Master Letter Closings: 5 Essential Greetings for Your IELTS Task 12025-11-07

Master Letter Closings: 5 Essential Greetings for Your IELTS Task 1

Ever wondered if the seemingly simple act of signing off your IELTS Task 1 General Training letter could cost you precious points? It might appear to be a minor detail, just a few words at the end, yet the choice of your letter closing carries surprising weight in the eyes of an IELTS examiner. For many international test-takers, navigating the subtle nuances of English letter-writing conventions – particularly the final farewell – presents a unique and often underestimated challenge. The complexity isn't merely about politeness; it's about demonstrating a sophisticated command of register, tone, and appropriate lexical choices, all of which are critical components of your overall band score.

Indeed, countless IELTS candidates, hailing from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds where politeness norms can vary dramatically, often grapple with the precise distinctions between different closings. This frequently leads to unintentional missteps: a casual 'Cheers,' in a formal complaint, an overly stiff 'Yours faithfully,' to a close friend, or simply forgetting the crucial comma after the sign-off. Such errors aren't just stylistic; they directly impact your Task Achievement score by demonstrating a lack of appropriate tone and register, and they can significantly lower your Lexical Resource score due to inappropriate word choice or grammatical inaccuracy. The closing is your final impression, and a mismatched sign-off can undermine the strong arguments or clear requests made throughout the rest of your letter, creating an inconsistent and less persuasive piece of writing.

Recognizing this common pitfall, this article is meticulously designed to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to master letter closings once and for all. We'll demystify the complexities by guiding you through five essential letter closings for IELTS General Training Task 1. More than just memorizing phrases, you will learn the precise contexts in which to use 'Yours faithfully,' 'Yours sincerely,' 'Kind regards,' 'Regards,' and 'Best,' ensuring that every sign-off you choose perfectly aligns with your letter's purpose and recipient. By the end of this comprehensive guide, you'll be able to confidently navigate the varying degrees of formality, avoid common pitfalls, and ultimately, significantly boost your overall band score by making a powerful, appropriate final impression.

The final impression your IELTS letter leaves on the examiner can be as crucial as its opening. While often overlooked, the way you sign off your General Training Task 1 letter is not merely a formality; it's a direct reflection of your English proficiency across several key scoring criteria. Mastering your letter closings is a subtle yet powerful strategy to boost your overall band score.

1. Why Your Letter Closing Matters: IELTS Scoring Criteria Explained

Have you ever considered your letter's ending as a decisive signal of your English command? Your letter closing is the final touch, a crucial indicator that can either reinforce your understanding of English formality or expose a critical misunderstanding. In IELTS General Training Task 1, examiners meticulously assess your ability to communicate effectively, and your letter ending plays a significant role in this evaluation.

Task Achievement: Demonstrating Appropriate Tone and Register

One of Task 1's primary demands is to address the task effectively, including adopting an appropriate tone and register. Your letter closing directly indicates whether you've succeeded. Imagine writing a formal complaint to a company; your closing must reflect that formal, somewhat distant relationship. An overly casual sign-off suggests you haven't grasped the professionalism required. Conversely, a stiffly formal closing to a close friend would seem unnatural, indicating a lack of flexibility. A mismatch signals that you haven't fully understood the prompt's requirements regarding audience and purpose, directly impacting your Task Achievement score. The closing is your last chance to confirm you know who you're writing to and why.

Coherence and Cohesion: Ensuring Consistency in Formality

A well-written letter flows logically and consistently. This consistency, known as Coherence and Cohesion, applies not just to your ideas but also to your tone. The letter's opening sets the formal expectation, and the closing must reinforce it. Think of your letter as a conversation: you wouldn't begin a professional meeting with a handshake and end it with a casual pat on the back. A sudden shift to an informal closing breaks the cohesive chain, creating a jarring inconsistency that disrupts the overall unity and professionalism, making your writing seem less organised and sophisticated. Examiners look for a seamless transition, where every part of your letter, including the closing, contributes to a unified, well-structured piece of communication.

