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 would like to take part in a work-related seminar in another country. Write a letter to the person in charge of the seminar and ask for detailed information regarding the dates, program, accommodation, and cost.
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You share a parking area with several neighbours and have recently started having problems. Write a letter to be copied to all neighbours that share the parking area. In that letter • explaining the problems • suggesting ways to help the situation • proposing a possible meeting You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Neighbour
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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.
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Write a letter to your neighbor requesting that something be done about the dog. Include in your letter: – Your reason for writing – What you would like to happen – A nice, respectful style
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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
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You have had a problem with your neighbor for the past few months. You have not been able to meet with your neighbor to discuss the problem. Write a letter to your neighbor. In your letter: Explain the problem Suggest a solution Say what action you will take if the situation does not improve
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YOU HAVE A BUSINESS PRESENTATION IN WHICH YOU WANT TO USE EQUIPMENT FOR WHICH YOU NEED ONE OF YOUR COLLEAGUES TO HELP YOU IN ITS OPERATION. WRITE A LETTER TO YOUR COLLEAGUE AND ASK HIM TO HELP YOU. When and where is your presentation Which equipment you have to use How he can help you
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You eat in your college cafeteria everyday lunchtime. However, you think it needs some improvements. Write a letter to the college manager . In your letter, •explain what you like about the cafeteria •say what is wrong with it •suggest how it could be improved
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you are going to teach english to your friends's child write a letter to your past english teacher to ask if you can borrow some books from him/her. tell your teacher about the child; say when and where you will teach the child; explain what books you would like to borrow.
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Essay topics: 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 your neighbor. In your letter Describe the situation Explain the problem it is causing you Offer at least one solution
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WRITING TASK 1 You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You are applying for a job and need a letter of reference from one of your teachers. Write a letter to your teacher. In your letter: Give details of the job & position you are applying for Explain why the reference is important Suggest what information your teacher could put in the reference Write at least 150 words.
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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
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One of your penfriends wants to imporve his/her English in advance of moving to Sydney. Write a letter to your penfriend. Advice him/her about the following: listening skills, speaking skills and vocabulary.
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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.
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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.
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You recently booked a part-time courses at a college. You now need to a 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
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Your neighbour keeps his/her animal in the garden. Write to him/her about it and the inconvenience it causes you and your family. In your letter tell what the problem is explain why it causes inconvenience suggest a possible solution to it Say what actions you might take if the need arises.
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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. barrette. 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
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You are shifting out of your accommodation. You think the place 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 - Why is it suitable for your friend?
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You have won a holiday to Hawaii with one extra ticket. Write a letter to someone to invite them along with you. In the letter: – Explain what has happened and that you would like them to come – Give details of when the trip will take place – Inform the person of the things they will need for the trip
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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.
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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.
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He 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 leather 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
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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. Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,
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You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. After being involved in an accident, you were looked after by a person you did not know before. Write a special thank you letter to express your gratitude. In your letter: Introduce yourself and let him/her know why you are writing Express your appreciation And offer him/ her to visit your home with this family. You do NOT need to write any address. You should write at least 150 words.
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You have planned to stduy in australia. You have sent a letter to a college, but you have not received a reply from the college. Write a letter to the college principle. In your letter you should give details og the course that you wished to do say why do you choose yo study study at the college say why you need the reply soon.
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A business partner and his team have recently visited your organization, and one of the team members left a coat behind. Write a letter to your business partner. In your letter Say what you liked about their visit Explain why you think the coat belongs to one of their team members Tell them how you plan to return it
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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
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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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You have seen an advertisement for a community college that needs teachers for night classes. Write a letter to the community college. In your 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 character.
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Write a letter to your landlord complaining about noise in the block of flats which he owns. Include Where you live The problem What he should do
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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.
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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.
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You paid a refundable deposit when you rented an appartment. You left the department in good condition but the landlord won’t return the deposit. Write a letter to the landlord. In your letter: -Explain why you are writing -Ask for the return of your deposit - Inform the landlord of possible legal action.
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You have decided to resign from your work in order try a new field. Write a letter to your boss In your letter • Tell your boss of your decision and explain why you are leaving • Explain what you have learnt from your current job and how you feel about leaving • Ask for a letter of reference
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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.
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You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You have just moved into a new home and are planning to hold a party. You are worried that the noise may disturb your neighbour. Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter ● introduce yourself ● describe your plans for the party ● invite your neighbour to come You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ................. , You should write at least 150 words.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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You carried out an emergency maintenance on a key system and this resulted in an issue with the system Write a letter to the head of your data team. In your letter: - Provide an update on what happened - Explain what you're going to do about it - Say what you would like to him to do
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You have trouble paying rent for the house where you live. Write a letter to your landlord explaining your current financial situation and ask for a house change.
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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
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Your landlord is asking to increase the rent. Write a letter to him. In your letter, you should tell: •why you think the rent shouldn’t be increased •what you will do if it is increased.
