IELTS General Writing Task 1 informal Topics/Questions 2026

Want to improve your IELTS score? Get instant feedback and learn from your mistakes!

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

informal
Write a letter to a friend who is currently moving into a new home. Write to your friend Asking about the new home Telling them you can help Describing how you can help

informal
You are planning to travel and would like someone to take care of your apartment while you are away. Write a letter to a friend. In your letter •explain why you will be away •ask your friend to take care of your apartment •describe the tasks you want your friend to do 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
You have recently moved to a different city. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: - Explain why you decided to move to a different city -Describe the new city and accommodation -Ask your friend to arrange a visit

informal
You had arranged to meet a friend next week, but you have realized that you will not be able to go. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter : - Cancel the meeting with your friend and apologize - Explain why you cannot be able to meet your friend - Suggest where and when you could see each other instead

informal
A friend of yours is thinking of going on a campus holiday for the first time this summer. He / She has asked for your advice. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter - explain why you think your friend would enjoy a camping holiday - describe some possible disadvantages - say whether you would like to camping with your friend this summer

informal
Your friend from overseas is coming to visit you next month. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter, tell them what they need to bring tell them what they will be doing during the time they are visiting warn them about some things that might be challenging

informal
Your friend invited you to his party but your are unable to attend. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter 1. Explain why you can’t come 2. Give your reason for not contacting your friend sooner 3. Suggest another time to meet

informal
Write a letter to an English-speaking friend. In your letter explain why you changed jobs – need to feel challenged and also wanted more benefits describe your new job – whole new experience / I have never worked on it before / love it tell him/her your other news – next month I’ll travel to Europe

informal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You have recently moved into a new house. You want to tell your friend about your good news. Write to your friend. In the letter: • Describe the house. • Describe the neighbourhood. • Invite your friend to come and see the house. You do not need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ..., You shou

informal
An old friend of yours is coming to visit your city. You had planned to meet him at the airport, but something has come up and you will not be able to make it there on time. Write to your friend. In your letter  Explain the situation  Offer to make alternate arrangements

informal
You have recently migrated to another country. Now write a letter to your friend to describe your present life. In your letter, say: when you have moved to this country why you chose this country how things are now for you

informal
Your English-speaking friend who lives in your town has asked for your advice about learning a new sport. Write an email to your friend. In your email ·recommend a new sport that would be suitable for your friend to learn ·explain how your friend could learn this sport ·suggest that you both learn this sport together You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ...,

informal
You recently went on a holiday tour for a week. Your friend lent you a guide book. Write a letter to thank your friend. In your letter, tell your friend about the holiday explain how the guidebook was helpful tell him/her when and how you will return the guide book You should write at least 150 words.

informal
Writing Task 1 The parents of your Austral/an friend Chris have Invited you to a surprise birthday party for him/her. Write a letter to Chris's parents. In your letter •say why you think Chris will enjoy the surprise party •explain why you won't be able to attend the party • give details of a plan to see Chris at a different time. Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr and Mrs Collins,

informal
You found a job opportunity in a foreign country. Write a letter to your friend who knows about the country. In your letter mention the following.  What the nature of your future job is  Why you applied for that job  Ask for details and his/her advice about the country

informal
You had arranged to meet a friend next week, but you have realised that you will not be able to go. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter - cancel the meeting with friend and apologize. - explain why you will not be able to meet him -suggest where and when you could see each other

informal
An Australian friend is coming to visit you, and it will be his/her birthday during the visit. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: say how you feel about the visit suggest what you could do on his/her birthday ask what your friend thinks of your idea

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

informal
The parents of your Australian friend Chris have invited you to a surprise birthday party for him/her. Write a letter to Chris's parents. In your letter • say why you think Chris will enjoy the surprise party • explain why you won't be able to attend the party • give details of a plan to see Chris at a different time You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr and Mrs Collins,

informal
A friend of yours has always adored your car. You have now decided to sell it. Write a letter to your friend to ask if he is interested in buying your car. In your letter: explain why you are selling your car describe the good points and any bad points about your car suggest the friend visits you to see and drive your car. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Tim,...

informal
You are going to travel abroad for two months and while you are away a friend would like to live in your apartment. Write to the owner of the apartment explaining the situation. In your letter: explain that you are going to travel abroad, describe your friend and say why he/she would be a good tenant, ask whether the owner will agree to this.

