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 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

informal
You recently borrowed something from a friend. Unfortunately, the item has become damaged. Write a letter to this friend. In your letter remind your friend that you borrowed something from him/her explain how the item became damaged suggest how you can resolve the issue of the damaged item

informal
Your friend asked you to find a part-time job for him/her to earn some money while studying. You found a job that might be suitable for him/her. 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
You have recently moved to a different house.Write a letter to an English-speaking friend. In your letterexplain why you have moveddescribe the new houseinvite your friend to come and visit

informal
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 Begin your letter as follows: Dear Grandmother,

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 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 lease 150 words.

informal
You have recently started work in a new company. Write a letter to an English-speaking friend. In your letter ● explain why you changed jobs ● describe your new job ● tell him/her your other news.

informal
You have just been promoted at work. Write your friend, who lives in a different city, a letter. In your letter: Tell them about the benefits of the new role Tell them about the new challenges Asked them if they have changed jobs too

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

informal
You stayed at your friends' house when you participated in a business seminar in Australia.You left a file with important documents in your room. write a letter to your friend, describing the file and ask him to return it to you by post.

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

informal
You are planning a birthday party for a friend, but you need to make some arrangements. Write a letter to a friend who will be helping you with the party. In your letter: Explain the reason for the party Give details about the arrangements you have already made Explain how your friend can help Write at least 150 words.

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

informal
You found a job opportunity in a foreign country. Write a letter to your friend who knows about the country. In your letter explain your situation describe your problems tell him/her when you will be starting 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
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You have recently started work in a new company. Write a letter to an English-speaking friend. In your letter, •explain why you changed jobs •describe your new job •tell him / her your other news

informal
You have seen a job advertisement in some newspaper. Write a letter to your friend asking him to consider this job. Please say: - Where have you seen the ad? - What is the job description? - Why do you think, he is a suitable candidate for 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 rypes of job that would be suitable for 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 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
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, describe where you lived when you were a student at the university recommend the best way for him/her to look for accommodation warn him/her of mistakes students make when choosing accommodation

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

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
You have recently moved to a new neighborhood. Write a letter to your friend about your new home. In your letter, describe your new house or apartment explain why you moved invite your friend to come and visit

informal
You have spent a month with your friend who lives in other country. Returning home you haven’t found your disc with photos from your holiday. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: • Thanks him for the holiday; • Explain that you have lost the disc with photos; • Give instructions of how to send you the photos. Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. 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
You arranged to visit a friend in England but an important event at home now means that you must change the dates of visit. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: -Explain the important -Apologize for the situation -Suggest a new arrangement

informal
Q: 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 1. introduce yourself 2. ask the family some questions to get information that is important to you 3. tell the family about your arrival date and time

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

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

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
You will take a short holiday in London next month and would like to spend some time with a friend who lives there. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter, •Tell him when you will be in London and why •Ask him for recommendations of what to do there •Suggest some things you can do together You should You do NOT need to write any addresses

informal
Write a letter to your friend about a book that you have read recently. Include the following in your letter: - Describe the book. - Why do you want him/her to read it? - Tell him/her how to get the book.

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 expiatory you want d geta part-time job • suggest how your friend could help you find a job

informal
A friend of yours recently gave you a nice birthday present. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter, – thank her for the present and say why you particularly like it – describe some other presents that you received – explain some of the things you did on your birthday. You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sarah,

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

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
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

informal
Write a letter to your friend to inform him/her that one of your relatives is traveling to his/her country and say - Describe the relative - Why is he/she traveling there? - Why do you think they should meet?

informal
Your friend invited you to go with him/her to a concert next week, however, you are unable to come. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter •let your friend know why you can't go to the concert; •suggest another activity you can do together; •explain why you think your friend would enjoy this activity.

informal
A friend of yours is thinking about appliying for the same course you did at university. He/She has askes for your advise about studying this subject. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter give details of the course you took at the university explain why you recommend the university give some advice about how to apply write at least 150 words.

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

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

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
You have your birthday next weekend and you are planning to organise a party where you will be inviting all your friends. Write a letter to invite your friend. In your letter, explain the occasion describe why you need your friend to come give directions to reach the venue

informal
Last month you had a holiday overseas where you stayed with some friends. They have just sent you some photos of your holiday. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter Thank them for the photos and for the holiday Explain why you don't write earlier Invite them to como and stay with you.

