Learn the structures

Each structure has a natural place. Learn the place, and you’ll know when to use it.

Where they fit: Task 1 letter ▾

PartUse
Opening
Say why you're writing
Background
Tell what happened, in order
Problem / explanation
Reasons and consequences
Describing
Add detail about things and people
Request
Ask for action politely
Closing
Offer contact, end politely

Where they fit: Task 2 essay ▾

PartUse
Introduction
Paraphrase and give your position
Body: main idea
Strong, emphasised topic sentence
Body: support
Reasons, results, examples
Body: the other side
Admit and answer the opposing view
Body: hypotheticals
What would / will happen
Conclusion
Restate your view, suggest solutions

1. Stating your purpose

T1
0/20 mastered
I am writing to + verb / I am writing with regard to + noun

When: The very first sentence of every letter. It tells the reader at once why you are writing.

Where: T1 · Opening

Examples
  • I am writing to complain about the service I received at your Oxford Street branch.
  • I am writing with regard to the vacancy advertised on your website.
  • I'm writing to let you know that I've finally moved into my new flat. (informal)
I am writing you this letter regarding my keys.
✓ I am writing with regard to some keys I left in my room.
In British English you write TO someone. 'This letter' is unnecessary.
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2. Formal requests

T1
0/20 mastered
I would be grateful if you could + verb / I would appreciate it if you could + verb

When: Whenever you ask the reader to DO something. Never use 'I want' or 'I need you to'.

Where: T1 · Request paragraph

Examples
  • I would be grateful if you could send the keys to my home address.
  • I would appreciate it if you could look into this matter urgently.
  • I'd really appreciate it if you could water my plants while I'm away. (informal)
I want you to give me a refund.
✓ I would be grateful if you could arrange a full refund.
'I want' sounds like a demand and hurts your tone (Task Achievement).
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3. Polite question requests

T1
0/20 mastered
Would it be possible (for me) to…? / Could you possibly…? / I was wondering if…

When: When you ask for permission or a favour and want to sound polite rather than demanding.

Where: T1 · Request paragraph

Examples
  • Would it be possible for me to take a day's leave on Friday?
  • Could you possibly let me know the course fees by the end of the week?
  • I was wondering if you could lend me your camping tent next month.
Is it possible you give me Friday off?
✓ Would it be possible for me to take Friday off?
'Would' is more polite, and the pattern needs 'for me to + verb'.
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4. Formal 'if' with should

T1
0/20 mastered
Should you + base verb, please… / Should the + noun + be + V3…

When: A very formal way to say 'if'. Perfect for the closing line or for conditions in a request.

Where: T1 · Closing · T1 · Request

Examples
  • Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
  • Should the keys be found, I would be grateful if you could call me.
  • Should you have any questions, I can be reached on 0300 1234567.
If you will require more information, contact me.
✓ Should you require any further information, please contact me.
No 'will' after 'if', and 'should + subject' sounds more formal.
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5. Closing line: look forward to

T1
0/20 mastered
I look forward to + -ing / noun

When: The last sentence before 'Yours faithfully / sincerely'. Use the -ing form, not the base verb.

Where: T1 · Closing

Examples
  • I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.
  • I look forward to your prompt reply.
  • I'm really looking forward to seeing you all in June. (informal)
I look forward to hear from you.
✓ I look forward to hearing from you.
'To' here is a preposition, so the verb takes -ing.
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6. Upon / On + -ing

T1
0/20 mastered
Upon + -ing / noun, …

When: Two actions happen at the same moment: the second follows immediately after the first.

Where: T1 · Background

Examples
  • Upon arriving at the hotel, I was told that my room was not ready.
  • On opening the parcel, I discovered that the screen was cracked.
  • Upon arrival, guests are asked to show photo identification.
Upon reaching restaurant, I noticed my wallet was gone.
✓ Upon reaching the restaurant, I noticed my wallet was gone.
The structure is fine, but don't forget the article.
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7. Emphasis: It was only when… that…

T1
0/20 mastered
It was only when / after + clause + that + clause

When: For a delayed or surprising realisation in a story: you noticed something LATER.

Where: T1 · Background

Examples
  • It was only when I reached the airport that I realised I had left my keys.
  • It was only after I had paid that I noticed the price was wrong.
  • Not until I got home did I discover the damage.
Only when I reached home I noticed the damage.
✓ It was only when I reached home that I noticed the damage.
Either use the full 'It was only when… that' frame or invert the verb ('did I notice').
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8. Having + past participle

T1 + T2
0/20 mastered
Having + V3, subject + verb / Having been + V3, …

When: To show one action finished BEFORE another, in one smooth sentence. Same subject in both parts.