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
A friend you made while you were studying abroad would like to spend a semester studying in your country. He/She has written to ask for your advice. Write a letter to this friend. In your letter 1. Describe why you think he/she will enjoy it 2. Explain why you recommend studying at your university 3. 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
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
A friend of yours recently gave you a nice birthday present. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter, – thank her for the present and say why you particularly like it – describe some other presents that you received – explain some of the things you did on your birthday.

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 will be a suitable person to employ •Say how you would spend your free time while you are in Australia

informal
Writing Task 1: You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You have recently started work in a new company. Write a letter to an English-speaking friend. In your letter, univer • explain why you changed jobs • describe your new job • tell him / her your other news

informal
A friend has offered you some work in his company. You are currently employed and not able to start for three months. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter

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 employee say how you would spend your free time while you are in Australia.

informal
You have recently moved to a different city. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: Explain why you decided to move to a different city Describe the new city and accommodation Ask your friend to arrange a visit You do NOT need to write any addresses.

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
Task 1-Your friend is thinking about learning to drive and would like some advice. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter • say why a driving licence is advantageous • recommend a driving school • give any extra guidance/tips

informal
You recently went on a trip with a friend and you both took some photographs. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: Ask your friend to send you a particular photograph Explain why you need that particular photograph Tell your friend what happened to your copy of it

informal
Write a letter to your friend who is an amateur musician. In your letter o● ask your friend to perform at the wedding o● describe why he/she would be suitable for this event o ● explain how your friend will be compensated if they agree.

informal
A friend of yours is coming to stay in your house for a week while you are away on holiday. Write a letter to your friend to prepare them for their stay in your letter: -- Give your friend information about the location of your house -- Tell your friend what tasks you would like them to do each day -- Explain what he/she can do and see in your area

informal
You are going to another country to study. you would like to do a part-time job while you are studying, so you want to ask a friend who lives there for some help. Write a letter to this friend. In your letter Give details of your study plan Explain why you want to get a part time job Suggest how your frined could help you find a job.

informal
Your friend asked you for some help for the preparation of a party that he/she is going to throw at his/her home. Write a letter to your friend asking: *What can you help with? *What will you bring for the party? *When you have time to help. Begin your letter with: Dear.........., Write at least 150 words.

informal
You recently received a letter from a friend asking for advice about wheter to go to college or to try 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 - explain why getting a job is a good idea for him/her - suggest types of jobs that would be suitable for him/her

informal
You have a friend who lives in a ity abroad. You have decided that you would like to apply to do a course at one of the colleges in this city. Write to your friend explaining what you would like to do. Tell him/ her what type of work or studies you have been doing for the pastfew years and ask for assistance in contacting an appropriate institution.

informal
An english speaking friend has written to you to ask you how yours studies are going write a letter to the friend. tell your friend how you are preparing for the exam/ tell him/her how you feel about it tell him /her your expectations.

informal
You have been invited to the engagement party of a friend from another country. You cannot go but you have bought a gift for him/her. Write a letter to this friend. In your letter • say how you feel about the engagement • explain why you cannot go • tell your friend about the gift you have bought for him/her

informal
You are staying in an alien country. You have recently received a letter from your wife in which she has complained of your son's activities. Write a letter to your son to counsel him. In your letter, write: what you came to know about his behavior why you are upset about such activities what kind of behavior you are expecting from him

informal
You are moving to a new city for work and have just realized that an old friend lives in the city. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: • Ask them for advice in finding accommodation • Tell them where you would like to live • Tell them the type of place you are looking for

informal
You have recently visited a museum. Now write a letter to your friend about the museum you have visited. Write a letter to him/ her. In your letter, write: •where you went •what you saw there •how you felt about it

informal
One of your friends has asked you to be a partner in his new business. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: • Give your opinion of your friend's business idea • Tell him whether or not you have decided to accept the offer • Explain your reasons for this decision

informal
You arranged to visit a friend in Canada but an important event at home now means that you must change the dates of the visit. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: Explain the important event Apologize for the situation Suggest a new arrangement

informal
IELTS Writing Correction Service Writing Samples Band 8 The parents of your Australian friend Chris have invited you to a surprise birthday party for him/her. Write a letter to Chris’s parents. In your letter •Say why you think Chris will enjoy the surprise party •Explain why you won’t be able to attend the party. •Give details of a plan to see Chris at a different time.

