IELTS Letter Topics - Formal

IELTS Letter Topics -
Formal

 

 

1. Asking for Information
You live in an English speaking country and you want to do some voluntary, unpaid work in a developing country. Write a letter to a company called Cultural Expeditions, which organizes such trips. In your letter:

• Explain why you want to do the voluntary work.
• State what your skills and experience are.
• Indicate where you would like to volunteer and for how long.

Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir / Madam
You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
2. Applying for a Job
You have decided to apply for a job as a Spanish instructor that was advertised in the April edition of the magazine Teaching Professional. This ad was posted by Mr John Sullivan, director of the Spanish department at The Language Institute of Great Britain in London, England. In your letter to Mr Sullivan:

• explain why you are writing
• describe your qualifications and experience
• explain how they can contact you

Write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
(Question taken from Kaplan IELTS 2009-2010 )
3. Making Suggestions
You eat at your college cafeteria every lunchtime. However, you think it needs some improvements. Write a letter to the college magazine. In your letter:

• explain what you like bout the cafeteria
• say what is wrong
• suggest how it could be improved

Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir / Madam
You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
(Question taken from Instant IELTS by Guy Brook-Hart)
4. Applying for a Job
You are looking for a part-time job. Write a letter to an employment agency. In your letter:

• introduce yourself
• explain what sort of job you would like
• say what experience and skills you have

Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir / Madam
You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
(Question taken from Instant IELTS by Guy Brook-Hart)
5. Complaining to a Bank
You have received a letter from your bank, asking you to acknowledge receipt of a new bank card. However, the card was missing from the envelope. Write a letter to the bank's head office. In your letter:

• explain why you are writing
• express concern about the missing card
• ask them what they intend to do

Begin your letter as follows: Dear ________,
You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
(Question taken from Action Plan for IELTS by Vanessa Jakeman and Clare McDowell)
6. Informing an Airline
Last Tuesday you flew from New York to Paris. When you arrived home, you discovered that you had left your cabin bag on the plane. Write a letter to the airline. In your letter, you should explain:

• where and when you lost your bag
• what your bag looks like
• what its contents were

Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir / Madam
You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
(Question taken from Kaplan IELTS 2009-2010 )
7. Applying for a Job
You have seen an advertisement for part-time work in a hotel for three months over the summer. Write a letter to the manager. In your letter:

• say what experience you have
• ask what the work involves
• enquire about conditions

Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir / Madam
You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
(Question taken from Action Plan for IELTS by Vanessa Jakeman and Clare McDowell)
8. Making Recommendations
You normally go shopping in the area where you live. However, you think some of the facilities for shoppers could be improved. Write a letter to your local newspaper. In your letter:

• say in general what you like about shopping in your area
• say what is wrong with the facilities
• suggest how they can be improved

Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir / Madam
You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
(Question taken from Instant IELTS by Guy Brook-Hart)
9. Applying for a Job
You would like a temporary job working in the summer camp which runs sports and outdoor activities for children and young people next summer. Write a letter to the organizers of the summer camp. In your letter:

• explain what sort of job you would like to do
• describe your personality
• say what experience and skills you have

Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir / Madam
You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
(Question taken from Instant IELTS by Guy Brook-Hart)
10. Complaining about a Product
You live in a small university town. Last week, you drove to a big city about two hours away to buy a new laptop at a good price. You worked on the laptop all week and finished writing a long assignment that is due shortly. However, this week, the laptop doesn't even switch on. Write to the store. In your letter:

• tell the store where you live & what happened
• explain the problem with the laptop
• state what action you would like the store to take

Begin your letter as follows: Dear ________
You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

 

IELTS Speaking Samples

IELTS Speaking Samples

 

 

The following IELTS speaking samples will give you an idea of how to get a high score on Part 2 of your IELTS speaking test. This part of the test is also known as the long turn. This is where you need to speak by yourself for 1-2 minutes on a given topic. Make sure you cover all the points mentioned on the card you are given. In addition, you should develop the topic into a well-structured answer. Please look over our list of free IELTS speaking topics for parts 1 and 2. Then, familiarize yourself with the type of topics, and practice as many of them as you can. This way you will be more comfortable, relaxed and confident on the day of the exam.

