IELTS General Writing Task 1 semi-formal Topics/Questions 2024
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This section presents a list of common IELTS General Writing Task 1 semi-formal topics. All these topics were added in 2024 by students who took the IELTS recently. Pick a random topic and start practicing and improving your writing skills.
semi-formal
One of your colleagues Recently got a new job at another Company. Write a letter to him and say you feel about him What you enjoy the most while working together Ask what is future plans are
semi-formal
Topic 2. Your neighbours have a dog that is noisy at night. You can't sleep. Write a letter to your neighbours.
In your letter
describe the problem with the dog
explain why it is important for you to sleep
outline what your neighbours could do about the situation.
semi-formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
You recently learnt that the best teacher you ever had will be retiring soon.
Write a letter to your former teacher. In your letter
Explain how you heard about his/her retirement
Describe what made him/her such a great teacher
Say how your teacher affected your life
semi-formal
You would like to participate in a work-related seminar in another country.
Write a letter to the person incharge of the seminar and ask for detailed information regardng the dates, program, accomodation and cost.
semi-formal
Because of your job, you have to move to a new city. Write a letter to someone you know who lives there. In your letter
ask them to help you find somewhere to live
tell them the kind of accommodation you want to find
tell them which area of the city you want to live in
You should write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear …………….
semi-formal
There Is a public event coming up in your town. Write a letter to your Mend who you think would be interested to take part in it. In your letter
Describe the event.
Say why you think he / she would be interested.
Suggest an arrangement to meet there with him / her.
semi-formal
Write a letter to your neighbour requesting that something be done about the dog. Include in your letter:
– Your reason for writing
– What you would like to happen
– A nice, respectful style
semi-formal
You rent an apartment and recently a new neighbor has moved in who lives above you. They are making a lot of noise and this is disturbing you.
Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter:
Explain what the problem is
Explain why it is disturbing you so much
Tell your landlord what you would like him/her to do about it
semi-formal
Your friend is involved in an import/export business. You have some ideas that might be helpful. Write to him/her and say
– Suggest a product and explain what is good about it.
– Tell him/her about the product in your country.
– Advise what he/she should do with this product.
semi-formal
You are planning a week-long vacation and you need someone to take care of your house while you are away. Write a letter to your neighbor and tell them that you are going away. In your letter, you should:
- ask them to take care of your house;
- explain why you will be away.
semi-formal
The air-conditioner in your flat broke three weeks aago anf it is the middle of summer. You asked the landlord to repair it and he promised to send someone but no-one has contacted you yet. Write a letter to the landlord complaining about the situation. In your letter: explain the problem, remind the landlord about his promise, say what you want him to do.
semi-formal
You have won a holiday to Hawaii with one extra ticket.
Write a letter to someone to invite them along with you. In the letter:
- Explain what has happened and that you would like them to come
- Give details of when the trip will take place
- Inform the person of the things they will need for the trip
semi-formal
You have just moved into a new home and are planning to hold a party. You are worried that the noise may disturb your neighbour.
Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter
introduce yourself
describe your plans for the party
invite your neighbour to come
semi-formal
Mrs Barrette, an English-speaking woman who lives in your town, has advertised for someone to help her in her home for a few hours a day next summer.
Write a letter to Mrs Barrett. In your letter
•Suggest how you could help her in her home
•say why you would like to do this work
• explain when you will and will not be available
Write at least 150 words
semi-formal
You play a team sport with some friends. Last week a member of the team had an accident and wasn’t able to play with you at the weekend. You decide to write to him in the hospital, telling him about the match
semi-formal
You would like to participate in a business seminar in another country. Write a letter to the person in charge of the seminar and ask for detailed information on the dates, the program, the accommodation and the cost.
semi-formal
You live in a small apartment building with a parking lot in back, and you often cannot find an empty parking space when you get home from work. Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter
• describe the situation
• explain why it bothers you
• suggest something the landlord could do to solve the problem
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear………..
semi-formal
You are due to move into a rented apartment next month but you will not be able to because you have some problems. Write a letter to the landlord.
