Answers and Discussion

1. Why is it so important to read and follow the instructions carefully?
   The instructions tell candidates exactly what they must do i.e. they provide information on the content of the answer. Candidates, especially weaker ones, tend not to read the instructions carefully enough. Because of this they omit information in their answers or include irrelevant information. This brings down their performance on the assessment criterion of Task Achievement.
   
   
2. Is the answer long enough?
   One of the instructions is to write ‘at least 150 words’. Writing fewer words than those required often means that candidates have not included all the required information in their answer. Candidates who write less than the required number of words are penalised. Writing too little does not give the examiner enough material to assess.
   
   NB Candidates are also penalised for reproducing the task instructions in their answers. If they want to refer to this information they should paraphrase it.
   
   
3. Are there any rules about writing letters in English?
   Letters in English usually keep to rules on the following: order of information, layout, style, openings and closings.
   
   
4. How do you order information in letters in English?
   The information in a letter is usually ordered in this sequence:
   
   1. Explain why you are writing
   ↓
   2. Outline the situation (first generally, then in more detail)
   ↓
   3. Request or mention action or follow-up
   
   You explain at the beginning of your letter your reason/purpose for writing. Expressions such as the following are very common:
   
   I am writing to thank you
   I am writing to let you know
   I am writing to give you information about
   I am writing in response to etc.
   
   In IELTS General Training Writing, you should state your reason for writing before addressing the bullet points in the instructions.
   
   
5. How can you make sure your writing is well organised?
   You can do this by careful planning, accurate paragraphing, use of topic sentences and use of conjunctions and signalling phrases. Organising information well in a letter helps the reader to follow its argument. Linking information shows how one piece of information relates to another. This also helps the reader follow the writer’s argument.
   
   
6. What style must you use to write the letter?
   To write letters of the kind required in Task 1 candidates need to use informal, semi-formal or formal style, that is clear, direct and polite. The choice of style depends on who the audience for the letter is. Using the wrong style could bother the reader and could stop the letter achieving its purpose.
   
   
7. How important is language accuracy in the answer?
   Accurate language i.e. language which contains no mistakes of grammar, punctuation, spelling or vocabulary use contributes to making the writer’s message clear. This helps the letter to achieve its purpose.