Sample IELTS Speaking Topic 1:
Describe a game or sport you enjoy playing.

You should say:

• What kind of sport it is
• Who you play it with
• Where you play it
• and explain why you enjoy playing it

Sample IELTS Speaking Response:

I enjoy playing various kinds of brain games online. There are a number of different websites I visit on a regular basis in order to play these games by myself. The objective of the games is to exercise different areas of your brain so that you preserve and enhance your memory and also expand and develop your brain capacity.

The games are of various kinds. Some enable you to practice your verbal skills. Others test logical reasoning, spatial skills and visual memory. I can keep track of my scores, so that each time I play, my goal is to do better than in the past – to outdo myself, so to speak. In addition, if I want, I can compare my scores to others who play online. This aspect is intriguing, but frankly it doesn't interest me much. I don&'t regard this as a competition with anyone else. It is something I do simply to sharpen my mental abilities and improve myself.

In fact, one of my favorite games is supposed to be the best for brain fitness. It involves solving a number of simple math problems using addition, subtraction, multiplication and division as quickly as possible. I really hope these games will enable me to preserve my intellect and my memory into old age.

Sample IELTS Speaking Topic 2:
Describe someone in your family who you like.

You should say:

• How this person is related to you
• What this person looks like
• What kind of person he/she is
• and explain why you like this person

Sample IELTS Speaking Response:

The person in my family I really like and also love is my mother. She is a very special person and I cannot imagine what I would be without her.

Physically, my mother is petite. She is only about 5 feet tall, and weighs about 110 pounds. She has fine, black hair and a fair complexion. One thing people often notice is that my mother always takes pride in her appearance. Even now, at the age of 80, my mother is a well dressed, well-groomed and elegant woman, with her fine choice of clothes and matching accessories, jewelry and shoes. 

Intellectually, my mother always loves learning. Even after her busy day, she won't go to bed without reading the newspaper. She was one of the few members of her family that completed university. She also has many creative and cultural interests such as literature, music and dance. Through her own enjoyment, she passed on this love of culture to all her children, including me.

Emotionally, my mother has a heart of gold. All her life, she has been ready, willing and able to help anyone who needs anything, with a smile on her face.  She is of the old school - she remembers to wish friends and relatives on their birthdays and anniversaries, she attends their weddings, dinners and parties, and she visits them when they're hurt, unwell or in mourning. In fact, my mother has always been a kind soul and people of all ages love her as soon as they meet her. I think this is because she is good-hearted from her core, and her authenticity is what everyone relates to. She has taught me the meaning of being compassionate, loving, kind, helpful, supportive and so much more. In fact, thanks to the unconditional love of both my wonderful parents, I  feel I've been truly blessed in this lifetime.

IELTS Speaking Module - Part 2 - Sample Topics

IELTS Speaking Module - Part 2 - Sample Topics

 

 

In Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking Module, you need to give a short talk, of about 1-2 minutes, on a simple topic. The questions do not require any specific knowledge, but are based on personal experience. You are handed a card with the topic and you have one minute to prepare your talk. You can make notes and use these notes during your monologue. The examiner will not ask you any questions during this part of the test, so you must know how to answer all parts of the question you are given and speak fluently for a few minutes by yourself. Sample IELTS Speaking Module topics (for Part 2) are given below. It is quite likely that you will be given one of these topics or something very similar, so make sure you can speak confidently and clearly on each one.

Describe an artist or entertainer you admire.

You should say:

• Who they are and what they do
• How they became successful
• How you found out about them
• And explain why you admire them

Describe a subject you enjoyed studying at school.

You should say:

• When and where you started studying it
• What lessons were like
• What made the subject different from other subjects
• And explain why you enjoyed the subject

Describe an important choice you had to make in your life.

You should say:

• When you had this choice
• What you had to choose between
• Whether you made a good choice
• And explain how you felt when you were making this choice

Describe a job you have done.

You should say:

• How you got the job
• What the job involved
• How long the job lasted
• Describe how well you did the job

Describe an area of countryside you know and like.

You should say:

• Where it is
• What its special features are
• What you and other people do in this area
• And explain why you like it

Describe an object you particularly like.

