General Training Writing Task 1 · semi-formal · other

Letter to volunteer coordinator resigning from community duties: 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.
  • 199 words
  • Semi-formal letters
  • Other
  • 20 minutes
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The task

You have been doing some voluntary work to help your local community. However, now you are unable to continue doing this work.

Write a letter to the manager of the organization where you have been working. In your letter:

  • →describe the work you have been doing
  • →explain why you can no longer do this work
  • →recommend another person who is interested in the work

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

Model answer

Band 8 sample letter

Band 8199 words. Names and details are invented; write your own.

Dear Mr. Henderson,

I am writing to formally resign from my position as a weekend tutor at the Community Literacy Centre, effective from the end of this month.

Over the past six months, I have thoroughly enjoyed assisting primary school students with their reading and writing skills. It has been incredibly rewarding to see the children gain confidence in their literacy abilities, and I have felt truly privileged to be part of such a supportive team.

Unfortunately, my circumstances have changed. I have recently accepted a promotion at my full-time job which requires me to travel extensively during the weekends. Consequently, I can no longer dedicate the time and energy necessary to provide the consistent support that our students deserve.

I have already discussed this vacancy with a friend of mine, Sarah Jenkins, who is an experienced primary educator and is very keen to get involved with local volunteering. She is passionate about literacy and would be an excellent asset to your team. I have encouraged her to contact you directly to discuss the role further.

Thank you for this wonderful opportunity. I hope to return to volunteering in the future when my schedule allows.

Yours sincerely,

James Sterling

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 ensures all bullet points are addressed with specific, natural details while maintaining a consistent semi-formal tone throughout. The most common mistake for Band 6 candidates is failing to provide a logical reason for the resignation or providing a vague recommendation that lacks a specific person's name.

  • →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

  • effective from

    starting to be in operation on a date

  • thoroughly enjoyed

    having experienced great pleasure in an activity

  • circumstances have changed

    the situation in your life is different now

  • dedicate

    to give time or effort to a task

  • keen

    very interested, eager, or enthusiastic about something

  • asset

    a useful or valuable quality or person

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 ensures all bullet points are addressed with specific, natural details while maintaining a consistent semi-formal tone throughout. The most common mistake for Band 6 candidates is failing to provide a logical reason for the resignation or providing a vague recommendation that lacks a specific person's name.

Keep practising

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