IELTS General Writing Task 1 semi-formal Topics/Questions 2026

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This section presents a list of common IELTS General Writing Task 1 semi-formal 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.

semi-formal
You currently live in a rental apartment, and the noise from your neighbors disturbs you. Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter •describe how this situation affects you; •explain what steps you have taken to address the problem; •ask the landlord to take action to resolve the issue.

semi-formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You have just moved into a new home and are planning to hold a party. You are worried that the noise may disturb your neighbour. Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter ● introduce yourself ● describe your plans for the party ● invite your neighbour to come You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ................. , You should write at least 150 words.

semi-formal
You have won a holiday to Hawaii with one extra ticket. Write a letter to someone to invite them along with you. In the letter: – Explain what has happened and that you would like them to come – Give details of when the trip will take place – Inform the person of the things they will need for the trip

semi-formal
Your colleague is traveling from another country by plane for a meeting. You have arranged the airport pickup, hotel accommodation and planned his/her meetings. Write a letter to your colleague. In your letter, – Say when and where you will meet him/her – Explain where he/she will stay – Tell him/her about the other arrangements you made.

semi-formal
You are planning a week-long vacation and you need someone to take care of your house while you are away. Write a letter to your neighbor and tell them that you are going away. In your letter, you should: ask them to take care of your house explain why you will be away.

semi-formal
You play a team sports with some friends. Last week a member of the team had an accident and wasn’t able to play with you at that weekend. You decide to write to him in hospital, telling him about the match. 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

semi-formal
Your landlord is asking to increase the rent write a letter to him In your you shoul tell: Why do you think the rent shouldn't be increased. What you will do if it is increased

semi-formal
You have asked for a meeting with your manager the next day. Write a letter telling him/her what you would like to discuss in the meeting.

semi-formal
You have been living in an apartment for the last three years. A few problems have emerged in your apartment since the last repair. Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter, give details of the last repair work what the problems are now how you would like the landlord to solve these problems You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ......................,

semi-formal
You recently booked a part-time course at a college. You now need to cancel your booking. Write a letter to the college adminisllator. In your letter • say which part-time course you booked • explain why you need to cancel your booking • ask about booking a different course Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

semi-formal
You are a foreign student. You want to join the club or society so that you can enjoy your time when you study there. Write to the student union manager. in your letter Introduce yourself Write about your hobbies and interests Ask for information about clubs and societies

semi-formal
"Write a letter to your neighbour to ask him/her to take care of your house while you are away for a week on holiday. Please say •Explain where you are going and why. • What do you need him/her to do? • What should he/she do in case of emergency?"

semi-formal
You are working in an English speaking country. Recently, you have learned that a person who lives near your home can offer English lessons. Write a letter to this person. In this letter, Tell him / her how you got to know about the lesson Explain why you are interested in this lesson Say when and where you want to have the lesson

semi-formal
Your colleague is traveling from another country for a meeting in your office. You have arranged the airport pickup, hotel accommodation and planned his/her meeting. Write a letter to your colleague. In the letter say when and where you will meet him/her explain where he/she will stay tell him/her about the arrangements you have made for the meeting

semi-formal
You borrowed an important textbook during the last term from a classmate. You now realize your classmate has returned home overseas and you still have the book. Write a letter to him/her. • apologize for the mistake • find out how important the book is to him/her • say what you will do

semi-formal
You recently went to a concert and thought one of te singers was very good. You want to tell him how you feel. Write a letter to the singer. In your letter - say how you feel about his performance -give details of your musical activities -explain how you would like him to help you with your musical activities

semi-formal
You would like to reduce your working hours in order to study part-time. Write a letter to your boss. In your letter explain why you want to reduce your working hours say which hours you would like to work discuss how your part-time studies would benefit your employer

semi-formal
You share a parking area with several neighbours and have recently started having problems. Write a letter to be copied to all neighbours that share the parking area. In that letter • explaining the problems • suggesting ways to help the situation • proposing a possible meeting You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Neighbours,

semi-formal
Write a letter to your boss apologizing for the delay in submitting your report at work last week

semi-formal
Write a letter to your neighbor requesting that something be done about the dog. Include in your letter: – Your reason for writing – What you would like to happen – A nice, respectful style

semi-formal
You have got a confirmation from Denmark University to study medicine. You have been asked to submit all the details and certify that they are correct. Write a letter to your college sharing information and get it registered at the campus. When you write, you can mention the following: Basic information. Mention that you will attach the supporting documents. Check if there is any other formality before you move to Denmark.

