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
You are currently trying to improve your knowledge of a language which is not your original language. You have a friend who speaks this new language perfectly. Write to your friend. Explaining why you want to learn this new language Asking him/her for suggestions on how to learn more quickly Proposing that you meet your friend to talk about these steps Begin your letter ‘Dear Do not write any addresses

informal
Your friend had made a plan for you to see a movie together but you cannot 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 had borrowed money from your friend when you were facing some financial problems and forgot to pay it back. Write a letter to your friend and in your letter: ● apologize for being late in returning the money ● explain what happened ● say how you are going to fix the issue now

informal
You are about to go on 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 keys to the apartment Give your friends some instruction about using your apartment Recommend some place to go

informal
You have a friend who lives abroad. You have decided to apply for a course at one of the colleges there. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter, ask what the city is like say what work or study you are doing now explain why you want to do this course

informal
Write a recommendation letter for your friend who is applying for a job. In your letter, please say - How long do you know him/her? - What are the main qualities of your friend? - What is his/her work experience?

informal
Write a letter to your friend Alex who has just graduated from a Law School and is looking for his first job. In your letter write: congratulate your friend on his graduation give some tips about where to find a job give some tips on how to prepare for a job interview

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 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
Write a letter to your friend about a job opportunity you came across that they might find interesting. In your letter, you should: - give some details about the job -mention how came across the job opportunity -explain why you feel the job would be suitable for your friend

informal
Your friend recently moved to new city. You will also be moving to the same city. Write a letter to your friends and include: – Ask where to find a place to live – Tell them what type of place you’re looking for – Share some fun things you would like to do when you get there

informal
2020-01-11: Task 1 You visited a town last month and told your friend that you would like to meet. However you could not make it. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter, you should: • express your apology • why you could not meet • making arrangement to meet him.

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
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

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

informal
A friend of yours is thinking of going on a camping holiday for the first time 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 - it is a new experience where you can enjoy the nature, example * describe some possible disadvantages - sleeping at night is bit scary because of the animals * say whether you would like to go to camping with your friend this summer - I'd like to join with you to go for a camping in coming summer You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear .....................,

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.

informal
An overseas friend has invited you to visit his country. You are planning to visit him. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter • Thank him for the invitation and accept the invitation • Write details about your visit • Briefly describe what you want to do there.

informal
Your friend is about to move into a new house. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter offer to help him/her to move explain how exactly you can help ask him/her some questions about the new house

informal
Your sister has asked you to organize the music for her wedding at the end of next month. Write a letter to your friend who is an amateur musician. In your letter ● ask your friend to perform at the wedding ● describe why he/she would be suitable for this event ● explain how your friend will be compensated if they agree.

informal
One of your friends invited you for a meal with his/ her family in their home. Write a letter to your friend Thank him and tell them what you have enjoyed the most How do you feel about his/her family Suggest him/her to visit you

informal
A friend of yours is thinking of going on a camping 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 go camping with your friend this summer

informal
You have recently moved to a different house/apartment. Write a letter to an English speaking friend. In your letter: – Explain why you have moved – Describe the new house/apartment – Invite him/her to pay you a visit.

informal
You arranged to visit a friend in Australia, 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 apologise for the situation suggest a new arrangement Write at least 150 words.

informal
our 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:

informal
Your friend asked you to find a par-time job for him/her to earn some money while studying. You found a job that might be suitable. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter, • Give him/her the job description • Explain why he/she should take the job • Say what he/she should do to get the job

informal
Your friend works as a fitness instructor in a gym. You would like to receive his/her advice. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter you should: – describe your exercise programme – explain what your goals are – ask for advice on how you can improve your fitness Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

informal
You have seen an advertisement in an Australian magazine for someone to live with a family for 6 months and look after their 6 year old kid. 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
Topic: Write a letter to your friend telling them about a new hobby you have started. Cue Points: 1. What the hobby is and how you got interested in it 2. How often you do it and what you enjoy about it 3. Invite your friend to try it with you

