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

semi-formal
During a recent plane journey, you sat next to a businessman who owns a chain of restaurants. He suggested you should contact him for a possible job opportunity. 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 this job

semi-formal
Mrs Barrett, an English-speaking woman who lives in yourtown, 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 availabl

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 in to the night. Write a letter to your elderly neighbour. In your letter: Explain what will be happening, offer him your apologies in advance, invite him to join the celebration

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
One of your friends is planning to visit your country and asking you for some information. Write a letter to him/her and say: o when the best time to visit your country is o suggest a plan for the travel o recommend places to visit in your countr

semi-formal
Mrs Barrett, an English speaking woman who lives in your town, has advertised for somene 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 are leaving your current job to start a new position at another company. Write a letter to one of your colleagues. •Describe your new job and the company. •Say when you will be leaving your current job. •Suggest a time for a farewell party.

semi-formal
You have received a job offer from a country 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 country Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ....,

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
Your neighbour has written to you to complain about the noise from your house. Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter • explain the reasons for the noise • offer your neighbour an apology • tell them what initiative you will take

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 recently broke your leg and your colleagues from work sent you get well cards and presents. Write a letter to them and say •Thanks them for supporting you. •Describe how you spend your time. •Explain about your recovery process.

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 neighbor to come

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 renting an apartment. Write a letter to your landlord regarding a noise problem from your neighbors. Include the following in your letter: – What is the problem? – What have you done about it? – What would you like the landlord to do?

semi-formal
You were studying in an English-speaking country and suddenly had to go back to your home country your course is incomplete. Write a letter to your teacher - Thank you - Explain the reason why you did not finish the course - tell me what you liked most about this course while studying the course

semi-formal
You would like to take some time off of work to attend a training course. Write a letter to your supervisor asking for permission to attend the course. In your letter • describe the training course • say how it will help improve your job performance • explain how much time you need off and ask for permission Begin your letter as follows: Dear………..

semi-formal
The apartment that you have rented was repaired recently. Later, you discovered some defects in repairs. Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter explain what the problem is suggest how it can be fixed say what you would like the landlord to do about it.

semi-formal
You currently live in a rental appointment and the noise from your neighbours disturbs you. Write a letter to your landloard. In your letter, - Describe how this situation affects you - Explain what steps you have taken to address the problem - Ask the landloard to take action to resolve the issue

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 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 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 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.

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
You just moved to a new home and planning to hold a party. You are worried that the noise may disturb the neighbour. Write a letter to your neighbor. In your letter introduce yourself describe your plans for the party invite your neighbour to come.

semi-formal
You will have a speech about your country on the international college event. Write a letter to the event’s planners about the following: - Ask about the date of the event - What speech you prepared/why it should be interesting -What equipment you will need for your speech

semi-formal
You and your family are livign in rented accommodations in an English speaking country. You are note satisfied with teh 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

semi-formal
You are due to start a new job next week but you will not be able to beacuse you have some problems. Write a letter to your new empolyer. In your letter explain your position siutation describe your problem tell him/her when you think you can startess.

semi-formal
You and your family have just rented an apartment and one or two problems occurred. Write a letter to the landlord. In your letter • introduce yourself • describe the problems • what you would like him/her to do.

semi-formal
You live in a rental flat.A few problems emerged since the last repair. Wrote a letter to your landlord. In your letter --what are the problems --give details of the last repair. --how you would like the landlord to solve current problems

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 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

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 have seen an advertisement for a community college that needs teachers for night classes. Write a letter to the community college. In you letter: say which advertisement you are answering describe which courses you want to teach, and what they would be about explain why you would be a suitable teacher

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 received a letter from your landlord, Mr Matthews, asking you to renew your contract and pay more rent. You are happy with property but landlord has not been maintaining it well. Write a reply to Mr. Matthews. In your letter: Indicate your intention to stay give information about maintenance issues explain what you would like the landlord to do now

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
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 have been living in a rental apartment for the past year. Recently, a new neighbour Mr.Jackson moved in who has loud parties several times a week. You have spoken to Mr.Jackson but are not very close friends Write a letter to Mr.Jackson. In your letter: · Explain the situation · Describe why it bothers you · Suggest a solution

semi-formal
You are currently doing a diploma course at a college, but you need to take a week off during this course. Write a letter to the college Principal. In your letter give details of your course explain why you need a week off say what you want the Principal to do

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 recently booked a part-time course at a college. You now need to cancel your booking. Write a letter to the college administrator. In your letter -Say which part-time course you booked -Explain why you need to cancel your booking -Ask about booking a different 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 paid a refundable deposit when you rented an appartment.You left the appartment in good condition but the landlord won't return your deposits. Write a letter to landlord.In your letter Explain why you are writing Ask for teh return of your deposits Inform the landlord of possible legal action

semi-formal
You have left college but you didn't say goodbye to your friend who lived in th room with you because he had a course that time. Write a leeter 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 are taking a holiday in a place recommended by your local travel agent, you have had a wonderful time. You have promised to write to him and let him know what you think of his suggestion. \ Write a letter to your travel agent as promised, and let him know what you have been doing and what you are going to do before the end of the journey.