Lexical Resource: Using Accurate and Suitable Vocabulary

While letter closings are fixed expressions, their correct application demonstrates your Lexical Resource (vocabulary) accuracy and range. Choosing the appropriate phrase for the context, using correct spelling, and, crucially, applying the correct punctuation (a comma after the closing) are all part of this score. Using an invented or non-standard closing, misspelling one (e.g., "Sincerly"), or omitting the essential comma reveals a weakness. Similarly, opting for a grammatically correct but inappropriate closing (e.g., "Love, [Name]" in a formal letter) shows a lack of sensitivity to lexical nuances. Mastery of these specific phrases demonstrates awareness of common English lexical patterns and accurate use of conventional expressions. As Dr. Evelyn Reed, a prominent linguist from the University of London, once remarked, "In formal communication, the smallest lexical choice can speak volumes about one's grasp of convention, often more than complex grammatical structures."

Let's illustrate these points with examples:

Bad Example: Informal Closing in a Formal Complaint Letter

Prompt: Write a formal complaint to your landlord, Mr. Thompson, about persistent noise.

• "Dear Mr. Thompson, I am writing to express my profound dissatisfaction regarding the persistent noise from the apartment above mine..." ...I look forward to your prompt action to resolve this matter. Cheers, [Your First Name]"*

Why this is bad and its score impact: The formal opening, "Dear Mr. Thompson," establishes a professional tone. Signing off with "Cheers," is extremely informal, used among close friends. This stark mismatch signals a severe lack of understanding of formal English register. It directly impacts Task Achievement (failure to maintain tone), Coherence and Cohesion (inconsistency), and Lexical Resource (inappropriate vocabulary). The examiner would likely penalise this inconsistency, potentially lowering your band score.

Good Example: Correctly Matched Opening and Closing for a Semi-Formal Request

Prompt: Write to a university department to request information about an application. You know the name of the Head of Admissions, Ms. Davies.

• "Dear Ms. Davies, I am writing to inquire about the specific requirements for the Master of Arts in Linguistics programme, particularly regarding the portfolio submission guidelines..." ...Thank you for your time and assistance with this matter. I look forward to your response. Kind regards, [Your Full Name]"*

Why this is good: This demonstrates excellent control of semi-formal register. "Dear Ms. Davies" is respectful. "Kind regards," is a polite and professional semi-formal closing, perfectly suitable for an inquiry. This consistency enhances Coherence and Cohesion. The accurate lexical choice boosts your Lexical Resource score. Crucially, it shows you've effectively addressed the Task Achievement by maintaining an appropriate tone.

Practical Tips:

• Always match your closing to your opening and the letter's purpose. Before writing, quickly identify the required formality (formal, semi-formal, informal). If you use "Dear Sir/Madam," mentally commit to "Yours faithfully,"; if "Dear Mr. Johnson," consider "Yours sincerely," or "Kind regards,". If "Dear Sarah," it must be "Best,". This pre-planning prevents critical mismatches.
• View the closing as the final impression of your written communication skills. A strong, accurate closing reinforces all the good work you've done in the body of the letter.

Global Considerations:

• Politeness conventions differ across cultures, but IELTS requires adherence to specific English letter-writing norms. While elaborate closings might be common in some cultures, the IELTS exam assesses your ability to use standard, natural English.
• Direct translation of polite endings from native languages often leads to errors. Phrases that sound polite in your first language might be awkward in English. Focus on memorising and correctly applying the standard English closings.

2. The Formal Duo: 'Yours faithfully,' and 'Yours sincerely,'

Navigating the nuances of formal English can be one of the trickiest aspects of IELTS General Training Task 1, especially concerning letter closings. The distinction between 'Yours faithfully,' and 'Yours sincerely,' is a cornerstone of formal British English correspondence – the standard for IELTS. Mastering this pair not only demonstrates your grasp of English conventions but also signals respect for the recipient, crucial for a high band score.

These two closings are the powerhouses of formal communication, designed for situations demanding professionalism, respect, and a certain distance. The key to choosing between them lies in a single, vital piece of information: whether you know the recipient's name.

'Yours faithfully,': The Gold Standard for the Unknown

When writing a formal letter and you do not know the recipient's name, 'Yours faithfully,' is the undisputed gold standard. This applies when your opening salutation is general, such as 'Dear Sir/Madam,' 'Dear Sir,' 'Dear Madam,' or 'To Whom It May Concern.' It signifies addressing an office, a role, or an institution, not a specific individual.

Using 'Yours faithfully,' in this context shows a profound understanding of formal English register. It tells the examiner you grasp the impersonal nature of the communication, impacting your Task Achievement and Lexical Resource scores positively.

