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
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 have left your job and are now looking for a new job. You need a letter of reference from your previous employer. Write a letter to him. In your letter: • Give details of what you need; • Explain why it is important to you; • Suggest what information your employer could put in the reference. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ....,
semi-formal
You live in a small apartment building with a parking lot in back, and you often cannot find an empty parking space when you get home from work. Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter • describe the situation. • explain why it bothers you. • suggest something the landlord could do to solve the problem. You do NOT need to write any addresses.
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 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 are having problems with a neighbour’s animals because the fence between your properties is old and In poor repair. You want the neighbour to pay half the cost of building a new fence. Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter • say what the problems are • explain how a new fence will solve the problems • suggest that the neighbour pays half of the cost You do NOT need to write any addresses.
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 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
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
One of your friends ask you to be a partner in his new business. write a letter to reply him: - give your opinion about your friend's business idea - tell him weather or not you have decided to accept his offer - and explain your reason for this decision
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 your letter tell your teacher about the child. say when and where you will teach the child. explain what books you would like to borrow.
semi-formal
You live in a block of flats, your neighbor 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
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
You are interested in studying on a short course at a college in an English speaking country. Write a letter to the college. In your letter you should say: which course you are interested in and why describe your educational background and work experience and say why you would like to study at that college.
semi-formal
1.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
You are experiencing financial problems and want to ask you landlord if you can pay your rent late. Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter explain. -why you can't pay the rent when you will pay the rent How you will ensure you can pay the rent in the future
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
Write a letter to a teacher asking for a reference letter for a job and explain: – Why you have chosen him to write the reference letter – What kind of job you are applying for – Why you think you are suitable for this job
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 want to ask your boss for time off work. Write a letter requesting time off work. In your letter 1. why you are requesting time off work 2. give details of dates 3. explain how you will ensure to keep up with your work
semi-formal
Your child's teacher has requested a meeting with you this Friday to discuss your child's low test scores. Unfortunately, you cannot attend. Write a letter to your child's teacher. In your letter • Describe why you cannot attend the meeting • Explain how you have been helping your child study • Propose another time to meet
semi-formal
After being involved in an accident, you were looked after by another person. Write a letter to him/her. In your letter Thank him/her for the timely assistance Describe how emergent the situation is Think highly of his/her selfless behavior
semi-formal
Write a letter to your college administration department complaining about the college facility. In your letter, include: what the problem is how this problem has affected you what the college should do to fix this problem You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,
semi-formal
Mrs Barret, an English-speaking woman who lives in your town, has advertised for someone to help her in her home for a few hours each day. Write a letter to Mrs, Barret. In your letter suggest how you could help her say why you would like to do this work explain when you would will and will not be available
semi-formal
Your childhood friend has established his own business. He needs a partner whom he can completely trust and asks you to become his partner. Write a letter to him. In your letter: • Give the details about your knowledge in this particular field and your opinion; • Tell your decision and its reasons; • Thank him for trust and offer. Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ....,
semi-formal
You were doing a short course in another country. Suddenly, you had to leave the country and return to your home country. Write a letter to your teacher. In your letter: 1. Express your gratitude 2. Explain why you had to leave the course early 3. Describe what part of the course you enjoyed the most
semi-formal
Write a letter to the landlord about the unavailability of hotwater. State your reason for writing. Describe the problems and explain how you feel. Propose a solution and ask the landlord to take actions.
semi-formal
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.
semi-formal
You had a birthday party and you were playing loud music. Your neighbor Mr. Smith complained. Write a formal letter of apology explaining that it was a special occasion and that it won't happen again.
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 You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ..................,
semi-formal
You are a student at a university in the UK. You have recently lost your university ID card. Write to the local police station, giving details of who you are, what happened and ask to record your details so that you can apply for a new ID card.
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 are renting a house in an English-speaking country, and the landlord has been helpful during your stay. Now your friend is interested in renting your place. Please write a letter to your landlord to inform your friend that you will be moving out. Tell your landlord that you are leaving and explain why. Thank you landlord for being helpful Recommend your friend as a prospective tenant.
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: Details about the conference Why you want your colleague to give presentation What arrangement will you do for this conference
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
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. Writing task 1Show more
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 neighbours have recently written to you to complain about the noise from you house / flat. Wirte a letter to your neighbours. In your letter explain the reasons for the noise apologise describe what action you will take
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. #book #city #information #author
semi-formal
A builder has recently completed some renovation at your house, but you are not satisfied with his work. Write a letter to him. In your letter:  Tell him what work has not been completed properly  Tell him what you want him to do  Suggest some time when you will be available at home
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 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 effected by this Suggest what you want the landlord to do.
semi-formal
You are planning a two-week vacation and need someone to take care of your pet while you are away. Write a letter to your cousin. In your letter -Tell your cousin that you are going on a vacation -Ask your cousin to take care of your pet for you -Explain what tasks you would like your cousin to do
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, you should: •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
Write a letter to one of your colleagues has recently been appointed as the new manager of the company. Introduce yourself Congratulate him/her on the promotion And ask for an appintment to discuss the problems in your section.
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
You do not go to a company from where you got an offer write a letter to the HR supervisor to Explain the readon why you declined the offer express your gratitude Explain that you like your current job very much
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
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 have seen an advertisment from a couple who live in Australia, for somone who teach their two children your language for a year. write a letter to the couple, in your letter 1. explain why you think you would be suitable for the job 2. say what else you could do for the family 3. give your reasons for wanting the job
semi-formal
You have bought a ticket for a live concert (music program) but cannot attend it. so you decided to offer the ticket a friend. write a letter to him/her and say -give details about a concert explain -why you would not be able to attend the concert -suggest how your friend will receive the ticket.