semi-formal
You hind that your study load is too heavy and you would like to withdraw from two courses. Write a letter to your college teacher explaining why you need to withdraw from two courses. Ask if it is possible to obtain a refund. You should write at least 150 words.

semi-formal
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

semi-formal
Write a letter to your landlord to inform them about a maintenance problem in your apartment. In your letter, you should: •Clearly explain the problem and how it is affecting your daily life. •Ask the landlord to deal with the issue as soon as possible and propose a suitable time for the repair work. •Show your gratitude for the landlord’s help and cooperation.

semi-formal
Your neighbour has recently written to you to complain about the noise from your house flat Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter Explain the reason for the noise Apologise Describe what action you will take Write at least 150 words You do not need to write any addresses Begin your letter as follows Dear ………………………,

semi-formal
You have been working with your company for two years and are interested in a promotion. Write a letter to your direct boss. In your letter: Explain your varied achievements over the past two years Express your interest in growing with the company Ask for a meeting to discuss a potential promotion Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr. Phillips,

semi-formal
There is an annual work party next month, which is held every year. Write a letter to your colleagues to co-arrange the party. In your letter: · Say what would you do differently than last year · Say what you think were some of the things not so good last year · Suggest where to meet to plan for the party. You do not need to write any address. Begin your letter with Dear …,

semi-formal
You have recently moved to a new flat. Unfortunately, you lost some money the other day, and cannot afford to pay next month's rent which is due. Write a letter to the landlord: explaining the situation that you will pay as soon as your parents send the money Also, mention that there are some problems with the flat.

semi-formal
Head teacher, Marti Dyers, believes that safe outdoor space is important for keeping students in good health, mentally and physically. They need somewhere they can exercise and be sociable he says. At the moment many schools have dangerous areas where students might trip or have an accident. Write a letter explaining your view.

semi-formal
Your child is going on a three-day school trip to another country. The head teacher wants to find parents to go with the group and you would like to go. Write a letter to the head teacher. In your letter: • Say why you would like to go on the trip • Suggest what you could do to help during the trip • Ask other questions about the trip

semi-formal
You have seen an advertisement from a couple, who live in Australia, for someone to teach their two children your language for a year. Write a letter to the couple. In your letter •explain why you think you would be suitable for the job •say what else you could do for the family •give your reasons for wanting the job

semi-formal
Mrs Barrett, an English-speaking woman who lives in your town, has advertised for someone to help her in her home for a few hours a day next summer. Write a letter to Mrs Barrett. In your letter - suggest how you could help her in her home -say why you would like to do this work -explain when you will and will not be available

semi-formal
You applied for a job and were offered the position but have decided not to accept the offer. Write a letter to the HR supervisor with whom you interviewed. In your letter: - explain the reason why you are declining the offer - describe your reasons for staying with your current position.

semi-formal
You recently broke your leg and your colleagues from work sent you get-well cards and presents. Write a letter to them and: - thank them for supporting you - describe how you spend your time - explain your recovery process

semi-formal
You are organizing a conference for your company. Write a letter to a colleague asking him/her to give a presentation during the conference.  Describe what this conference is about  Why you want him/her to give a presentation  Give details about the conference

semi-formal
Although you have never formally studied computing, you have always been interested in computers. You have just read about a computer course that really interests you, but it is only for people who have completed an elementary course. Write a letter to the college enrolment officer. In your letter explain why you are writing describe your circumstances ask if a special exception can be made for you so you can enrol in the course

semi-formal
You are having a graduation party next Saturday night. You have invited 50 people to celebrate at an outdoor barbecue evening, which may continue into late into the night. Write a letter to your elderly neighbour. In your letter:  explain what will be happening  offer your apologies in advance  invite her to join the celebration

semi-formal
You recently attended a party, where you saw one of the guests being rude to a neighbour in the next house. Write an email to the guest, •Complaining about their behaviour •Suggesting that the guest apologises to the neighbour • Asking them not to behave like this again Begin your letter ‘Dear --------’ Do not write any addresses Write at least 150 words

semi-formal
You want to learn a language. There is a teacher near to where you live.write a letter to the teacher in the letter: say how you came to know about him/her, explain why you want to learn, ask whatbhelp the can offer

