How to write an IELTS informal letter

An informal letter is to a friend or a relative: an invitation, an apology, thanks, advice, news. It should sound like you are talking to someone you know well. It is still marked on the same four criteria, so friendly does not mean careless.

The format

• Greeting: Dear Anna, (or Hi Anna, for a close friend)
• Sign-off: Best wishes, / All the best, / Love, / Take care,
• Name: your first name only.

The plan

1. A friendly opening and the purpose: "How are you? I'm sorry it's taken me so long to write, but I've got some exciting news…"
2. Bullet 1, with personal details.
3. Bullet 2, with personal details.
4. Bullet 3, often a suggestion or plan.
5. Closing line: "Let me know what you think." / "Can't wait to see you!"

The friendly opening should be one or two lines, not a paragraph. The examiner wants to see the purpose early.

What makes it informal

• Contractions: I'm, you'll, it's, can't.
• Phrasal verbs and everyday expressions: catch up, sort out, make it up to you, settle in.
• Direct questions: "How about coming in December?" "Why don't you stay with me?"
• Feelings: "I was so excited to hear…", "I feel terrible about it."

Informal is not the same as text-speak. Avoid "u", "gonna", "lol" and emojis; write complete, correct sentences in a relaxed voice.

Informal letters are where vocabulary can shine. Natural idiomatic language ("it'll be my treat", "the highlight of the trip") is exactly what Lexical Resource rewards at band 7 and above.

Model letters

• Inviting a friend to visit your new city
• Apologising for missing a birthday party
• Giving advice to a friend moving to your country
• Thanking a friend for letting you stay

Common mistakes

• Too formal for a friend: "I am writing to inform you that I will be getting married." Just tell them.
• A long opening about the weather before the purpose.
• "Yours faithfully" or "Yours sincerely" to a friend.
• Undeveloped bullets. "I enjoyed my stay" covers the bullet only partly; say what you enjoyed and why.

Check your letter

Write an informal letter to one of the tasks above, or paste any task into the letter checker for a band, with each bullet and your tone checked.