General Training letters
General Training Task 1 letters: identify the tone (formal, semi-formal, informal), cover all three bullet points and use appropriate phrases.
In this lesson you will
- Choose the right tone for the recipient
- Cover all bullet points fully
- Use appropriate openings, closings and phrases
Learn
Tone depends on the recipient: formal (a company, someone you don’t know — Dear Sir or Madam), semi-formal (someone you know but not closely, e.g. a manager or neighbour — Dear Mr Lee), informal (a friend — Dear Sam / Hi Sam).
Bullet points: the task has three. Cover all three with enough detail — this is central to Task Achievement. One paragraph per bullet point works well.
Structure: opening line stating purpose → three bullet-point paragraphs → closing line (I look forward to hearing from you / Can’t wait to see you!) → sign-off (Yours faithfully / Yours sincerely / Best wishes).
Length and time: at least 150 words, about 20 minutes. Don’t write addresses. Keep the tone consistent throughout.
| Tone | Opening | Closing |
|---|---|---|
| Formal (unknown name) | Dear Sir or Madam, | Yours faithfully, |
| Formal/semi-formal (name known) | Dear Ms Patel, | Yours sincerely, / Kind regards, |
| Informal | Dear Tom, / Hi Tom, | Best wishes, / Take care, |
Examples
- Formal: I am writing to complain about the service I received on 3 May.
- Semi-formal: I’m writing to ask whether I could take two days’ leave next month.
- Informal: Thanks so much for your letter — it was great to hear your news!
Vocabulary
recipient
the person who receives a letter
bullet point
one of the listed things to include
tone
the level of formality and feeling
sign-off
the closing words before your name
consistent
the same throughout
Practice
A letter to a company complaining about a product should be…
Writing
You recently stayed at a hotel and left a bag in your room. Write a letter to the hotel manager. In your letter: explain when you stayed and where you left the bag; describe the bag and its contents; say what you would like the manager to do. Write at least 150 words. Begin your letter: Dear Sir or Madam,
- ☐ Formal tone throughout
- ☐ All three bullet points covered in detail
- ☐ Clear purpose in the opening
- ☐ Appropriate closing and sign-off
Lesson quiz
A letter to your manager asking for time off is usually…
Review
Key points
- Tone from recipient.
- Cover all three bullet points.
- Correct openings and sign-offs.
- 150+ words, about 20 minutes.
What you learned
- ✓ I can write GT letters.
- ✓ I choose the right tone.
- ✓ I cover every bullet point.