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
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
yoy have recently moved to a different house. write to your English speaking friend -explain why you have moved -describe the new house -invite your friend to come and visit

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 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 explain what happened say how you are going to fix the issue

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

informal
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 have recently heard that a friend of yours has had some problems as a result of some unusual weather. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:      -  express your concern (i.e. say you are sorry to hear what has happened)
     -  tell him/her about a similar experience that you once had
     -  give some advice, or offer help You should 

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

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 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 freind. In your letter . Explain where your freind can get the key to the apartment. Give your friend some instructions about using your apartment. Recommend some places to go

informal
A friend has agreed to look after your house and pet while you are on holiday. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: •give contact details for when you are away •give instructions on how to care for your pet • describe other household duties You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear ..................,

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 recentely receved a letter from a freind asking for advice about whether to go to college or to try tp get a job. you think she should get a job. write a letter to this friend. in your letter - Say why she would not enjoy going to college - explain why getting a job is a good idea for her -suggest types of jobs that would be suitable for her

informal
Your friend bought tickets to the theatre for both of you. Write a letter to a friend to tell him that you cannot go to theatre. In your letter -Apologize -Explain the situation -Tell him what he can do with the extra ticket.

informal
You are 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. Apologise for the situation. Suggest a new arrangements.

informal
You have recently started working for a new company. Write a letter to a friend. In your letter: Explain the reasons why you changed jobs Describe your new job Tell him/her your other newsD

informal
WRITING TASK 1 You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. A friend told you recently that he/she had gone to an excellent restaurant. You wonder if this restaurant will be suitable for your birthday party next week. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter tell your friend about your planned party ask what the restaurant is called and for directions to get there ask what kind of food it serves and if your friend has any particular recommendations from the menu You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Pat,

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 the arrangements you have made for him/her to get keys 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 Write at least 150 words.

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 should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Write at least 150 words. A friend has invited you to a party but you will not be able to attend. Write to your friend. In your letter •Tell your friend you can’t come •Explain why you are unable to attend • Arrange another time to meet You do NOT need to write any addresses.

informal
Write a letter to a friend who is coming to stay at your apartment while you are away on vacation. In your letter, • Tell him/ her about your flat. • Give him/ her some instructions about his/ her stay. • Tell him/ her what to do in case of problem.

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 best friend just had her first baby. You are currently overseas but will be returning to your hometown in a week. Write to your friend. In your letter, Congratulate your friend. Tell her when you will be returning home. Ask when you could drop in to meet her and the baby.

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
Thank you very much for inviting me to Chris’s birthday celebration at Hilton Hotel in Sydney. I believe Chris will be thrilled with such a surprising event at all the cost. He had always wanted to celebrate his birthday with his peers, and this will make his dream come true. The location of the hotel may also trigger his Joy with its overview of the sea. 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. •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
The parents of your Australian friend Chris have invited you to a surprise birthday party for him/her. Write a letter to Chris’s parents. In your letter, say why you think Chris will enjoy the surprise party explain why you won’t be able to attend the party give details of a plan to see Chris at a different time Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr and Mrs ....................,

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
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: Dear _________,

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

informal
“You want to start your own business. Write a letter to a friend. In your letter: tell him/her about your business explain why you think it is a good idea and ask him/her for some help or advice”

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
Practice: You will be graduating from university and would like to invite your family to the ceremony. Write a letter of invitation to your parents. In the letter: - Explain that you have completed your studies - Give details of the event, including time, date and dress code - Let them know how many tickets they have and who they are for

informal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. A friend you met last year has invited you to visit him/her in his/her country. You have never been there before and need some information before you leave. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: request advise about a gift for his/her family ask about activities and clothing in his/her country find out about the food You do NOT need to write any address. You should write at least 150 words.

informal
your English-speaking friend who lives in your town has asked for your advice about learning a new sport Write an email to your friend. In your email -Recommend a new sport that would be suitable for your friend to learn -Explain how your friend could learn this sport -Suggest that you both learn this sport together Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear…,

informal
Your friend has offered to sell you something. Write a letter to the friend. In your letter include: What the item is Questions requesting details of the item being sold What price you think is fair

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

informal
You are 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
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
You have not performed well in your half-yearly examinations due to which your parents are quite upset. Write a letter to your father assuring of better performance next time. In your letter, write: the reason for not performing well in the examination the changes you have brought in your daily schedule what your expectations are

informal
You are living in a city in a foreign country, and a friend from your home country is soon coming to visit you for several days. Write an email to your friend. In this letter: Asking him or her to bring some things from home which you are need Saying why you need them Making arrangement to meet

informal
A friend had a new born baby, you have picked up a present for the baby and want to visit to give it to him / her. Write a letter to – - Congratulate your friend. - Tell him why you picked up the mentioned present. - Suggest arrangements for the visit.

informal
ou will be graduating from university and would like to invite your family to the ceremony. Write a letter of invitation to your parents. In the letter: – Explain that you have completed your studies – Give details of the event, including time, date and dress code – Let them know how many tickets they have and who they are for

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

informal
You recently went on a trip with a friend and you both took some photographs. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: ask your friend to send you one of the photographs explain why you need that particular photograph and tell your friend what happened to your copy of it Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ..................,

