📚 Mastering Letter Writing for IB English: Key Exam Points | IB 英语书信写作考点精讲
In the IB English B Paper 1 writing task, the letter is one of the most frequently assessed text types. Whether you are asked to compose a formal letter of complaint, a semi-formal letter to a teacher, or an informal letter to a friend, you need to demonstrate a clear understanding of format, register, purpose, and audience. This guide breaks down the key exam points you must master to achieve top marks in your IB letter writing.
在 IB 英语 B Paper 1 写作任务中，书信是最常出现的文体之一。无论是撰写一封正式投诉信、给老师的半正式信件，还是给朋友的非正式书信，你都需要清晰展现对格式、语域、写作目的和读者的理解。本指南将深入解析你必须在 IB 书信写作中掌握的核心考点，帮助你斩获高分。
1. Understanding the Three Letter Types | 理解三类书信
The IB syllabus requires you to recognise and produce three main types of letters: formal, semi-formal, and informal. Formal letters are addressed to an organisation or an unknown person for professional purposes. Semi-formal letters are written to someone you know in a professional context, such as a teacher or a work colleague. Informal letters are addressed to family or close friends, allowing a casual and expressive style.
IB 课程要求你识别并写出三类主要书信：正式信件、半正式信件和非正式信件。正式信件写给机构或陌生人，用于专业事务；半正式信件写给在专业环境中认识的人，如老师或同事；非正式信件则面向家人或好友，可采用随意且富有表现力的风格。
Matching the type of letter to the prompt is essential. If the task asks you to reply to a formal invitation, your response must follow formal conventions. A common exam pitfall is using an informal tone in a formal letter, which can significantly reduce your marks under the ‘register’ criterion.
将信件类型与题目要求匹配至关重要。如果任务要求你回复一封正式邀请函，你的回信必须遵循正式规范。常见考试误区是在正式信件中使用非正式语气，这会严重影响 “语域” 评分项。
2. Mastering Formal Letter Format | 掌握正式书信格式
A formal letter for the IB exam must include the sender’s address and the date in the top right corner, followed by the recipient’s name and address on the left. The salutation should be ‘Dear Sir/Madam’ if the name is unknown, or ‘Dear Mr/Ms [Surname]’ if known. The subject line, introduced by ‘Re:’, summarises the purpose. The closing is typically ‘Yours faithfully’ for ‘Dear Sir/Madam’ or ‘Yours sincerely’ for a named recipient, followed by a signature and the typed full name.
IB 考试中的正式信件必须在右上角写明寄信人地址和日期，左下方写明收信人姓名和地址。称呼语若不知姓名用 “Dear Sir/Madam”，若知姓名则用 “Dear Mr/Ms [姓氏]”。主题行以 “Re:” 引出，概括信件目的。结尾敬语若开头用 “Dear Sir/Madam” 则用 “Yours faithfully”，若是具名则用 “Yours sincerely”，然后签名并打印全名。
The layout demonstrates your command of conventions. Examiners look for correct positioning of addresses, proper punctuation, and logical paragraphing. Each paragraph begins with a capital letter and is separated by a blank line. Use clear, concise language and avoid contractions.
排版展示你对写作惯例的掌握。考官会关注地址位置是否正确、标点是否规范、段落划分是否合理。每段首字母大写，段落间空一行。使用清晰简洁的语言，避免缩略形式。
- Sender’s address (top right) | 寄信人地址（右上角）
- Date below sender’s address | 日期写在地址下方
- Recipient’s name and address (left) | 收信人姓名和地址（左侧）
- Salutation (Dear + title + surname) | 称呼语（Dear + 头衔 + 姓氏）
- Subject line (Re: …) | 主题行（Re: …）
- Body paragraphs with clear topic sentences | 主体段落，主题句清晰
- Complimentary close (‘Yours sincerely’ / ‘Yours faithfully’) | 结尾敬语
- Signature + typed full name | 签名 + 打印全名
3. Semi-Formal Letters: The Middle Ground | 半正式信件：中间地带
Semi-formal letters are common in IB tasks when you write to someone like a teacher, an employer you know, or a landlord. The format resembles a formal letter with addresses and date, but the salutation uses the person’s name (e.g., ‘Dear Mr Smith’). The tone is polite yet warmer: contractions are acceptable, and the language can be slightly more personal while still respectful. The closing can be ‘Yours sincerely’ or ‘Kind regards’.
