IELTS General Writing Task 1 informal Topics/Questions 2026

Want to improve your IELTS score? Get instant feedback and learn from your mistakes!

This section presents a list of common IELTS General Writing Task 1 informal topics. All these topics were added in 2026 by students who took the IELTS recently. Pick a random topic and start practicing and improving your writing skills.

informal
You are going to another country to study. You would like to do a part-time jobwhile 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 friendcould help you finda job

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

informal
You have recently moved to a new aparatment. Write a letter to a friend. In your letter: •explain why you have moved •describe your new apartment •invite him/her to pay a visit

informal
You have a friend who lives in a ity abroad. You have decided that you would like to apply to do a course at one of the colleges in this city. Write to your friend explaining what you would like to do. Tell him/ her what type of work or studies you have been doing for the pastfew years and ask for assistance in contacting an appropriate institution.

informal
You have decided to go on a holiday to a foreign country for 2 weeks, and you want one of your friends to go with you. Write a letter to your friend asking him to accompany you. In your letter, – explain where and when you want to go – give details of the travel, dates and costs involved – describe some of the things you want to do

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

informal
Your 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
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
Your friend back home has arranged a visit to your hometown for one week next month but due to some reason, you are not able to go. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter, apologise for not being able to go explain to him the situation tell him an alternative plan for your visit

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/her to return it to you by post.

informal
You have recently started attending hobby classes in your city. Your mother in your hometown wants to know about it. Write a letter to your mother. In the letter, mention: •What class are you taking? •How do you like it? •How long will you take the classes?

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 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 •You should •You do NOT need to write your own address

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
You have seen an advertisement in an Australian magazine for someone to live with a family for six months and look after the six years old child. Write a letter to the parents. in your letter *explain why you would like the job *Give details of why you would be a suitable person to employ * Say how you would spend your free time while you are in Australia

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 good friend has just changed schools and is having difficulty fitting in and needs your advice. Write a letter to your friend.

informal
Write a letter to your friend who is interested in learning how to drive. In your letter ● say why a driving license is advantageous( more convenient to travel, more employement) ● recommend a driving school( instituation cost 599 to guve driving classes ● give any extra guidance /tips( friend gt training who has experience 5 yesrs

informal
A friend of your is thinking of going on a camping holiday for the first time this summer.He/she has a ask 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 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 You do NOT need to write any addresses.

informal
You are having a party and want to invite your friend from a different city. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: Describe why you are having the party Give directions on how to get to the venue Suggest how you can accommodate him/her You do NOT need to write any addresses.

informal
Your English-speaking friend who lives in your town has asked for your advice about learning a new sport. Write a letter 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

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
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 license is advantageous Recomend a drving school Give any extra guidance/tips

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
Write a letter to your friend who is interested in learning how to drive. In your letter ● say why a driving license is advantageous ● recommend a driving school ● give any extra guidance or tips

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

informal
Write a letter to a friend who lives in a different city. a.Tell him/her about your recent job offer b.Tell him/her about your arrangement of a dinner to celebrate your achievement c.Inform him/her about the arrangement of his/her accommodation

informal
One of your friends in a foreign country is starting an import-export business, and he has asked you to recommend a product from your country to him. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: say what product you want to recommend to him tell him where he/she can get this product explain why you want to recommend this product

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

informal
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
Write a letter to a friend who you have met on an overseas trip in an English speaking country. Ask for him to send you the trips photographs.

informal
You recently moved to a new city and you want to tell your friend about your new home. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: •Describe your new home •Tell your friend how you feel about the new city •Invite your friend to visit you

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. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr and Mrs Collins,

informal
Read the question below and write a letter. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Write at least 150 words. You and your family are moving to another country for work, and you are looking to buy a house there. Write a letter to a property agent. In your letter: Introduce yourself and your family Describe the type of accommodation that you hope to find Give your preference for the location of the accommodation

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

informal
You need a website for your business, and you would like to ask your friend to build it. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter •Include a brief description of your business •Explain what you would like to have on the website •Provide some ideas on the use of images on the website.

informal
There will be a traditional celebration in your country and you want to invite your friend from an English speaking country . Write him/her a letter and invite your friend. Explain what happens at the party describe the tradition and why itʼs important in your country say why itʼs important for your friend to be there .

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 are studying English at a private language school attended by many international students. You are planning a surprise birthday part 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 abd time of the party - suggest what the classmate could bring to the party

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
A friend of yours is going on holiday soon and has asked you to recommend a destination. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: -Recommend a good place for a holiday that you have visited -Describe where you stayed and what you can do there -Provide one negative aspect about the destination -Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

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 future

informal
You have just missed a friend’s party. Write a letter to apologise. In your letter: apologise to your friend explain why you did not attend the party say what you plan to do to make up for missing the party.

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

informal
Write a letter to your friend who you recently travelled with to a foreign country. Include a) Why you enjoyed the trip b) What you are doing now c) An invitation to visit you now

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

informal
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 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.

informal
There is a public event coming up in your town. Write a letter to your friend who you think would be interested to take part in it.