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
A neighbour 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
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 are a parent and you need information about a school trip your child is going on. Write a letter to the class teacher. In your letter introduce yourself explain what information you are looking for inform the teacher about any specific needs your child has You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear…………….. ,

semi-formal
you have sen an advertisement from a couple, whi livees in australia, someone to teach their 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
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
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 local college is having an International day. You want to speak about your country to students from different cultures. Write a letter to your college head. Talk about the topic you are going to talk about. Explain why would they be of interest to students Ask about any arrangements you need to work to give the talk.

semi-formal
You had a birthday party and you were playing loud music. Your neighbour complained. Write a letter of apology explaining that it was a special occasion and that it won't happen again.

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

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.

semi-formal
during a recent palne journey, you sat next to a businessman who owns a chain of restaurent .You talked to him and he suggested that you should contact him about a possible job in one of his restaurents. Write a letter to this businessman . In your letter Remind him when and where you met tell him what kind of job you are intrested in say why you think you would be suitable for the job

semi-formal
You've been asked to do a presentation and will need help setting up the equipment for it. Write a letter to your colleague. In your letter let him/her know when and where the presentation will take place tell him/her what equipment you will need explain how he/she can help you.

semi-formal
Write a letter to Professor Hristo Pimpirev, Head of the Bulgarian Antarctic expedition who has just returned to Bulgaria from the South Pole. Invite him to talk to your class about the latest Antarctic Expedition

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 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 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;

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 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
Write a letter neighbor restaurant owner to reduce noise. Introduce yourself, What is your reason, What will you do if the issue persists

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
Your neighbour has animals and they cause noise. Write a letter - Describe the situation - Suggestion to solve the problem - Tell him what will you do if he will not solve the problem

semi-formal
You are moving out of your rental apartment. Write a letter to your neighbour to say goodbye. In your letter say 1. when and where do you move? 2. why do you move out? 3. how do you feel about it?

semi-formal
Your colleague recently gave you a book. You had a presentation, and this book helped you in the presentation. Write a letter to your colleague. In your letter, • tell the topic of your presentation • why the presentation was important for you • how the book helped you in presentation

semi-formal
You relocated to a new country for work. Write to your previous co-worker. In your letter – Tell him/her where you live in the new country – Describe how you feel – Explain what you are doing at work – Invite him/her for a visit.

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 the Chairman of the Housing Society. In your letter: Explain what will be happening Offer your apologies in advance Invite him to join the celebration

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
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
You were doing a short course at another country. All of a sudden, you had to leave the course and fly back to your home country. Write a letter to your teacher, and in your letter – express your gratitude – explain why you had to leave – explain what part of the course you enjoyed the most

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

semi-formal
You recently went to a concert and thought one of the singers was very good you want to tell how you feel. Write a letter to the singer.

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
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 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
You recently received a letter from your freind asking for an advice to go to a college or to find a job. You think he/she should get a job. Write a letter to your freind, In your letter include why he would not enjoy goin to college. why getting a job is good. suggest few good jobs for him

semi-formal
You have rented a condominium (apartment). Under tenancy agreement, you are required to give a three-month notice period before vacating the condo. For some reasons, you have to give up the condo all of a sudden as you have to migrate to other city as soon as possible. Write a letter to your landlord, • explain the reason for a sudden decision of vacating the condo • ask fora special consideration • how you would feel if your special consideration is granted

semi-formal
Mrs Barret, an English-speaking woman who lives in your town, has advertised fro 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 liek to do this work - Explain when you will and will not be available

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
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 moved into new home and are planning to hold a party. You are worried that the noise may disturbed you neighbour. Write a letter to you neighbour. In your letter Introduce yourself Describe your plan for party Invite your neighbour to come.

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
You are planning to study English at a college in an English-speaking country. You would like some information about their courses. Write a letter to the college. In your letter, ask about the course they offer ask about the cost of the course say what kind of accommodation you want in the college hostel Write at least 150 words.

semi-formal
You rent a flat with your friend who is moving out. It is too expensive for you to pay the rent alone. Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter: 1. Explain the situation. 2. Describe why you would like to stay in this flat. 3. Ask the landlord if you can find another flatmate. Write at least 150 words. You do not need to write any addresses. Begin you letter as follows: Dear_______,

semi-formal
Write a letter to your supervisor regarding a course you attended as a part of your job. Write - The purpose of your letter - Say how the course was useful to you - What are your suggestions regarding the course

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 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
A friend has written a letter to you informing you about his or her plan to visit your country/city. Write a letter to him/ her. In your letter, write: what he or she can do in your country/city advise him about the place he could stay at suggest to him/her what to pack and bring while coming to travel to your country/city

semi-formal
You have been living in a rental apartment for the past year. Recently, a new neighbour Mr.Jackson moved in who has loud parties several times a week. You have spoken to Mr.Jackson but are not very close friends Write a letter to Mr.Jackson. In your letter: · Explain the situation · Describe why it bothers you · Suggest a solution

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

semi-formal
You have been living in a rental apartment for the past year. Recently a new neighbour 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 interested in applying for a new position at your company but have some questions. Write a letter to you boss. In your letter include: Which position you are considering What questions you have about it How your boss can help you decide whether or not to apply. sample ielts answer

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 ....,

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