How to Use “Wish to” for Formal Requests in IELTS Writing?

In the IELTS exam, using formal language is crucial, especially in the Writing section. One effective way to express polite requests in a formal context is by using the phrase “wish to.” This structure is particularly useful in Task 1 of the General Training Writing test and in certain scenarios in the Academic Writing test. Let’s explore how to use “wish to” effectively to enhance your formal writing skills for IELTS.

Understanding “Wish to” in Formal Requests

The phrase “wish to” is a polite and formal way to express a desire or intention to do something. It’s often used in professional or official correspondence, making it an excellent choice for IELTS Writing tasks that require a formal tone.

Examples:

1. “I wish to inquire about the job opening in your company.”
2. “We wish to inform you of the recent changes in our policy.”
3. “The committee wishes to express its gratitude for your contributions.”

In these examples, “wish to” adds a level of formality and politeness that is appropriate for professional or official communication.

Formal Request Letter

Grammar and Usage in IELTS Context

Formula and Structure

The basic structure for using “wish to” in formal requests is:

[Subject] + wish(es) to + [verb in base form] + [rest of the sentence]

It’s important to note that “wish to” is followed by the base form of the verb, not the infinitive (with ‘to’).

Application in IELTS Writing Tasks

1. IELTS General Training Writing Task 1:
   In formal letters, “wish to” can be used to state the purpose of your letter politely.

   Example: “I wish to apply for the position of Marketing Manager as advertised in The Daily Herald.”

2. IELTS Academic Writing Task 1:
   While less common in Academic Task 1, it can be used in introductory statements.

   Example: “This report wishes to present the key findings from the survey on reading habits.”

3. IELTS Writing Task 2 (both General and Academic):
   “Wish to” can be used in more formal arguments or when discussing official policies.

   Example: “Many governments wish to implement stricter environmental regulations to combat climate change.”

Sample Passages and Analysis

General Training Task 1 – Formal Letter

Dear Sir/Madam,

I wish to inquire about the possibility of organizing a corporate event at your venue. Our company, TechInnovate Solutions, wishes to host a conference for approximately 200 attendees on the 15th of next month.

We would wish to book the main conference hall and two smaller meeting rooms for breakout sessions. Additionally, we wish to arrange catering services for lunch and refreshments throughout the day.

I would be grateful if you could provide information on available packages and any special arrangements you offer for corporate events.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response.

Yours faithfully,
Jane Smith
Event Coordinator, TechInnovate Solutions

Analysis:

• “Wish to inquire” sets a formal tone for the letter’s purpose.
• “Wishes to host” formally states the company’s intention.
• “Would wish to book” adds an extra layer of politeness to the request.
• “Wish to arrange” continues the formal tone for additional requests.
• The letter maintains formality throughout, appropriate for IELTS General Training Task 1.

Academic Writing Task 2 – Essay Extract

Many governments wish to implement stricter environmental regulations to combat climate change. While some argue that these measures may hinder economic growth, others believe they are essential for long-term sustainability.

Proponents of stricter regulations wish to emphasize the urgent need for action against global warming. They argue that without immediate intervention, the consequences could be catastrophic. On the other hand, critics wish to point out that overly stringent rules might lead to job losses and reduced industrial competitiveness.

Analysis:

• “Wish to implement” formally introduces the topic of government intentions.
• “Wish to emphasize” presents arguments in a formal, objective manner.
• “Wish to point out” introduces counterarguments with the same level of formality.
• The use of “wish to” maintains a consistent, academic tone throughout the essay.

Strategies for High Band Scores

To achieve higher band scores in IELTS Writing, consider the following strategies when using “wish to”:

1. Variety in Expression: While “wish to” is formal, vary your language to demonstrate a range of vocabulary.

   Band 6 example: “I wish to apply for the job.”
   Band 8 example: “I wish to express my keen interest in the position and would like to submit my application for your consideration.”

2. Complex Sentence Structures: Combine “wish to” with other advanced structures.

   Band 7 example: “The company wishes to expand its operations globally.”
   Band 9 example: “In light of recent market trends, the company wishes to embark on an ambitious expansion strategy, aiming to establish a significant presence in emerging markets.”

3. Contextual Appropriateness: Use “wish to” where it fits naturally and enhances formality.

   Less appropriate: “I wish to say that I like the job.” (Too formal for a simple statement)
   More appropriate: “I wish to convey my enthusiasm for the role and its alignment with my career aspirations.”

IELTS Writing Task

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Incorrect Verb Form:
   Incorrect: “I wish to to inform you.”
   Correct: “I wish to inform you.”

2. Overuse:
   Avoid: “I wish to say that I wish to apply for the job that I wish to get.”
   Better: “I wish to apply for the position, which I believe aligns perfectly with my skills and career goals.”

3. Inappropriate Context:
   Informal context: “I wish to grab a coffee.” (Too formal for casual situations)
   Formal context: “I wish to schedule a meeting to discuss the project details.”

4. Mixing Formal and Informal Language:
   Inconsistent: “I wish to tell you that the party was awesome!”
   Consistent: “I wish to inform you that the event was a resounding success.”

5. Neglecting Subject-Verb Agreement:
   Incorrect: “The team wish to express their gratitude.”
   Correct: “The team wishes to express its gratitude.”

Conclusion

Mastering the use of “wish to” in formal requests can significantly enhance your IELTS Writing performance, particularly in tasks requiring a formal tone. Remember to use it appropriately, vary your language, and maintain consistency in formality throughout your writing. Practice incorporating this structure into your essays and letters, always considering the context and overall tone of your piece. By doing so, you’ll be well-equipped to handle formal writing tasks in the IELTS exam and beyond.

For further practice, try using “wish to” in various formal contexts, such as writing a complaint letter, requesting information from a university, or expressing interest in a job opportunity. This will help you become more comfortable with the structure and use it naturally in your IELTS Writing tasks.