There are 7 parts to any IELTS letter response that have to be maintained. They are:

1. Greeting
2. Paragraph 1 (Purpose + first bullet point of the prompt)
3. Paragraph 2 (Detail mentioned in the second bullet point of the prompt)
4. Paragraph 3 (Outcome which includes the third bullet point of the prompt)
5. Ending
6. Sign off
7. Name

Parts 1, 5, 6, and 7 can be memorized as they rarely change but the Ending, which depends on what the prompt asks. There are only 11 different types/functions for IELTS Letters (Giving Advice, Apologising, Explaining, Requesting, Persuading, Complaining, Offering, Thanking, Suggesting, Expressing a feeling, and Inviting).

Usually, candidates have difficulty with setting the Tone of a letter, especially in the last paragraph where the candidate usually has to express ‘what they want the letter recipient to do’.

Note the differences in the following IELTS Letters for the Greeting, Ending, and Sign Off:

Formal:

Dear Sir or Madam(e), (greeting)

I am writing to let you know that I am unhappy with my current living conditions. While the accommodation itself is fine, my housemate has become intolerable making it almost impossible for me to work.

Let me explain my situation in more detail. The trouble started about three months ago when my housemate first moved in. Prior to that, everything was fine; my old housemate was extremely considerate. My current housemate, however, stays up almost all night and plays incessantly loud music. As such, I have not been able to sleep properly and therefore cannot concentrate on my studies.

Would it be possible to transfer me or my housemate to another room? I would much prefer to live with someone who is quieter and more considerate of others. As long as it is quiet, I don’t mind whom I live with.

→Thank you for your consideration. (Ending)

→Yours faithfully, (Sign Off)

Johnathan C. Gilmour (full name)

Semi-formal:

Dear Ms. Gibson, (greeting)

I am writing to request to attend an upcoming social media course. This one-day course is offered by Ottawa University and will significantly improve my ability to manage our company’s numerous social media channels.

Let me explain my situation in more detail. The course has been carefully designed for social media managers and each session is presented by a …. our online strategy. I have included some additional information on the course with this letter.

I would appreciate it if someone could review the included information in this letter. Although the course will be beneficial, networking with other industry professionals will also undoubtedly assist my professional development. I am confident that the course will greatly benefit my ability to manage and direct our social media strategy.

→I look forward to receiving your response. (Ending)

→Yours sincerely, (Sign off)

Mark Brolin (Full name)

Informal:

Dear Sonja, (greeting)

I am writing to give you some great news – I am definitely coming to Morocco in December! The last time I saw you, my dear sister, was at your incredible wedding 3 years ago, so I am very excited to see you and your husband again.

Let me explain my situation in more detail. I would like to spend about one month in Morocco. I want to go to Casablanca, the desert, and the beaches. I will camp the entire time as I know there are many campsites that dot your new country. At some point, I may rent a cabin to rest in, however.

Could you let me know if you want to come traveling with me? I know you have a long holiday in December. Perhaps you and your husband, Rodney, would like to come hiking with me. Although the cabin that I will probably rent may be quite basic, you are invited to stay.

→Please let me know. (Ending)

→Love, (or Your friend,)(Sign-off)

Jean (First name only) 

It is important to know what type of letter you are writing because it informs you how to write the Greeting, Ending, Sign-off, and the length of the name used.