You should say:

• What it is and what it looks like
• What it is made of
• What it is for
• And explain why it is special for you

Describe a newspaper or magazine you enjoy reading.

You should say:

• What kind of newspaper / magazine it is
• Which parts of it you read regularly
• When and where you read it
• Explain why you enjoy reading it

Describe something healthy you enjoy doing.

You should say:

• What you do
• Where you do it
• Who you do it with
• And explain why you think doing this is healthy

Describe a game or sport you enjoy playing.

You should say:

• What kind of sport it is
• Who you play it with
• Where you play it
• And explain why you enjoy playing it

Describe someone in your family who you like.

You should say:

• How this person is related to you
• What this person looks like
• What kind of person he/she is
• And explain why you like this person

Describe a museum or art gallery that you have visited.

You should say:

• Where it is
• Why you went there
• What you particularly remember about the place.

Describe an enjoyable event that you experienced when you were at school.

You should say:

• When it happened
• What was good about it
• Why you particularly remember this event.

Describe a song or piece of music you like.

You should say:

• What the song or music is
• What kind of song or music it is
• Where you first heard it
• And explain why you like it

Describe a festival that is important in your country.

You should say:

• When the festival occurs
• What you did during it
• What you like or dislike about it
• And explain why this festival is important

Sample IELTS Speaking Topics

Sample IELTS Speaking Topics

 

 

Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking Module consists of personal questions about you, your family, your work, your education or other familiar topics. A categorized list of such topics and questions is given below. You can use these sample questions to rehearse for this part of the oral interview. Make sure you can speak correctly, clearly, and with ease and confidence in response to each question. Remember to make your answer interesting by providing more than the most basic information. Some of these sample questions are highly likely to appear on your exam, so review them well.

YOU

Describe yourself.

FAMILY

• Describe your family?
• Do you have a large or small family?
• How much time do you spend with your family?
• What do you like to do together as a family?
• Do you get along well with your family?
• Are people in your country generally close to their families?

WORK

• What do you do?
• What are your responsibilities?
• How many hours do you work each day?
• Do you enjoy your work?
• Is there some other kind of work you would rather do?
• If you could change your job or profession, what would you do?
• Describe the process of getting a job in your country.
• Describe the company or organization you work for.
• What is your position?
• What do you like about your job?
• What do you dislike about your job?

EDUCATION

• Describe your education.
• What kind of school did you go to as a child?
• Did you go to a co-educational school?
• What was your favourite subject as a child?
• Who was your favourite teacher?
• What is the education system like in your country?
• Do you think your country has an effective education system?

STUDIES

• What are you studying now?
• What is your area of specialization?

HOMETOWN

• Describe your hometown.
• What’s special about it?
• Where is your hometown located?
• Is it easy to travel around your hometown?
• What is it known for?
• What do people in your town do?
• What are the main industries in your hometown?
• What problems face your hometown?
• What languages are spoken in your hometown?
• What are the advantages of living in your hometown?
• What are some problems faced by your hometown?
• Compare your hometown with another city.
• What are some environmental problems faced by your hometown?

WEATHER

• What’s the weather like in your country?
• Does the weather affect your mood?
• How do rainy days make you feel?
• What’s your favourite season of the year?
• What do you like to do when it’s hot?
• What do you usually do in the winter?
• How many seasons does your country have?

HOME

• Describe your home.
• What kind of building do you live in?
• How long have you lived there?

WEDDING

• Have you ever been to a wedding?
• Whose wedding was it?
• Where was it held?
• What clothes do people wear?
• Describe the wedding ceremony.
• What sort if gifts do people buy for the bridal couple?
• What kind of clothes did the bride and groom wear?

TRAVEL

• Do you like to travel?
• What kind of places have you visited in your life?
• Which place would you really like to visit? Why?
• What’s the best place you’ve ever visited?
  

COMPUTERS

• Do you think computers help society?
• Do you think computers are bad for health?
• How do you think computers have changed the world?
  

INTERNET

• Do you use the Internet much during the day?
• What do you usually do on the Internet?
• What are some advantages of the Internet?
• What are some disadvantages?
• Do people in your country use the Internet a lot?
• Do you do any shopping on the Internet?