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
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
One of your penfriends wants to improve his/her english in advance of moving to sydney Write a letter to your penfriend. Advise him/her about the following: listening skills, speaking skills and vocabulary.
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 are away Suggest how your work could be covered while you are away
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 1. suggest how you could help her in her home 2. say why you would like to do this work 3. 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
Your neighbours have recently written to you to complain about the noisefrom your house/flat. write a letter to your neighbours. in your letter - Explain the reason for the noise - apologise - describe what action you will take
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 are applying for a job and you need a letter of reference. Write a letter to a former boss. In your letter: *Describe the job you are applying for *Say what you want included in the reference letter *Request that you former boss send you the letter be the end of the week
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
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
You have a problem with a neighbour. Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter: describe the problem say how long it has been a problem explain what action you want the neighbour to take
semi-formal
Apologizing to a friend 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 him / her. In your letter: apologize for the mistake find out how important the book is to him / her say what you will do Begin your letter as follows: Dear _____________ You should write at least 150 words. 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 You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ....................................,
semi-formal
Mrs Barret, 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 Barret. in your letter Suggest how you could help her in her home Say why you would like to do this Job Explain when you will and will not be available
semi-formal
You are having a graduation party next Sunday evening. You have invited over 25 people to celebrate in your garden, which may continue late into the night. Write a letter to your elderly neighbor. In your letter: ·       Explain what will be happening ·       Offer your apologies in advance ·       Invite him to join the celebration Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr. Kulligowski
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 moved to a new apartment and are facing some problems. Write a letter to the landlord. Explain the problems Say what you want the landlord to do State when you would like the issues to be fixed
semi-formal
Write a letter to your colleague asking for help in setting up equipment for your presentation. In your letter, you should- -tell when and where presentation will take place -describe your arrangements -tell him/her what equipment you need
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 have seen an advertisment 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 you 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
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
A young person will start work at your office next month to gain work experience. Write a letter to him/her. In your letter inform him/her about the work that needs to be done at the office; explain what he/she is supposed to do on the first day; suggest what he/she should bring to work.
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
semi-formal
You have seen an advertisement from a couple who live in Australia, for someone to teach their two children your languge for a year. Write a letter to the couple, In your letter explain why you think tou 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 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
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, you should: •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
Mrs Barret, 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 wrods. You do not need to write any addresses.
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 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 Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr / Ms _________
semi-formal
Your friend is coming to your country from abroad, but you can't go to pick him up at the airport. Write a letter to him/her and say -why you can't pick him up -suggest alternative ideas -talk about what he can do in your country
semi-formal
You caused some damage to the kitchen area of your flat. Write a letter to your landlord explaining the following. • How the damage occurred • The extent of damage • What you would like to landlord to do.
semi-formal
Mrs Barret, 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 Barret. In your letter suggest how you could help her in her home Say why you would like to do the work Explain when you will and will not be available
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
You were invited to your friend’s birthday party. You missed it and didn’t tell him about that beforehand. Write a letter to him: • Apologize; • Explain the reasons why you missed the party; • Suggest a way to compensate this misunderstanding. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ....,
semi-formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You are having problems with a neighbour’s animals because the fence between your properties is old and In poor repair. You want the neighbour to pay half the cost of building a new fence. Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter • say what the problems are • explain how a new fence will solve the problems • suggest that the neighbour pays half of the cost Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows:
semi-formal
You have borrowed a book from your professor and returned it late write a letter to him why you delayed in returning the book and how useful the book was.
semi-formal
You play a team sport with some friends. Last week a member of the team had an accident and wasn’t able to play with you at the 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
. 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 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 you should: introduce yourself explain what is wrong with the furniture and say what action you would like the landlord to take.
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 neighbor. Write a letter to your neighbor. In your letter • Introduce yourself • Describe your plans for the party • Invite your neighbor to come
semi-formal
You are going to study at a college in another country. You need to find a place you will live. Write a letter to the college's accommodation officer. In your letter, give details of your course and your arrival date, describe the kind of accommodation you need and say what you like the accommodation officer to do
semi-formal
You have had a problem with your next-door neighbor. You have not been able to speak to your neighbor about this. Write a letter to this neighbor. In your letter: • Explain the problem • Suggest a solution • Say what action you will take if the situation does not improve Begin as follows: Dear ... ,
semi-formal
. You have been accepted by a university in Canada. Before moving to Canada, you want to gather some information from International Officer. Write to him about your needs. In your letter • introduce yourself • inquire about accommodation options • seek information on Student Discount Card
semi-formal
Write a letter to your landlord to ask about repair work that was not completed successfully. Write What the problem was What the repairs did What you expect
semi-formal
Write a letter to landlord about the problem you have in house of renting.
semi-formal
You are studying abroad. You must return home before the end of the semester for a family event. Write a letter to your supervisor. In your letter: explain why you need to leave early request time off reassure your professor that this will not affect your studies Write at least 150 words. You should spend no more than 20 minutes on this task.
semi-formal
ou have seen an advertisement from a couple who live in an Australia. For someone to teach their two children your language for a year. Write a letter the couple, in your letter: explain why you think you would be suitable the job say what else you could do for the family give your reasons for wanting the job
semi-formal
You have a full-time job and are also doing a part-time evening course. You naive find that you cannot continue the course. Write a letter to your neighbours. In your letter • describe the situation • explain why you cannot continue at this time • say what action you would like to take
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
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