General Training Writing Task 1 · formal · request

Formal Request to the Head of Department for Course Transfer: IELTS formal letter sample

An IELTS General Training Writing Task 1 formal letter with a Band 8 sample answer, why it scores well and the phrases worth borrowing for your own letter writing.
  • 185 words
  • Formal letters
  • Request
  • 20 minutes
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The task

You are not happy with the course you are doing at college and would like to change to a different course.

Write a letter to the Head of Department to change your course. In your letter:

  • →what course you are doing now
  • →why you are not satisfied with that course?
  • →what course you would like to change to

Write at least 150 words. You do not need to write any addresses. Begin your letter: Dear ...,

Model answer

Band 8 sample letter

Band 8185 words. Names and details are invented; write your own.

Dear Professor Higgins,

I am writing to formally request a transfer from my current programme of study, the Diploma in Business Administration, to the Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics, effective from the upcoming semester.

I am presently enrolled in the Business Administration course. While the curriculum is comprehensive, I have found that the core modules focus predominantly on theoretical management principles rather than the analytical skills I had anticipated. Consequently, I feel my current academic path does not align with my long-term career aspirations in technology and quantitative research.

Having reviewed the university prospectus, I am convinced that the Data Analytics course is a much better fit for my skillset. It offers the technical training in statistical modelling and programming that I am eager to pursue. I have already completed several introductory modules in mathematics and computer science, which I believe will ensure a seamless transition into this new field of study.

I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this request with you at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your time and for considering my application for this transfer.

Yours sincerely,

Jonathan Miller

Write your own and get a band

Answer this prompt in a timed General Training writing test and get a band for task achievement, coherence, vocabulary and grammar, with the sentences to fix.

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Examiner's view

Why this scores well

A Band 8 response clearly addresses all three bullet points with a logical structure and consistent formal tone suitable for a department head. A common Band 6 error is failing to explain the reasoning for the dissatisfaction clearly, instead providing vague complaints that do not justify the request for a transfer.

  • →Write to an organisation or someone you do not know: open with Dear Sir or Madam, close with Yours faithfully.
  • →If you know the person's surname, use Dear Mr or Ms and close with Yours sincerely.
  • →No contractions, no slang; polite indirect requests such as I would be grateful if you could.

6 phrases

Useful phrases from the letter

  • comprehensive

    including all or nearly all elements or aspects

  • predominantly

    for the most part or mainly

  • aspirations

    a hope or ambition of achieving something

  • prospectus

    a printed document advertising a college or course

  • seamless

    smooth and without any apparent problems or difficulties

  • at your earliest convenience

    as soon as it is easy for you

Frequently asked questions

Is this letter formal or informal?+

Formal. Write to an organisation or someone you do not know: open with Dear Sir or Madam, close with Yours faithfully.

How many words should an IELTS General Training letter be?+

At least 150 words, and 160 to 200 is the comfortable range. Spend about 20 minutes on it and leave 40 for Task 2, which carries twice the marks.

What does the examiner look for?+

A Band 8 response clearly addresses all three bullet points with a logical structure and consistent formal tone suitable for a department head. A common Band 6 error is failing to explain the reasoning for the dissatisfaction clearly, instead providing vague complaints that do not justify the request for a transfer.

Keep practising

More request letters

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