vocabulary structures used for formal,informal letter writing task in IELTS training
Let’s move on to the next feature in your letter that the examiner is looking for, the tone of your letter. The tone refers to the way in which you write the letter, formal or informal style. The instructions in the question will give you a clue.
A formal letter contains:
- Longer sentences that use passive language (be + past participle)
- Modals (e.g. The broken light needs to be fixed to ensure that the customers who use this facility have adequate visibility of their surroundings.)
An informal letter is:
- Conversational
- Can include contractions (e.g. can’t) and more direct speech (e.g. Can you fix the light in the kitchen, so I don’t have an accident?)

Formal vocabulary and structures | Informal vocabulary and structures |
---|---|
Request | Ask |
Purchase | Buy |
Could | Can |
Would | Will |
At your earliest convenience | When you are free |
Respond | Write back/ reply |
Cannot | Can’t |
Yours sincerely/ faithfully | Best wishes/ love |
Futhermore | And/ also |
Can I suggest | Can I tell you |
As you described above | As I mentioned before |
And finally, remember that the greeting and the closing salutation of an IELTS General Training, Writing Task 1 letter needs to match the style. For example:
Dear Sir/Madam ———————–> Yours faithfully
Dear John ———————–> Best wishes
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