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 recently went to visit a friend in their new home. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter • tell your friend what you liked about his/her new house • say what you did or enjoyed most about your stay with your friend • suggest when and where you could meet your friend next

informal
You recently visited a friend who lives in another city. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: Thank your friend for the visit Describe what you enjoyed most during the trip Suggest a plan for your next meeting

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

informal
You are visiting a town where you once worked. Write to a friend you worked with there. Include the following in your letter: •Tell your friend about your life now. •Give him/her details of your visit. •Arrange how you can meet.

informal
You recently received a letter from a friend asking for your advice on 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 she will not enjoy going to college explain why getting a job is a good idea Suggest the type of job that would be suitable.

informal
You 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 car describe the condition of the car invite the friend to come and see the car himself/herself someday Write at least 150 words.

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

informal
You 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
Write a letter to an English-speaking friend. In your letter, explain why you have changed your job describe your new job tell him/her your other news Write at least 150 words

informal
You recently had a holiday in a popular tourist destination. Your friend is going to visit the same destination next month. Write a letter to your friend, offering advice and recommendations for his/her upcoming trip. In the letter describe youe own experince and the highlights of youe holiday provide suggestions on places to visit and local cuisine give advice on accomodation and transport

informal
You are invited to a party, however, because of some reasons you didn’t attend. Write a letter to the friend who invites you: (1) explain the reason why you didn’t go; (2) express your apology; (3) ask about some details in the party.

informal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. A friend has agreed to look after your house and pet while you are on holiday. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: • Give contact details for when you are away • Give instructions about how to care for your pet • Describe other household duties

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 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
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 working involves. say why you think the job would be suitable for him/her. Explain how to apply for the job.

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; Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write your own address. Begin your letter as follows:

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

informal
You have just learned that your friend has recently become engaged. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter ● tell him/her how you found out ● explain how you feel about the news ● organise to meet your friend for a celebration

informal
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 friend. In your letter: * suggest an interesting part of the city to live in * describe the public transport in your city * say how your friend can meet new people there Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ______________,

informal
Write a letter to Invite a Friend to a Picnic Explain where and when the picnic will take place. Describe what activities or food will be there. Ask your friend to confirm if they can come.

informal
Write a letter to your friend. In your letter ● thank them for the photos and for the holiday ● explain why you didn’t write earlier ● invite them to come and stay with you.

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
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 Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dea

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

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

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 his/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 You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear...............,

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
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 are interested in applying for a job at an international company where a friend of yours works. Write a letter to this friend. In your letter -Tell your friend about the job you are interested in -Explain why you are interested in applying for it -Ask your friend for some advice about applying for this job

informal
Write a letter to a friend telling him about an interesting website you found. Tell your friend – How you found it?How it can help?How you use it?

informal
Write a letter to a friend who was coming over to your country to work for 6 months. Suggestion of a city Suggestion of a few jobs that could do Options for this friend make friends with local

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

informal
A man called Pete who is friend of friend, is planning to visit town. Write a letter to Pete. In your letter introduce yourself suggest somethings to do in your town mention one thing you would not recommend

informal
An English-speaking friend of yours has written to you to ask you how your studies are going. Write a letter to this friend. In your letter, tell your friend how you are preparing for the exam tell him/her how you feel about it tell him your expectations

informal
A friend who lives in another country has invited you to come and stray with him/her on your next holiday. You are to 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 time to visit

informal
A freiend of yours is thinking of going on a camping holiday for the first time this summer. He has asked for your advice. Write a letter to your friend. the 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 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. Early childhood teachers specialize in the learning, developmental, social, and physical needs of young children.

informal
Your best friend is moving back to your city after being overseas for five years. Write a letter to convince your friend to move in with you. In the letter: – Explain how much you have missed your friend – Describe how you feel about your friend’s return – Give reasons that you and your friend should share a home

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

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

informal
An English – speaking friend wants to spend 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
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. A friend of yours is going on holiday and has asked you to recommend a destination. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter recommend a good place that you have visited before for a holiday say where you went and where you stayed say what you can do there and what the food was like You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Chris,

informal
Your friend has written to you asking for your advice on his/her parents who will be visiting your area. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter, you should: Suggest the places they can visit Recommend a place where they can stay Offer to do something with them.

informal
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

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