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
Your English-speaking friend who lives in your town has asked for your advice about learning a new sport. Write an letter to your friend. In your letter Recommend a new sport that would be suitable for your friend to learn Explain how your firend could learn this sport Suggest that you both learn this sport together

informal
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
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 are going away to travel for the summer. A friend will be looking after your house while you are away. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: say where you are going, describe your home explain some of the things your friend must do to look after your house. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ___,

informal
You are planning to take a vacation. Write a letter to a friend. In your letter • describe the vacation spot you have chosen • explain how you plan to spend your time there • invite your friend to join you on your vacation Begin your letter as follows:

informal
Write a letter to your English speaking friend that you have changed your job. in your letter why do you change your job describe your new job and company update him or her about other news

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 a friend who lives in a city abroad. You have decided that you would like to apply to do a course at one of the colleges in the city. Write a letter to your friend:, 1.Explain what you like to do. 2.Tell him/her what type of work or studies you had completed. 3.Ask for assistance in connecting an appropriate institution

informal
J. You have unexpectedly come into a large sum of money and you want to share this good news with your friend. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter ● explain where the money came from ● say what you intend to do with the money ● invite your friend to celebrate your good fortune. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ___________,

informal
You received a gift from a friend for your birthday. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: Thank them for the gift. Tell them how you spent your birthday. Invite them to visit you soon.

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 have seen an advertisement in an Australian magazine for someone to live with a family for six months and look after their six- years 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 suitable person to employ - say how you would spend your free time while you are in Australia

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 a -Explain your situation b- Say why you feel unsure about living in the city c-ask some questions about life in the city

informal
A friend has written to you ask you how your IELTS studies are going . write a letter telling your friend how you are preparing for the test . -Say what progress you are making -Explain how you are preparing for the test -Say which section you are finding difficult

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 •apologies for the situation •suggest a new arrangement

informal
You are travelling next month to stay with a family you do not know as part of a language training course. Write a letter to the family to introduce yourself. In your letter, Say when and how you will be arriving, Tell the family a little about yourself -Ask about the type of food that the family eats.

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 detail for when you are away -Give instructions about how to care for your pet -Describe other household duties

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. You should say: where you went where you stayed and what you can do there.

informal
You want to sell your laptop. You think a friend of yours might like to to buy it from you. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: Explain why you are selling the laptop Discribe the laptop Suggest a date when your friend can come and see it

informal
A friend has offered you some work in his company. You are currently employed and not able to start for 3 months. Write a reply to your friend. In your letter: – give details of what you know about his company. – explain your current situation. – Give your answer to the offer and explain why

informal
Your friend has a travel company and would like you to come and work with him. Write a letter replying to your friend's offer. In your letter: explain what you know about your friend's company choose whether you accept or decline the offer give reasons for your choice You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ..................,

informal
You have seen an advertisement in an Australian magazine for someone to live with a family for six months and look after the six years 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
Write a letter to an English-speaking friend. In your letter: 1). Explain why you have moved. 2). Describe the new house. 3). Invite your friend to come visit.

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
You have just spent a week with a friend on holiday. When you got home, you realized you had left your wallet there. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter, • Thank your friend for the holiday’ • Explain that you left your wallet in their house • Give them instruction how to send it back to you

informal
Your friend has asked for your help to find a music teacher for their child. You know someone who can teach their child music. Write an email to your friend. In your email, explain why he/she is suitable explain his/her background related to music and teaching music explain how they can get in touch Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear …………………..,

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 -say what you would like to do to show you are sorry

informal
You recently participated in a volunteer project. Write a letter to your friend about your experience. Bullet points: What the project was What your role was What you learned from it

informal
ou 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 is the nature of your future job Why did you apply for that job Ask for details and his/her advice about the country.

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 partydescribe your plans for the partysuggest how your friend can travel to the party and where he / she can stay

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 alternative arrangements.

informal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. A good friend has just changed schools and is having difficulty fitting in and needs your advice. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter • make suggestions as to how they could make friends • suggest joining clubs, participating in school activities • give any extra general advice You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear..., You should write at least 150 words.

informal
Write a letter to your friend, •You have relocated to a different land. •Informing you have joined a course. •Why this course will be helpful to him.

