IELTS General Writing Task 1 informal Topics/Questions 2026

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This section presents a list of common IELTS General Writing Task 1 informal topics. All these topics were added in 2026 by students who took the IELTS recently. Pick a random topic and start practicing and improving your writing skills.

informal
A year ago, you lent your favorite book to a friend who you thought would enjoy it. Unfortunately, your friend has forgotten to return it. The book has sentimental value to you as it had been presented by your grandmother. Write a letter to your friend. In the letter: ask how he or she is doing remind him / her about the book explain why you need it back

informal
You are about to go on a vacation for a month. A friend from another town will come and stay in your apartment. Write a letter to this friend. In your letter •​Explain where your friend can get the key to the apartment •​Give your friend some instructions about using your apartment •​Recommend some places to go

informal
You recently visited a tourist attraction in another city. Write a letter to a friend describing your experience. In your letter: Describe the tourist attraction you visited. Explain why you chose to visit it. Share your impressions and experiences. Invite your friend to visit the attraction with you in the future.

informal
You have not seen a close friend for a very long time. You also still have a few of your friend’s belongings that were left at your house the last time she visited. In your letter include: - Why you are writing - What you’ve been doing since you last spoke together - Apologize for still having the items and ask how you can return them Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

informal
Your friend has been offered a place on a course at the university where you studied. They would like your adivce about finding a place to live. Write an letter to your friend. In your letter: describe where you lived recommend the best way to look for accommodation warn them of mistakes students make

informal
A friend from another coutry moving to your city for work. he asked you to advise about living in your city. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter 1. suggest an interesting part of the city to live in. 2. describe the public transport in your city. 3. say how your friend can meet new people there.

informal
You recently went on holiday and your friend lent you a travel guidebook. Write a letter to friend. In your letter: - tell your friend about the holiday - Vancouver island , parliament house - explain how the guidebook was helpful - give detail instructions,coupouns , discount codes , directions. - say when and how you will return the guidebook - Next visit to friend house.

informal
You have invited a friend to visit you next month. Unfortunately, you are not able to meet him/her. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter, – Apologize for the change of plans – Explain why you are unable to meet him/her – Suggest another time for him/her to visit.

informal
A friend has told you that he or she feels lonely in their new city away from their family. Write to your friend, and •Explain why people can feel this way •Give some ideas on how to solve the problem • Ask your friend to contact you and tell you if this works A friend has told you that he or she feels lonely in their new city away from their family. Write to your friend, and • Explain why people can feel this way • Give some ideas on how to solve the problem • Ask your friend to contact you and tell you if this works

informal
You have learned that a foreign friend plans to live and work in your country for 6 months. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter Tell him/ her how you learned of his/her plan. Suggest a place for him/her to live. Describe how she/he can find a job

informal
A friend has agreed to stay in your flat (apartment) and look after it while you are away. You want to give your friend some information about the flat. Write a letter to this freind. In your letter: · Give information about the flat · Provide any important instructions · Say what he/she should do if there are any problems

informal
you want somthing that you cant buy in your own country.you decide to ask an english friend to help you. write a letter to the friend.in your letter say what you want, explain why you want it, suggest how the friend could help.

informal
You are selling your TV and you think your friend might be interested in buying it. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter, you must write: 1.Why are you selling the TV 2.The specifications and price that you are quoting 3.Invite him/her over to your place so they can decide to buy the TV from you.

informal
You have recently moved to a different house, and you want to give the news to an English-speaking friend who lives in another country. Write a letter to this English-speaking friend. In your letter, explain why you have moved describe the new house invite your friend to come and vis

informal
You are having a party and want to invite your friend from a different city. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: Describe why you are having the party Give directions on how to get to the venue Suggest how you can accommodate him/her You do NOT need to write any addresses.

informal
You are interested in enrolling in a cooking class at a local college and would like a friend to come with you. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter • say where and when the class will be held • give reasons why you think your friend might be interested • suggest a time and place to meet to discuss the idea Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear…

informal
Write a letter to your friend who is visiting a city that you know well. -Recommend places worth visiting. -Where to eat. -How to get around the city.

informal
Write to your friend, In your letter Explain the situation Offer to make alternative arrangements.