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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: •explain the situation •describe why you would like to stay in this flat •ask the landlord if you can find another flatmate
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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 ………………………,
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You have been living in a rental apartment for the past year. Recently a new neighbor moved in and has been making a lot of noise, which disturbs you. Write a letter to the landlord. In your letter: explain the situation describe why it bothers you suggest a solution
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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
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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
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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 for you •suggest what information your teacher could put in the reference
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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 -mehak 2nd year pursuing explain why you haven't handed in the project yet- health concer, i was allergic reaction due to my d=ffod coming in contact w mushrooms in the kitchen request more time to do it.- doc advised me to rest couple days and nor to put strain on eyes, next week will submi
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A close relative of yours is having a birthday lunch next week, but you know you will be working. Write a letter to your boss or supervisor to ask for some time off. In your letter, – explain the situation and why you particularly want to attend the lunch – specify the dates, times and amount of time off you will need – offer to work late or come in early another time to make up for the time
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You rent an apartment and recently a new neighbor has moved in who lives above you. They are making a lot of noise and this is disturbing you. Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter: Explain what the problem is Explain why it is disturbing you so much Tell your landlord what you would like him/her to do about it
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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/her about the place he could stay at suggest to him/her what to pack and bring while coming to travel to your country/city Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear …………………,
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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
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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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write a letter to invite him/her to celebrate traditional festival in your country from overseas. explain your friend about the celebration
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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
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Write a letter to a community college in America which invited you to talk about your country. In your letter Accept invitation and suggest preferable dates Tell them what your talks will be about And what equipment you require them to arrange
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You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You recently learnt that the best teacher you ever had will be retiring soon. Write a letter to your former teacher. In your letter Explain how you heard about his/her retirement Describe what made him/her such a great teacher Say how your teacher affected your life
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Mrs BARETT, 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
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You will move to a new city for work. You know some people who live there. Write a letter to someone you know who live there. In your letter ask them for help finding accommodation tell them where you would like to live tell them the type of place you are looking for
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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
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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
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You wish to apply for a new college course, but you are unsure about the details of cost, duration and subjects posted on the college website. Write an email to the relevant person in admissions at the college, asking them to clarify these points for you. In this email, •Say what your interest is •Explain why the website is unclear •Request the information that you need Begin your letter ‘Dear --------’ Do not write any addresses
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Your mentor recommended you to learn a new language and gave you contact details of a teacher. Following his advice, you need to write a letter to the teacher and say: • What is your motivation to learn a new language • How can the teacher help you • When you will be ready to start
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Your neighbor has been making a lot of noise recently. This has been causing you problems, and you want to ask them to stop. Write a letter to your neighbor in your letter: Ask for an explanation for the noise Explain the problem this has cause to you Say what will happen if the problem is not solved.
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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
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You are going to arrange a special party at your home next week. You want to invite a local artist who is a playback singer. Write a letter to him. Explain the occasion to him. Invite him to the party. Tell him why you want him to perform.
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Your neighbor keeps his/her animal in the garden. Write to him/her about it and the inconvenience it causes you and your family. In your letter · tell what the problem is · explain why it causes inconvenience · suggest a possible solution to it · say what actions you might take if the need arises.
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You and your family are living in rented accommodation in an English speaking country. You are not satisfied with the condition of some of the furniture. Write a letter to the landlord. In you letter: Introduce yourself Explain what is wrong tin the furniture Say what action you would like the landlord to take
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Your neighbours have recently written to you to complain about the noise from your house/ flat. Write a letter to your neighbours. In your letter  explain the reasons for the noise  apologise  describe what action you will take
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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
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Your neighbour keeps an animal in his / her garden and that is causing problem for you. Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter: say what the problem is and how it is affecting you suggest how the problem could be solved tell your neighbour what action you might take if the problem is not solved
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Your colleague is traveling from another country by plane for a meeting. You have arranged the airport pickup, hotel accommodation and planned his/her meetings. Write a letter to your colleague. In your letter, – Say when and where you will meet him/her – Explain where he/she will stay – Tell him/her about the other arrangements you made.
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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.
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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,
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Write a letter to your penfriend. Advise him/her about the following: listening skills, speaking skills and vocabulary.
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Mrs. Barette, 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. Barette. 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 available
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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.
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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.
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GENERAL TRAINING ONLY You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Each year, your company gives an Employee of the Year award to a worker who has performed exceptionally well. You believe that someone with whom you work should receive the award this year. Write a letter to your supervisor. In the letter - Describe your colleague’s job at the company - Describe a time you worked with this person - Explain why you believe this person deserves the award Write at least 150 words You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Ms. Jackson,
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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…………..,
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A colleague gave you a book which you used for your presentation. Write a letter to your colleague. In your letter, you should say: •What the presentation was about, •Why the presentation was important, •How did the book help you? You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear …………….. , You get 20 minutes to complete this task.
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Your child is going away on a school trip for three days to another country. The head teacher wants some parents to join the trip and you would like to go. Write a letter to the head teacher. In your letter: Say why you would like to go Suggest what you could do to help during the trip Ask some more questions about the trip
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You have arranged a meeting with a business partner. Unfortunately, you have to change the arrangement. Write a letter to your business partner. In your letter, apologise for the changes explain the reason why the changes were needed explain the new arrangement
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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
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.
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You have rented an apartment for five years. You have decided to move out. Write to the landlord. In the letter, Describe who you are and where you live Explain why you have decided to move out Suggest what you want the landlord to do
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Every weekend you and a few close friends meet to play a team sport. Last week one of your friends had an accident and was hospitalised. Since he was not able to make it you decide to write a letter to him, 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 are studying overseas. You need to return to your country before the end of the semester for a family event. Write a letter to your supervisor. In your letter - request time off - explain why you need to leave early - reassure him/her that your studies will not suffer
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