'Yours sincerely,': The Essential Closing for the Known

Conversely, when writing a formal letter and you DO know the recipient's name, 'Yours sincerely,' is the correct closing. This typically follows openings like 'Dear Mr. Smith,' 'Dear Ms. Johnson,' 'Dear Dr. Lee,' or 'Dear Professor Davies.' The slight personal touch of knowing their surname warrants a closing that acknowledges this minimal familiarity while maintaining professionalism.

Choosing 'Yours sincerely,' when the recipient's name is known demonstrates subtle mastery. It reflects an awareness that while formal, a specific individual is addressed. This consistency reinforces your letter's Coherence and Cohesion.

The Crucial Punctuation and Signature Rule

Regardless of your choice, two non-negotiable rules apply:

1. Always follow the closing phrase with a comma. Forgetting this is a punctuation error affecting your Grammatical Range and Accuracy and Lexical Resource.
2. Follow the comma with your full name. In IELTS, unless instructed otherwise, always provide your full name. For example, 'Yours faithfully, John Doe'.

IELTS Formal Examples: Putting Knowledge into Practice

Formal Complaint (Recipient Unknown):

• Prompt: Report a minor accident to the local council. You don't know who to address.
• Opening: "Dear Sir/Madam,"
• Closing: "...Yours faithfully, [Your Full Name]"

Why effective: 'Dear Sir/Madam' correctly aligns with 'Yours faithfully,' for an unknown recipient, maintaining an impeccable formal tone, demonstrating strong Task Achievement.

Formal Application (Recipient Known):

• Prompt: Apply for a scholarship, addressing 'Ms. Eleanor Johnson, Scholarship Coordinator.'
• Opening: "Dear Ms. Johnson,"
• Closing: "...Yours sincerely, [Your Full Name]"

Why effective: 'Dear Ms. Johnson' correctly matches 'Yours sincerely,' for a known recipient, showcasing your ability to adapt English for specific formal contexts, a key element of Lexical Resource and Task Achievement.

Practical Tips for Mastery

• Scrutinise the Prompt: Check if a recipient's name is provided. If specific (Mr. Smith), use 'Yours sincerely,'. If general (Sir/Madam), use 'Yours faithfully,'.
• Practice Pairing: Actively pair formal openings with their correct closings.
• Internal Checklist:
  1. Name known? (Yes/No)
  2. If No: Open 'Dear Sir/Madam,' -> Close 'Yours faithfully,'
  3. If Yes: Open 'Dear Mr./Ms. [Surname],' -> Close 'Yours sincerely,'
  4. Add a comma after the closing.
  5. Include your full name.

Global Considerations: Bridging Cultural Gaps

• The 'Known vs. Unknown Name' Rule: This distinct feature of British English may not exist in all languages. Internalise this specific English convention.
• Avoid 'Yours truly': While technically a formal closing, it's less common in modern British English and can sound archaic. Stick to 'Yours faithfully,' and 'Yours sincerely,'.

3. The Versatile Semi-Formal: 'Kind regards,' and 'Regards,'

After navigating the strict protocols of formal closings, many IELTS test-takers find themselves in a 'middle ground' – situations requiring professionalism but allowing for a touch more warmth. This is where the versatile semi-formal closings, 'Kind regards,' and 'Regards,', come into play. These phrases are ideal for scenarios that are professional but not as rigid as a formal complaint or an application to an unknown entity. Mastering them demonstrates a nuanced understanding of English register, allowing you to tailor your tone with precision.

'Kind regards,': The Polite and Warmer Semi-Formal

'Kind regards,' serves as an excellent choice when you wish to convey politeness with a slightly warmer, more personable touch than a purely formal closing. It's suitable for professional communications where you've corresponded before or for initial inquiries aiming for a respectful yet approachable tone, like a friendly but professional handshake.

• When to use it: When addressing a known contact with an established professional relationship (e.g., a university lecturer) or for general professional inquiries.
• IELTS Context: Often pairs well with 'Dear Mr. Thompson,' where you know the surname, and the purpose isn't strictly formal.
• Scoring Impact: Appropriately using 'Kind regards,' showcases your ability to adapt register (Task Achievement) and make nuanced lexical choices (Lexical Resource).

IELTS Semi-Formal Request Template (Known contact):

• Prompt: Write to your former university tutor, Mr. Thompson, for a letter of recommendation.
• Opening: "Dear Mr. Thompson,"
• Closing: "...Kind regards, [Your Full Name]"

Why effective: 'Dear Mr. Thompson' establishes a respectful, semi-formal relationship. 'Kind regards,' perfectly matches this tone, conveying warmth without being overly casual, demonstrating strong Task Achievement.

