CELPIP/IELTS Writing Task 1 – Expressions and Idioms
When writing letters for English exams like IELTS General Training or CELPIP, choosing the
right tone and expressions can make a big difference. In this post, I’ll introduce a range of
formal and informal expressions that can help you write more naturally and effectively.
You’ll also see two formal letter samples—one for IELTS and one for CELPIP—that include
carefully selected idioms suitable for formal writing. These examples will show how idiomatic
language can add polish and precision to your response without sounding too casual.
In my next blog, I’ll focus on informal letters, exploring friendly expressions and idioms that
can make your writing sound warm, genuine, and conversational.
Here are some basic expressions you can use in CELPIP task 1 and IELTS Writing Task 1
General Training letters, classified into formal and informal categories:
Note the differences between the formal and informal expressions. These expressions can
help convey the appropriate tone and formality depending on the context of your letter.
Formal Letters:
1. Expressing Gratitude:
○ I am writing to express my sincere thanks…
○ I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation…
2. Making Requests:
○ I would be grateful if you could…
○ Could you kindly assist me with…
○ I would appreciate it if you could…
3. Expressing Apologies:
○ Please accept my apologies for…
○ I sincerely regret any inconvenience caused…
4. Offering Help:
○ If there is anything further I can do, please do not hesitate to contact me.
○ Should you require any further assistance, please feel free to ask.
5. Closing:
○ I look forward to your prompt response.
○ Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Informal Letters:
1. Expressing Gratitude:
○ I just wanted to say thanks…
○ Thanks a million for…
2. Making Requests:
○ Could you do me a favor and…
○ I was wondering if you could…
3. Expressing Apologies:
○ I’m really sorry about…
○ Sorry for the mix-up…
4. Offering Help:
○ Let me know if you need anything else.
○ If you need a hand, just give me a shout.
5. Closing:
○ Looking forward to hearing from you soon!
○ Catch you later!
IDIOMS
These idioms can add flavor to your writing and help convey your message more vividly,
depending on whether you are writing a formal or informal letter.
Formal Letters:
1. Getting to the Point:
○ To cut to the chase (get to the main point directly)
■ I will cut to the chase and outline the issue…
○ At the heart of the matter (the most important aspect)
■ At the heart of the matter is the need for immediate action…
2. Expressing Difficulty:
○ A tough nut to crack (a difficult problem)
■ Resolving this issue has proven to be a tough nut to crack…
○ Up in the air (unsettled, undecided)
■ The decision regarding the next steps is still up in the air…
3. Making a Suggestion:
○ The ball is in your court (it’s your decision now)
■ After providing the necessary information, the ball is in your court…
○ Weigh the pros and cons (consider the advantages and disadvantages)
■ We should weigh the pros and cons before making a final decision…
4. Expressing Certainty:
○ Beyond a shadow of a doubt (without any doubt)
■ It is beyond a shadow of a doubt that this issue needs to be addressed…
○ In the same boat (in the same situation)
■ We are in the same boat when it comes to meeting this deadline…
IELTS SAMPLE – FORMAL
Note: In the IELTS, there is no minimum number of words and therefore, you can use longer,
more elaborate sentences and phrases.
WRITING TASK 1
You should write at least 150 words.
You recently read an advertisement for a product. You bought this product but then
discovered that the information given in the advertisement was wrong.
Write a letter to the manufacturer of the product. In your letter
• say what product you bought and what information was given about it in the
advertisement
• explain why this information is wrong
• say what you would like the manufacturer to do
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to express my concern regarding a misleading advertisement for the Fitt Fitness
Tracker, which I recently purchased from your company.
In the advertisement, it was stated that the fitness tracker is fully compatible with all major
smartphone brands, including the one I own, and that it offers continuous heart rate monitoring
and GPS tracking. These features were the primary reasons I decided to purchase the product.
However, after receiving the tracker and attempting to use it, I discovered that the information
provided was not accurate.
To cut to the chase, the fitness tracker is not compatible with my smartphone, as it repeatedly
fails to sync with the device. Moreover, the GPS tracking feature is missing altogether, contrary
to what was advertised. These discrepancies have not only caused significant inconvenience
but have also left me feeling that the product does not meet the advertised standards.
It is beyond a shadow of a doubt that this misinformation needs to be addressed promptly. I
would appreciate it if your company could either provide a replacement that fulfills the
advertised features or arrange for a full refund of the purchase price. The ball is in your court
now, and I trust that you will take the necessary steps to resolve this matter swiftly.
Thank you for your attention to this issue.
I look forward to your prompt response.
Best regards,
Sara
Idioms used
1. To cut to the chase – get to the main point directly
2. Beyond a shadow of a doubt – without any doubt
3. The ball is in your court – it’s your decision now while maintaining respect and
politeness.
CELPIP SAMPLE (for the same question)
Note: CELPIP letters are expected to be shorter (150–200 words), more direct, and a bit more
natural and conversational than IELTS General Training letters — even in formal contexts. The
tone should remain polite but efficient.
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to express my concern about a misleading advertisement for the Fitt Fitness
Tracker, which I recently bought from your company. The ad claimed it was fully compatible
with all major smartphones and offered continuous heart-rate monitoring and GPS tracking.
These features were the main reason I purchased it.
However, to cut to the chase, the tracker doesn’t sync with my smartphone at all, and the GPS
feature is completely missing. This misleading information has caused considerable
inconvenience and disappointment.
It is beyond a shadow of a doubt that this issue needs to be resolved quickly. I would
appreciate it if you could either replace the tracker with one that matches the advertised
features or issue a full refund. At this point, the ball is in your court, and I trust your company
will take prompt action to fix this matter.
Thank you for your attention.
I look forward to your reply.
Sincerely,
Sara
If you need help with your IELTS or CELPIP writing, contact us today to arrange a
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Written by Larry Fedorowick