informal
You are planning to organise your high school class reunion. For that, write a letter to your friend to invite him/her to the reunion. You should include the following in your letter: • when and where the party is • give some details about what is going to happen at the party • tell him/her what you have been doing recently

informal
You are preparing an outdoors event. Write a letter to your friend to ask for help with the arrangements. In your letter include: what the event is why the event will happen how your friend can help you

informal
A friend has agreed to look after your six year old son, house and pet while you are working abroad for two weeks. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter • give instructions about your son with his everyday school routine • give instructions about how to care for your pet • give instructions about other household duties Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear .....................,

informal
You stayed at your friend’s house when you attended a conference in Australia. Unfortunately, you left a large envelope with some important documents in your room. Write a letter to your friend. In the letter: -Thank your friend for the stay. - Describe where you left the envelope. - Ask him/her to return it to you by post.

informal
You are going to visit New Zealand for an ‘English and Homestay’ program.You have just received details of your homestay host family. Write your first letter to the family.In your letter •introduce yourself •ask the family some questions to get information that is important to you •tell the family about your arrival date and time

informal
Write a letter to your friend from a different country. Invite him/her to a party at your home and include the following: what the party is about give directions on how to get to your place suggest how to accommodate him/her Start with Dear

informal
You have recently started work in a new company. Write a letter to an English-speaking friend. In your letter, - Explain why you changed jobs. - Describe your new job. - Tell him / her your other news.

informal
You have found new interesting website.Write a letter to your friend to tell him/her about the website. In your letter describe what the website is explain why the websites is interesting tell how this website will help him/her

informal
A friend who lives in another country has invited you to come and stay wit him/her on your next holiday. You are too busy to accept the invitation. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter, Thank him/her for the invitation *Explain why you cannot come Ask him/her about other times to visit

informal
You recently borrowed a book from your friend but lost it. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: Apologise for losing the book Explain how you lost it Tell your friend what you will do to fix the situation

informal
You have stayed at a friend’s house last weekend. You think you have left your watch there. Thank your friend describe your watch tell me what you want him to do write 150 words.

informal
Your friend had made a plan for you to see a movie together but you cannot now not join him. you’ve found another friend who can go instead of you. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: Explain why you cannot go anymore Say who can go instead of you Say why this person is a good person to go with

informal
“You want to start your own business. Write a letter to a friend. In your letter: tell him/her about your business explain why you think it is a good idea and ask him/her for some help or advice”

informal
One of your friends lives in another country.you want to spend some time working in that country. Write a letter to your friend. Describe why you want to work in that country. Tell him about your skills and experience. As some other questions related to work.

informal
You have recently moved to a new place and haven’t got a chance to tell your friend. Write a letter to your friend,  Where and why you move from there  Compare your new place to old  Where do u live now

informal
Write a letter to a friend who will come to your country to work for 6 months. In your letter, you should: •recommend a city •suggest a few jobs that your friend could do • give some opinions about making friends with the locals.

informal
You have recently changed your job and started working for a new company. Write a letter to an English-speaking friend. In your letter: •explain why you changed your previous job •describe your new job •tell him/her your other news

informal
One of your friends has asked you to be a partner in his new business. Write a letter to reply to your friend’s offer. In your letter -Give your opinion of your friend’s business idea. - Tell him whether or not you have decided to accept his offer - and explain your reasons for this decision.

informal
You have seen an advertisement in an Australian magazine for someone to live with a family for six months and look after their six-year-old child. Write a letter to the parents. In your letter explain why you would like the job give details of why you would be a suitable person to employ say how you would spend your free time while you are in Australia Write at least 150 word

informal
Write a letter to friend for explaining about you left your coat at his place. How would you like to get it back and why it is uergent.

informal
You had to cancel a meeting with a friend. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter apologize for canceling the meeting explain why you couldn't be there suggest an alternative day when you could meet

informal
Write a letter to a foreign friend who has asked if they can stay with you when visiting your country. Include Why you do not have time to host them An alternate date Recommendations for what to do

informal
You recently visited a friend in their new house and noticed that a few items were not functioning properly. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: Thank them for hosting you. Mention the items that were not working properly. Suggest what they could do to fix these issues.

