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
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
You have been living in a rental apartment for the past year. Recently, a new neighbor moved in who has loud parties several times a week. Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter: • Explain the situation • Describe why it bothers you • Suggest a solution Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr. Ronch

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

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

semi-formal
You are interested in attending a short course at a college in an English speaking country. Write a letter to the college administration. In the letter: • mention what course you would like to attend • give details about your educational background and work experience • say why you choose this college

semi-formal
A neighbor has damaged your car while parking his/her vehicle in the lane in front of your house. Write a letter to your neighbor. In your letter -explain why you are 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
You were doing a short course at another country. However, you had to leave the course unexpectedly to fly back home. Write a letter to your teacher. In your letter explain why you had to leave describe which part of the course you enjoyed most thank your teacher for the course

semi-formal
You recently moved to a new neighborhood and want to introduce yourself to your neighbor. Write a letter to your neighbor. In your letter: Explain who you are and why you are writing. Describe your family and interests. Offer to meet them in person to get acquainted.

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 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 would you like to work •Describe how your part-time studies would benefit your employer

semi-formal
You are going to study in a college in the UK next year. You would like to stay in a college Hall of Residence. Write a letter to the college. In your letter •explain your accommodation requirements • explain what your food needs are • ask what alternatives are available if they cannot provide what you want

semi-formal
You have seen an advertisement from a couple, who live in Australia, for someone to teach 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 wanting the job

semi-formal
You are travelling and need someone to do you a favour while you are gone. Write a letter asking a neighbour or friend for help. In your letter include:

semi-formal
Write a letter to a colleague asking for assistance setting up equipment for an upcoming presentation of yours. Include What the presentation is about The equipment needed Suggestions to set it up

semi-formal
You are applying for a job and need a letter of reference. Write a letter to a former teacher. In your letter: -Give details of the job -Explain why it is important to you - Suggest what information your teacher could put in the reference

semi-formal
Your friend asked you to teach his son English. You need to borrow some English books from your teacher. Write a letter to your teacher requesting these materials. In your letter you should share: - Details about the child. - What type of books you need. - When and where you are going to teach this child

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

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 could you help her in her room • say why you would like to do this work • explain when you will and will not be available

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 want to arrange a conference for your company, and you need to ask one of your colleagues to give a presentation at this conference. Write a letter to your colleague. Detail about the conference. Why do you want your colleague to give the presentation? What arrangement you will make for this conference?

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 Write at least 150 words. You do not need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mrs Barrett,

semi-formal
A builder has recently completed some renovations at your house, but you are not happy with his work.write a letter to him.In your letter, Tell him what work has not been done properly Tell him what you want him to do Suggest some times when you will be available at home

semi-formal
Your colleague found another job and invited you to his/her farewell party. Unfortunately, you are unable to attend it. Write a letter to him/her and say – Why can’t you attend the party? – Why did you enjoy working with him/her? – Offer him/her to meet some other time.

semi-formal
You have enrolled in an evening course but you have found that you are too busy to continue and would like to take the course next term instead. Write a letter to your teacher. In your letter: Explain the situation and why you cannot continue the course say what you would like to do about your studies ask for advice about what you can do about the situation. Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

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

semi-formal
You recently went to concert and thought one of the singers was very good. You want to tell him how you feel. Write a letter to the singer Say how you feel about his performance Give detail of your musical activities Explain how you would like him to help you with your musical activities.

semi-formal
​​ Write a letter to your landlord complaining about noise in the block of flats which he owns. Include: where you live what the problem is what he should do

semi-formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You eat at your college cafeteria at lunch time every day.. However, you think it needs some improvements. Write a letter to the college magazine. In your letter: explain what you like about the cafeteria say what is wrong with it suggest how it could be improved

semi-formal
You are currently running a course and have a part-time job. Your boss suggested that you leave your course and work full time. Write a letter to your boss. in your letter, you should: -tell him/her your decision -explain the reason of your decision.

semi-formal
You have been living in a rented house for the last six months. Your neighbour has a new dog that makes a lot of noise at night, preventing you from sleeping. Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter - describe the problem with the dog -explain why it is important for you to get enough sleep - suggest what your neighbour could do about the situation.

