You may be asked to write an Informal, Semi-Formal, or a Formal Letter on the IELTS Exam

A Formal Letter uses ‘formal’ language because the writer does not to whom he or she is writing.

A semi-formal letter uses ‘almost the same formal language’, but the writer has met the person once or twice.

Finally, an informal letter is written in ‘informal’ language because you are writing to a friend.

Note these differences below:

Formal:

Dear Sir or Madame,

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 you kindly 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.

Yours faithfully,

Johnathon C. Gilmour

Semi-formal:

Dear Ms. Gibson,

I am writing to apply 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 number of well-respected industry leaders. The focus of the day is understanding the specific differences between various social media methods, so I am confident that this information will strongly influence our online strategy. I have included some additional information on the course with this letter.

I would appreciate it if you could review the included information. 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.

Yours sincerely,

Melvin Brolin

Informal:

Dear Sonja,

I am writing to give you some great news – I am definitely coming to Argentina 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 all our family again.

Let me explain my situation in more detail. I would like to spend about one month in Argentina. Of course, I’ll happily spend some time with you in Buenos Aires, but I also hope to visit some other interesting places. I think it would be fun to go hiking in the mountains at that time because the weather will likely be quite pleasant. Argentina is also extremely famous for its Malbec wine, so it would be great to go to some vineyards and taste some different wines, too.

Could you let me know if you want to come and travel with me? I know you have a long holiday in December. Perhaps you and your husband, Matias, would like to come hiking with me. Although the cabin that I will probably rent may be quite basic, you and all the family are invited to come and experience the incredible beauty of the mountains.

Please let me know.

Love,

John