半正式信件在 IB 任务中很常见，例如写给老师、认识的雇主或房东。格式与正式信件类似，包含地址和日期，但称呼用姓名（如 “Dear Mr Smith”）。语气礼貌但更亲切：可以使用缩略形式，语言在保持尊重的同时可以稍微个性化。结尾可用 “Yours sincerely” 或 “Kind regards”。
In the exam, you must judge the relationship carefully. If the prompt says you are writing to your school principal about a project, a semi-formal approach is ideal. Overly casual slang would be inappropriate, but neither should you sound like a cold business letter.
考试中你需要仔细判断关系。如果题目要求你给校长写关于一个项目的信件，半正式方式最为合适。过于随意的俚语不合适，但也不应像冰冷的商业信函那样刻板。
4. Informal Letters: Conversational and Expressive | 非正式信件：对话式与富有表现力
Informal letters to a friend or family member skip the sender’s address and the recipient’s address, though the date is often placed at the top right. The salutation uses first names (‘Dear Lucy’ or ‘Hi Moussa’). The body adopts a chatty tone with contractions, exclamation marks, idiomatic expressions, and even emojis if culturally appropriate. The closing is relaxed: ‘Love’, ‘Best wishes’, or ‘See you soon’, followed by the first name only.
给朋友或家人的非正式信件省略寄信人和收信人地址，但常将日期写在右上角。称呼用名不带姓（如 “Dear Lucy” 或 “Hi Moussa”）。正文采用聊天语气，使用缩略形式、感叹号、习语，甚至在合适文化背景下使用表情符号。结尾随意，如 “Love”、“Best wishes” 或 “See you soon”，后面只签名字。
Despite the informal register, your letter must still have a clear structure: an opening paragraph responding to previous correspondence, a body that develops topics naturally, and a concluding paragraph that wraps up the message warmly. Avoid jumping from topic to topic without logical flow.
尽管语域非正式，你的信件仍需有清晰结构：开头段回应之前的通信，主体段自然展开话题，结尾段温馨收尾。避免没有逻辑地从一个话题跳到另一个话题。
5. Purpose and Audience: The Heart of Your Content | 目的与读者：内容的核心
Every IB letter task has a clear communicative purpose: to persuade, to complain, to thank, to invite, to apply, or to share news. You must identify this purpose and let it guide every sentence. For example, a complaint letter needs a polite but firm tone, a clear description of the issue, and a proposal for resolution. A letter of thanks should express genuine gratitude with specific examples.
每道 IB 书信题都有明确的交际目的：劝说、投诉、感谢、邀请、申请或分享消息。你必须识别这一目的，并用它指导每一句话。例如，投诉信需要礼貌但坚定的语气、清晰描述问题并提出解决方案。感谢信则应通过具体事例表达真挚谢意。
Audience awareness shapes register and content. Writing to the editor of a newspaper requires a respectful yet persuasive style, while writing to a pen pal means you can include jokes and friendly questions. Always ask yourself: what does this reader expect, and how can I make my message clear and effective?
读者意识决定语域和内容。写给报纸编辑需要尊重而有说服力的风格，而写给笔友则可以加入玩笑和友好的提问。始终问自己：这位读者期望什么？我如何使信息清晰有效？
6. Paragraphing and Cohesion | 段落划分与衔接
Well-organised paragraphs are a key criterion in the IB writing assessment. Typically, a formal letter follows this pattern: introduction (stating purpose), body paragraph 1 (first main point), body paragraph 2 (second point), optional third paragraph, and conclusion (polite closing and call to action). Each paragraph begins with a clear topic sentence and uses cohesive devices like ‘furthermore’, ‘in addition’, ‘however’, or ‘consequently’.