EMAIL

• Do you send and receive email regularly?
• Who do you usually communicate with?
• How often do you check your email?
• Do you think writing email has strengthened or weakened people’s writing skills?
• What are some disadvantages of email?
  

FRIEND

• Describe a friend.
• How long have you known each other?
• What do usually do together?
• What do you like the most about him / her?
• How often do you see each other?
  

PLACE

• Describe a place you like to go.
• Why is this place special to you?
• When did you first visit this place?
• Where is this place located?
• What language is spoken here? Do you speak this language?
  

SMOKING

• What do you feel about smoking in public places?
• Do you think smoking should be banned in people’s homes?
  

MARRIAGE

• What is the attitude toward marriage in your country?
• Do most young people plan on getting married in your country?
• What are some of the advantages of marriage?
• What are some of the disadvantages?
• Is the divorce rate high in your country?
• Do you think people should be allowed to get divorced?
  

HOBBIES

• Do you have any hobbies?
• What are some of your hobbies?
• When did you first develop this hobby?
• What are some of the advantages of having a hobby?
• How much time do you spend on your hobby?
  

FILMS

• Do you enjoy watching movies?
• What’s your favourite film?
• Who are your favourite actors?
• How often do you watch films?
  

SHOPPING

• Do you enjoy shopping?
• How do you feel about shopping?
• Do you like shopping on the Internet?
• Do you have any favourite stores?
• What don’t you like about shopping?
• Which is the most popular place to shop in your hometown?
  

SPORTS

• Do you like sports?
• Do you enjoy watching sports?
• Do you enjoy participating in any sports?
• Which sports are most popular in your country?
• What’s your favourite sport/
• When did you first become interested in sports?
• How often do you participate in sports?
• What equipment do you need for your favourite sport?
  

FOOD

• What are some of your favourite foods?
• What foods are popular in your country?
• What are some of the famous dishes of your country?
• Do you enjoy cooking?
  

FESTIVAL

• What’s the most important festival in your country?
• How do people celebrate this festival?
• What special food is associated with this festival?
• What special activities are associated with this festival?
• What do you enjoy most about this festival?
• Do you think festivals are important for a society?
  

TELEVISION

• Do you watch television a lot?
• What do you usually watch on television?
• How many hours of television do you usually watch?
• What are the most popular shows in your country?
• What kind of shows do you like to watch?
• What are some advantages of television?
• What are someof the disadvantages of television?
• What did you last watch on television?
• Why do you think certain TV shows are so popular?
  

TOURISM

• Which places would you recommend to a visitor to your country?
• Do a lot of tourists visit your country?
• What do they usually do there?
• How has tourism changed your country?
• Is your country expensive for most tourists?
• What are some famous landmarks in your country?
  

DAILY ROUTINE

• Describe your daily routine.
• What do you usually do?
• What do you do on the weekend?
• What is you typical weekday like?
• Does your life change much from week to week?
• Do you have any free time during the week?
  

YOUR COUNTRY

• Which country are you from?
• Where is this country located?
• Which part of the country do most people live in?
• What are the main industries in your country?
• Is it easy to travel around your country?
  

CLOTHES

• What type of clothes do you like to wear?
• What kind of clothes do people in your country usually wear?
• How important is fashion to you?
• What kind of clothes do you dislike?
• Do you think people behave differently in different kinds of clothes?
• What kind of clothes do people wear to work in your country?
• Are clothes expensive in your country?
  

GOING OUT

• Do you like going out or staying at home?
• What do you like to do when you go out?
• How often do you go out?
• Do people in your country go out a lot?
• How and where do people in your country usually socialize?
• What kind of entertainment is popular in your country?

GAMES

• Do you enjoy playing any games?
• What kind of games do you play?
• Do you think adults should play games?
• What do children learn from games?
• What kind of games did you play when you were a child?
• What games are popular in your country today?
• What kind of games were popular when you were young?
• Do you think mental games like chess are good for you?
  

• COLOURS
  • Do you have a favourite colour?
  • What are your country’s colours?
  • Do you think colours affect our moods?
  • Can you learn anything about a person from the colours he / she likes?
  • Do you like the same colours now as you did when you were a child?
    

