Proven strategies for this IELTS Listening question type. Includes prediction techniques and common traps to avoid.
Originally published June 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, we will look at how to write a semi-formal letter.
A semi-formal letter is written to someone that you know by name and with whom you have a professional or business relationship with, for instance; your teacher, accountant, landlord, etc. The surname should be used when addressing them - Dear Mrs.Thomas, Dear Mr Jones.
A semi-formal greeting > Dear Mr Hopkins, Dear Mrs Thomas
When signing off the letter, 'Yours truly', 'Sincerely yours' and 'Yours faithfully' would be used for semi-formal or formal letters. In semi-formal letters, you can also use - 'With best wishes' and 'With regards'.
Here is an example of a semi-formal letter structure >>
Semi-formal Question Example >>
You must include the information that is required, in this example, you have to make a request, for a meeting with your boss to discuss a problem at work with another colleague. It is semi-formal because it is someone that the letter writer knows, but it is not a close friend.
Write at least 150 words
You do not need to write any addresses
Begin your letter with 'Dear....."
Model Answer >>
Dear Mrs Amble
I am writing to you to request a meeting, to discuss some issues that have arisen with a member of my team.
I have been working with Ronnie Smith for over a year now and while he was a model member of the team, he has now become distant and irritable. Last week he disappeared during a very important lesson and reappeared over three hours later with no explanation. When confronted he made a flimsy excuse for his whereabouts.
I can assure you that I have been very flexible and understanding over previous time management issues, however, his erratic behaviour is becoming more frequent. I would like to meet with you on Wednesday 15th at 3 pm and examine the best way to approach this situation.
I hope this is an acceptable time to meet, please contact me at the earliest opportunity to re-arrange if there is a problem.
Yours Sincerely,
Steve King.
(Word Count - 156 / Band Score 9)
This letter covers the three main points in the task - why he is writing to her, gives further details of the problem in the second paragraph and in the final paragraph when he would like to have a meeting to discuss it further.
It has been clearly organised with each key point being written about in a separate paragraph.
Paragraph 1 - Explains why he is writing to the boss
Paragraph 2 - Details of the issue/problem
Paragraph 3 - Gives dates/time that they can arrange a meeting
The tone of the letter is polite and therefore appropriate as it is being sent to a work colleague (I am writing to you to request.....I can assure you....please contact me at the earliest opportunity)
There is also evidence of a range of sentence structures, no grammatical or spelling errors.
We hope you found this post useful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. If you have any questions please let us know in the comments below or on the Facebook page.
The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, then follow us on Instagram and Pinterest.
If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can assist you to achieve your desired band score. We offer an essay correction service, mock exams and online courses.
Proven strategies for this IELTS Listening question type. Includes prediction techniques and common traps to avoid.
Originally published June 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, we will look at how to write an informal letter.
An informal letter is the type of letter you would write to a friend or family member. First names are used, or family terms, for example; Dear mum, Dear Uncle Tom, Dear Dad, etc.
An informal greeting > Dear Sarah, My dear friend, Dear Aunt Clare
When signing off the letter, you can use - 'With best wishes' and 'With regards'. 'Hope to see you soon!' is a very informal way to close the letter.
Here is an example of an informal letter structure >>
Informal Question Example >>
You must include the information that is required, think about a detailed scenario - a name for the friend, some information about the bicycle and a preferred time to meet. Use your imagination and think about what you would include when writing this letter.
Write at least 150 words
You do not need to write any addresses
Begin your letter with 'Dear....."
TIP >> The informal letter question will normally have the word 'friend' in it. Asking you to write a letter to a friend is a key piece of information, telling you that the letter should be written in an informal style.
Model Answer >>
Dear Anna,
I hope you are doing well.
I am doing great, though things have been a bit stressful at the moment because we are packing for our move next week.
There are some things that we can't take with us because we have nowhere to store them in the new house. This, unfortunately, includes my bicycle. I hardly use it now, so want to try and sell it and thought that you might be interested in taking a look. I can offer you a really good price and know that you wanted one a while ago.
It is a women's bicycle with a cream frame and black wheels. It has a large black basket on the front, great for carrying groceries or other items, a bell, working front and back lights and brakes that are in fantastic condition. There is also a bike lock that comes with it.
We are planning to move into the new house on Friday next week. If you would like to come over and view the bike, I will be in on Monday 19th or Tuesday 20th after 6 pm. That will give me time to advertise it online if you are not interested.
Let me know which day you would like to see the bike and we can have a good catch up. I look forward to hearing from you.
See you soon!
Maggie.
(Word Count - 231 / Band Score 9)
This letter covers the three main points in the task about the bicycle - why it is being sold, a description and dates that the friend can view it.
It has been clearly organised with each key point being written about in a separate paragraph.
Paragraph 1 - Explains why the bicycle is for sale
Paragraph 2 - Describes the bicycl
Paragraph 3 - Gives dates/time that the friend can view the bicycle
The tone of the letter is informal and therefore appropriate as it is being sent to a friend (Hope you are doing well.....have a good catch up....see you soon!)
There is also evidence of a range of sentence structures, no grammatical or spelling errors.
We hope you found this post useful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. If you have any questions please let us know in the comments below or on the Facebook page.
The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, then follow us on Instagram and Pinterest.
If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can assist you to achieve your desired band score. We offer an essay correction service, mock exams and online courses.