In your letter
-Explain your situation
-Describe your problems
-Tell him when you think you can move in.
semi-formal
One of your friends has asked you to be a partner in his new start-up business. Write a letter to him and say
- What is your opinion on his new business idea
- What have you decided on this matter
- What are the reasons for your decision
semi-formal
You are experiencing financial problems and want to ask your landlord if you can pay your rent late. Write a letter to your landlord.
In your letter explain:
Why you cannot pay the rent
When you will pay the rent.
How you will ensure you can pay your rent in the future
Write at least 150 words
You do NOT need to write any addresses
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear……..,
semi-formal
Your friend was supposed to visit you soon, but due to some personal problems you can’t meet him / her on the specified date. Write a letter to him or her explaining the situation. In your letter, you have to:
– Apologise to your friend.
– Explain why it’s not possible to meet now.
– Suggest an alternative date for the meeting.
semi-formal
You are going to move out of your apartment in a English-speaking country. Your landlord is a very good person, who has assisted you a lot during your stay. Meanwhile, your friend would like to rent the flat after you. Write a letter to your landlord.
In your letter,
•Let your landlord know that you will be leaving
•Thank you landlord for his/her help
•Tel him/her about your friend
semi-formal
You would like to participate in a work-related seminar in another country. Write a letter to the person in charge of the seminar. In your letter:
Ask for detailed information regarding the program contents.
Cost of the program and any discounts for company-sponsored professionals.
Provision of accommodation during the program.
semi-formal
Write a letter to your neighbor (who is also your friend) about the damage that occurs to your car while he parks his car in the space allotted to you.
In the letter, you should:
Describe the damage
Say how you feel about this problem.
Suggest on actions he should take.
semi-formal
Your landlord is asking to increase the rent. Write a letter to him.
semi-formal
You need to take leave from work for over a month for personal reasons. Write a letter to your boss.In your letter :
- Explain the reason for your leave and length of the leave you need.
- Explain how you’ll keep up to date while you’re away.
- Suggest how your work could be covered while you’re away
semi-formal
You recently broke your leg and your colleagues from work sent you get-well cards and presents. Write a letter to them and:
- thank them for supporting you
- describe how you spend your time
- explain your recovery process
semi-formal
You recently went to concert and thought one of the singers was very good. You want to tell him how you feel.
Write a letter to the singer
Say how you feel about his performance
Give detail of your musical activities
Explain how you would like him to help you with your musical activities.
semi-formal
You have been working with your company for two years and are interested in a promotion. Write a letter to your direct boss. In your letter:
· Explain your varied achievements over the past two years
· Express your interest in growing with the company
· Ask for a meeting to discuss a potential promotion
semi-formal
You have seen an advertisement from a couple who lives in Australia, for someone to teach their two children your language for a year
Write a letter to the couple. In your letter
1)Explain why you think you would be suitable for the job
2)Say what else you could do for the family
3)Give your reasons for wanting the job
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses
Begin your letter as follows
Dear ………………….,
semi-formal
One of your colleagues was in charge of organizing an annual executive conference, and he/she has been successful in doing it. You want to congratulate your colleague on that.
Write a letter to this colleague. In your letter,
• congratulate your colleague for successfully organizing the event
• mention what you liked about it the most
• say how much you would like him/her to organize other events as well
semi-formal
Your next door neighbour owns a small dog that barks throughout the day and the night. Write a letter to your neighbour requesting that something be done about the dog. Include in your letter:
•Your reason for writing
• What you would like to happen
• A nice, respectful style.
semi-formal
Your neighbours have recently written to you to complain about the noise from your houselflat.