informal
a close friend is coming to visit you. S/he has asked you for advice for things to do in your hometown and the surrounding area. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: • Ask for more details about your friend's plans. • Suggest some places to visit and things to do in your hometown. • Tell your friend about food or drink s/he should try during his/her stay.

informal
You stayed at your friend’s house when you attended a conference in Australia. Unfortunately, you left a large envelope with some important documents in your room. Write a letter to your friend. In the letter: thank your friend for the stay describe where you left the envelope ask him/her to return it to you by post Begin your letter as follows: Dear _________

informal
mYou lent a bag to your friend and now you need it back Write a letter to your friend. In your letter ask for the bag back say why you need it suggest how you can get it

informal
You are living in a city in a foreign country, and a friend from your home country is soon coming to visit you for several days. Write an email to your friend. In this letter: •ask him/her to bring some things from home which you need •say why you need them •make arrangements to meet him/her

informal
you have been offered a job that will require you to move to a city that you have never visited before. You have a friend who lives there. Write a letter to your friend. in your letter. -explain your situation. -say why you feel unsure about living in the city. -ask some questions about life in the city.

informal
You recently spent a weekend with your friend in her/his new house. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter, you should: • explain what you like about his new house • describe what you enjoyed most about your stay • suggest when and where you could meet next

informal
You recently received a letter from friend asking for advice about whether to goto college or try to get a job. You think he or she should get a job. Write a letter to to this friend. In your letter, 1. Say why he/she would not enjoy going to college 2. explain why getting a job is good idea for him/her 3. suggest types of job that be suitable for him/her

informal
You recently took a trip. In your absence, a friend did you a big favour. Write a letter thanking them. In your letter include. 1-What the favour was 2-How this favour helped you 3-An offer of compensation

informal
You bought a music concert ticket. However, you are unable to go. So you want to offer the ticket to your friend. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: •say about the concert •say why you are unable to go • inform how your friend can receive the ticket

informal
One of your friends recently had a birthday celebration, but you missed it and you forgot to tell your friend that you couldn't attend. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter, •apologise for missing the birthday celebration •explain why you missed it and why you didn't tell your friend • and say what you would like to do to show that you are sorry

informal
You Should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You have been busy with your studies for the past month and haven't had time to visit your family. Write a letter to your grandmother. In your letter: Apologize for not getting in touch with her sooner Explain why you have been so busy Arrange a time to visit Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Grandmother,

informal
You have just returned from a long holiday. While you were away, your friend looked after your house. Write a letter to you friend. In your letter - thank you friend for the things she/he did for you - offer to reimburse any money she/he spent on doing these things - arrange to meet your friend for a coffee late this week.

informal
Your friend recently came to your birthday party and bought you an expensive present. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter • thank your friend • explain how useful the present is • arrange to meet up with your friend sometime soon

informal
A friend has agreed to look after your house and pet while you are on holiday. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: give contact details for when you are away, give instructions about how to care for your pet, describe other household duties you would like your friend to undertake. When giving contact details, you do NOT need to write any addresses; something like the name of a friend you are staying with or a holiday destination is fine.

informal
You have just learned that your friend has recently become engaged. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter ● tell him/her how you found out ● explain how you feel about the news ● organise to meet your friend for a celebration. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ___________, (301)

informal
You are planning to give a party at home. You want to cook a meal for this party and decided to ask a friend for a recipe from his/her country. Write a letter to this friend. In your letter - Tell the friend why you are giving this party - Explain why you want a recipe from his/her country - Invite your friend to the party

informal
You have just won two tickets to a concert and want to invite your friend to go with you. Write a letter to your friend. In the letter: •give details about the concert •describe how you won the tickets •explain why youʼve chosen your friend to go with you.

