Video summary

5 tips for fully developing 3 bullet points/ielts general training task 1 formal&informal letter

Main summary

Key takeaways

Educational

Main ideas and lessons

  • To fully develop an IELTS General Training letter task with 3 bullet points, you should not just write one sentence per bullet point.
  • For each bullet point/topic sentence, begin your paragraph with a direct response to that bullet point, then add supporting details to reach the target length (notably 150+ words for the task).
  • While adding details, pull inspiration from the exact wording in the question (e.g., “part-time,” “recently,” “here in town”).
  • Create additional logical details (e.g., class schedule, instructor name, whether the course has started, affordability).
  • Improve coherence by using a consistent storyline or repeated key idea (e.g., the work schedule in the formal letter; “language issue” and local context in the informal letter).
  • When supporting a topic sentence, try to use two reasons that flow into each other so they sound like one combined reason.

Method / instructions (detailed)

A) Formal letter (cancel course booking) — 3 bullet points

Question (task prompt)

You recently booked a part-time college course. Write to the college administrator:

  1. say which part-time course you booked
  2. explain why you need to cancel the booking
  3. ask about booking a different course

How to fully develop each bullet point

Paragraph 1 (Bullet 1: course you booked)
  • Start with a direct answer naming the course (e.g., “Chemistry 201”).
  • Add details from the question, including that it’s part-time and that you booked it recently (e.g., “a few days ago” or “last week”).
  • Add extra course details you invent, such as:
    • Class days (e.g., every Monday and Wednesday)
    • Who teaches (e.g., Mr. Stone)
    • Whether the course hasn’t started yet or you’ve only attended once/a couple of times
  • Organize the paragraph as: topic sentence = direct response, then supporting details.
Paragraph 2 (Bullet 2: why you must cancel)
  • Start with a direct reason (e.g., the course conflicts with your work schedule).
  • Use two linked reasons that sound like one:
    • First reason: explain the conflict (e.g., your boss changed your schedule; lab time overlaps because of a new 3-hour work block)
    • Second reason: explain why this forces cancellation (e.g., you need to keep the job to pay for school/living expenses)
  • Add relevant specific elaboration where helpful (e.g., mention chemistry labs as a motivating choice, even though you must cancel).
Paragraph 3 (Bullet 3: ask about switching courses)
  • Start with a direct request (e.g., ask if you can enroll in another course).
  • State the specific alternative course you want (example: Algebra).
  • Provide two reasons for choosing it:
    • It fits your work schedule (use the same work-schedule storyline for coherence)
    • It helps you fulfill your mathematics requirement (degree requirement)
  • Close with a polite final request/sentence (e.g., thanks for allowing the change).
  • Include a standard sign-off (example: “Sincerely, [name]”).
Final development tip for the whole essay
  • The first sentence of each paragraph should directly answer its bullet point.
  • Use key details repeatedly (e.g., work schedule) to keep the letter coherent.
  • Use the question wording to generate natural, accurate details.

B) Informal letter (recommend sport + learning together) — 3 bullet points

Letter scenario

Recommend a sport for your friend; explain how they could learn; suggest learning together.

How to apply the same 3-bullet-point structure

Paragraph 1 (Bullet 1: recommend a sport)
  • Directly state the recommendation first (e.g., figure skating).
  • Add two reasons it suits your friend (example ideas):
    • They already know skating / have speed-skated for years
    • They’ll enjoy the competition aspect, such as the attractive event outfits
Paragraph 2 (Bullet 2: explain how to learn)
  • Directly suggest how to learn first (e.g., sign up for classes).
  • Add class/course details, such as:
    • Offered weekly and monthly
    • Affordable relative to what they’ll learn
  • Address the language issue implied by the prompt (e.g., if your friend is an English-speaking student): mention that coaches/trainers speak good English.
Paragraph 3 (Bullet 3: suggest learning together)
  • Suggest learning together in the first sentence (e.g., “Maybe we could attend the classes together?”).
  • Explain why you’d be a good partner:
    • You’re not a great skater, but you know the basics
    • With practice and guidance, you can improve quickly (e.g., progress from basic moves to more advanced jumps)
Coherence improvements
  • Mention the classes again near the end to help the letter flow.
  • End with informal politeness (e.g., “Let me know what you think.”).

Speakers / sources featured

  • Lilie King (the video presenter; also used as the sample writer’s name in the formal letter)
  • Mr. Stone (example course instructor mentioned in the formal-letter example)
  • Cambridge IELTS 17 General Training (referenced as the source/edition of the task)

Original video