段落组织是 IB 写作评估的关键标准之一。正式信件通常遵循这样的模式：引言（说明目的）、主体段 1（第一要点）、主体段 2（第二要点）、可选的第三段，以及结论（礼貌收尾并提出行动请求）。每段以清晰的主题句开头，使用诸如 “furthermore”、“in addition”、“however” 或 “consequently” 等衔接手段。
In informal letters, cohesion is achieved through natural linking phrases: ‘Anyway, what I really wanted to tell you…’, ‘By the way…’, ‘Speaking of…’. Avoid repetitive connectors; vary your language to make the writing feel spontaneous yet connected.
在非正式信件中，通过自然连接语实现衔接：“Anyway, what I really wanted to tell you…”、“By the way…”、“Speaking of…”。避免重复使用连接词；变换语言让写作显得自然而又连贯。
7. Language and Register: Getting the Tone Right | 语言与语域：拿捏语气
Register refers to the degree of formality in your language. The IB marks you on how consistently you maintain an appropriate register. In formal letters, avoid colloquialisms, phrasal verbs (use ‘investigate’ instead of ‘look into’), and contractions. Use modal verbs for politeness: ‘I would like to request…’, ‘Could you please provide…?’, ‘I should be grateful if you would…’.
语域指语言的正式程度。IB 评分看重你是否能始终如一地维持恰当的语域。正式信件中，避免口语化表达、短语动词（用 “investigate” 而非 “look into”）以及缩略形式。用情态动词体现礼貌：“I would like to request…”、“Could you please provide…?”、“I should be grateful if you would…”。
In informal letters, everyday vocabulary and sentence fragments are acceptable if they sound natural. ‘A lot of’ instead of ‘a great deal of’; ‘I’m gonna’ or ‘I was like…’ only if the character’s voice demands it. Most importantly, the tone should match the relationship you have with the reader.
非正式信件中，日常词汇和句子片段如果听起来自然，是可以接受的。用 “a lot of” 而不是 “a great deal of”；只有当角色口吻需要时才使用 “I’m gonna” 或 “I was like…”。最重要的是，语气要与你跟读者的关系匹配。
8. Common Openings and Closings | 常见开头与结尾
| Letter Type | 书信类型 | Opening Phrases | 开头语 | Closing Phrases | 结尾语 |
|---|---|---|
| Formal | 正式 | I am writing to express my concern about… / With reference to your letter dated… | I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience. / Yours faithfully, |
| Semi-formal | 半正式 | I hope you are well. / Thank you for your email regarding… | Looking forward to seeing you next week. / Kind regards, |
| Informal | 非正式 | How are you? / Sorry I haven’t written for ages… | Can’t wait to catch up! / Lots of love, |
Memorising a set of stock phrases for each type can save time in the exam, but you must adapt them to the specific context. Never force a phrase that does not quite fit; examiners value appropriateness over mechanical memorisation.
熟记各类信件的常用短语可以在考试中节省时间，但你必须根据具体情境进行调整。不要强行使用不太合适的短语；考官看重的是恰当性而非机械背诵。
9. Date, Addresses, and Salutation Nuances | 日期、地址与称呼的细微之处
The date format in British English (commonly used by IB) is day-month-year: 14 October 2025. Avoid writing 10/14/2025. If you include the sender’s address, write it as: 34 Main Street, London, SW1 2AB. The recipient’s address in a formal letter is left-aligned and identical in style to the sender’s address. In semi-formal letters, you may omit the recipient’s address if the recipient’s details are well known.
IB 常用的英式英语日期格式是日-月-年：14 October 2025。避免写成 10/14/2025。如果写寄信人地址，格式为：34 Main Street, London, SW1 2AB。正式信件中收信人地址左对齐，样式与寄信人地址一致。半正式信件若收信人信息已知，可省略收信人地址。
Salutation rules: ‘Dear Sir/Madam’ is the standard formal unknown-gender opener, but ‘To whom it may concern’ is less common in IB. After ‘Dear Sir/Madam’, the closing is ‘Yours faithfully’. After ‘Dear Mr/Ms Surname’, close with ‘Yours sincerely’. Note the capitalisation: ‘faithfully’ and ‘sincerely’ start with a lower case after ‘Yours’.