semi-formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Although you have never formally studied computing, you have always been interested in computers. You have just read about a computer course that really interests you, but it is only for people who have completed an elementary course. Write a letter to the college enrolment officer. In your letter explain why you are writing describe your circumstances ask if a special exception can be made for you so you can enrol in the course

semi-formal
Write a letter to your boss for a recent meeting you missed 1. Apologies for the missing 2. Explain what happened 3. Day what you will do to compensate

semi-formal
Your neighbour has written to you to complain about the noise from your flat. Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter: explain the reason for the noise offer your neighbour an apology tell them what action you will take. Ask electrician to be as quiet as possible. Pay for additional electrician so job finished sooner.

semi-formal
You have decided to resign from your work in order to try a new field. write a letter of resignation to your boss, in your letter. Tell your boss of your decision and explain why you are leaving. Explained what you have learned from your current job and how you feel about leaving. As for a letter of refference.

semi-formal
General You would like to participate in a business seminar in another country. Write a letter to the person in charge of the seminar and ask for detailed information on the dates, the program, the accommodation and the cost. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir / Madam,...

semi-formal
Your child is going on a three day school trip to another country. The head teacher wants to find parents to go with the group and you would like to go. Write a letter to the head teacher. In your letter: ●Say why you would like to go on the trip ●Suggest what you could do to help during the trip Ask other questions about the trip

semi-formal
you are studying and doing a part time job . A full time position recently opened in the company and your manager is asking you to quite your studies and start working full time. write a letter to him and say what is your decision? why did you make the decision? suggest a solution that will suit both you and the company.

semi-formal
Write a letter about a distubrance from your fellow student

semi-formal
You recently went to a concert and thought one of the singers was very good. You want to tell him how you feel. Write a letter to the singer. In your letter say how you feel about his performance give details of your musical activities e explain how you would like him to help you with your musical activities

semi-formal
You are studying overseas. You need to return to your country before the end of the semester for a family event. Write a letter to your supervisor. In your letter: Request time off Explain why you need to leave early Reassure him / her that your studies will not suffer Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr / M

semi-formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You recently learnt that the best teacher you ever had will be retiring soon. Write a letter to your former teacher. In your letter Explain how you heard about his/her retirement Describe what made him/her such a great teacher Say how your teacher affected your life

semi-formal
You share a parking area with several neighbours and have recently started having problems. Write a letter to be copied to all neighbours that share the parking area. In that letter • explaining the problems • suggesting ways to help the situation • proposing a possible meeting

semi-formal
A neighbour has damaged your car while parking his/her car in the lane in front of your house. Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter: Explain why you’re writing Describe the damage to your car and express your feelings about it Recommend what steps he/she should take to resolve the situation

semi-formal
Your new neighbours have recently invited you to a party they are holding next Saturday. However, you have other plans on Saturday evening and cannot attend the party. Write a letter to your neighbours. In your letter: •Thank them for the invitation •Mention what plans you already have •Suggest when you can meet them

semi-formal
Your next door neighbor owns a small dog that barks throughout the day and the night. Write a letter to your neighbor requesting that something be done about the dog. Include in your letter: oYour reason for writing oWhat you would like to happen oA nice, respectful style.

semi-formal
Mrs Barrett, an English-speaking woman who lives in your town, has advertised for someone to help her in her home for a few hours a day next summer. Write a letter to Mrs Barrett. In your letter -suggest how you could help her in her home -ay why you would like to do this work -explain when you will and will not be available

semi-formal
You are librarian and a local residant wrote to you asking to host a community event in the library . Write a letter to him : -tell what kinds of events can be held -tell the procedurec for hosting events in the library -the rules for hosting an event

semi-formal
You paid a refundable deposit when you rented an apartment. You left the apartment in good condition but the Landlord won't return your deposit. Write a letter to the landlord. In your letter explain why you are writing ask for the return of your deposit inform the landlord of possible legal action

semi-formal
you recently had your sanitary ware and taps replaced. You are unhappy with the job of contractor. Write a letter to the contractor for the same. In your letter • say what you are not satisfied with • say what you want the contractor to do • discuss time coordination of both parties for the repairing work

semi-formal
Your neighbour keeps his/her animal in the garden. Write to him/her about it and the inconvenience it causes you and your family. In your letter tell what the problem is explain why it causes inconvenience suggest a possible solution to it Say what actions you might take if the need arises.