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, 1)Thank him/her for the invitation. 2)Explain why you cannot come. 3) Ask him/her about other times to visit.

informal
One of your friends in a foreign country is starting an import-export business, and he has asked you to recommend a product from your country to him. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter, -Say what product you want to recommend to him – Tell him/her where he/she can get this product – Explain why you want to recommend this product

informal
“You have seen an advertisement in an Australian magazine for someone 10 live with a family for six months and look after their six-year-old child.” Write a letter to the parents. In your letter explain why you would like the job give details of why you would be a suitable person to employ say how you would spend your free time while you are in Australia Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

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

informal
You are going to another country to study. You would like to do a part-time job while you’re 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 friend could help you find a job

informal
A friend of yours is thinking about applying for the same course that you did at university. He/She has asked for your advice about studying this subject. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter, • give details of the course you took at the university 1-para • explain why you recommend the university 2-para • give some advice about how to apply 3-para

informal
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 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
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 you would like your friend to undertake When giving contact details, you do NOT need to write any addresses; something like the name of a friend you are staying with or a holiday destination is fine.

informal
You are planning to travel abroad and would like a friend to take care of your apartment annd pet cat while you are away: write a letter to your friend: explain how long and why will you be away describe the tasks you would like your friend to do tell your friend that he is welcome to stay in your apartment

informal
You have recently attended a marriage ceremony in your country. You have an English-speaking friend who you want to describe your experience of attending this marriage ceremony. Write a letter to this English-speaking friend. In your letter, •whose marriage ceremony it was •give details of this marriage ceremony •invite your friend to come and visit your country Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows: Dear …………………..,

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
Write a letter to your friend expressing your inability to meet on a particular date. Your friend was supposed to visit you soon, but due to some personal problems, you can?t meet him/her on the specified date. Write a letter to him or her explaining the situation. In your letter, you have to: - Apologies to your friend. - Explain why it?s not possible to meet now. - Suggest an alternative date for the meeting.

informal
Write a letter to your friend who lives in another country and in your letter: a) Invite him/her to a public event in your country b) Describe the public event c) Explain what other plans you have for your friend when he/she will visit

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 recently took a trip. In your absence, a friend did you a big favour. Write a letter thanking them. In your letter, include: ● what the favour was ● how this favour helped you ● an offer of compensation

informal
Your friend is about to celebrate a landmark birthday and would welcome suggestions as to how it should be celebrated. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter • say what type of party should be held e.g. themed, fancy dress, black tie event • suggest a suitable venue • make recommendations as to entertainment e.g. DJ, jazz band You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear...,

informal
You 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
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 license is advantageous. - Recommend a driving school. - Give any extra guidelines/tips

informal
You and your friend recently went on a holiday together. You have a problem with your photos taken during the holiday. Write a letter to ask your friend for a particular photo and say What is a problem with that photograph of yours Which photo would you like from him/her Why do you need this photo

informal
You are interested in enrolling in a cooking class at a local college and would like a friend to come with you. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter • say where and when the class will be held • give reasons why you think your friend might be interested • suggest a time and place to meet to discuss the idea Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear…

informal
You are planning a trip to Australia during the Spring Festival and you want to invite an old friend of yours to join your trip. Write to your friend on the matter. In your letter: - Explain where and when you want to go, - Give details of the travel, dates, and costs involved, - Describe some of the things you want to do.

informal
A friend you made while you were studying abroad would like to spend a semester studying in your country. He/She has written to ask for your advice. Write a letter to this friend. In your letter 1. Describe why you think he/she will enjoy it 2. Explain why you recommend studying at your university 3. give some advice about how to apply Write at least 150 words. You do not need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear_________,

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

informal
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

informal
Write a letter to your friend. In your letter Recommend the best time of year to visit and why Describe the types of accommodation your friend could choose Say what you would like to show your friend in your country Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

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

informal
You have found new interesting website.Write a letter to your friend to tell him/her about the website. In your letter describe what the website is explain why the websites is interesting tell how this website will help him/her

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

informal
TASK 1 A friend has written you to ask for advice about a problem at work. You have had a similar problem in the past. Write a letter to your friend. • Tell your friend you understand the problem • Explain what happened to you in the past • Suggest possible solutions to the problem. Write at least 150 words You do not need to write any addresses, Begin your letter as follows: Dear …..

informal
While your friend was away on vacation, you stayed in his apartment. While you were there, you dropped an expensive bowl and broke it. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter - explain what happened, - apologise for the accident, - tell your friend what you plan to do about the bowl.

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
Write a letter to a friend who is looking for a part time job to support his studies. In your letter - Describe the job you found for him/her - Explain why this job is good for him/her - Say what he/she needs to do to get the job

informal
Write a letter to your friend who lives in another country and in your letter,
 - invite him or her to a public event in your country 
 - describe the public event 
 - explain other plans you have for your friend when he or she visits.

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 Australiac

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

informal
Write a letter to your friend You recently bought an electric gadget for your home. Your friend wants the same gadget and needs your advice. In this letter you should include: What the gadget is What you think about it Advice about other alternatives your friend could buy

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
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
A friend of yours recently gave you a nice birthday present. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: -Thanks 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.

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
Your friend recently got promoted as the Vice President of his company. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter • congratulate him on his promotion • invite him home for dinner • share some recent updates of your life with him You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ……………..,

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 --------’ Do not write any addresse

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
You have a Facebook friend living in another country and s/he is curious to learn about a major news item in your country. Write a letter to your Facebook friend. In your letter describe a news story in your country explain why people are interested in it say how the story personally relates to you You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ...,

informal
Write a letter to your friend. In your letter, tell him which team won describe the conditions on the day say how you felt about the match

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 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.

🚀 Prepare for IELTS writing section today!
  • Unlimited Task 1 & Task 2 checks
    Practice with essays, charts, and letters.
  • Personalized suggestions & mistake analysis
    Spot every mistake and boost your score.
  • Topic ideas & vocabulary helpers
    Expand your ideas and use the right words.
  • Progress tracking
    Watch your writing improve with every practice.