'Regards,': The Concise Semi-Formal

'Regards,' offers a more concise semi-formal alternative. It's polite and professional but slightly less warm or personal than 'Kind regards,'. It's great when you want to maintain professional distance while still being polite, especially in slightly less personal situations.

• When to use it: For general inquiries to departments/teams (e.g., 'Dear Admissions Team,') or follow-up correspondence.
• IELTS Context: Ideal when the prompt implies a professional but slightly impersonal interaction.
• Scoring Impact: Choosing 'Regards,' appropriately demonstrates your ability to fine-tune your register, positively affecting Task Achievement and Lexical Resource.

IELTS Letter of Inquiry to a department:

• Prompt: Write to the university's Admissions Team to inquire about application deadlines.
• Opening: "Dear Admissions Team,"
• Closing: "...Regards, [Your Full Name]"

Why effective: 'Dear Admissions Team' is semi-formal, addressing a group. 'Regards,' provides a professional, polite, and concise closing that perfectly matches this slightly less personal tone, showing excellent Task Achievement.

The Signature Rule for Semi-Formal Closings

Both 'Kind regards,' and 'Regards,' are always followed by a comma, then your full name (e.g., 'Kind regards, John Doe') to maintain a professional demeanour in most IELTS semi-formal contexts.

Practical Tips for Choosing and Using Semi-Formal Closings

• Context is King: Use 'Kind regards,' or 'Regards,' when your opening is 'Dear Mr./Ms. [Surname]' or 'Dear [Department Name]' but the situation is less rigid than a formal complaint.
• Consider the Warmth Factor: For a slightly warmer, more appreciative tone, use 'Kind regards,'. For a more direct, neutral interaction, 'Regards,' suffices.
• Ensure Consistency: Your letter's overall tone, from opening to closing, should feel consistent.
• Proofread for the Comma: Always check for the comma after your closing phrase.

Global Considerations: Widespread Acceptance and Nuance

• Universally Accepted and Safe: 'Kind regards,' and 'Regards,' are widely accepted across English-speaking contexts, making them reliable choices that avoid cultural pitfalls.
• Avoiding Over-familiarity: These semi-formal options strike a perfect balance, preventing you from appearing either too casual or too stiff.

4. The Casual Companion: 'Best,' (and other informal options)

After navigating the structured world of formal and semi-formal letter closings, we now turn to the less rigid, more relaxed realm of informal communication. In IELTS General Training Task 1, you might write to a friend, a close acquaintance, or a neighbour – situations calling for a distinctly casual tone. Your letter closing needs to reflect familiarity and personal connection, demonstrating your ability to adapt your English to genuinely informal contexts. While several informal options exist, for IELTS, 'Best,' stands out as the most common, safest, and universally understood.

'Best,': The Go-To for Friends and Acquaintances

When the IELTS prompt asks you to write to someone you know well, such as a friend, a family member (usually not an intimate partner), or a neighbour, 'Best,' is the most common and widely accepted informal closing. It strikes a perfect balance: friendly and personal without being overly intimate or casual to the point of seeming unprofessional in an exam context. It communicates warmth and goodwill.

• When to use it: For friends, close acquaintances, or family members.
• The Signature Rule: 'Best,' is always followed by a comma, and then your first name only. This reinforces the informal tone.
  • Example: Best, [Your First Name]
• Scoring Impact: Using 'Best,' appropriately is a clear win for Task Achievement, demonstrating an excellent grasp of informal tone. It significantly boosts your Coherence and Cohesion and showcases accurate Lexical Resource.

Other Informal Options: Use with Extreme Caution

While 'Best,' is the safest bet, other informal closings exist but carry significant risks for IELTS:

• 'Cheers,' (Very Casual, Often British English): Its extreme casualness can feel abrupt or inappropriate in a written context for someone you're not extremely close with. It's too slangy for the controlled environment of an IELTS letter.
• 'Love,' (For Very Close Family/Partners): This is highly intimate, reserved for very close family or romantic partners. Using 'Love,' in IELTS, unless the prompt explicitly indicates an extremely intimate relationship (rare), would be a significant misjudgment of tone, severely jeopardising your Task Achievement score.

General IELTS Guidance: 'Best,' is consistently the most appropriate informal choice because it's universally understood as friendly yet polite, without dipping into levels of intimacy or colloquialism that could be misinterpreted.

