IELTS Tips: Writing Task 1 - Writing an email

In IELTS Writing Task 1 (General Training), candidates are often asked to write an email in response to a real-life situation. The image prompt below shows a Task 1 email question where the writer is asked to invite a famous writer to speak to an elementary school class.

📝 Task Overview

Situation:
You are an elementary school teacher. A famous writer lives near your school.

Task:
Write an email (150–200 words) inviting the writer to speak to your class. Include:

  • An introduction to the school and class

  • Why the children like the writer’s books

  • An invitation to visit the classroom

  • What the writer can do with the children

✅ Band 4 Sample Answer (Level 4)

Subject: Invitation to Our School

Dear Sir or Madam,

My name is Anna and I am a teacher in an elementary school near your house. I teach a class with 20 children who are 9 years old. Our school is small but very friendly and we like learning.

The children enjoy reading your books very much. They say the stories are interesting and fun to read. Many students read your books in their free time at home and in school library.

I would like to invite you to come to our class next month. It will be very nice if you can visit us. The students will be very happy to see you.

During the visit, you can read a story and talk about how you write books. You can also answer children’s questions.

Thank you for your time.

Kind regards,
Anna

Why this is Band 4

  • Simple sentence structures

  • Limited vocabulary

  • Some grammatical mistakes

  • Ideas are clear but not well developed

✅ Band 7 Sample Answer (Level 7)

Subject: Invitation to Speak to Our Elementary Class

Dear [Writer’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well. My name is Anna, and I am an elementary school teacher at Green Valley School, located near your neighborhood. I currently teach a class of 20 enthusiastic students aged nine.

My students are great admirers of your books, particularly because the characters are engaging and the stories are easy to relate to. Several of your books are among the most frequently borrowed titles in our school library, and they often inspire classroom discussions.

I am writing to warmly invite you to visit our classroom sometime next month, at a time that is convenient for you. It would be a wonderful opportunity for the children to meet their favorite author in person.

During your visit, you could talk about your journey as a writer, read aloud one of your stories, and answer the students’ questions about storytelling and creativity.

We would be truly honored to welcome you.

Kind regards,
Anna

Why this is Band 7

  • Clear paragraphing and strong organization

  • Good range of vocabulary

  • Mostly accurate grammar

  • Ideas are fully developed and relevant

✨ Key Takeaways for Students

To move from Band 4 to Band 7, focus on:

  • Expanding vocabulary (e.g. enthusiastic, admired, inspire)

  • Using polite and professional email phrases

  • Developing ideas with examples

  • Reducing grammatical mistakes

Minju B