Model answer for a letter to a friend: Selling a laptop

IELTS general writing task 1, an informal letter.

There are 2 main types of register that you will need for IELTS general writing task 1, that is either formal or informal. If it is a letter to a friend then it will always be informal. If it’s to your boss, ex boss, a company, or some kind of business situation then it’s formal. Pretty simple really.

Click here to see the difference between IELTS academic and general writing task 1

For a lesson on informal letters take a look here


Task 1 is important

Many people focus so much on writing task 2 essays that they often overlook task 1.

Obviously task 2 carries twice the amount of points, but if your task 1 letter or report is weak and your task 2 essay is good, it doesn’t mean that you will still get a Band 7.

You must have a good task 1 and 2 to get an overall high score in writing. Work on your task 1 letter (or your report for IELTS academic students)


It’s a pretty straightforward structure, there must be an opening, a reason for writing, each bullet point must be covered in the task, then sign off.

ielts general writing

The Task

You want to sell your Laptop. You think a friend of yours might like to buy it from you. Write a letter to your friend.

In your letter:

• Explain why you are selling the Laptop
• Describe the Laptop.

Suggest a date when your friend can come and see it.

My answer:

Dear Bob,

I hope you are well, I remembered that you said you were interested in buying a DELL inspiron last week. I just wanted to let you know that I’ve decided to sell my laptop.

I bought my DELL Inspiron laptop 3 months ago, so it’s still in really good condition. The reason for selling it is that I just started work at Google and they have issued everyone in the RnD department free brand new ASUS Chrome books, which I think is much better for me, it also has more features for what I need to do.

My DELL inspirion has the new core i7 processor so it’s very fast, it’s also lightweight and has a 13 hour battery life. It has a 17inch screen and a HD webcam. It contains the latest software such as Photoshop, Word, PowerPoint and Garage band. There are no scratches and it looks like new.

If you are still interested, I’m free next Monday morning June 11th 10am, also Tuesday afternoon, June 12th, between 2pm and 5pm.

Hope to hear from you soon.



181 words

Any questions..? leave a comment below…