Write a letter to your neighbours. In your letter
explain the reasons for the noise
apologise
describe what action you will take
semi-formal
You have been living in an apartment for the last three years. A few problems have emerged in your apartment since the last repair.
Write a letter to your landlord.
In your letter,
give details of the last repair work
what the problems are now
how you would like the landlord to solve these problems
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear ......................,
semi-formal
You eat at your college cafeteria every lunchtime. However, you think it needs some improvements. Write a letter to the college magazine. In your letter:
explain what you like bout the cafeteria
say what is wrong
suggest how it could be improved
semi-formal
You are applying for a job and need a letter of reference from one of your teachers. Write a letter to your teacher. In your letter:
Give details of the job & position you are applying for
Explain why the reference is important
Suggest what information your teacher could put in the reference
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows: Dear .....................
semi-formal
Recently Booked A Part-time Course At A College, You Now Need To Cancel - GT Letter Band 9 Sample
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
You recently booked a part-time course at a college. You now need to cancel your booking. Write a letter to the college administrator. In your letter:
say which part-time course you booked
explain why you need to cancel your booking
ask about booking a different course
You should write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Sir or Madam..........,
semi-formal
You have planned to stduy in australia. You have sent a letter to a college, but you have not received a reply from the college. Write a letter to the college principle. In your letter
you should give details og the course that you wished to do
say why do you choose yo study study at the college
say why you need the reply soon.
semi-formal
You live in a rental flat.A few problems emerged since the last repair. Wrote a letter to your landlord. In your letter
--what are the problems
--give details of the last repair.
--how you would like the landlord to solve current problems
semi-formal
You are a student at a university in the UK. you have recently lost your University ID card. Write a letter to the local Police station. In your letter,
-Who are you?
-What happened
-Ask to record your details so that you can apply for a new ID card.
semi-formal
You have recently moved into a new flat. Unfortunately , you lost some money the other day and cannot afford to pay next month’s rent when it is due.
Write a letter to the landlord explaining the situation and that you will pay as soon as your parents send you the money. Also, mention that there are some problem with the flat.
semi-formal
During a recent plane journey, you sat next to a businessman who owns a chain of restaurants. You talked to him and he suggested that you should contact him about a possible job in one of his restaurants. Write a letter to this businessman. In your letter …
• Remind him when and where you met.
• Tell him what kind of job you are interested in.
• Say why you think you would be suitable for the job.
semi-formal
You need a recommendation letter from your former university teacher. Write a letter to your teacher: • Give him the reasons for asking for the recommendation letter. • Give him/her details about your personal and academic background that can be added to your letter. • Tell him/ her about your future plans
semi-formal
You are applying for a job and need a letter of reference.
Write a letter to a former teacher. In your letter
•give details of the job
• explain why it is important for you
• suggest what information your teacher could put in the reference
semi-formal
During a recent plane journey, you sat next to a businessman who owns a chain of restaurants. You talked to him and he suggested that you should contact him about a possible job in one of his restrauants. Write a letter to this businessman. In your letter, remind him when and where you met, tell him what kind of job you are interested in, say why you think you would be suitable for the job
semi-formal
Your landlord is asking to increase the rent. Write a letter to him.
In your letter, you should tell:
why you think the rent shouldn’t be increased
what you will do if it is increased.
semi-formal
Mrs. Barrett, an English-speaking woman who lives in your town, has advertised for someone to help her in her home for a few hours a day next summer.
write a letter to Mrs. barrette. In your letter:
suggest how you could help her in her home
Say why you would like to do this work
Explain when you will and will not be available
semi-formal
A college asked its graduates to give a speech to current students about their professional careers and future opportunities. You would like to participate. Write a
letter and say
What do you want to talk about?
Why do you think students will be interested in it?
Suggest a suitable date and time for your speech?
semi-formal
Your find that your study load is too heavy. Write a letter to your college teacher explaining why you need to withdraw from two courses. Ask if it is possible to obtain a refund.
decided to do all 08 subjects at once.
study load is too heavy
to withdraw from two courses
Possible refund.
semi-formal
Write a letter to your neighbour requesting that something be done about your dog.
