IELTS General Training Writing
IELTS General Training Writing has two tasks. Task 1 is a letter of at least 150 words responding to an everyday situation. Task 2 is a 250-word essay — the same essay task as Academic, on slightly more everyday topics. Most General Training candidates are preparing for immigration or work, and the letter is where the test differs most from Academic.
Task 1 — Letter writing
Every General Training Task 1 gives you a situation and three points to cover. The single biggest decision is the register — the tone — and it is set by who receives the letter. Choose it, then hold it from the greeting to the sign-off.
Formal
Who to: To an organisation or an official you do not know — a company, a council, a bank, an editor.
Marks of the register: Greeting "Dear Sir or Madam,", no contractions, an impersonal tone, and "Yours faithfully," to close.
Typical letters: Complaints, formal requests, job applications, formal inquiries, giving notice.
Semi-formal
Who to: To someone you know in a formal relationship — a manager, a landlord, a course tutor, a colleague.
Marks of the register: Greeting "Dear Mr/Ms <Surname>,", respectful but a little warmer, "Yours sincerely," or "Kind regards,".
Typical letters: Requests to a manager, notes to a landlord, messages to a tutor or colleague.
Informal
Who to: To a friend or a family member.
Marks of the register: Greeting "Hi <Name>,", contractions and everyday phrasing, "Best wishes," or "Take care," to close.
Typical letters: Invitations, thank-you notes, sharing news, an apology, asking for or giving advice.
Structure any letter the same way: greeting → a first sentence that states your purpose → one short paragraph for each of the three required points, each with a concrete detail → a closing line → your sign-off. Cover all three points: a missing point is the most common reason a strong letter still loses Task Achievement marks.
Task 2 — Essay
Task 2 is the same essay task as Academic — opinion, discussion, advantages/disadvantages, causes and solutions, or a two-part question — usually on everyday topics like family, work, health or technology. The preparation transfers directly: browse the Task 2 topics to prepare by chapter.
General Training vs Academic — what actually changes
Only Task 1. Academic Task 1 describes a chart, graph or process; General Training Task 1 writes a letter. Task 2 is identical in format. So if you switch between the two, everything you build for the essay carries over — only the Task 1 skill is different.
Common questions
What is the difference between IELTS General Training and Academic Writing?
Only Task 1 differs. In Academic Writing, Task 1 asks you to describe a chart, graph or diagram in about 150 words. In General Training, Task 1 asks you to write a letter of at least 150 words responding to a situation. Task 2 — a 250-word essay — is the same essay type for both, though General Training topics tend to be more everyday.
How long should an IELTS General Training letter be?
At least 150 words. A strong letter usually runs 160–200 words: enough to greet the reader, state your purpose, cover all three required points with a concrete detail each, and sign off in the right register.
How do I choose the right tone for an IELTS letter?
Let the reader decide it. Writing to an unknown official or company is formal; writing to someone you know in a formal relationship (a manager, a landlord) is semi-formal; writing to a friend or family member is informal. Hold one register from the greeting to the sign-off — slipping between formal and chatty costs marks.
What are the common IELTS General Training letter types?
Complaints, requests and inquiries, job or course applications, apologies, invitations, thank-you letters, and letters giving or asking for information. Each maps to a register — a complaint to a company is formal, an invitation to a friend is informal.