General Training Writing Task 1 · informal · giving information

Letter to a friend recommending a job opportunity: IELTS informal letter sample

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

A friend you made while you were studying abroad has written to ask you for help in finding a job in your country. You have heard about a job in a local company that might be suitable for him/her.

Write a letter to this friend. In your letter:

  • →tell your friend about the job and what sort of work it involves
  • →say why you think the job would be suitable for him/her
  • →explain how to apply for the job

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

Model answer

Band 8 sample letter

Band 8196 words. Names and details are invented; write your own.

Dear Mateo,

It was such a pleasant surprise to hear from you! I am delighted you are considering moving to my country, and I would love to help you get settled. As luck would have it, a position just opened up at the marketing firm where my sister works, and I immediately thought of you.

The role is for a Junior Digital Strategist. It primarily involves managing social media campaigns, analysing consumer trends, and collaborating with the creative team to develop brand content. It is a fast-paced environment, but the team is incredibly supportive.

I believe this is a perfect fit for you because of your background in media studies and your flair for creative writing. Your experience managing those freelance projects during our university days really set you apart, and this company values that kind of practical initiative.

To apply, you should visit their careers portal and upload your CV along with a cover letter. I have already spoken to the HR manager, so if you send me your resume, I can personally hand it to her to ensure it reaches the top of the pile.

Let me know your thoughts soon!

Best wishes,

Sam

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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

This letter achieves Band 8 by addressing all three bullet points with natural, cohesive language and a consistently warm, informal tone. The most common mistake in Band 6 answers is failing to provide specific details about the application process or using an overly formal tone that feels unnatural for a letter to a friend.

  • →Write to a friend or relative by first name and close with Best wishes, Love or See you soon.
  • →Contractions, phrasal verbs and a warm opening line are expected; a stiff formal tone loses marks here.
  • →Still cover every bullet in its own paragraph; friendly does not mean unstructured.

6 phrases

Useful phrases from the letter

  • As luck would have it

    A phrase used to describe a fortunate coincidence.

  • Fast-paced

    Describing an environment that moves very quickly.

  • Flair

    A natural talent or aptitude for something.

  • Initiative

    The ability to assess and act independently.

  • Careers portal

    A website section for job applicants to apply.

  • Top of the pile

    To be prioritized or noticed first among many.

Frequently asked questions

Is this letter formal or informal?+

Informal. Write to a friend or relative by first name and close with Best wishes, Love or See you soon.

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?+

This letter achieves Band 8 by addressing all three bullet points with natural, cohesive language and a consistently warm, informal tone. The most common mistake in Band 6 answers is failing to provide specific details about the application process or using an overly formal tone that feels unnatural for a letter to a friend.

Keep practising

More giving information letters

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