IELTS request letters: make it easy for the reader to say yes
An IELTS request letter says what you want in the first sentence, explains briefly why, asks specific questions the reader can answer and closes politely. Polite forms such as “Could you…” and “I would be grateful if…” do most of the work.
The official General Training format asks for a letter of at least 150 words. The model answer and tasks below are original teaching material, not official IELTS questions or examiner-scored responses.
A four-paragraph plan for a request letter
State the request. Say what you are asking for or asking about.
Give the reason. A sentence or two of background shows why the request matters.
Ask specific questions. Cover each bullet with a question or detail the reader can act on.
Thank the reader. Close politely and, if it helps, say how to contact you.
Follow the order of the bullet points unless another order is clearer for the reader. Every bullet needs its own developed point, not a single line that repeats the question.
Choose the tone for the reader
Who you are writing to, the tone to use, and a suitable greeting and closing
Reader
Tone
Greeting
Closing
A college, company or office
Formal
Dear Sir or Madam
Yours faithfully
Your manager or a named official
Semi-formal or formal
Dear Ms Wong
Yours sincerely or Kind regards
A friend
Informal
Dear Jo
Thanks so much or Best wishes
A request to an organisation is usually an enquiry: you are asking for information or a service. A request to a friend is a favour, so explain it warmly and say how you will thank them. Our guides to formal, semi-formal and informal letters go further into register.
Model answer
Original practice task
You would like to join an evening course at a local college. Write a letter to the college. In your letter:
say which course you are interested in and why
ask about the timetable and fees
ask what experience or equipment students need
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to ask for information about the evening course in digital photography that is listed on your website.
I have been taking photographs as a hobby for about two years, mainly of buildings and street scenes, but I have never had any formal training. I would like to learn how to use the manual settings on my camera properly and to edit my photographs more professionally, so your course seems ideal.
Could you tell me which evenings the course runs and when the next group starts? I work until six o'clock, so I would need to know whether classes begin after half past six. I would also be grateful for details of the total fee and whether it can be paid in instalments.
Finally, I would like to know whether students need any previous experience or their own equipment. I have a basic digital camera, but I do not own any additional lenses.
Thank you for your help. I look forward to your reply.
Yours faithfully,
Marta Silva
174 words, counted the way our writing workspace counts them. Names and details are fictional.
Why it works
One clear purpose: The first sentence names the course and makes clear this is a request for information.
A relevant reason: Two sentences about the writer's experience explain why the course suits them.
Answerable questions: Each question is specific and linked to the writer's situation, such as finishing work at six.
Polite forms: “Could you tell me”, “I would be grateful for” and “I would like to know” vary the requests.
Useful phrases
Use these to start a sentence, then finish it with details from your own task. Examiners look for memorised language, and a memorised paragraph does not answer your bullet points.
Opening
I am writing to ask whether…
I am writing to enquire about…
I am writing to request…
Asking
Could you tell me…?
Would it be possible to…?
I would be grateful if you could…
I would also like to know…
Giving a reason
The reason I am asking is that…
This would help me because…
Closing
Thank you in advance for your help.
I look forward to your reply.
Informal: I'd really appreciate it, and dinner's on me!
Mistakes to avoid
The request comes last
If the reader has to wait until the final paragraph to learn what you want, move the request to the first sentence.
Questions that are too general
“Please tell me about the course” is hard to answer. Ask about times, prices or requirements.
A missing bullet
Asking about fees but forgetting the timetable leaves part of the task unanswered. Tick off each bullet before you finish.
Practise with original questions
Three formal requests to organisations, a semi-formal request to a manager and an informal favour from a friend. Each has planning notes and an annotated answer.
You would like to hire a public hall for a local club. Write a letter to the venue manager. Explain the purpose of the event, describe the facilities you need, and ask about availability and cost.
You left an important item on a train. Write a letter to the railway company's lost-property office. Describe the item, explain when and where you lost it, and state how the office can return it to you.
You are organising a community event and would like a local business to support it. Write a letter explaining the event, describing the support you need, and explaining how the business would benefit.
You need to change your working hours temporarily to attend a training programme. Write a letter to your manager. Explain the programme, describe the change in hours you need, and suggest how your work could be covered.
You are moving to a new home and would like a friend to help you. Write a letter to your friend. Explain when you are moving, describe the help you need, and say how you will thank your friend.
State your request in the first sentence, give a short reason, ask specific questions that cover each bullet point, and close by thanking the reader. Use polite forms such as “Could you…” and “I would be grateful if…”.
What is the difference between a request letter and an enquiry letter?
An enquiry asks for information, such as times or prices. A request asks the reader to do something, such as book a room or change your hours. Many IELTS tasks combine the two.
How long should an IELTS request letter be?
The task asks for at least 150 words, and the question suggests spending about 20 minutes on it. Short, direct questions help you cover all three bullets within that time.
Write your request letter and check it
Write for 20 minutes, then get an estimated band for each criterion, a checklist of the bullet points you covered and what to revise first. Your first check needs no account.