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 1-para • explain why you recommend the university 2-para • give some advice about how to apply 3-para

informal
you have recently moved to a different house. write a letter to an English Speaking friend. in your letter Explain why you have moved Describe the new apartment Invite him or her to pay a visit

informal
You have just missed a friend’s party. Write a letter to apologise. In your letter: apologise to your friend explain why you did not attend the party say what you plan to do to make up for missing the party.

informal
Write a letter to your friend who is interested in learning how to drive. In your letter ● say why a driving license is advantageous ● recommend a driving school ● give any extra guidance or tips

informal
You are preparing an event in the countryside. Write a letter to your friend and ask for help with the arrangements. In your letter, ◦describe the event ◦mention what arrangements have already been made ◦say how your friend can help

informal
An english speaking friends son wrote to you that his/her son would travel to country for a short holiday before starting his university. write a letter to the friend to Invite the friend’s son to visit. Suggest interesting things he can do in the country. Describe the weather in the country.

informal
1. Your friend recently moved to the same town where your friend lives. Please write a letter to invite your friend to go to the gym together. In your letter o describe why you go to this gym o say what part of this gym you recommend o explain why you think it is suitable for your friend

informal
Write a letter to your friend who you recently travelled with to a foreign country. Include a) Why you enjoyed the trip b) What you are doing now c) An invitation to visit you now

informal
Your friend invited you to his\her party, but you are unable to attend. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter 1- explain why you cannot come 2- give your reason for not contacting your friend sooner. 3- suggest another time to meet.

informal
Write a letter to your friend. In your letter Recommend the best time of year to visit and why Describe the types of accommodation your friend could choose Say what you would like to show your friend in your country Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

informal
One of your friends has asked you to be a partner in his new business. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: Give your opinion of your friend's business idea Tell him whether or not you have decided to accept the offer Explain your reasons for this decision You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mark,

informal
A friend has told you that he or she feels lonely in their new city away from their family. Write a letter 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 should spend about 20 minutes on this task. A friend you made while you were studying abroad has written to ask you for help in finding a job in your country. You 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 Write at least 150 words.

informal
You recently moved to a new house and you want to invite an old friend to stay with you. Write a letter to your friend. In you letter, - invite him to stay and suggest a date - briefly describe the new house and garden - say why you like your new house. You should write atleast 150 words. You do not need to write any addresses. Begin you letter as follows:

informal
A friend told you recently that he/she had gone to an excellent restaurant. You wonder if this restaurant will be suitable for your birthday party next week. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter tell your friend about your planned party ask what the restaurant is called and for directions to get there ask what kind of food it serves and if your friend has any particular recommendations from the menu

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
Write a letter inviting your friend to a family function. Tell him/her: -What the occasion is -What your plans are -Why it is important he/she comes

informal
One of your English-speaking friends has decided to spend a one week holiday in your town/city and has written to you asking for information and advice. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter • recommend somewhere to stay • give advice about what to see and do in your area • give information about what clothes to bring.

informal
Your friend invited you to his/her party, but you are unable to attend.Write a letter to your friend. In your letter •explain why you cannot come• give your reason for not contacting your friend sooner •suggest another time to meet

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
Write a letter to your friend who is planning to visit your hometown, giving them information on things to do and see while they are there

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
Write a letter to your friend inviting him/her to your family party. In your letter – Explain why you are organizing the party. – Describe what you are planning to do. – Say how important it is to have your friend at the party.

