✉️ IELTS General Task 1: How to Write the Opening and Purpose Statement

In IELTS General Training Writing Task 1, the first impression of your letter matters. A clear and appropriate opening line that states the purpose of your letter sets the tone for your response. Whether the letter is formal, semi-formal, or informal, your opening should match the required tone and immediately address the prompt.

📌 Why the Opening Matters

• ✔️ It sets the tone (formal, informal, or semi-formal)
• ✔️ It shows the examiner that you understood the task
• ✔️ It helps organize your letter logically

🔍 Identify the Tone Before Writing

• Formal: Writing to a company, manager, landlord, or government office
• Semi-formal: Writing to someone you know in a professional context (e.g., a teacher or neighbor)
• Informal: Writing to a friend or family member

✍️ Sample Purpose Statements by Tone

📄 Formal:

• I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with the service I received at your store last week.
• I am writing to request information regarding your language courses.
• I am writing to apply for the advertised position at your company.

📄 Semi-formal:

• I’m writing to let you know that I’m moving out next month and to ask about the notice period.
• I wanted to inform you that I’ll be away from work for two weeks next month due to family matters.

📄 Informal:

• Hey! Just wanted to let you know I finally booked my flight — I’m coming to visit in June!
• I hope you’re doing great. I’m writing to invite you to my birthday party next weekend.

📑 How to Format Your Opening

• Greeting: "Dear Sir or Madam" (formal), "Dear John" (semi-formal or informal)
• Opening line: Write the purpose of the letter in the very first paragraph

✅ Do’s and Don’ts

• ✅ Do match your tone with the recipient and purpose
• ✅ Do state your purpose clearly in the first 1–2 sentences
• ❌ Don’t leave the reader guessing why you’re writing
• ❌ Don’t be too casual in formal letters (avoid “Hi” or “Hey”)

🧪 Practice Prompts

• You rented a car but it broke down during your trip. Write a letter to the rental company.
• Your friend has invited you to a holiday party, but you can’t attend. Write a letter explaining why.
• You need to inform your landlord about a repair needed in the apartment.

Start every IELTS General Training letter with a clear, well-phrased opening line that sets the tone and addresses the question directly. Practicing your openings across different tones will make your writing more confident and organized.

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