称呼规则：“Dear Sir/Madam” 是标准正式未知性别称呼，但 “To whom it may concern” 在 IB 中较少见。用 “Dear Sir/Madam” 后，结尾用 “Yours faithfully”。用 “Dear Mr/Ms Surname” 后，结尾用 “Yours sincerely”。注意大写：“faithfully” 和 “sincerely” 在 “Yours” 后首字母小写。
10. Common IB Letter Prompts and Responses | 常见 IB 书信题目与应对
IB past papers feature a range of letter prompts: writing to a hotel manager to complain about a poor experience, applying for a volunteer position, inviting a local celebrity to a school event, or writing to a relative about a life decision. For each, you need to imagine the reader’s expectations and craft your message accordingly. Spend the first 5 minutes planning: identify the text type, purpose, tone, and key content points.
IB 历年试卷中包含多种书信题目：向酒店经理投诉糟糕的住宿经历、申请志愿者职位、邀请当地名人参加学校活动、或就某项人生决定写给亲戚。每题都需要你想象读者期望，并据此构思信息。花五分钟做计划：识别文体、目的、语气和关键内容要点。
When complaining, follow the TACT approach: Tone (polite and firm), Action (state what went wrong), Consequence (explain the impact), and Target outcome (what you want). For invitations, provide clear details about what, when, where, and why, and end with a warm RSVP request.
写投诉信时遵循 TACT 方法：Tone 语气（礼貌而坚定），Action 行动（说明出错之处），Consequence 后果（解释影响），Target outcome 目标结果（你希望如何处理）。写邀请信时，清晰列明事件的内容、时间、地点和意义，结尾温馨地请求回复。
11. Avoiding Common Mistakes | 避免常见错误
Some errors repeatedly cost students marks. Mixing registers by using ‘gonna’ in a formal letter or overly complicated vocabulary in an informal one is a major trap. Another is forgetting to tailor the content to the prompt: a complaint letter that describes the issue but fails to request a solution is incomplete. Also, missing the closing line or signature can make the text type ambiguous.
一些错误会反复导致学生失分。在正式信件中使用 “gonna” 之类口语，或在非正式信件中使用过于复杂的词汇，是主要陷阱。其次是忘记根据题目调整内容：投诉信只描述问题而不要求解决方案，就不完整。此外，遗漏结尾敬语或签名会使文体模糊。
Proofread for grammatical accuracy, especially subject-verb agreement and tense consistency. In the IB, language marks are awarded for range and accuracy. Vary your sentence structures and use a blend of simple, compound, and complex sentences to showcase your grammatical control.
仔细校对语法准确性，特别留意主谓一致和时态一致性。IB 中语言分基于语言的多样性与准确性。变换句子结构，混合使用简单句、并列句和复合句来展示你的语法掌控力。
12. Top Tips for Exam Day | 考试日顶级技巧
- Read the prompt at least twice, underlining the text type, audience, and purpose. | 至少读两遍题目，画出文体、读者和目的。
- Decide on formal / semi-formal / informal immediately and adjust register. | 立即决定正式 / 半正式 / 非正式并调整语域。
- Draft a quick outline: addresses, salutation, 3-4 paragraph topics, closing. | 快速列提纲：地址、称呼、3-4 段话题、结尾。
- Use a black or blue pen; write legibly. | 使用黑色或蓝色水笔；书写工整。
- Leave 3-5 minutes at the end to check for SPAG (spelling, punctuation, and grammar). | 最后留 3-5 分钟检查 SPAG（拼写、标点和语法）。
- Stay calm and let your planning guide your writing. | 保持冷静，让计划引导写作。
On exam day, confidence comes from knowing the conventions thoroughly. A well-structured letter that meets the task requirements will earn high marks even if it contains minor language slips. Focus on clear communication and register consistency, and you are well on your way to a top grade.
考试当天，信心来自对惯例的透彻了解。一封结构良好且符合任务要求的信件，即使有小语言瑕疵也能赢得高分。专注于清晰沟通和语域一致性，你就已稳稳迈向顶级成绩。
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