MUSIC

• Do you like music?
• What kind of music do you like?
• When do you usually listen to music?
• What kind of music did you like when you were younger?
• What kind of music is popular in your country?
• Do you play any musical instruments?
• Do you wish you could play any musical instruments?
• Which is your favourite instrument?

IELTS Scoring

IELTS Scoring

 

 

The IELTS exam tests your ability to communicate in English. The way to higher IELTS scores is three-fold:

• understand the test format
• develop the primary and supporting language skills required in the exam
• implement specific strategies, techniques and “tricks” to earn extra marks in the speaking and writing sections where there is scope to receive extra points, versus the all or no points option in the reading and listening section.

IELTS scores are expressed in terms of bands of language ability, with full and half band scores given for each section. The highest score you can receive is a Band 9, which represents Expert User. General descriptions of other band scores are given below. For a more detailed description of band scores, please refer to the official IELTS website.

You receive separate scores in each of the four modules – listening, reading, writing and speaking – and a fifth score, which is your overall score. Some institutions are only concerned with your overall score, while others require specific scores in the separate modules, along with a certain overall score.

Band 9 Expert User
Has full operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding.

Band 8 Very Good User
Has full operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies .

Band 7 Good User
Has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, and misunderstandings in some situations.

Band 6 Competent User
Has general effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, and misunderstandings

Band 5 Modest User
Has partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes.

Band 4 Limited User
Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in understanding and expression. Is unable to use complex language.

Band 3 Extremently Limited User
Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication occur.

Band 2 Intermittent User
No real communication is possible except for the most basic information using isolated words to meet immediate needs. Has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.

Band 1 Non User
Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.

Band 0
Did not attempt the exam.

The way to higher IELTS scores is two-fold:

• develop the primary and supporting language skills required in the exam
• implement specific strategies and techniques to earn extra marks in the speaking and writing sections where there is scope to receive extra points, versus the all or no points option in the reading and listening section.

IELTS Test Administration

IELTS Test Administration

 

 

The IELTS exam takes about three hours. Since you need to arrive at least half an hour earlier, you could be spending anywhere from four to five hours at the test centre. So make sure to eat a proper meal before the exam and to dress comfortably, so you won’t be hungry, thirsty, hot, cold, or otherwise distracted by your physical needs.
You need to bring the required identification with you to the test center. This may include a passport, national identity card or other document, so find out clearly in advance. You may also be asked to bring two recent passport photos. Check and recheck these official requirements at least twice – once at the time of registration and once a few days before the exam, in case there have been any changes.
You are not allowed to bring any personal items into the testing room, other than your ID, a pen/pencil, and eraser. You could also be asked to empty your pockets. No mobile phones, dictionaries, electronic spell-checkers, tape recorders, highlighters, correction fluid, or other objects or devices are permitted into the test room.
Activities are restricted to those related to the IELTS exam. Talking, smoking, eating, drinking, and of course, cheating, are all prohibited.

 If you have a question or comment regarding IELTS rules, IELTS procedures, or your physical exam paper, you can raise your hand and a supervisor will come over to speak to you. You cannot ask questions related to the instructions or content of the test. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with these beforehand.

The IELTS invigilator has the authority to dismiss you from the test if you break any of the rules, which are extensive. For this reason, it is important to read through the IELTS administration rules carefully in advance so you won't break a rule by mistake.

IELTS Registration

IELTS Registration

 

 

Every year, thousands of people around the world appear for the IELTS. So you should register for your exam a long time in advance to avoid disappointment and to prevent yourself having to travel to a distant location to obtain the test date most convenient for you.
Before selecting a test date, remember that the exam is a challenging one and ensure that you have sufficient time to prepare adequately. If you are applying to a university or institute of higher learning, bear in mind their deadlines and also make sure you leave enough time for your scores to arrive and be reported to them.

To register for your IELTS exam, do the following:

1. 1. Go to the official IELTS website at www.ielts.org
   

2. 2. At the top of the page, where it says “Search for an IELTS Test Centre”, scroll down the menu and click on your desired country.
   
   

3. 3. Select the desired city.
   
   

4. 4. Select the desired exam centre.
   

5. 5. Click on "more information" to find out details about your IELTS exam centre. Contact them by phone or e-mail to find out exactly what you need to do to register for an exam at their location.