IELTS Informal Examples:

Informal Invitation Template:

• Prompt: Write to your friend, Sarah, inviting her to your birthday party.
• Opening: "Dear Sarah,"
• Closing: "...Best, [Your First Name]"

Why effective: The opening "Dear Sarah," establishes an informal connection. Concluding with "Best," perfectly matches this informal register, demonstrating excellent command of appropriate tone for a friend, leading to a strong score in Task Achievement.

Letter to a Neighbour Template:

• Prompt: Write to your neighbour, David, about borrowing his lawnmower.
• Opening: "Hi David,"
• Closing: "...Best, [Your First Name]"

Why effective: The opening "Hi David," is informal and friendly for a neighbour. "Best," serves as an ideal closing, maintaining the friendly, neighbourly tone, crucial for Coherence and Cohesion.

Practical Tips:

• Crucially, only use informal closings if your opening is also informal.
• When in doubt, 'Best,' is generally the safest informal option for IELTS.
• Identify the relationship: If it's a friend, neighbour, or casual acquaintance, 'Best,' is likely your answer.

Global Considerations:

• 'Love' can be culturally specific; use with extreme caution. In English, 'Love,' as a closing is strictly reserved for those closest to you.
• IELTS context usually leans towards 'Best' as a sufficiently informal yet appropriate option. The exam rarely asks for truly intimate correspondence. 'Best,' is clearly informal, friendly, and appropriate for most casual scenarios in IELTS Task 1.

5. Common Mistakes & How to Perfect Your IELTS Closings

Even after meticulously crafting the body of your IELTS General Training Task 1 letter, a single oversight in your closing can undermine your efforts. This section pinpoints common pitfalls international learners encounter when signing off and provides concrete strategies to perfect your letter closings. Mastering these nuances ensures your letter leaves a lasting positive impression, significantly boosting your Task Achievement, Coherence and Cohesion, and Lexical Resource scores.

5.1 Mistake 1: Mismatching Formality – The Tone Killer

This is the most critical mistake, directly impacting Task Achievement and Coherence and Cohesion. A mismatch occurs when your closing formality doesn't align with your opening salutation or the letter's overall tone.

Mistake Example:

• Formal letter to landlord: "Dear Mr. Smith,"
• Concluding with: "...Best, [Your First Name]"

Why it's a mistake: "Dear Mr. Smith" is formal. "Best," is informal, creating a jarring inconsistency. This suggests a lack of register awareness, penalising Task Achievement and breaking Coherence and Cohesion.

Correction:

• "...Yours sincerely, [Your Full Name]" Why perfect: Maintains consistent formal tone.

5.2 Mistake 2: Punctuation Errors – The Missing Comma

Forgetting the essential comma after your closing phrase is a definite punctuation error, affecting Grammatical Range and Accuracy and Lexical Resource.

Mistake Example:

• "Yours faithfully [Your Full Name]"

Why it's a mistake: Standard convention requires a comma.

Correction:

• "...Yours faithfully, [Your Full Name]" Why perfect: Adheres to punctuation rules.

5.3 Mistake 3: Missing Your Name – The Incomplete Sign-off

Omitting your name or using the wrong format (e.g., only a first name in a formal letter) leaves your letter incomplete, conveying carelessness. This impacts Task Achievement and Lexical Resource.

Mistake Example (Formal): "Yours sincerely," (No name provided) Correction (Formal): "...Yours sincerely, [Your Full Name]"

Mistake Example (Informal): "Best," (No name provided) Correction (Informal): "...Best, [Your First Name]"

Why perfect: Completes communication, adheres to protocols.

5.4 Mistake 4: Overly Casual/Stiff – The Contextual Misstep

Choosing a closing that doesn't quite fit the specific relationship or purpose makes your letter sound unnatural, impacting Task Achievement and Lexical Resource.

Mistake Example:

• Letter to neighbour: "Dear Jane,"
• Concluding with: "...Yours sincerely, [Your Full Name]"

Why it's a mistake: "Yours sincerely," is too formal for a neighbour, making the interaction stiff.

Correction:

• "...Best, [Your First Name]" Why perfect: "Best," matches the informal opening and friendly purpose, creating a natural tone.

5.5 IELTS Task 1 Letter Example: A Perfect Opening-to-Closing Match

IELTS Task 1 Prompt: You are an international student staying with a host family for three months. Due to academic demands, you need to move into university accommodation. Write to your host family, thanking them, explaining why you need to move, and suggesting a way to stay in touch.

