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
1.You have joined a new job recently. Write to your friend about your new job. In your letter •describe the reason for quitting the previous job •show your excitement for a new job and other details •say about your salary package

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 house invite your friend to come and visit

informal
You have recently moved to a different city for work, but you want to maintain contact with a friend from your previous workplace. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter •describe the city you moved to; •tell him/her about your new job; •invite him/her to visit you.

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

informal
You have decided to go on a holiday to a foreign country 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
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 last in touch •Explain why you will be travelling to his/her town • say what you plan to do when you visit their town

informal
You have stayed at a friend’s house last weekend and forgot your watch there. Write a letter to this friend. In your letter, •thank him/her for the hospitality • describe your watch and say where you could have left it • suggest a way how to get it back

informal
You are going to throw a party and would like to cook a special dish for your guests but do not have the recipe. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter • tell your friend why you are having a party • explain what dish you want to cook and ask your friend for the recipe • invite your friend to the party Dear .....

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 alterntive arrangements.

informal
Your friend's dog has recently passed away. Write a letter to console your friend. In your letter: ·       Express your sympathy ·       Include memories you have about the dog ·       Invite your friend to do something with you 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 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
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 You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Pat,

informal
Write a letter to your friend advising how to improve her eating habits and keep fit. Write your letter with 150 words.

informal
The company you work for has got some work, which they need help with. Write a letter to your friend and say: - Why he/she should do this work - The job description And how he/she can apply for the job.

informal
You and your friend have booked tickets to go to the theatre. You are now unable to go but have found another friend to accompany him/her instead. Write a letter to your friend. In the letter, explain why you can not go to the theatre with your friend say who can go instead of you tell them why you think this person would be good to go with Write at least 150 words.

informal
You are going on holiday next week and you need to ask your friend to watch your dog while you are away. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter, • state how long you will be away • tell them what needs to be done • state how you will compensate them

informal
Q. you recently stayed with a childhood friend for a few days. Write a letter to this friend. In your letter: Thank your friend for letting you stay with them. refer to something enjoyable that you did while staying with him/her invite your friend to visit you

informal
You have recently started a new job. Write a letter to your friend to tell her about it and invite for an evening meal. - Describe how you feel about the job. - Give directions to a meeting place. - Give suggestions on where to stay, if she is coming from a different city

informal
A Canadian friend recently sent you a present by post. You want to thank him/her. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter -say how you felt when you received the present -describe what you like about it -explain how you will use the present

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: – Explain Why You Missed It – Explain Why You Didn’t Tell Your Friend – And Say What You Would Like To Do To Show That You Are Sorry

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 invited you to a family dinner at his/her place. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: thank him/her for inviting you ask for suggestions what you want to bring as a gift make suggestions about his/her visit to your place

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: * describe other household duties you would like your friend to undertake * give instructions about how to care for your pet * provide contact details for when you are away

informal
You missed an important family event due to a last-minute commitment. Write a letter to a family member apologizing and explaining why you couldn't attend."

informal
Write a letter to a friend. You have borrowed something from your friend and it got damaged. a) apologize for damaging the product b) explain what happened c) say how are you going to fix the issue

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
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
Your friend is celebrating her Birthday soon and has invited you to a party. But you are unable to come because you are going to attend an important meeting that day. Write a letter to your friend and thank her for the invitation; explain why you cannot come; propose to meet on other day;

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
Your English-speaking friend has asked for your help with a college project he/she is doing about celebrating New Year in different countries. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter • say how important New Year is to people in your country • describe how New Year is celebrated in your country • explain what you like about New Year celebrations in your country

informal
You are planning to go to a music concert in your town and would like a friend to accompany you. write a letter to invite your friend to concert you are planning to go. In your letter say what the contant of music concert is where and when the music concert is why do you think your friend should go to concert

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
Your friend has been offered a place on a course at the university where you studied. He or she would like your advice about finding a place to live. Write an email to your friend. In your email * describe where you lived when you a student at the University. * Recommend the best way for him or are to look for accommodation. * Him or her of mistakes students make when choosing accommodation. You do not need to write any addresses

informal
You have received the invitation to take part in your friend's wedding ceremony, but you will be in Canada on a business trip on that day with your boss. Write to your friend to apologise for not being able to take part in the wedding ceremony. In your letter: - Thank your friend for the invitation, - Explain why you will not be able to visit, - Suggest another plan.