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 your letter: -Invite him to stay and suggest a date. -Describe the new house and garden. -Say why you like your house.

informal
You have recently attended a marriage ceremony in your country. You have an English-speaking friend who you want to describe your experience of attending this marriage ceremony. Write a letter to this English-speaking friend. In your letter, •whose marriage ceremony it was •give details of this marriage ceremony •invite your friend to come and visit your country Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows: Dear …………………..,

informal
An overseas friend wants to visit your country on holiday. 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. Begin your letter as follows:

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 suitable person to employ. say how you would spend your free time while you are in Australia

informal
An English-speaking friend has written to you to ask you how your IELTS studies are going. Write a letter telling your friend how you are preparing for the test. In your letter: say what progress you are making explain how you are preparing for the test say which section you are finding the most difficult You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any address. Begin your letter as follows:

informal
You are planning a holiday abroad and will be visiting a town where an old friend lives. You haven't spoken to this friend in a few years. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter, give a brief update of your life since you were last in touch explain why you will be travelling to his/her town say what you plan to do when you visit his/her town Write at least 150 words.

informal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 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 Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear….

informal
You are planning a short visit to a city where one of your relatives lives. Write a letter to your relative. In your letter: • Explain when and how long you will be in town. • Ask whether you can stay at their home. • Offer to pay for yourself. You do not need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ...,

informal
Write a letter to your friend in another country where you like to visit for the holidays. In your letter, you should: •explain your travel plans •describe the interesting places you plan to visit •ask for suggestions for sightseeing options.

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 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
You want to sell some of your funiture. 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

informal
A friend of yours is going on holiday soon and has asked you to recommend a destination. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: Recommend a good place for a holiday that you have visited Describe where you stayed and what you can do there Provide one negative aspect about the destination Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ___,

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 ​Write at least 150 words.

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 want to sell your bicycle. Your friend has told you that his cousin might like to buy it from you. Write a letter to your friend’s cousin. In your letter explain why you are selling the bicycle describe the bicycle and how much it will cost suggest a date when your friend’s cousin can come and see the bicycle

informal
Write a letter to your friend help him deciding whether to go to college or to try to get a job.

informal
You are planning to return to your home town for a holiday after a long absence. Write a letter to one of your old friend. In your letter, . explain that you are coming and that you'd like to meet again . describe what you're planning to do . say where you're staying and when you'd free to meet.

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
You recently visited a place that had a strong impact on you. Write a letter to a friend about the place. In your letter explain where the place was and how you got there describe what you saw offer to take your friend there

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 colledge - explain why getting a job is a good idea for him/her - suggest types of job that would be suitable for him/her

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
You happened to witness a film being shot in your locality. Write a letter in 120-150 words to a friend describing your experience. You are Rani/Raman. 15. Vinay Nagar. Doty. ADS. 15. Vinay Nagar, Ooty.

informal
You borrowed an item from your friend. While it was in your possession, it got damaged. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: Thank your friend for lending the item to you. Explain how it got damaged. Tell your friend what you plan to do about it.

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
Write a letter to your friend and ask him recipe to cook for a party that you are giving in your home. -tell him why you are having a party -tell him why you need a specific recipe -invite your friend to the party

informal
A friend of yours is thinking of going on a camping 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 go camping with your friend this summer

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 •Explain why getting a job is a good idea for him/her •Suggest types of job what would be suitable for him/her

informal
You stayed at a friend’s house last week and lost your book. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter, you should •Thank him/her for the good time you had •Describe your book •Tell your friend what you would like him/her to do with it if he/she finds it

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. - Explain why getting a job is a good idea for him/her. - Suggest types of jobs that would be suitable for him/her.

informal
A friend you met last year has invited you to visit him/her in his/her country. You have never been there before and need some information before you leave. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: request advise about a gift for his/her family ask about activities and clothing in his/her country find out about the food.

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
You have rented a house by a lake for the summer. Write a letter to a friend. In your letter • describe the house • describe how you are spending your time there • invite your friend to come and visit

informal
You were on a pleasant trip and had rented a flat from a friend who was on an official tour. Write a letter to your friend how you felt about the trip and how you took care of his house in his absence.

informal
You recently stayed at your friend’s house for a few days during your holidays. Write a letter to your friend to thank them. In your letter: •Thank your friend for the stay •Describe what you enjoyed most while staying there •Suggest when they could visit you

informal
You and a friend have both been accepted to a study abroad program in Paris, France. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: - Congratulate them on being accepted - Ask if they would like to be your roommate - Discuss possible activities you could do together

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

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