Are you taking the IELTS UKVI General Training exam? If so, it’s imperative that you know how to write letters for various scenarios.

Before you take the high-stakes test, you must have the ability to determine the appropriate letter type to use in response to the given situation and how to compose it. Otherwise, you’ll have a hard time scoring high in the first task of the writing exam.

There are three types of letter that you may have to write for the exam: formal, semi-formal, and informal. Once you’re familiar with how their format, it’s fairly easy to compose them. It’s why most test takers move on to other IELTS training topics once they know how to structure each type.

Don’t make the same mistake.

While the way they are structured is the most noticeable way they differ from each other, it is not their sole distinction. As their names imply, formal, semi-formal, and informal letters also differ in the level of English formality they utilize. Find out how to ensure you achieve the right level of formality for each letter type.  


ielts ukvi


When Writing Formal Letters:

        ·         Compose long and complex sentences. Lengthy, varied, and complex sentence structures that feature impeccable punctuation and grammar are staples formal letters. So, don’t limit your statements to short and simple sentences. Use other structure types like compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences. 

       ·         Use uncommon or more formal vocabulary. Here are some examples.

Formal
Semi-formal/Informal
Purchase
Buy
Assist
Help
Entire
Whole
Sufficient
Enough
Obtain
Get

       ·         Avoid using phrasal verbs. Here are some examples.

The temperature went up.
The temperature increased.

The issue has come back.
The issue has returned.

The student asked for a copy of the handout.
The students requested a copy of the handout.
         
        ·         Don’t use contractions. Shortening expressions is only appropriate when writing informal letters. 

        ·         Don’t use slang and jargon. Like with contractions, using casual expressions are only appropriate when writing informal letters.

When Writing Semi-Formal Letters:

       ·         Use idiomatic expressions sparingly. It’s okay to use idioms from once or twice when writing semi-formal letters. Slang and jargon, on the other hand, are still no-nos.

       ·         Employ phrasal verbs and contractions. Just make sure that you use them correctly. Here are some examples.

Could you look over the presentation?
Formal: check for errors, review

Please cut down on waste.
Formal: reduce, diminish

I’d like to raise this concern.
Formal: I would

We’d appreciate your assistance.
Formal: we would

Keep these in mind during your IELTS training period.

When Writing Informal Letters:

       ·         Keep sentences short and simple. You’re writing to someone you know well. So, you can convey your message in a casual way. Here are some examples.
Informal: I’m sorry to say but…
Too formal: I regret to inform you that…

Informal: I promise that…
Too formal: Please be assured that…

       ·         Use expressions. When writing an informal letter, it’s okay to use idiomatic expressions, jargons, and slang. But, use them wisely. Since IELTS UKVI is an international language exam, it would be best to use slang and jargons sparingly.

Make sure you get the level of formality right when compose letters for the IELTS UKVI General Training exam. Keep these in mind when you practice your letter-writing skills during your preparation period.

References:

“Formal, Semi-Formal, and Informal English.” Espresso English. Accessed February 20, 2019. https://www.espressoenglish.net/formal-semi-formal-and-informal-english/

“How to Write Letters, 2. How to Write a Semi-formal Letter.” Lingq. Accessed February 20, 2019. https://www.lingq.com/lesson/2-how-to-write-a-semi-formal-letter-274014/

“Levels of Formality.” Owl Purdue. Accessed February 20, 2019. https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/academic_writing/using_appropriate_language/levels_of_formality.html

Varma, Shailja. “Do You Know the Difference Between Formal, Semi-Formal, and Informal English?” English Eagetutor. March 30, 2014. Accessed February 20, 2019. https://english.eagetutor.com/beginner-s-english/do-you-know-the-difference-between-formal-semi-formal-and-informal-english