Below is a sample letter response for Task 1 of the General IELTS Writing Section. It is a formal letter, which can be identified in several ways:
- the tone, which is straightforward and direct
- the use of Dear Sir / Madam
- the absence of contractions
- the use of formal expressions (“I am writing in connection with…”)
- the closing salutation ( “Yours faithfully”, etc.)
WRITING TASK 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
You eat at your college cafeteria at lunch time every day.. However, you think it needs some improvements. Write a letter to the college magazine. In your letter:
- explain what you like about the cafeteria
- say what is wrong with it
- suggest how it could be improved
Write at least 150 words.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear __________
Dear Sir / Madam
I am writing in connection with our college cafeteria. Since almost every student spends some time here every day, I believe it is in everyone’s best interest to find ways to improve the quality of this central eatery.
The cafeteria itself is modern, spacious and attractive. The newly painted murals of the seaside give the seating area an open, airy, outdoor feeling which makes it very pleasant to eat meals there. This is further enhanced by the large green plants and flowing water fountains.
The main problem with the cafeteria is in the food served! First of all, there is a very limited selection available. Each day offers up only standard North American fare of hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken nuggets and french fries. Not only is this selection unhealthy, but also uninteresting day in and day out. We have so many international students on campus, it would be wonderful to have some curries, burritos and falafel added to the menu. Secondly, since this is a student cafeteria, prices need to stay low. We have unfortunately seen two price hikes in the last two years.
I am sure if we offer a wider range of foods, at better prices, the cafeteria will continue to run profitably as more students choose to eat there.
Yours faithfully,
Daniel Bernard
