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 organised a birthday party at your place and borrowed something from your friend for the same. But it was damaged at the party. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter, describe what it was how it was damaged what you will do about it

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

informal
You recently took a trip. In your absence, a friend did you a big favour. Write a letter thanking them. In your letter incluce: - What the favour was - How this favour helped you - an offer of compensation

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
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 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. Write atleast 150 words. You do not need to write any addresses.. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

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 studies Explain why you want to get a part-time job Suggest how you friend could help you find a job

informal
You have decided to leave your current job and look for a new one. Write a letter to a friend. In your letter: -explain why you want to leave your current job -describe what kind of job you are looking for -ask for some help or advice

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

informal
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 just spent a weekend at a friend's house. When you returned home, you discovered that you had left a coat there. There are some important belongings in the pockets. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter explain that you have left the coat there say what the coat looks like, where you think you left it and what was in the pockets make some suggestions about how to get all of your belongings back You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Pat,

informal
You and a friend recently went on a holiday together. There is a problem with the photos you have taken during the holiday. Write a letter to your friend to ask for a particular shot. In your letter •tell him/her about the problem with your photos • say which photo you would like him/her to send you • explain why you need this photo

informal
Your parents will be celebrating their 50th anniversary next month. You are planning a big celebration, but you are not sure how to make the occasion really memorable. But you have a friend who can help. Write to your friend Julia, who is a professional event planner. In your letter, explain why this occasion is special ask for her assistance set up a time to meet your friend to discuss your plans

informal
Your friend is planning to go on a business trip to a city you know well. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter – tell him/her about some attractions to go sightseeing – recommend a restaurant to eat – give some advice on transportation

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
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 they should get a job. Write a letter to this friend. In your letter: •say they would not enjoy going to college •explain why getting a job is a good idea for them •suggest types of jobs that would be suitable for them

informal
You stayed with a local family when you participated in an exchange program in Ireland. You returned to your home country in a hurry and found that you had forgotten to take your laptop. Write a letter to the family and thank them for their hospitality. Describe your computer and where it is, and ask the host to send it back to you. You should write at least 150 words.

informal
Write a letter to your friend inviting him/her to a music concert. Please say – Where and when does the concert start? – What type of music will be played there? – Why do you think your friend will enjoy it?

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
You are going to visit the town where your friend went to university. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter, explain why you will be visiting the town give details of where you will be staying ask your friend to recommend some evening entertainment

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
A friend of yours is thinking of going on a camping holiday for the first time this summer. He/She has ask for your advice. write a letter to your friednd.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 stayed at your friend's house when ypu participated in a business seminar in Australia. you left a life with important documents in your room. write a letter to a friend , describe the file and ask him to return it by post.

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

informal
You are going to spend your vacation in Rome, Italy. Your friend's grandfather lives there and has offered to let you stay in his apartment. Write a letter to your friend's grandfather. In your letter: • Thank him for the offer but politely decline • Inform him of when you will be in Rome and your travel plans • Invite him for an outing

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
A friend of yours is thinking of going on a camping holiday for the first time this summer. He/she 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
An English-speaking friend wants to spend a two-week holiday in your region and has written asking for information and advice. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: * Offer to find somewhere to stay * Give advice about what to do * Give information about what clothes to bring

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

informal
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 the job in a local company that might be suitable for 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 her -explain how to apply for the job

informal
You are moving to a new city and are looking for a place to live there. Write a letter to a friend who lives in that city. In your letter, • explain why you are moving • describe the kind or place you would like to live in • ask your friend for advice about finding a place to live

informal
GT Writing Task 1: You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 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 Write at least 150 words.

informal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You would like to stay at a friend’s house for a short time as you are visiting his/her city and don’t want to stay in a hotel. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: • Request to stay at your friend’s house • Explain why you would like to stay • offer your friend some kind of remuneration for letting you stay. Write at least 150 words.

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 and see Chris at a different time. Begin your letter as : Dear Mr and Mrs Collins,

informal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 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 addresses

informal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. An English-speaking friend wants to spend a two-week holiday in your region and has written asking for information and advice. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter offer to find somewhere for your friend to stay give advice about what to do and see in your area give information about what clothes to bring You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Maria,

informal
You recently stayed at your friends's place to look after the house while he/she is away. you accidently damaged something in his/her house. write a letter to your friend. in your lettter you should describe what the accident was explain when it happened. suggest how you damage can be fixed.

informal
Write an apology letter to a friend from overseas that it will be impossible for him or her to stay with you. In the letter, you should: • Tell why it is not possible • Give him alternative choice to live • Invite him or her to come in the future

informal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task . You recently borrowed an item of cloting from a friend. While you had this item , it was damaged. Write a letter to your friend . In your letter you should : Apologise for damaging the item of clothing Explain how it became damaged Say what you will do to fix the problem

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 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 him/her for also being accepted •Ask him/her if he/she would like to be your roommate • Discuss possible activities that the two of you could do together

informal
You recently came across an advertisement that you think your friend would like. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: •Explain where you saw the advertisement. •Describe the product. •Explain why you think it would be useful for your friend.