Where: T1 · Background · T2 · Body

Examples
  • Having travelled to Berlin for Christmas, I stayed at your hotel for nine nights.
  • Having worked in retail for five years, I am confident in dealing with customers.
  • Having been a member for over a decade, I was disappointed by the new rules.
Having finished my exams, the holiday started.
✓ Having finished my exams, I went on holiday.
The subject after the comma must be the person who did the 'having' action.
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9. Third conditional (past that didn't happen)

T1 + T2
0/20 mastered
If + had + V3, would/could have + V3 / …; otherwise I would have + V3

When: For an imaginary PAST: what would have happened. Use it to explain consequences in complaints and apologies.

Where: T1 · Problem · T2 · Body

Examples
  • If I had returned to the hotel, I would have missed my flight.
  • I took a taxi; otherwise I would have been late for the interview.
  • Had I known about the roadworks, I would have booked elsewhere.
If I did not take a taxi, I would be late.
✓ If I had not taken a taxi, I would have been late.
The event is finished, so you need had + V3 and would have + V3.
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10. Relative clauses (, which / , who)

T1 + T2
0/20 mastered
Noun, which/who/where/whose + clause, …

When: To add extra detail about something already identified: describing items, people and places.

Where: T1 · Describing · T2 · Body

Examples
  • The bag, which is navy blue with a brown strap, contains my laptop.
  • My sister, who lives in Berlin, recommended your hotel.
  • Many young people move to cities, where jobs are easier to find.
I lost blue bag which has laptop inside.
✓ I lost a blue bag, which contains my laptop.
Use articles before singular nouns; commas around extra information.
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11. Reason linkers (beyond 'because')

T1 + T2
0/20 mastered
as / since + clause · due to / owing to + noun · due to the fact that + clause

When: Whenever you give a reason. Mixing them shows range and avoids repeating 'because'.

Where: T1 · Problem · T2 · Body

Examples
  • I was unable to return, as my flight was departing at noon.
  • Owing to a family emergency, I will not be able to attend the meeting.
  • Due to the fact that public transport is unreliable, many people drive.
Due to it was raining, the match was cancelled.
✓ Due to the rain / Due to the fact that it was raining, the match was cancelled.
'Due to' is followed by a noun, not a full clause.
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12. Purpose: in order to / so that

T1 + T2
0/20 mastered
in order (not) to + verb · so as (not) to + verb · so that + can/could/will/would

When: To say WHY someone does something (the aim). Very common in both tasks.

Where: T1 · Background · T2 · Body

Examples
  • I checked out early in order to catch my flight.
  • I left a note so as not to disturb my neighbours.
  • Governments should invest in buses so that fewer people need to drive.
I came here for study English.
✓ I came here in order to study English.
'For' + verb is wrong; use 'to' / 'in order to' for purpose.
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13. Passive voice

T1 + T2
0/20 mastered
be (am/is/was/has been/will be…) + V3

When: When the action matters more than who did it, or the doer is unknown. Sounds formal and objective.

Where: T1 · Background / Problem · T2 · Body

Examples
  • I was informed that the item had already been dispatched.
  • The heating has not been repaired despite several requests.
  • Stricter laws should be introduced to protect wildlife.
My car was damage in the car park.
✓ My car was damaged in the car park.
The passive always needs the past participle (V3).
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14. Past perfect for earlier past

T1
0/20 mastered
had + V3 (the earlier action) + past simple (the later action)

When: In stories, for an action that happened BEFORE another past action.

Where: T1 · Background

Examples
  • When I opened the box, I realised that I had ordered the wrong size.
  • By the time the engineer arrived, the water had already damaged the floor.
  • I had booked the room three months in advance.
When I reached the airport, I realised I left my keys.
✓ When I reached the airport, I realised I had left my keys.
Leaving the keys happened first, so it needs had + V3.
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15. Apologising formally

T1
0/20 mastered
I apologise for + -ing / noun · Please accept my apologies for… · I am sorry to have to…

When: Apology letters, or when you cancel, delay or cause inconvenience.

Where: T1 · Opening · T1 · Closing

Examples
  • I sincerely apologise for missing the meeting on Monday.
  • Please accept my apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.
  • I am sorry to have to cancel our appointment at such short notice.
I apologise to miss the meeting.
✓ I apologise for missing the meeting.
'Apologise for' + -ing (or a noun).
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16. Concession: although / despite

T1 + T2
0/20 mastered
Although / Even though + clause · Despite / In spite of + noun / -ing

When: To admit the other side before giving your view. Essential for balanced Task 2 arguments.

Where: T2 · Body · T2 · Conclusion · T1 · Problem

Examples
  • Although online learning is convenient, it cannot fully replace classroom interaction.
  • Despite spending millions on roads, the city still suffers from congestion.
  • Even though I reported the fault twice, nobody has contacted me.
Although it is expensive, but it is worth it.
✓ Although it is expensive, it is worth it.
Never use 'although' and 'but' in the same sentence.
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17. Contrast: whereas / on the other hand

T2
0/20 mastered
Clause, whereas + clause · While + clause, … · On the other hand, …

When: To compare two sides directly — perfect for 'discuss both views' and advantages/disadvantages essays.

