide range of vocabulary and using linking devices naturally. Below are categorized vocabulary sets and expressions to elevate your letter writing.

📌 A. Tone-Specific Vocabulary

🔹 Formal Letters (to companies, officials, etc.)

🔹 Informal Letters (to friends, family)

🔹 Semi-Formal Letters (to neighbors, colleagues)

🔗 B. Useful Linking Devices

🗣️ C. Collocations That Impress Examiners

📌 Tip:

Use 2–3 strong collocations and a few linkers per letter, but don’t overuse them. Natural tone is key — especially in informal or semi-formal letters.

Up next: Part 5 – Task Planning & Execution Strategies.

⏱️ Part 5 – Task Planning and Execution Strategies for 20 Minutes

In the IELTS General Writing Task 1, you only have 20 minutes. Yet, if used strategically, this is more than enough to write a high-scoring response. Here's how to break it down:

📅 The 4-Step Strategy

  1. Step 1: Understand the Prompt (2 minutes)
    • Read the situation carefully.
    • Identify the tone: formal, semi-formal, or informal.
    • Underline the 3 bullet points you need to address.
  2. Step 2: Plan Your Paragraphs (3 minutes)
    • Decide how you’ll group the bullet points into 2–3 body paragraphs.
    • Think of relevant ideas, examples, or explanations.
    • Quickly jot down key words or phrases you'll use.
  3. Step 3: Write the Letter (12 minutes)
    • Use a clear structure: greeting, intro, body paragraphs, closing.
    • Maintain appropriate tone throughout.
    • Use linking devices and collocations naturally.
    • Use a range of sentence structures (questions, conditionals, passive voice).
  4. Step 4: Review & Edit (3 minutes)
    • Read your letter out loud in your head.
    • Correct grammar, spelling, punctuation.
    • Make sure you answered all three bullet points fully.
    • Ensure word count is at least 150 words.

🧠 Self-Checklist Before Submitting

🧰 Bonus: Useful Template Phrases

Formal: I would be grateful if you could... / I am writing to request...

Semi-Formal: I hope this message finds you well / Would it be possible to...

Informal: It’s been a while since we caught up! / Let me know what you think!

🎯 Key Tip: Don't memorize full letters — memorize flexible phrases and structures!

✅ You are now ready to write high-quality letters in 20 minutes under exam conditions. Up next is Day 3 of the Band 7+ Challenge!

⏱️ Now move to the next day. Stick to your plan !

DAY 3 of - 7 Day IELTS Academic Band 7+ Challenge or

DAY 3 of - 7 Day IELTS General Band 7+ Challenge

At the end of the 7-day challenge, it’s essential to experience a real test environment, assess your skills, and identify your strengths and weaknesses. That’s why we’ve created high-quality IELTS exam simulations. These will show you your score for each section and give you an estimated overall IELTS band score.

If you prefer to skip the challenge and go straight to testing, you can choose your test type below (IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training).

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