IELTS General Writing Task 1 informal Topics/Questions 2025

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This section presents a list of common IELTS General Writing Task 1 informal topics. All these topics were added in 2025 by students who took the IELTS recently. Pick a random topic and start practicing and improving your writing skills.

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

informal
You 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 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
One of your friend has asked you for a reference letter for the job as Sports instructor. Write a reference letter to Manager of the Sporting facility reccomending your friend. In your letter include What is your name and how do you know him/her What skills does your friend have Why he/she is suitable candidate for the position

informal
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.

informal
You have recently moved to a new place and haven’t got a chance to tell your friend. Write a letter to your friend, Where and why you move from there Compare your new place to old Where do u live now

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

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

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

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 dasadvantages * say whether you would like to go camping with your friend this summer

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

informal
You have some time off work and are hoping to visit a close friend, Stephanie, for a few days. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter • suggest spending time together • explain why you have time to do this • propose some activities 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 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 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
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 are about to go on vacation for a month. A friend from another town will come and stay in your apartment. Write a letter to this friend. In your letter explain where your friend can get the keys to the apartment give your friend some instructions about using your apartment recommend some places to go

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
You have some time off work and are hoping to visit a close friend, Stephanie, for a few days. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter •suggest spending time together • explain why you have time to do this • propose some activities Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Stephanie,

informal
You are planning a surprise party . Write a letter to a friend to invite them to the party. In your letter : Explain the reason for the party. : Give details about the time and venue. : Ask them to keep it a secret.

informal
Write a letter to a friend asking for a recipe from his/her country for the party you are organizing. In your letter – Tell your friend about the party – Ask for the recipe – Explain why you need the recipe from his/her country.

informal
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 a particular photograph Explain why you need that particular photograph Tell your friend what happened to your copy of it You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Brendan,

informal
You read an article in a magazine recently which might be useful for you and your friend's job. Write a letter to your friend and say -Describe an article and its content, explain why it is good for you, why would it be helpful for your friend?

informal
You have recently moved to a different house. Write a letter to an English-speaking friend. In your letter •explain why you have moved •describe the new house •invite your friend to come and visit

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

informal
Afriend has agreed to look after 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 you would like your friend to undertake

informal
Last month, you travelled to another city. You told a friend who lives in the city that you would meet them, but you did not. Write a letter to this friend. In your letter, - Apologise for not meeting him/her, - Explain why you did not contact him/her earlier - suggest a time and place to meet in the

informal
A year ago, you lent your favorite book to a friend who you thought would enjoy it. Unfortunately, your friend has forgotten to return it. The book has sentimental value to you as it had been presented by your grandmother. Write a letter to your friend. In the letter: ask how he or she is doing remind him / her about the book explain why you need it back

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

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

informal
You are going away to travel for the summer. A friend will be looking after your house while you are away. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter – say where you are going – describe your house – explain some of the things your friend must do to look after your house

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

informal
Instructions
Read the question below and write a letter.
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
Write at least 150 words. 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 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 Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ___,

informal
You said you would attend a friend's dinner party but you did not go. Write a letter to your friend. In the letter: - Apologize for not attending - Explain why you did not attend - Say what you will do to make up for it

informal
You have recently moved to a different house. Write a letter to an English- speaking friend. In your letter Explain why you moved Describe the new house Invite your friend to come and visit

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
You have been invited to the engagement party of a friend from another country. You cannot go but you have bought a gift for him/her. Write a letter to this friend. In your letter • say how you feel about the engagement • explain why you cannot go • tell your friend about the gift you have bought for him/her

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
Topic: Write a letter to your friend telling them about a new hobby you have started. Cue Points: 1. What the hobby is and how you got interested in it 2. How often you do it and what you enjoy about it 3. Invite your friend to try it with you

informal
you have recently moved to a new house, write a letter to your english-speaking friend

informal
You have learned that a foreign friend plans to live and work in your country for 6 months. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter Tell him/ her how you learned of his/her plan. Suggest a place for him/her to live. Describe how she/he can find a job

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
Cam15- A friend of yours is thinking about applying for the same course that you did at university. He/she has asked for your advice about studying this subject. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter, • give details of the course you took at the university • explain why you recommend the university • give some advice about how to apply

informal
Last year you went on a holiday with your family. A friend has contacted you about the holiday and asked whether you would recommend it. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter say where you went and how you travelled describe the place and the accommodation suggest why your friend should or should not go on this holiday Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear…

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

informal
Write a letter to your friend. You have borrowed something from your friend and it got damaged. 1. Apologise for damaging the product 2. Explain what happened 3. Say how you are going to fix the issue

informal
You said you would attend your best friend's birthday party, but you did not go. Write a letter to your friend. In the letter apologise for not going explain why you were not there, say how you will make up for it.