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

informal
A friend has agreed to stay in your flat (apartment) and look after it while you are away. You want to give your friend some information about the flat. Write a letter to this friend. In your letter: • give information about the flat • provide any important instructions • say what he/she should do if there are any problems

informal
You are planning to travel and would like someone to take care of your apartment while you are away. Write a letter to a friend. In your letter •explain why you will be away •ask your friend to take care of your apartment •describe the tasks you want your friend to do Begin your letter as follows: Dear……

informal
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
You have recently been to stay with an old friend for a few days. You haven't seen each other for a long time and was happy to meet him/her. Now write a letter to this 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

informal
You have recently started working in a new company. write a letter to your friend. In your letter Explain why you changed job discribe your new job tell him/her about other news

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
write a letter t friend wants to senf his children to your house for weekend.write 1 agree to the arrangement 2.say what time is suitable 3decribe what ae you planning

informal
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.

informal
Read the question below and write a letter.
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
Write at least 150 words. Although you are meant to present your thesis project in one month, your sister is getting married in Spain at the same time. You would like to change dates for your presentation. Write a letter to your professor. In your letter: * Explain the situation * Remind the professor of your academic achievements to date * Ask for a different date to present your thesis

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

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

informal
Your friend invited you to his/her birthday, but you are unable to attend. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter explain why you cannot go explain why you didn’t contact him/hear sooner suggest another time and place to meet

informal
You have recently been offered a job in Canada living with a family for 6 months and looking after their six-year-old child. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter, tell him/her why do you want this job, explain how you will spend your free time in Canada, and invite your friend to visit you when you are in Canada

informal
Your frined invited you to his/her birthday party , but your are not able to attend. write a letter to your friend

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
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; You do NOT need to write your own address. Begin your letter as follows:

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 didn’t write earlier. ● Invite them to come and stay with you.

informal
Your friend has been offered a place on a course at the university where you studied. They would like your adivce about finding a place to live. Write an letter to your friend. In your letter: describe where you lived recommend the best way to look for accommodation warn them of mistakes students make

informal
You had a dinner with your friend’s family. Write a letter to your friend and express your fillings about the dinner. In your letter, you should include: Say what you enjoyed at the dinner Describe how you feel about his/her family Invite your friend and his family to your place

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

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

informal
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
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
Write a letter to a friend that you can't collect from the airport, as you have promised, because of some reason. In your letter: - Explain why you can't come, - Guide them regarding other options to get to your home, - Describe the plans you made to show them around when your friend arrives.

informal
You arranges to visit a friend in Canada but an important event at homa now means that you mjst change the dates of the visit. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: - explain the important event - apologise for the situation - suggest a new arrangement

informal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 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
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
A friend had invited you for a meal at his/her place. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter 1. Thank him/her for inviting you 2. Describe how you felt about his/her family members 3. Make suggestions about his/her visit to your place

informal
Your friend invited you to his/her birthday party, but you are not able to attend. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter -Explain why you cannot go - say that you will give your friend a gift the next time you see him/her -suggest another time and place to meet

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

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

informal
A friend of yours has a son/ daughter who recently graduated and is now applying for jobs. Your friend has asked you to give their son / daughter some advice about applying for a job. Write a letter to your friend’s son / daughter. In your letter give some advice about applying for a job explain why these things are important suggest a time and place you can meet to talk about this Write 150 words.

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
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.

informal
Your friend had made a plan for you to see a movie together but you cannot join him. You've found another friend who can go instead of you. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: ● Explain why you cannot go anymore ● Say who can go instead of you ● Say why this person is a good person to go with

informal
You recently bought a new piece of technology for your home. Your friend is interested in purchasing the same item. Write a letter to your friend. •Explain what the technology is. •Describe how it is helpful to you. •Give your advice on whether your friend should buy it or not.

informal
Write a letter to a 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 hime Explain how to apply for the job

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

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 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 recently took a trip to another city, and you had a plan to visit your friend who is living there. However, you couldn’t see him/her. Write a letter to your friend, and Apologize for not being able to meet. Give your reasons. Suggest how you can meet some other time.

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

informal
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 have received an important document that needs to be translated. Write a letter to your friend and ask him/her to translate this important document for you. In your letter, explain - •why it is important for you •how fast you need it back •why you need his/her expertise

informal
You stayed at your friend’s house when you participated in a business seminar in the other city. You mistakenly left a file with important documents at their house.
Write a letter to your friend,
describing the file, tell them why it is important.
ask him/her to return it to you by post.

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
1.You would like to invite your friend from abroad to a public event in your country. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter odescribe the public event o explain why you think he/she would like the event o write how you can help your friend with accommodation

informal
You recently Stayed at your friends Place to look after the house while he/she is away. You accidentally damaged something in his/her house. write a letter to feed friend In your letter you should : •Describe what the accident was •explain when it happened •Suggest how the damage can be fixed

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
Your friend had a newborn baby. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter -congratulate your friend -explain what the present is and why you chose it -suggest arrangements for a visit

informal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You have recently gone to live in a new city. You want to let an English-speaking friend who lives in another country know about it. Write a letter to your English-speaking friend. In your letter: explain why you have gone to live in the new city describe the place where you are living invite your friend to come and see you Write at least 150 words.

informal
You have found an interesting website. Write a letter to your friend to tell about the website. In your letter, you should: • describe what the website is • explain why the website is interesting in • tell how this website will help him/her.

informal
Your friend recently came to your birthday party and bought you an expensive present. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: >thank your friend > explain how useful the present is > arrange to meet up with your friend sometime soon ​Write at least 150 words.

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