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
*OUR ASSIGNMENT*👇: You are planning a short visit to a city where one of your relatives lives. Write a letter to your relative. In your letter: 1) Explain when and how long you will be in town. 2) Ask whether you can stay at their home. 3)Offer to pay for yourself.

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
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 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
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 a Facebook friend living in another country and s/he is curious to learn about a major news item in your country. Write a letter to your Facebook friend. In your letter • describe a news story in your country • explain why people are interested in it • say how the story personally relates to you You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ..., You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You should write at least 150 words.

informal
You had just missed a friend’s party, write a letter to apologise. In your letter, you should: · apologise to your friend · explain why you couldn’t attend the party · tell her what steps you will take to avoid missing it in the future.

informal
*You have borrowed something from your friend and it got damaged.** **Write a letter to your friend. In the letter:** - **apologise for the damage to the item** appology, you will be mad and sad, save money to buy it - **explain what happened** write a dissertation , fill water and it spread over keyboard, wipe it dry - **say how you are going to fix the issue** appt apple store, ask how to fix, and let machanics fix, if not, buy a new one to you

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
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
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 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
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
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 recently moved to different house. l write a letterto an english -speaking friend.in your letter Explain why you have moved. Describe the new house. invite your friend to come and visit.

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 your friend who just moved to a new house letting him know about a gift you prepared for him/her a)What was the gift b)Why you chose it c)How it will be delivered

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

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 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 recently moved to a new city for work and are experiencing some difficulties settling in. Write a letter to your friend describing your situation. In your letter, you should: Explain why you moved to the new city. Describe the challenges you are facing. Ask for their advice on how to adjust better to your new environment.

informal
Your friend is about to celebrate a landmark birthday and would welcome suggestions as to how it should be celebrated. 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 recommendations as to entertainment e.g. DJ, jazz band You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear...,

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

informal
Your friend invited you to his/her birthday party, but you are unable to attend. Write a letter apologizing for your absence. In your letter: • State why you cannot go • Explain your reason for not contacting your friend sooner • Suggest another time to meet.

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

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 Write at least 150 words in an appropriate style and format.

informal
you have seen an advertisement in an Australian magazine for someone to live with a family for six months and look after six years old child. Write a letter to the parent,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
Your are stayig at your friend’s house who is travelling to another country. A recent strom damaged the house. Write a letter to your friend and say What happened and when What was damaged in the house What needs to be done about it

informal
One of your pen friends wants to improve their English at a language school. they have never studied at a language school before and have asked for your advice on how to choose a good one. write a letter to your pen friend. advise them about the following the teaching method, the number of students in a class and the number of hours a week.

informal
you have seen 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 yo would spend your free time while you are in Australia

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
You recently spent the Christmas vacation at the home of your college friend who lives in a different city. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter -thank your friend and his family for letting you stay with them and celebrating the festival -mention what you liked about being there -ask your friend to be your guest sometime

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

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 that would be suitable for him/her Write at least 150 words. You do NOT neer to write any addresses. Begin your letter ad follows

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 give one negative aspect about the destination (204)

informal
A friend from another country is moving to your city for work. He/she has asked you for advice about living in your city. Write a letter to your fried, in your letter: suggest an intersting part of the city to live in describle the public transport in your city say how your friend can meet your new people there

informal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 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 that would be suitable for him/her Write at least 150 words.