Include in your letter:
- Your reason for writing
- What would you like to happen
semi-formal
Write a letter to your landlord to ask about repair work that was not completed successfully. Write
What the problem was
What the repairs did
What you expect
semi-formal
You recently booked a part-time course at a college. You now need to cancel your booking.
Write a letter to the college administrator. In your letter
•Say which part-time course you booked
• Explain why you need to cancel your booking
• Ask about booking a different course
Write at least 150 words.
You do not need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear sir or madam
semi-formal
Head teacher, Marti Dyers, believes that safe outdoor space is important for keeping students in good health, mentally and physically. They need somewhere they can exercise and be sociable he says. At the moment many schools have dangerous areas where students might trip or have an accident. Write a letter explaining your view.
semi-formal
Your landlord is asking to increase the rent. Write a letter to him.
In your letter, you should tell:
• why you think the rent shouldn't be increased
• what you will do if it is increased
semi-formal
Your neighbour keeps his animal in his garden and they create problem for you.you have problem with animal.write a letter to your neighbour.describe the problem.suggest the solution.ehat action willyou take if its unsolved.
semi-formal
You rent an apartment and recently a new tenant moved in above you. This tenant's behaviour is causing you a lot of problems. Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter:
Describe what the new tenant is doing
Explain why it is disturbing you so much Tell your landlord
what you would like him/her to do about it
semi-formal
You have rented an apartment recently, but you are facing some problems. Write a letter to the landlord:
•Describe the details of the problems
•How are these affecting your family
•Ask for possible solutions
semi-formal
After being involved in an accident, you were looked after by a person you did not know before. Write a special thank you letter to express your gratitude. In your letter:
introduce yourself and let him/her know why you are writing
express your appreciation
and offer him/ her to visit your home with his/her family
semi-formal
You have recently shifted in a rental apartment with your family. However, there are some problems with the apartment.
Write a letter to the landlord. In your letter.
Describe the problem
Demand the solution for the
problem
Inform him what you will do if the
problem is not solved.
semi-formal
You paid a refundable deposit when you rented an apartment. You left the apartment in good condition but the Landlord won't return your deposit. Write a letter to the landlord. In your letter
• explain why you are writing
• ask for the return of your deposit
• inform the landlord of possible legal action
semi-formal
You recently booked a part-time course at a college. You now need to cancel your booking.Write a letter to the college administrator. In your letter:
* say which part-time course you booked
* explain why you need to cancel your booking
* ask about booking a different course
semi-formal
You have invited to your friend’s wedding, which will take place in another country next month. Write a letter to the couple and say that you cannot attend.
Explain why you are unable to come. Invite them to visit you after the wedding. Describe some activities you can do together when they visit.
semi-formal
Write a letter to a colleague asking for assistance setting up equipment for an upcoming presentation of yours. Include
What the presentation is about
The equipment needed
Suggestions to set it up
semi-formal
Mrs Barret, an English-speaking woman who lives in your hometown, has advertised for someone to help her in her home for a few hours a day next summer.
Write a letter to Mrs Barret. In your letter
-Suggest how you could help her in her home
-Say why you would like to do this work
-Explain when you will and will not be available
semi-formal
You have seen an advertisement from a couple, who live in Austalia, for someone to teach their two children your language for a year.
Write a letter to the couple. In your letter
* explain why think you would be suitable for the job
* say what else you could do for the family
* give your reasons for wanting the job
semi-formal
You want to learn a language. There is a teacher near to where you live.write a letter to the teacher in the letter: say how you came to know about him/her, explain why you want to learn, ask whatbhelp the can offer
semi-formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
You paid a refundable deposit when you rented an apartment a year ago. You left the apartment last month in good condition but the landlord won't return your deposit.