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

informal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You have recently moved to a new home. Write a letter to an English-speaking friend. In your letter: explain why you have moved describe the new house invite your friend to come and visit.

informal
Recently you had a holiday overseas and you stayed with a family member who has just sent you a letter and some photos of your holiday. Write a letter to your family member. In your letter: - thank him/her for the photos and for the holiday - explain why you didn’t send a letter earlier - invite your family member to come and stay with you

informal
A friend has agreed to look after your house and child while you go out drinking. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: Give contact details for when you are away. Give instructions on how to take care of your child. Describe other household duties.

informal
Your friend has a baby recently and you bought a present for baby. Describe what you bought? Why you choose the present? Suggest some arrangements to visit your friend to bring the present.

informal
Essay topics: You are preparing an outdoor event. Write a letter to your friend to ask for help with the arrangements. What the event is Why the event will happen How your friend can help you

informal
You looked after a friend’s house while he/she was away on holidays. While you were there, you broke one of the windows. Write to your friend. In the letter, Explain what happened Apologise for breaking the window Say how you are going to fix the issue

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 school Explain why you recommend the university Give some advice on how to apply

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
You are planning to visit another country. A member of your family lives in that country. Write to them and ask for some information. in your letter, -Identify when you last saw them -Explain where you plan to go and ask if they have any suggestions -Ask if they would like to come

informal
You are going to give a party to your friends. Write a letter to your friend living in a foreign country and ask him to help you to teach a special recipe. In your letter * Why are you giving a party * Why you want to learn that recipe * Invite him to the party Write at least 150 words.

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. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ___________,

informal
Write a letter to a friend about an item you borrowed last week, that accidentally got damaged. In your letter – Describe the item. – What was the damage? – What do you intend to do to rectify the problem?

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 are living I a city in a foreign country, and a friend from your home country is coming soon to visit you for several days. Write an email to you friend, asking him or her to bring some things from home which you need Saying why you need them. Making arrangements to meet.

informal
Write a letter to your friend You recently bought an electric gadget for your home. Your friend wants the same gadget and needs your advice. In this letter you should include: What the gadget is What you think about it Advice about other alternatives your friend could buy

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
A friend is considering buying a house nearby, but you have decided to leave the area due to a rise in crime. Write a letter to your friend advising them not to move into the neighbourhood. In your letter: – Recommend that your friend not go ahead with the purchase – Give the reasons behind your decision to leave – Suggest possible alternative areas that you know

informal
Your friend is planning to learn a new language and has asked for your advice. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter, include the following points: Thank them for asking your opinion. Recommend a language you think would be useful for them to learn. Explain why you think this language would be beneficial. Offer to help them with their learning process if possible.

informal
Your parents will be celebrating their 40th anniversary next month. You are planning a big celebration, but you are not sure how to make the occasion really memorable. Write to your best friend, Joan, who is a professional event planner. In your letter: •explain why the occasion is special •ask for her assistance •set up a time to meet at your friend's convenience to discuss your plans Begin your letter as follows: Dear Joan, You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

informal
You arranged to visit a friend in England but an important event at home now means that you must change the dates of visit. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: -Explain the important -Apologize for the situation -Suggest a new arrangement

informal
You recently moved to a new city and you want to tell your friend about your new home. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: •Describe your new home •Tell your friend how you feel about the new city •Invite your friend to visit you

informal
You have got a letter from your pen friend who is going to take an exam soon. She/He feels very nervous about the approaching exam and needs your advice to co.e over the stress. Write a letter to your friend - to wish him/her good luck - to give some tis about how to calm down before and durng the exam - to invite him/her to your country

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

informal
You have decided to go on a holiday abroad for 2 weeks, and you want one of your friends to go with you. Write a letter to your friend asking him to accompany you. 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
Your friend helped you prepare for an exam, and you have passed it. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter, Thank your friend. Explain how your friend’s help was useful to pass the exam. Arrange to meet up with your friend sometime soon. Begin your letter as follows: Dear _____,

informal
Your friend is thinking about learning to drive and would like some advice.Write a letter to your friend in your letter -say why a driving letter is advantageous -recommend a driving school -give any extra guidance/tips

🚀 Prepare for IELTS writing section today!
  • Unlimited Task 1 & Task 2 checks
    Practice with essays, charts, and letters.
  • Personalized suggestions & mistake analysis
    Spot every mistake and boost your score.
  • Topic ideas & vocabulary helpers
    Expand your ideas and use the right words.
  • Progress tracking
    Watch your writing improve with every practice.