semi-formal
You play a team sport with some friends. Last week a member of the team had an accident and was not able to play with you at the weekend. You decide to write to him/her in the hospital, telling him/her about the match. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter,     •    tell him/her which team won     •    say how you felt about the match     •    ask how he/she is doing You should You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ……………….,

semi-formal
Your next-door neighbour likes to listen to music late at night. Because of the loud music, you often lose sleep. Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter -describe the situation -explain the problems it is causing you -offer at least one solution

semi-formal
You have just moved into a new home and are planning to hold a party. You are worried that the noise may disturb your neighbour. Write a letter to yur neighbour. In your letter introduce yourself describe your plans for the party invite your neigbhour to come

semi-formal
You want to arrange a conference for your company, and you need to ask one of your colleagues to give a presentation in this conference. Write a letter to your colleague. In your letter include: 1. Details about the conference- 2. Why you want your colleague to give the presentation - 3. What arrangements you will do for this conference

semi-formal
You live in a small apartment building. You are frequently bothered by noise from your upstairs neighbor’s apartment. Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter • Describe the situation • Explain why it is a problem for you • Suggest a solution Begin your letter as follows: Dear…….

semi-formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You and your family are living in rented accommodation in an English speaking country. You are not satisfied with the condition of some of the furniture. Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter introduce yourself explain what is wrong with the furniture say what action you would like the landlord to take You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ................., You should write at least 150 words.

semi-formal
You have been living in a rental apartment for the past year. Recently a new neighbor moved in and has been making a lot of noise, which disturbs you. Write a letter to the landlord. In your letter: explain the situation describe why it bothers you suggest a solution

semi-formal
You are planning a week-long vocation and you need someone to talk take care of your house while you are away. Write a letter to your neighbor and tell them that you are going away. In this letter you should: Explain why you will be away Ask them to take care of your house Explain what tasks you would like your neighbor to do

semi-formal
You and your family are living in rented accommodation in an English speaking country. You are not satisfied with the condition of some of the furniture. Write a letter to the landlord. In you letter: Introduce yourself Explain what is wrong tin the furniture Say what action you would like the landlord to take

semi-formal
You recently went to a concert and thought one of the singers was very good. You want to tell him how you feel. Write a letter to the singer. In your letter, •say how you feel about his performance •give details of your musical activities •explain how you would like him to help with your musical activities You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear........................,

semi-formal
You and your family are living in rented accommodation in an English-speaking country. You are not satisfied with the condition of some of the furniture. Write a letter to the landlord. In your letter introduce yourself explain what is wrong with the furniture say what action you would like the landlord to take You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows:

semi-formal
you have seen an advertisement from a couple who live in Australia, for someone to trach their children your language for a year write a letter to the couple. in your letter explain why you think you would be suitable for the job say what else you could do for the family give your reasons for writing the job

semi-formal
You have received a letter from your university of Albion demanding a reason for your absence from an exam. You were ill that day, but failed to submit the evidence. Write a letter to the Examinations Committee explaining your situation. You should include: Apologies for the situation Identification for yourself (Name, Student Number, Case Number) An explanation of what had happened and any possible evidence you may have Possible resolutions to consider.

semi-formal
Write a letter to your colleagues. In your letter • remind your colleagues what the special occasion you were celebrating was • thank them for the card and gift • explain why you like the gift and how you will use it

semi-formal
our neighbours have recently written to you to complain about the noise from your house/ flat. Write a letter to your neighbours. In your letter explain the reasons for the noise apologise describe what action you will take You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

semi-formal
You would like to reduce your working hours in order to study part-time. Write a letter to your boss. In your letter • explain why you want to reduce your working hours • say which hours you would like to work • describe how your part-time studies would benefit your employer Begin your letter as follows: Dear _______________

semi-formal
Write a letter to your former teacher. In your letter Explain how you heard about his/her retirement Describe what made him/her such a great teacher Say how your teacher affected your life

semi-formal
You recently heard that your friend has started a new job. Write a letter to congratulate him/her. In your letter: - congratulate them - ask about the new job - suggest a time to meet

semi-formal
You have received a job offer for an exciting, new position. Although you are expected to start on September 7th, you are only available to start a week later due to personal reasons. Write a letter to your new boss. In your letter: Express your enthusiasm for the job offer Explain the problem Suggest what you can do

semi-formal
You have a test in your English class next week, but you cannot attend. Write to your teacher. In your letter: • Explain your situation. • Apologise for not being able to take the test. • Ask whether it is possible for you to take the test at another time.