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

semi-formal
B1.Write a letter to your uncle informing him about your improvement of performance in Annual Examination

semi-formal
You are planning a two-week vacation, and need someone to take care of your house while you are away. Write a letter to your neigbour. In your letter: tell your neighbour that you are going away ask your neighbour to take care of your house for you explain what task you would like your neighbour to do

semi-formal
Your next door neighbour owns a small dog that barks throughout the day and the night. Write a letter to your neighbour 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
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
Your friend is involved in an import/export business. You have some ideas that might be helpful. Write to him/her and say – Suggest a product and explain what is good about it. – Tell him/her about the product in your country. – Advise what he/she should do with this product.

semi-formal
You have recently moved to a new house. There has been damage after you have moved into the house. write a letter to your landlord explaining what has happened and ask him what you can do.

semi-formal
Recently you visited a foreign country with a friend. Write a letter to someone. You should tell why you enjoyed the trip what you are doing now invite her to visit you

semi-formal
In your apartment building there is an entrance hall which you share with your neighbours. Recently there have been some problems with this shared area. Write a letter to your neighbours. In your letter introduce yourself and describe the problem or problems suggest what could be done to improve the situation suggest a meeting to talk about it

semi-formal
You are going to move out of your apartment in a English-speaking country. Your landlord is a very good person, who has assisted you a lot during your stay. Meanwhile, your friend 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 you landlord for his/her help • Tel him/her about your friend

semi-formal
You borrowed an important textbook from a classmate last term. You now realize your classmate had returned home overseas and you still have the book. Write a letter to to him / her. In your letter: 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 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 petformance give details of your musical activities explain how you would like him to help you with your musical activities

semi-formal
You are shifting out of your accommodation. You think your current place of residence is suitable for your English speaking colleague who is arriving next month. Write a letter to your colleague. Explain why you are shifting out Describe your accommodation Explain why it is suitable for your friend

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 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.

semi-formal
It is ten years since you left college, You'd like to organise an event to celebrate this anniversary with all your friends and classmates from college. Write a letter to one of your college friends. In your letter • say what kind of celebration event you'd like to organise • explain why you think it would be good to celebrate in this way • describe what help you need to organise this event

semi-formal
You have been going to a piano teacher for the past month. However, it no longer fits into your budget or busy schedule Write a letter to your piano teacher. In your letter: • Thank him for his efforts and time • Explain the changes in your circumstances • Explain that you may be able to pick it up again

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 couls 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
During a recent plane journey,you sat next to a businessman who owns a chain of restaurants.You talked to him and he suggested that you should contact him about a possible job in one of his restaurants. Write a letter to this businessman.In your letter •remind him when and where you met •tell him what kind of job you are interested in •say why you think you would be suitable for the job

semi-formal
You have left college but you didn’t say goodbye to your friend who lived in the room with you because he had a course that time. Write a letter to him. In your letter  Apologize and tell him how you spent the day when you left  Tell him how you got home  Invite him to visit you.

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 taking a course at a local college. The deadline for your project was last week but you haven’t finished it. Write a letter to your lecturer. In your letter • introduce yourself • explain why you haven’t handed in the project yet • request more time to do it.

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 your neighbour. In your letter introduce yourself, describe your plans for the party, invite your neighbour to come

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
Your next door neighbour owns a small dog that barks throughout the day and the night. Write a letter to your neighbour requesting that something be done about the dog

semi-formal
Write a letter to this famous actor. In your letter • give some information about the new theatre • invite her/him to open the new theatre • explain why she/he would be a good person to open the theatre You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear......,

semi-formal
Your find that your study load is too heavy. 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. decided to do all 08 subjects at once. study load is too heavy to withdraw from two courses Possible refund.

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
You need to take leave from your work of over one month for personal reasons. Write a letter to your boss. In your letter: explain the reason for the leave and the length of leave you need explain how you will keep up-to-date while you’re away suggest how your work could be covered while you are away

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 enroll in the course

semi-formal
Write a letter to the college director requesting to change your course. You should include details about: - what course are you doing now - why you are not satisfied with that course -what course you would like to change to.

semi-formal
You are going to teach English to your friend's child. Write a letter to your past English teacher to ask if you can borrow some books from him/her. In this letter : Say how well you know your friend. Describe the qualifications and experience that your friend has. Explain why your friend would be suitable for this job.

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 Apologize Describe what action you will take

semi-formal
You have seen and advertisement for a couple, who lives 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 this job Say what else you could do for the family Give your reason for wanting the job

semi-formal
After being involved in an accident, you were looked after by a person you did not know before. Write a special thank you letter. In your letter: Introduce yourself and let him / her know why you are writing to him / her Express your gratitude Offer him / her to visit your home with his / her family

semi-formal
You have seen an advertisement in Australian magazines for someone to live with a family for six months and look after their six-year-old child write a letter # Explain why you would like this # Give detail of why you are a suitable person to employ # Say how would you spend your free time while you are in Australia

semi-formal
During a recent journey , you sat next to a businessman who owns chain of restaurants. you talked to him and he suggested that you should contact him about a possible job in one of his restaurants. Write a letter to this businessman. In your letter • remind him when and where you met • tell him what kind of job you are interested in • why you say you would be suitable for the job

semi-formal
You have recently read a book about a city you know well and found some incorrect information. Write a letter to the author. ▪️Yell him/her of the incorrect information ▪️Give him/her the correct information Explain why they should correct it.