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
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 Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

informal
You have recently moved to a new place and haven't got a chance to tell your friend.write a letter to your friend. Where and why you move from there? Compare your new place with old. Where do you live now?

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

informal
You 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
Your parents will be celebrating their 40th anniversary next month. You are planning a big celebration, but you are not sure how to make the occasion really memorable. Write to your best friend, Joan, who is a professional event planner. In your letter: •explain why the occasion is special •ask for her assistance •set up a time to meet at your friend's convenience to discuss your plans Begin your letter as follows: Dear Joan, You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

informal
Last month you had a holiday overseas where you stayed with a friend. He/She has just sent you some photos of your holiday. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter ●thank him/her for the photos and for the holiday ●explain why you didn’t write earlier ●invite them to come and stay with you.

informal
You have seen an advertisement in an Australian magazine for someone to live with a family for 6 months and look after their 6-year-old child. write a letter to the parents in your letter explain: why you would like the job give details of why you would be a suitable person to employ say how you would spend your free time while you are in Australia

informal
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 received a letter from a friend asking for advice about whether to go to college or to try to get a job. You think he/she should get a job. Write a letter to this friend. In your letter Say why he/she would not enjoy going to college Explain why getting a job is a good idea for him/her Suggest types of job that would be suitable for him/her

informal
You have recently started a new job. Write a letter to a friend about your new job. In your letter: - Describe the job and the company. - Explain how you feel about the job. - Discuss your future plans.

informal
You are staying in an alien country. You have recently received a letter from your wife in which she has complained of your son's activities. Write a letter to your son to counsel him. In your letter, write: what you came to know about his behavior why you are upset about such activities what kind of behavior you are expecting from him

informal
Your colleague has invited you for his farewell party. You will not be able to attend the party, write a letter to your friend Explain the situation, Say why you will not be attending, Say something about the period you have worked together

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

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

informal
You 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 hownyour frined could help you find a job.

informal
A friend of yours has given 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 do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sarah,...

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 write at least 150 words You do NOT need to write any addresses

informal
You have seen an advertisement in an Australia 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

informal
You are planning to organise your high school class reunion. For that, write a letter to your friend to invite him/her to the reunion. You should include the following in your letter: • when and where the party is • give some details about what is going to happen at the party • tell him/her what you have been doing recently

informal
A friend of yours is thinking about applying for the same course that you did at university. He/She has asked for your advice about studying this subject. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter •Give details of the course you took at the university •Explain why you recommend the university •Give some advice about how to apply

informal
A friend from overseas is planning to visit you soon. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter • explain why you are looking forward to the visit • describe the accommodations you have available for your friend • suggest some things to do during the visit Begin your letter as follows: Dear……

informal
Your colleague has invited you to his farewell party. You will not be able to attend the party, write a letter to the friend. - Explain the situation - Say why you will not be attending -Say something about the period you have worked together and his/her work.

informal
You are going to have a party. You would like to invite a friend who lives in a city that is a long way from your home. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: explain why you are having the party Describe your plans for the party Suggest how your friend can travel to the party and where he/she can stay

informal
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
Your Overseas friend has invited you to visit his country. You are planning to visit him. Write a letter to your friend, In your letter. •Thank him for the invitation & accept the invitation. •Write detail about your visit. •Briefly describe what you want to do there.

informal
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 want to sell some of your furniture. You think a friend of yours might like to buy it from you. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter explain why you are selling describe the furniture suggest a date when your friend can come and see the furniture

informal
A friend of yours is 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 wether you would like to go camping with your friend this summer

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, asking him or her to bring some things from home which you need saying why you need them making arrangements to meet Begin your letter ‘Dear --------’

informal
A friens of yours has always admired your car. You have now decided to sell it. Write a letter to your friend to ask if he I 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.

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 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 summe

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

informal
A friend of yours is coming to stay in your house for a week while you are away on holiday. Write a letter to your friend to prepare them for their stay in your letter: -- Give your friend information about the location of your house -- Tell your friend what tasks you would like them to do each day -- Explain what he/she can do and see in your area

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

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 -briefly describe the new house and garden -say why you like your new house.

informal
Write a letter to a friend asking for a recipe from his/her country for the party you are organizing. In your letter – Tell your friend about the party – Ask for the recipe – Explain why you need the recipe from his/her country.

informal
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
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
An overseas friend wants to visit your country on holiday. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter Recommend the best time of year to visit and why Describe the types of accommodation your friend could choose

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 ________

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

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