Write a letter to the landlord. In your letter,
introduce yourself and say why you are writing
ask for the return of your deposit
inform the landlord of possible action if he/she does not agree to refund the amount
Write at least 150 words.
semi-formal
You are having a graduation party next Sunday evening. You have invited over 25 people to celebrate in your garden, which may continue late into the night.
Write a letter to the Chairman of the Housing Society. In your letter:
· Explain what will be happening
· Offer your apologies in advance
· Invite him to join the celebration
semi-formal
A neighbour has damaged your car while parking his/her car in the lane in front of your house. Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter:
Explain why you are writing
Describe the damage to your car and express your feeling about it.
Recommend what steps he/she should take to resolve the situation.
semi-formal
Your mentor recommended you to learn a new language and gave you contact details of a teacher. Following his advice, you need to write a letter to the teacher and say:
• What is your motivation to learn a new language
• How can the teacher help you
• When you will be ready to start
semi-formal
You are going to teach English to your friend's child. Write a letter to your past English teacher to ask if you can borrow some books from him/her. In this letter :
Say how well you know your friend.
Describe the qualifications and experience that your friend has.
Explain why your friend would be suitable for this job.
semi-formal
Apologizing to a friend
You borrowed an important textbook from a classmate last term. You now realize your classmate had returned home overseas and you still have the book. Write a letter to him / her. In your letter:
apologize for the mistake
find out how important the book is to him / her
say what you will do
Begin your letter as follows: Dear _____________
You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
semi-formal
You have bought a new home recently and you want to hire an interior decorator. Write a letter to the interior decorator seeking information about his services. In your letter • let him know how you came to know about his work/name • specify about your condominium {flat) • discuss your furnishing taste
semi-formal
Write a letter to your boss for a recent meeting you missed
1. Apologies for the missing
2. Explain what happened
3. Day what you will do to compensate
semi-formal
Write a letter to your landlord complaining about noise in the block of flats which he
owns.
You should include
-where you live
-explain the problem
-what he should do
semi-formal
You are going for a one-week vacation and your friend agreed to stay at your place while you are away. Write a letter to him/her.
In your letter, you should:
thank her/him and tell the dates of your holiday
explain how he/she enters the house
describe what you expect him/her to do.
semi-formal
Your childhood friend has established his own business. He needs a partner whom he can completely trust and asks you to become his partner.
Write a letter to him. In your letter:
• Give the details about your knowledge in this particular field and your opinion;
• Tell your decision and its reasons;
semi-formal
You were studying in an English speaking country and suddenly needed to go back to your home country, leaving your course incomplete. Write a letter to your teacher to
- thank him
-explain the reason you left without completing your course
-say during your course study what did you like most about this course.
semi-formal
You are a current student of Loren Brusque University, studying Business Administration. You want to apply for the post of Quality Assurance Manager you have recently seen on the university’s notice board.
Write a letter to Mr. Walker, and
Give your reason for writing
Tell about your education
Describe your work experience and explain why you would be suitable for the job.
semi-formal
Mrs Barrett, an English-speaking woman who lives in your town, has advertised for someone to help her in her home for a few hours a day next summer.
Write a letter to Mrs Barrett. In your letter
•Suggest how you could help her in her home
•Say why you would like to do this work
•Explain when you will and will not be available
Write at least 150 words.
You do not need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Mrs Barrett,
semi-formal
A young person will start work at your office next month to gain work experience. Write a letter to him/her.
In your letter
•inform him/her about the work that needs to be done at the office;
•explain what he/she is supposed to do on the first day;
•suggest what he/she should bring to work.
semi-formal
Your next-door neighbour likes to listen to music late at night. Because of the loud music, you often lose sleep.
Write a letter to the neighboor. In your letter
describe the situation
explain the problems it is causing you
offer at least one solution
semi-formal
You will move to a new city for work. You know some people who live there.
