IELTS General Writing Task 1: Letter to a Magazine Editor (Band 9 Sample)
This General Training Task 1 asks you to write a formal letter to a magazine editor about an article you disagreed with. A band-9 letter covers all three bullet points, keeps a measured, respectful tone, and argues its point clearly. Below is a model letter of roughly 190 words, followed by why it scores 9 on all four criteria.
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01 · The task
You recently read an article in a magazine that you strongly disagreed with. Write a letter to the editor. In your letter: say which article you are referring to, explain why you disagree with it, and suggest what the magazine could do.
02 · Band 9 sample answer
191 words · Band 9Dear Editor,
I am writing in response to the article "Why Homework Is a Waste of Time", which appeared in last month's issue of your magazine. While I usually enjoy your publication, I found this particular piece one-sided and, frankly, rather misleading.
My main objection is that the author dismissed homework entirely, without acknowledging any of its benefits. In my experience as a parent, a reasonable amount of homework helps children develop independence and reinforces what they have learned in class. The article also relied heavily on a single study, presenting it as though the matter were settled, when in fact the evidence is far more mixed than the author suggested.
I am not asking you to take sides on the issue, but I do think balance matters. I would therefore suggest publishing a follow-up article that presents the opposing view, or inviting a teacher to respond. Your readers deserve to hear both sides of such an important debate.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my views.
Yours faithfully, David Le
03 · Why this scores Band 9
All three bullet points are fully covered — which article (named, with the issue it appeared in), why the writer disagrees (it is one-sided and rests on a single study), and a clear suggestion (a follow-up article or a teacher's response). Each point is developed with concrete reasoning rather than vague complaint.
The letter is logically ordered — the article, the objections, the suggestion, the close — with one idea per paragraph. Cohesion is smooth — "My main objection is that...", "The article also relied...", "I would therefore suggest..." — and the opening and closing are appropriate for a letter to an editor.
The vocabulary is precise and measured — "in response to", "one-sided and misleading", "dismissed homework entirely", "the evidence is far more mixed", "both sides of the debate" — striking exactly the respectful, reasoned tone this task requires rather than an angry one.
A range of structures is used accurately: a relative clause ("the article... which appeared in last month's issue"), a concessive ("While I usually enjoy your publication"), and a reduced comparison ("far more mixed than the author suggested"). The formal register is maintained, and the letter is error-free.
04 · Useful collocations for this task
Tap a phrase to see what it means and how to use it. Natural collocations like these lift your Lexical Resource score.
05 · Frequently asked questions
What tone should a letter to an editor use?
Respectful and measured, even though you disagree. Argue your case with reasons rather than emotion ("one-sided and misleading" rather than insults). A calm, reasoned tone is far more persuasive and suits the formal register.
How formal should it be?
Formal. Open "Dear Editor," or "Dear Sir or Madam,", avoid contractions, and close with "Yours faithfully,". You are writing to a publication, not a friend.
Do I need to invent an article title?
Yes — inventing a plausible title and topic ("Why Homework Is a Waste of Time") lets you cover the first bullet fully and makes your disagreement concrete. The examiner does not expect the article to be real.
How long should the letter be?
At least 150 words; a band-9 letter is usually 170–200. This model is 191 words, enough to identify the article, explain the disagreement and suggest a remedy without padding.
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