Video summary

IELTS General Writing Task 1: Formal Letters | ALL THE WAY TO IELTS 9 with Jay!

Main summary

Key takeaways

Educational

Main Ideas, Concepts, and Lessons

  • IELTS General Writing Task 1 (Formal Letter) basics

    • Formal, semi-formal, and informal letters have almost the same structure.
    • Only a small portion (about 2%) of vocabulary/grammar differs; most language and the overall layout remain consistent.
    • You should spend about 20 minutes and write 150 words.

  • What the prompt requires

    • A scenario is provided (in this lesson: college accommodation shared with another student).
    • In the letter you must:
      • Describe the situation
      • Explain your problems and why it is difficult to work
      • State the type of accommodation you would prefer

  • How to reach a high score (target: IELTS 9)

    • The instructor claims examiners use four main criteria:
      1. Write on topic (follow the prompt and scenario; address all required parts)
      2. Use precise vocabulary
      3. Use accurate grammar
      4. Use a logical structure (clear organization; separated paragraphs)

  • Paragraph separation and organization

    • Don’t “blend” paragraphs together.
    • Use exactly three content paragraphs:
      • Paragraph 1: reason for writing + general description
      • Paragraph 2: explanation + detailed problems and why work is difficult
      • Paragraph 3: request/suggestion for the accommodation change

  • Vocabulary guidance

    • Memorize useful phrases and collocations (two-word combinations).
    • Use words/phrases you are 100% sure of.
    • Avoid “sounds good” words that you’re not sure about semantically.

  • Grammar guidance

    • Use the correct tense depending on meaning:
      • Present simple, past simple, present perfect are used intentionally (not just to “show variety”).
    • Pay attention to:
      • Articles (“the”, plural forms like “months”, “accommodation” vs “the accommodation”)
      • Noun forms (singular vs plural; correct -s endings)
      • Adjectives/adverbs for precision
      • Prepositions (small words like with, to, in, on must be correct)
    • Use a mix of simple and complex sentences, but if unsure, prioritize clarity over complexity.

  • Memorization strategy (a “cheat sheet” approach)

    • To make test day easier, memorize:
      • The greeting
      • The beginning phrase of each paragraph
      • The ending/sign-off phrase
      • Your name
    • The first phrase of each paragraph follows a consistent pattern:
      • Paragraph 1 (Reason/general): “I am writing to let you know that …”
      • Paragraph 2 (Explanation/details): “Let me explain my situation …”
      • Paragraph 3 (Request/suggestion): “Would you kindly …”
    • The instructor emphasizes memorizing only a portion (~25%) and using writing skills for the remaining portion (~75%).

Detailed Instruction / Methodology (Step-by-Step)

Step-by-step template for IELTS formal letter writing (Task 1)

Time and length

  • Spend ~20 minutes
  • Write ~150 words

Structure

Use:

  • Greeting
  • Paragraph 1 (Reason + general situation)
  • Paragraph 2 (Explain problems + why difficult to work)
  • Paragraph 3 (Request or suggestion + preferred accommodation)
  • Ending/sign-off + your name

Required paragraph functions

  • Paragraph 1: Describe the situation (keep it general)

    • Start with a memorized phrase:
      • “I am writing to let you know that I am unhappy with…”
    • Mention the general context (e.g., accommodation issue).
    • Do not include detailed problems yet.

  • Paragraph 2: Explain problems + why it’s difficult to work (details)

    • Start with a memorized phrase:
      • “Let me explain my situation…”
    • Include:
      • The specific problems (e.g., noise/music, inability to sleep)
      • The consequence (can’t concentrate/complete studies/work)
    • Use cause connectors like as such, therefore, and so.

  • Paragraph 3: Request/suggestion + desired accommodation

    • If requesting:
      • Start with a memorized phrase:
        • “Would you kindly …”
    • Include:
      • What you want (e.g., transfer to another room)
      • Your preference (e.g., quieter/more considerate roommate)

Memorize key fixed phrases (as taught)

  • Greeting
    • “Dear Sir or Madam,”
  • Paragraph opening phrases
    • Paragraph 1: “I am writing to let you know that …”
    • Paragraph 2: “Let me explain my situation …”
    • Paragraph 3: “Would you kindly …”
  • Ending / sign-off
    • “Thank you for your consideration.”
    • “Yours faithfully,” (then your name with capital letter)

Writing practice pacing (as recommended)

  • Allocate roughly 5 minutes per paragraph (plus extra time for reading/prompt/greeting/sign-off).
  • The instructor notes their own demonstration was tight but recommends the above to fit the 20-minute goal.

Key accuracy checks

  • Confirm you wrote everything on-topic (scenario + problems + preference).
  • Ensure paragraphs are clearly separated.
  • Double-check:
    • Articles (the/a; singular/plural)
    • Prepositions
    • Tense consistency tied to meaning
  • Prefer clarity if grammar/vocab are uncertain.

Example Content from the Instructor’s “IELTS 9”-Style Letter (Conceptual Summary)

  • Situation: unhappy with college accommodation though the accommodation itself is fine.
  • Problem: housemate stays up late and plays loud music; can’t sleep properly.
  • Impact: can’t concentrate on studies/work.
  • Request: transfer to another room / live with someone quieter and more considerate.
  • Closing: thanks for consideration + “Yours faithfully” + name.

Speakers / Sources Featured

  • Speaker: Jay (the instructor/author of the lesson)
  • Promoted website (source for help/feedback): e2language.com
    • Tours/tutorials + written feedback via Zoom/screen share; submission for written feedback

Original video