Model Letter (Semi-Formal/Warm-Formal):

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Davies,

I hope this letter finds you both well. I am writing to you today with a mix of emotions, primarily to express my sincere gratitude for your incredible hospitality over the past three months. Staying with you has truly made my transition to [Country Name] so much easier and more enjoyable than I could have imagined. I will always cherish the wonderful dinners, conversations, and the warmth of your home.

As you know, my academic commitments at the university are becoming increasingly demanding. With several large projects and upcoming exams, I find that I need to be closer to the campus library and study facilities, which are open late. Therefore, I have made the difficult decision to move into university accommodation, starting from [Date – e.g., two weeks from now]. This will allow me to fully focus on my studies and manage my time more effectively, without imposing on your routine.

Please know that this decision is purely for academic reasons and has nothing to do with your wonderful care. I would genuinely love to stay in touch and perhaps visit for dinner once a week or on weekends, if that would be agreeable to you. I would also be happy to help with any chores or errands when I visit. I will call you next week to discuss the moving arrangements and to suggest a time for a visit.

Thank you once again for everything. You have truly been a second family to me.

Kind regards, [Your Full Name]

Why this is a perfect match:

• Opening: "Dear Mr. and Mrs. Davies," A respectful, semi-formal greeting to a known couple.
• Closing: "Kind regards, [Your Full Name]" This semi-formal closing perfectly matches the opening. "Kind regards," conveys warmth and politeness, suitable for a host family. Using the Full Name and the comma are also correct. This consistency earns high marks in Task Achievement, Coherence and Cohesion, and Lexical Resource.

5.6 Practical Tips for Perfection

1. Pre-write Tone Check: Identify the letter's purpose and recipient from the prompt to set the correct tone (formal, semi-formal, informal).
2. Opening-Closing Proofread: Read your opening and closing together for consistency. Does it flow naturally?
3. Personal Checklist:
   • 1. Opening matches closing?
   • 2. Comma present? (Always after the closing phrase).
   • 3. Name included? (Full name for formal/semi-formal, first name for informal).

5.7 Global Considerations: Adhering to English Conventions

• Standard English is Paramount: IELTS tests English proficiency; adhere to standard English conventions, even if they differ from native language norms.
• Memorize Formal Pairings:
  • 'Dear Sir/Madam' + 'Yours faithfully,'
  • 'Dear Mr./Ms. [Surname]' + 'Yours sincerely,' This acts as a safety net under exam pressure.
• Understand Nuance for Semi-Formal/Informal: Practice recognising the subtle differences in relationship and purpose.
• Avoid Over-Familiarity or Archaic Phrases: Be wary of closings that are too intimate ('Love,') or sound dated ('Yours truly,'). Stick to established, modern British English conventions.

Conclusion

The art of mastering your IELTS General Training Task 1 letter closings is not just about memorizing phrases; it’s about demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of English communication. As we’ve explored, the way you sign off directly influences your scores in Task Achievement, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. From the precise formality of 'Yours faithfully,' and 'Yours sincerely,' to the polite nuance of 'Kind regards,' and the friendly simplicity of 'Best,' each closing serves a specific purpose, designed to perfectly match your opening salutation and the overall tone of your letter. This consistency is your final, powerful statement to the examiner that you possess a keen awareness of English register and convention.

For international learners, this means consciously setting aside native language norms and embracing the specific protocols of British English letter writing. The distinction between 'Yours faithfully,' (for unknown recipients) and 'Yours sincerely,' (for known recipients) is fundamental, as is the unwavering rule of including a comma after your chosen closing and then your name – full name for formal/semi-formal, first name for informal. These aren't arbitrary rules; they are the bedrock of professional and polite English correspondence, and your accurate application of them under exam pressure will undoubtedly boost your confidence and your band score. Every perfect closing is a testament to your meticulous attention to detail and your evolving mastery of the English language.

Now, transform this knowledge into action. Revisit the IELTS Task 1 prompts you’ve worked on, or find new ones, and consciously identify the appropriate opening and closing pairings. Practice writing complete letters, paying extra attention to how the formality flows seamlessly from start to finish. Utilize the examples provided as templates for different scenarios and integrate the 'pre-write tone check' and 'opening-closing proofread' into your routine. Consistent application of these strategies will not only eliminate common errors but also build your fluency and accuracy, empowering you to conclude every IELTS letter with impact and precision. Your journey to a higher band score is within reach – seize it with every perfectly crafted sign-off.