semi-formal
. You want to buy some computers. Therefore, write to a vendor seeking information and price quotation for the same. In your letter • introduce yourself • give details on what types of computers you are looking for • request the quotation

semi-formal
You have received a job offer for a position you have wanted for a long time. Its expected to begin on July 1st. However, you can only start a week later due to personal reasons. Write a letter to your new boss. In your letter: - show enthusiasm for the job - explain the problem - suggest what you can do

semi-formal
ou have just moved into a new home and are planning to hold a party. You are worried that the noise may disturb your neighbour. Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter introduce yourself describe your plans for the party invite your neighbor to come You do NOT need to write any addresses. You should write at least 150 words.

semi-formal
You are experiencing financial problems and want to ask your landlord if you can pay your rent late. Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter explain: Why you cannot pay the rent When you will pay the rent. How you will ensure you can pay your rent in the future

semi-formal
You are applying for a job and need a letter of reference from someone who knows you well. Write a letter to your former teacher. In your letter: Explain why you are writing. Describe the job you are applying for. Suggest what information the teacher should include.

semi-formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. -You have seen an advertisement from a couple, who live in Australia, for someone to teach their two children your language for a year Write a letter to the couple. in your letter, • explain why you think you would be suitable for the job • say what else you could do for the family • give your reasons for wanting the job Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

semi-formal
You are applying for a job and need a letter of reference from one of your teachers. Write a letter to your teacher. In your letter: Give details of the job & position you are applying for Explain why the reference is important Suggest what information your teacher could put in the reference Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear .....................

semi-formal
You would like to reduce your working hours in order to study part-time. Write a letter to your boss. In your letter: •Explain why you want to reduce your working hours, •Say which hours you would like to work, •Describe how your part-time studies would benefit your employer. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear …………….. , You get 20 minutes to complete this task.

semi-formal
Your child is going on a three day school trip to another country. The head teacher wants to find parents to go with the group and you would like to go. Write a letter to the head teacher. In your letter: Say why you would like to go on the trip Suggest what you could do to help during the trip

semi-formal
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

semi-formal
Task 1 Write a letter to your landlord complaining about noise in the block of flats which he owns. Include: -Where you live -The problem -What he should do

semi-formal
You had recently ordered a book, online from a bookseller. The book sent by him was not the latest edition, even though you had paid the money according to the latest edition version. Write an email to bookseller in about 150-200 words. Your email should do the following things. 1.Complain about the service of the online site. 2.State about the urgency for the latest edition.

semi-formal
Mrs. Barrett, an English-speaking woman who lives in your town, has advertised for someone to help her in her home for a few hours a day next summer. Write a letter to Mrs. Barrett. In your letter -suggest how you could help in her home -say why you would like to do this work -explain when you will and will not be available Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mrs. Barrett,

semi-formal
You are about to move out of your apartment in an English-speaking country. Your landlord helped you a lot during your stay and you have a friend who would like to rent the flat after you. Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter let your landlord know that you will be leaving thank your landlord for his / her help tell him/her about your friend

semi-formal
Write a letter to landlord about the problem you have in house of renting.

semi-formal
Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter, give details of the last repair work what the problems are now how you would like the landlord to solve these problems

semi-formal
Write a letter to your neighbour requesting that something be done about your dog. Include in your letter: - Your reason for writing - What would you like to happen

semi-formal
You have recently moved into a new house and have noticed that the garden is in need of some maintenance. Write a letter to your landlord requesting permission to make the necessary improvements.

semi-formal
You have received a job offer from a city where lives one of your childhood friend. Write a letter to him: • Tell about this happy event in your life; • Ask him for help finding accommodation; • Ask him to advise the best ways to get prepared for the new life in that city

semi-formal
You would like to participate in a work-related seminar in another country. Write a letter to the person in charge of the seminar and ask for detailed information regarding the dates, program, accommodation and cost. You do NOT need to write any address.

semi-formal
Your neighbours have recently written to you to complain about the noise from your house/ flat. Write a letter to your neighbours. In your letter  explain the reasons for the noise  apologise  describe what action you will take

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