informal
A friend of yours is thinking about applying for the same course that you did at university. He/She has asked for your advice about studying this subject. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter, give details of the course you took at the university explain why you recommend the university give some advice about how to apply Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ....................,

informal
You are getting married later this year. You want to invite your friend to the wedding. Write a letter to this friend. In your letter ● tell your friend that you are getting married ● tell them when and where the wedding will take place ● ask them to help you prepare for the wedding in some way

informal
Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: - Provide a short update about your life since you saw him/her last - Explain why you will be traveling to his/her city - Say what you would like to do when you visit his/her city

informal
Your colleague has invited you for his farewell party. You will not be able to attend the party, write a letter to your friend Explain the situation, Say why you will not be attending, Say something about the period you have worked together

informal
Write a letter to your friend who is familiar with the city. In your letter: • Tell him or her about the occasion • Tell him or her about what kind of a restaurant you prefer • Ask him suitable recommendations Start with Dear..............,

informal
You and your family are living in rented accommodation in an English speaking country. You are not satisfied with the condition of some of the furniture. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter -introduce yourself -explain what is wrong with the furniture -say what action you would like the landlord to take Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ................. ,

informal
You planned to go camping with your brother, but unfortunately, your brother can’t make it. Write a letter to your friend to invite him/her to go with you. You should explain 1)What has happened 2)The details about this camping trip 3)What should your friend do if he/she wants to go with you.

informal
You recently received a letter from a friend asking for your advise on whether to go to college or to try to get a job. You think he should get a job. Write a letter to this friend. In your letter say why she will not enjoy going to college explain why getting a job is a good idea Suggest the type of job that would be suitable

informal
You recently received a letter from a friend asking for advice about whether to go to college or to try to get a job. You think he/she should get a job. Write a letter to this friend. In your letter . say why he/she would not enjoy going to college . explian why getting a job is good idea for him/her . suggest types of jobs that would be suitable for him/her

informal
You are living in a city in a foreign country, and a friend from your home country is soon coming to visit you for several days. Write an letter to your friend, - asking him or her to bring some things from home which you need - saying why you need them - making arrangements to meet

informal
You have just returned home after living with a family in an English-speaking country for six months.
You now realise that you left a small bag of personal possessions in your room.
Write to the family describing the things you left behind. Ask them to send some or all of them to you. Offer to cover the costs.

informal
One of your friends in a foreign country is starting an import-export business, and he has asked you to recommend a product from your country to him. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter, -Say what product you want to recommend to him – Tell him/her where he/she can get this product – Explain why you want to recommend this product

informal
Write a letter to a friend who worked at your previous company. You have moved to a new job in a new city. • describe your city • describe your job • describe the arrangements for him to visit you Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear .....,

informal
Write a letter to a friend.You have borrowed something from your friend and it got damaged. 1.Apology for damaging the product. 2.Explain what happened. 3.Say how you are going to fix the issue.

informal
A friend of yours is going on holiday soon and has asked you to recommend a destination. Write a letter to your friend and recommend a good place for a holiday that you have visited before.Say -where you went, -Where you stayed, -What you can do there and what the food was like.

informal
A friend has agreed to look after your house and pet while you are on holiday. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter Give contact details for when you are away Give instructions about how to care for your pet Describe other household duties you would like your friend to undertake When giving contact details, you do NOT need to write any addresses; something like the name of a friend you are staying with or a holiday destination is fine. The format for this IELTS Writing task is simple. Just begin your letter as follows: Dear .....................,

informal
you would like to borrow a good camera from a friend. write a letter to your friend - ask your friend if you can borrow the camera - explain why you want it and when you will return it - se when you won't eat in when you will return it

informal
You are planning a business trip to another city. You will have some free time to do some sight seeing while you are there. Write a letter to a friend who lives in the city you will visit. In your letter explain the purpose of the trip ask about things to do and see in the city invite your friend to do something with you during your visit

informal
Write a letter to friend to inform them of a celebration you are having for a recent job promotion. Include information about The promotion The celebration Their accommodation

informal
A friend has written to you asking for advice about a problem at work. You have had a similar problem in the past. Write a reply to your friend. In your letter: -Tell your friend you understand the problem. -Explain what happened to you in the past. -Suggest possible solutions to the problem.

informal
You had some photos of your family taken by a professional photographer. Write a letter to the photographer. In your letter: Say that you liked their photos of your family Ask them to be your photographer at a special family event Give them the details of the event.

informal
Essay topics: Write a letter to your friend who is visiting your home town. He needs information and guidance about the town. - say best time to visit your town - explain places to visit in your cities - invite him to your hom

informal
You stayed with your friend and by mistake carried home one of his objects. Write a letter and explain: - How you enjoyed staying with your friend. - Explain the object which you brought with you by mistake and explain how the mistake happened. - Mention how you plan to return the object.