Where: T2 · Body · T2 · Introduction

Examples
  • Some people prefer to rent, whereas others believe buying is a better investment.
  • While cars offer freedom, they also contribute heavily to pollution.
  • On the other hand, working from home can lead to isolation.
Whereas some people like cities. Others like villages.
✓ Whereas some people like cities, others prefer villages.
'Whereas' joins two clauses in ONE sentence.
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18. Not only… but also

T1 + T2
0/20 mastered
not only A but also B · Not only + auxiliary + subject + verb, but…

When: To add a second, stronger point. The inverted form at the start of a sentence is very high-band.

Where: T2 · Body · T1 · Problem

Examples
  • Cycling is not only cheap but also good for your health.
  • Not only does tourism create jobs, but it also funds local services.
  • The delay not only cost me money but also caused me considerable stress.
Not only tourism creates jobs but also it funds services.
✓ Not only does tourism create jobs, but it also funds services.
At the start of a sentence, 'Not only' needs inversion (does + subject + verb).
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19. Real conditional: if / unless / provided that

T1 + T2
0/20 mastered
If / Unless / Provided that + present, will / can / may + verb

When: For realistic consequences and solutions: 'If X happens, Y will happen'.

Where: T2 · Body · T2 · Conclusion · T1 · Request

Examples
  • If governments raise fuel taxes, more people will use public transport.
  • Unless action is taken now, many species will disappear.
  • Provided that the room is available, I will arrive on the 12th.
If the government will invest more, crime will fall.
✓ If the government invests more, crime will fall.
No 'will' in the if-clause; use the present simple.
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20. Hypothetical: If… were / would

T1 + T2
0/20 mastered
If + past simple / were to + verb, would / could + verb

When: For imaginary or unlikely situations now/future — great for 'what would happen if' arguments.

Where: T2 · Body · T1 · Informal

Examples
  • If public transport were free, far fewer people would drive to work.
  • Were governments to ban junk-food advertising, obesity rates could fall.
  • If I had more time, I would happily help with the wedding.
If public transport would be free, people would use it.
✓ If public transport were free, people would use it.
No 'would' in the if-clause; use past simple or 'were'.
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21. Cleft sentences (What… is…)

T1 + T2
0/20 mastered
What + clause + is/was + … · It is X that… · The reason why… is that…

When: To put emphasis on the key idea. Great for topic sentences and strong opinions.

Where: T2 · Body · T2 · Conclusion · T1 · Problem

Examples
  • What concerns me most is the lack of safety on the platform.
  • It is the government, not individuals, that should pay for this.
  • The main reason why people move abroad is that wages are higher.
What I want to say it is that the service was poor.
✓ What I want to say is that the service was poor.
The 'what' clause IS the subject — don't add 'it'.
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22. Impersonal structures (It is believed that…)

T2
0/20 mastered
It is widely believed / argued that… · It is essential that… · There is little doubt that…

When: To sound objective and academic, especially in introductions and when reporting others' views.

Where: T2 · Introduction · T2 · Body

Examples
  • It is widely believed that technology has made people less sociable.
  • It is essential that children learn to manage money from an early age.
  • There is little doubt that air pollution harms public health.
It is believed by many people think that…
✓ It is widely believed that… / Many people think that…
Choose ONE structure: impersonal passive OR active.
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23. The more…, the more…

T2
0/20 mastered
The + comparative + clause, the + comparative + clause

When: To show two things change together. Short, memorable and high-band.

Where: T2 · Body · T2 · Conclusion

Examples
  • The more time children spend online, the less they exercise.
  • The higher the price of fuel, the fewer people drive.
  • The earlier a language is learnt, the easier it becomes.
More people drive, more pollution there is.
✓ The more people drive, the more pollution there is.
Both halves need 'the'.
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24. Participle clauses (…, resulting in…)

T1 + T2
0/20 mastered
Clause, resulting in / leading to / causing + noun · Faced with X, subject + verb

When: To link a cause and its result in one sophisticated sentence instead of two short ones.

Where: T2 · Body · T1 · Problem

Examples
  • Many factories have moved abroad, leading to high unemployment in some regions.
  • The flight was delayed by six hours, resulting in a missed connection.
  • Faced with rising rents, many young people are forced to live with their parents.
Many factories closed, it leads to unemployment.
✓ Many factories closed, leading to unemployment.
Two clauses joined by a comma alone is a comma splice; the participle fixes it.
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25. Hedging: arguably / tend to / to some extent

T2
0/20 mastered
arguably · tend to + verb · to some extent · is likely to · may well

When: To avoid over-generalising. Examiners reward cautious, precise claims in Task 2.

Where: T2 · Body · T2 · Introduction

Examples
  • Arguably, the internet has done more for education than any invention since printing.
  • Older people tend to be less comfortable with online banking.
  • To some extent, I agree that advertising encourages waste.
All young people are addicted to their phones.
✓ Many young people tend to spend too much time on their phones.
Absolute claims ('all', 'always', 'never') weaken your argument.
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