General Training Writing Task 1 · semi-formal · thanks

Letter to a colleague thanking them for lending a book: IELTS semi-formal letter sample

An IELTS General Training Writing Task 1 semi-formal letter with a Band 8 sample answer, why it scores well and the phrases worth borrowing for your own letter writing.
  • 194 words
  • Semi-formal letters
  • Thanks
  • 20 minutes

The task

A colleague lent you a book that helped you to prepare for a presentation at work.

Write a letter to your colleague thanking him/her. In your letter:

  • →thank your colleague for lending you the book
  • →explain how the book helped you
  • →tell him/her how the presentation went

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

Model answer

Band 8 sample letter

Band 8194 words. Names and details are invented; write your own.

Dear Mark,

I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for lending me your copy of 'Mastering Public Speaking' last week. It was incredibly kind of you to offer it to me at such short notice, and I truly appreciate your generosity.

That book proved to be an absolute lifesaver. The section on structuring arguments was particularly insightful, as it helped me simplify my complex technical data into a much more digestible format for the board members. I had been struggling to find a balance between depth and clarity, but the techniques outlined in the final chapter provided the exact framework I needed to refine my delivery.

As for the presentation itself, I am pleased to report that it went exceptionally well. The directors were very impressed with the new strategy I proposed, and we have received the green light to proceed with the project next quarter. Your support played a significant role in my confidence that day, and I am genuinely grateful for your help.

I have left the book on your desk, and I would love to treat you to a coffee later this week to thank you properly.

Best wishes,

Sarah

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 maintains a consistent, appropriate tone while fully addressing all bullet points with natural, specific detail. The most common mistake for Band 6 candidates is using overly formal, rigid language that sounds unnatural for a workplace colleague or failing to explain exactly how the book helped, instead providing only vague generalities.

  • →Write to someone you know but not closely, such as a manager, landlord or neighbour, using their title and surname.
  • →Polite and friendly at once: a few contractions are fine, slang is not. Close with Yours sincerely or Kind regards.
  • →State the purpose in the first two sentences; small talk costs words you need for the bullets.

6 phrases

Useful phrases from the letter

  • lifesaver

    a person or thing that provides essential help

  • insightful

    having or showing an accurate and deep understanding

  • digestible

    easy to understand or assimilate

  • framework

    a basic structure underlying a system or concept

  • green light

    permission or approval to proceed with something

  • refine

    to improve something by making small changes

Frequently asked questions

Is this letter formal or informal?+

Semi-formal. Write to someone you know but not closely, such as a manager, landlord or neighbour, using their title and surname.

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 maintains a consistent, appropriate tone while fully addressing all bullet points with natural, specific detail. The most common mistake for Band 6 candidates is using overly formal, rigid language that sounds unnatural for a workplace colleague or failing to explain exactly how the book helped, instead providing only vague generalities.

Keep practising

More thanks letters

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