informal
Your friend is about to celebrate a landmark birthday and would welcome suggestions as to how it should be celebrate Write a letter to your friend. In your letter - Say what type of party should be held e.g. themed, fancy dress, black tie event. - Suggest a suitable venue - Make recommendation as to entertainment e.g. DJ, jazz band etc

informal
A friend you made while you were studying abroad has written to ask you for help in finding a job in your country. Yoh have heard about a job in a local company that might be suitable for him/her. Write a letter to this friend. In your letter, tell your friend about the job and what sort of work it involves, say why you think the job would be suitable for him/her, explain how to apply for the job

informal
One of your friends in a foreign country is starting an import-export business, and he has asked you to recommend a product from your country to him. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter, -Say what product you want to recommend to him – Tell him/her where he/she can get this product – Explain why you want to recommend this product

informal
You were late for a friend’s wedding recently and would like to explain why. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: apologize for being late explain the reason why you were late suggest some activities you could do together when you both have time

informal
You are working overseas in an international company. You are leaving the country in an emergency. Write a letter to your friend. Apologies for leaving like this. Explain what happened. Tell them what you are going to miss about working.

informal
You are going to work in another city for a year. A friend who lives there offered to help you find a place to live. Write a letter to your friend:  Express your gratitude to him/her  Describe the area that you want to live in  Explain what type of accommodation you are looking for

informal
You are planning a trip to Australia during the Spring Festival and you want to invite an old friend of yours to join your trip. Write to your friend on the matter. In your letter: - Explain where and when you want to go, - Give details of the travel, dates, and costs involved, - Describe some of the things you want to do.

informal
One of your friends has asked you to be a partner in his new business. Write a letter to reply to your friend's offer. In you letter give your opinion of your friend's business idea tell him whether or not you have decided to accept his offer and explain your reasons for this decision

informal
You are planning a weekend trip to a nearby countryside area and would like to invite a friend who lives in another city. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: - Explain why you are organizing the trip - Describe the activities you have planned - Suggest how your friend can travel to the location and where he/she can stay

informal
Your friend is coming over to stay with you. However, you will be away on vacation for a month. Write him/her a letter and say: In your letter •How to get the keys to your flat •How to operate the equipment in the flat and •Suggest a few places of interest to visit You should write at least 150 words.

informal
You are going to have a party. You would like to invite a friend who lives in a city that is a long way from your home. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: explain why you are having the party Describe your plans for the party Suggest how your friend can travel to the party and where he/she can stay

informal
Write a letter to your friend who lives in a different country about your plan to work overseas. In your letter explain: What jobs do you plan to do? Why do you want to work overseas? Ask for some information related to jobs, such as salary, working hours and so on

informal
You want to sell some of your furniture. You think a friend of yours might like to buy it from you. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter • explain why you are selling • describe the furniture • suggest a date when your friend can come and see the furniture You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ...............,

informal
you are going abroad on Holiday and your friend will stay in your home while you are away write a letter to your friend. in your letter explain where you hide the keys describe what your friend needs to do in your absense say when you are coming back

informal
A friend who lives in another city has invited you to an event. You are unable to accept the invitation. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter -Thank him/her for the invitation -Explain why you cannot come -Suggest another time to meet him/her

informal
A friend has agreed to look after your house and pet while you are on holiday. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter •Give contact details for when you are away •Give instructions about how to care for your pet •Describe other household duties you would like your friend to undertake When giving contact details, you do NOT need to write any addresses; something like the name of a friend you are staying with or a holiday destination is fine.

informal
You have seen an advertisement in an Australian magazine for someone to live with a family for six months and look after their six- year-old child. Write a letter to the parents. In your letter •explain why you would like the job. •give details of why you would be a suitable person to employ. •say how you would spend your free time while you are in Australia.

informal
You Have Recently Purchased a Gift Item for One of Your Friends. Write a Letter to This Friend. in Your Letter, Tell Him/her About the Gift. Tell Me How You Want to Send the Gift to This Friend? Explain Why You Chose This Gift for Your Friend?

informal
A friend who lives in a different city has invited you to his/her daughter's 8th birthday. However, you can not accept the invitation due to some personal reasons. Write a letter to this friend. In your letter: · thank him for the invitation · mention why you can not attend the birthday party · offer to meet him some other day

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