semi-formal
The air-conditioner in your flat broke three weeks aago anf it is the middle of summer. You asked the landlord to repair it and he promised to send someone but no-one has contacted you yet. Write a letter to the landlord complaining about the situation. In your letter: explain the problem, remind the landlord about his promise, say what you want him to do.

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

semi-formal
You have recently shifted in a rental apartment with your family. However, there are some problems with the apartment. Write a letter to the landlord. In your letter.  Describe the problem  Demand the solution for the problem  Inform him what you will do if the problem is not solved.

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.

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 neighbour. In your letter, - tell your neighbour that you are going away - ask your neighbour to take care of your house for you - explain what tasks you would like your neighbour to do.

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 neighbor. In your letter: Describe the situation Explain why it is a problem for you Suggest a solution.

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 neighbour and tell them that you are going away. In your letter,you should: Why you will be away Ask them to take care of your house Explain what tasks you would like your neighbour to do

semi-formal
You are a current student of Loren Brusque University, studying Business Administration. You want to apply for the post of Quality Assurance Manager you have recently seen on the university's notice board. Write a letter to Mr. Walker, and ▪️Give your reason for writing ▪️Tell about your education ▪️Describe your work experience and explain why you would be suitable for the job.

semi-formal
You are a current student of Loren Brusque University, studying Business Administration. You want to apply for the post of Quality Assurance Manager you have recently seen on the university's notice board. Write a letter to Mr. Walker, and •Give your reason for writing •Tell about your education • Describe your work experience and explain why you would be suitable for the job.

semi-formal
You live in a block of flats, your neighbour makes a lot of noise which has caused problems for you. Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter, you should: • explain the situation • tell him/her how you are affected by this • Suggest what you want the landlord to do.

semi-formal
Your next door neighbour owns a small dog that barks throughout the day and the night. Write a letter to your neighbour 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 need to take leave from your work of over one month of a period for personal reasons. Write a letter to your boss. In your letter · Explain the reason for the leave and the length of leave you need · Explain how you will keep up-to-date while you’re away · Suggest how your work could be covered while you are away

semi-formal
You recently went to a concert and thought one of te singers was very good. You want to tell him hoe 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
Write a minimum of 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic: 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: • Details about the conference • Why do you want your colleague to give a presentation? • What arrangement will you do for this conference?

semi-formal
Your friend has written to you asking for your advice on whether to study marketing or information technology at a college in Australia. Write a letter to her. In your letter, • Ask her about the college • Give her suggestions • Explain your reasons

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
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 supposed to move into a new apartment but you can not do that so because of some problems. Write a letter to your landlord.

semi-formal
A local college is having an international day. You want to speak about your country to students from different cultures. Write a letter to the college head. In your letter: Tell him/her about the topics that you are going to talk about Explain why would they be of interest to the students Ask about any arrangements that you need to make to give the talk

semi-formal
You recently completed a course and youu borrowed a book from your teacher which you couldn't return in time. You would like to return the book now. Write a letter to your teacher and say: What book it was. How helpful wa the book? Explain why you couldn't return it in time.

semi-formal
Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter explain the problem explain how it is causing you provide an appropriate solution Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any address. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr .........,

semi-formal
A neighbour recently invited you to a special party. You intended to go, but at the last minute were unable to attend. Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter apologise for not going to the party explain why you didn’t go suggest a way to make up for missing the party

semi-formal
You are organising a conference and you want to request an expert in your field to be the keynote speaker. You have not met this person before. Write a letter to the expert. In your letter explain the purpose of the conference describe what you would like her/him to talk about provide details about the venue, and the date and time of the conference.

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

semi-formal
One of your colleagues Recently got a new job at another Company. Write a letter to him and say you feel about him What you enjoy the most while working together Ask what is future plans are

semi-formal
A new neighbour has moved in next door and has taken your main rubbish bin. Write a letter to your new neighbour requesting that they return the item. In the letter: – Explain that new bins must be sourced from the local council – Request that the person returns your bin immediately – Inform the person of what further actions you will take should they not return your bin

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
your neighbours have recently written to you to you about the noise from your houseflat. Write a ltter to your neighbours, in your letter: explain a reason for the noise apologise describe what actions will you take

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