Write a letter to someone you know who lives there. In your letter
ask them for help in finding accommodation
tell them where you would like to live
tell them the type of place you are looking for
semi-formal
One of your friends has asked you to be a partner in his new start- up business.
Write a letter to him and say
- What is your opinion on his new business idea
- What have you decided on this matter
- What are the reasons for your decision
semi-formal
You currently live in a rental apartment, and the noise from your neighbors disturbs you. Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter •describe how this situation affects you; •explain what steps you have taken to address the problem; •ask the landlord to take action to resolve the issue.
semi-formal
You have a problem with a neighbour.
Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter
• describe the problem
• say how long it has been a problem
• explain what action you want the neighbour to take
semi-formal
You are a current student of Loren Brusque University, studying Business Administration. You want to apply for the post of Quality Assurance Manager you have recently seen on the university's notice board.
Write a letter to Mr. Walker, and
•Give your reason for writing
•Tell about your education
•Describe your work experience and explain why you would be suitable for the job.
semi-formal
You are a university student living in on-campus accommodation. You are having some
problems with the Internet connection in your room.
Write to the supervisor of your residence, in your letter:
● Introduce yourself
● Inform him/her of the situation
● Request that the problem
semi-formal
You have been living in a rental apartment for the past year.
Recently a new neighbour moved in and has been making a lot of
noise, which disturbs you.
Write a letter to the landlord. In your letter:
Explain the situation
Describe why it bothers you Suggest a solution
semi-formal
You play a team sport with some friends. Last week, a memver of the team had an accident and wasn't able to play with you at the weekend. You decide to write to him in hospital, telling him about the match. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter, tell him which team won describe the conditions on the day say how you felt about the match
semi-formal
WRITING TASK 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
You have a problem with a neighbour.
Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter
• describe the problem
• say how long it has been a problem
• explain what action you want the neighbour to take
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
semi-formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
Your neighbours have recently written to you to complain about the noise from your house/ flat.
Write a letter to your neighbours. In your letter
explain the reasons for the noise
apologise
describe what action you will take
You should write at least 150 words.
semi-formal
You are renting an apartment. Write a letter to your landlord regarding a noise problem from your neighbors. Include the following in your letter:
– What is the problem?
– What have you done about it?
– What would you like the landlord to do?
semi-formal
After being involved in an accident, you were rescued by a person you did not know before.
Write a special thank you letter to express your gratitude.
In your letter:
1) Introduce yourself and let him/her know why you're writing
2) Express your appreciation
3) Request to pay him/her to visit.
semi-formal
Write a letter to your neighbor in response to complaint received regarding noise coming out of your home
semi-formal
you have seen an advertisement from a couple who live in Australia, for someone to trach their children your language for a year write a letter to the couple. in your letter explain why you think you would be suitable for the job say what else you could do for the family give your reasons for writing the job
semi-formal
Mrs Barrett, an English-speaking woman who lives in your town, has advertised for someone to help her in her home for a few hours a day next summer.
Write a letter to Mrs Barrett. In your letter:
• suggest how you could help her in her home
• say why you would like to do this work
• explain when you will and will not be available
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear …………….,
semi-formal
During a recent plane journey, you sat next to a businessman who owns a chain of restaurants. You talked to him and he suggested that you should contact him about a possible job in one of his restaurants.
Write a letter to this businessman. In your letter
-Remind him when and where you met
-Tell him what kind of job you are interested in
-Say why you think you would be suitable for the job
semi-formal
You have been living in a rental apartment for the past year.
Recently a new neighbour moved in and has been making a lot of
noise, which disturbs you.
Write a letter to the landlord. In your letter:
*Explain the situation
*Describe why it bothers you
*Suggest a solution
semi-formal
You are unable to attend the farewell party for your manager at work.
Write a letter to him/her. In your letter:
say why you can’t come
tell them what you valued about working for him/her
give him/her your best wishes.
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