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

informal
You 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 are new to the city and you would like to take your family out for a meal. Write a letter to your friend who is familiar with the city. In your letter: • Tell him or her about the occasion • Tell him or her about what kind of a restaurant you prefer • Ask him suitable recommendations Start with Dear..............,

informal
A family member is coming to stay with you. He/she will be arriving by train in the morning, but you won’t be home until the evening. Write a letter to your relative. In your letter: explain arrangements you have made for them to have keys and get into the house tell your relative how to get from the train station to your house say when you will be home and suggest what you could do together that evening.

informal
A friend is expecting you to stay with him in two weeks’ time, but unfortunately you forgot that you have a business trip at the same time. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter, apologise and say that you cannot come to visit explain why you will not be able to visit suggest another time that you could visit You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows

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

informal
Write a letter to your friend about your plans to go out with him/her and another friend on a small picnic. Include the following- 1. Where you plan to go? 2. What arrangements you already made. 3. What help you need from your friend with this topic.

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

informal
You 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
Write a letter to your friend who has asked you about a short course, which you have done. Write about the content of the course. The future benefit of the course.

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
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 stayed at your friend’s house when you participated in a business seminar in Australia. You left a file with important documents in the room you stayed in. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: • Describe the file • Ask him/her to return it to you by post.

informal
You are living in a city in a foreign country and a friend from your home country is soon coming to visit your for several days. Write an letter

informal
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

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

informal
A friend has agreed to look after your house and pet while you are on holiday. Write a letter to your friend.

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

informal
You are planning a business to another city. You will have some free time to do some sightseeing while you are there. •Write a letter to a friend who lives in the city you will visit. In your letter • Explain the purpose of the trip • Ask about thing to do and see in the city • Invite your friend to do something with you during your visit

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
One of your friends wants to apply for a job involving working with foreign teenagers. Write a letter of recommendation: How long you have known your friend Something about your friend personality Why you think your friend would make a good employee.

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 

You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows:

Dear …………….,

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

informal
You are about to go on vocation for a month. A friend from another town will come and stay in your apartment. Write a letter to this friend. In you 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 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
The parents of your Australian friend Chris have invited you to a surprise birthday party for himlher. 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 going on holiday soon and has asked you to recommend a destination. Write a letter to your friend and recommend a good place for a holiday that you have visited before.Say -where you went, -Where you stayed, -What you can do there and what the food was like.

informal
You borrowed an item from your friend, but unfortunately it got damaged while you were using it. Write a letter to your friend explaining what happened, apologizing for the damage, and saying how you plan to resolve the situation.

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•describe why you think he/she will enjoy it•explain why you recommend studying at your university•give some advice about how to applyWrite at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ___________

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
You recently stayed at a friend’s house for a week. Now you need to write a letter to your friend. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: Thank them for their hospitality. Explain two things you enjoyed about the visit. Mention one thing you wish could have been different.

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 are you going describe how to look after your pet. Explain some of the things your friend must do to look after your house.

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

informal
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 You do NOT need to write any addresses

informal
ou 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 her/him to the party. In your letter: - Explain the reason for the party. - Give the date and time of the party. - Suggest that the classmate could bring to the party.

informal
You have seen an advertisement in an Australian magazine for someone to live with a family for six months and look after their six- year-old child. Write a letter to the parents. In your letter – Explain why you would like the job – give details of why you would be a suitable person to employ – say how you would spend your free time while you are in Australia Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

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: Dear Jimmy,

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: Dear….

informal
One of your friend lives in another country. You want to spend time working in that country. Write a letter to your friends. In your letter, you should: • describe why you want to work in that country; • tell him/her about your skills and experience; • ask some questions related to work (wage, salary)

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 ntwhy you need the recipe from his/her country

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
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
You have a friend who has always liked the car you currently drive. Now you have decided to sell the car. You think your friend might be interested in buying it. Write a letter to this friend. In your letter, •say why you want to sell your •describe the condition of the car •invite the friend to come and see the car himself/herself someday 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 family fr 6 months and look after their 6-months old child. Write a letter to the parents: Explain why you would like the job. Give details of why you would be a suitable person to employ Say how you would spend your free time while you are in Australia

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

informal
You want to hold a surprise party for a friend who is visiting his home town after a long time from a foreign country. Write a letter to a common friend asking for his help in organizing the party and in your letter: • Write the reasons for organizing the party • Describe when, where and how you would be organizing the party • Ask your friend to meet you in person for further discussions You do not need to write any addresses.

informal
Thanking a friend for a holiday. You have recently been to stay with an old friend for a few days. You hadn't seen each other for a long time. Write a letter to the friend. In your letter: •say how you felt about the visit •refer to something enjoyable that you did while staying with him / her • invite your friend to visit you 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 wants to spend a four-week holiday in your country and has written asking for advice about the trip. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: offer to find somewhere to stay, give advice about what to do, give information about what clothes to bring.

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
Write a letter to you friend describing he/she should get a job rather than getting in a college. In your letter Say why he/she would not enjoy going to college Explain why getting a Job is a good idea for him Suggest types of job that would be suitable for him

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