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 your friend

informal
Task - 1 The parents of your Australian friend Chris have invited you to a surpise 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 leasr 150 words. You do not need to write any addresses. Begin you letter as follows: Dear Mr and Mrs Collins,

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
A friend of yours is thinking of going on a camping holiday gor the first time this summer. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: Explain why you think your friend will enjoy a camping holiday Describe some possible disadvantages Say whether you would like to go camping with your friend this summer

informal
write a letter to your frirend ,you got new tv but you wanna sell your old tv ,you are thinking your friend can take it.

informal
You have just spend a weekend at a friend's house. When you returned home, you discovered you have left a coat containing some belongings in his house. Write a letter to your friend telling him that you left the coat. Tell him that what the coat looks like, where do you think you left it and what was inside it. Make some suggestions about how to get it back.

informal
You have a friend who lives in a different country. You will organise a party soon and have thought to use a foreign recipe. Write a letter to the friend asking for a recipe from his/her country for the party you are organizing. In your letter, tell your friend about the party ask for the recipe explain why you need the recipe from his/her country

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

informal
Your friend has been offered a place on a course at the university where you studied. He/She would like your advice about finding a place to live Write an email to your friend. In your email 1)Describe where you lived when you were a student at the university 2)Recommend the best way for him/her to look for accommodation 3)Warn him/her of mistakes students make when choosing accommodation Write at least 150 words You do NOT need to write any address Begin your letter as follows Dear,

informal
WRITING TEST 14 WRITING TASK 1 You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You have heard that one of your friends will be doing voluntary work at a festival. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter •ask about what type of festival your friend is volunteering at and when and where it will take place •ask what your friend will have to do as part of the voluntary work • ask if the organisers are still looking for more volunteers and how you can apply for the work You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Pat,

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
A friend who is planning to visit you has asked you to describe the most interesting and enjoyable things to do in the community where you currently live. Write an email to your friend, telling them about these things. In your email, As Say what these things are Say why they are interesting/enjoyable Suggest what you can do together

informal
Your 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 & accept the invitation. • Write detail about your visit. • Briefly describe what you want to do there.

informal
There Is a public event coming up in your town. Write a letter to your friend who you think would be interested to take part in it. In your letter Describe the event. Say why you think he / she would be interested. Suggest an arrangement to meet there with him / her.

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 your friend. In your letter, give details of your study plan explain why you want to get a part time job suggest how your friend could help you find a job

informal
You recently found out that your friend has had a baby. Write a letter to congratulate her. In your letter: – congratulate her on the arrival of the baby – ask what kind of gift she would like – suggest a time to visit and catch up.

informal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. A friend who lives in another country has invited you to come and stay with 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 Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear......

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
A friend you made while you were studying abroad has written to ask you for help in finding a job in your company. 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

informal
Your Australian friend is thinking about making a short visit to your country, and intends to visit a particular tourist attraction during his/her stay. However, you feel that it would be better for your friend to visit a different tourist attraction. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter recommend a good time for your friend to visit your country say why it would be better to visit a different tourist attraction suggest that you and your friend meet

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

informal
“You have seen an advertisement in an Australian magazine for someone 10 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 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

informal
You are studying English at a private language school attended by many international students. You are planning a surprise birthday party for a friend who has been feeling particularly sad and homesick. Write to another classmate and invite him / her to the party. In your letter: •explain the reason for the party • give the date and time of the party • suggest what the classmate could bring to the party Begin your letter as follows: Dear ________ You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

informal
A friend of your 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 to your friend. In your letter explain why you think your firend would enjoy a camping holiday describe some possible disadvantages say whether you would like to go camping with your friend this summer

informal
A friend of yours has recently written to you asking for advice about a problem at work. You have had a similar problem at your workplace in the past. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter, tell your friend how you feel about the problem explain how you faced a similar situation in the past suggest possible solutions to the problem

informal
You are planning to go skiing next winter and you would like to get a group of friends together to come with you. Write a letter to a friend and invite them to come skiing. In the letter, Invite your friend to come Provide details of the holiday Tell your friend what they will need bring with them on the holiday You do NOT need to write any addresse

🚀 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.