IELTS General Writing Task 1 semi-formal Topics/Questions 2024
Get a band score and detailed report instantly. Check your IELTS essays right now!
This section presents a list of common IELTS General Writing Task 1 semi-formal topics. All these topics were added in 2024 by students who took the IELTS recently. Pick a random topic and start practicing and improving your writing skills.
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 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
Ultimate Speaking practice for IELTS
Practice speaking step by step, answer real-life questions, and build your confidence. Start your free trial and improve your speaking skills today!
semi-formal
You are applying for a job and need a letter of reference from one of your teachers. Write a letter to your teacher. In your letter:
Give details of the job & position you are applying for
Explain why the reference is important
Suggest what information your teacher could put in the reference
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows: Dear .....................
semi-formal
You have just read about a computer course that really interests you, but it is only for people who have completed an elementary course.
Write a letter to the college enrolment officer. In your letter
explain why you are writing
describe your circumstances
ask if a special exception can be made for you so you can enrol in the course
You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows:
Dear
semi-formal
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 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 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.
Essentional vocabulary list for IELTS Writing 7+
Learn how to write high-scoring essays with powerful words. Download Free PDF and start improving you writing skills today!
semi-formal
Your neighbours have recently written to you to complain about the noise from your houseflat.
Write a letter to your neighbours. In your letter
explain the reasons for the noise
apologise
describe what action you will take
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write your own addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear ..................,
semi-formal
You have been living in a rental apartment for the past three years and had lived peacefully. Recently a new neighbor moved in and he loves to have loud parties every weekend. Write a letter complaining to the landlord. In your letter you should:
· explain the situation
· describe why it bothers you
· suggest a solution
semi-formal
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 the book helped you.
semi-formal
You paid a refundable deposit when you rented an apartment. You left the apartment in good condition but the Landlord won't return your deposit.
Write a letter to the landlord. In your letter
explain why you are writing
ask for the return of your deposit
inform the landlord of possible legal action
semi-formal
Mrs Jones, an English-speaking woman who lives in your town , has advertised for someone to help her in her home for a few hours a day next summer.
Write a letter to Mrs. Barrett. In your letter
Suggest how you could help her in her home
say why you would like to do this work
explain when you will and will not be available
semi-formal
Mrs Barreet, an English-Speaking woman who lives in your town, has advertised for someone to help in her home for a few hours a day next summer
Write a letter to Mrs Barreet. 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
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
A neighbour has damaged your automobile 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 have seen a advertisement in an australian magazine for someone to live with a family for six months and after look after their six year old child.
Write a eletterto the parents. In your letter
Explain why you would like the Job
semi-formal
You Are a Student at An English Language School and Are Living in Private Accommodation with Other Students from The School. You Have Not Had Hot Water or Heating for Some Time. The landlord’s Workmen Have Tried to Fix the Problem but Without Success. Write a Letter to The Landlord. In your Letter:
State Your Reason for Writing.
Describe the Problems.
Propose a Solution.
semi-formal
Your new neighbours have recently invited you to a party they are holding next Saturday. However, you have other plans on Saturday evening and cannot attend the party.
Write a letter to your neighbours. In your letter:
· thank them for the invitation
· mention what plans you already have
· suggest when you can meet them
Write at least 150 words.
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 someone to help her in her home for a few hours a day next summer.
Write a letter to Mrs barrett. In your letter
•suggest how you could help her in her home
•say why you would like to do this work
• explain when you will and will not be available.
semi-formal
Mrs. 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
semi-formal
Write a letter to your neighbour requesting that something be done about the dog. Include in your letter:
– Your reason for writing
– What you would like to happen
– A nice, respectful style
semi-formal
Your 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.
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
Write a letter to your neighbour who is having animals in his/her garden. You and your family members are having problems with the animals
- introduce yourself
- tell the problem
- suggest solutions
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
You are going to teach English to your friend's child. Write a letter to your past English teacher to ask if you can borrow some books from him/her. In this letter :
Say how well you know your friend.
Describe the qualifications and experience that your friend has.
Explain why your friend would be suitable for this job.
semi-formal
You are planning a two-week vacation, and you need someone to take care of your house while you are away.
Write a letter to your neighbor. In your letter
• tell your neighbor that you are going away
• ask your neighbor to take care of your house for you
• explain what tasks you would like your neighbor to do
semi-formal
You have seen an advertisement from a couple who lives in Australia, for someone to teach their two children your language for a year
Write a letter to the couple. In your letter
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
Write at least 150 words.
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 the hospital, telling him about the match
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. You do NOT need to write any addresses. You should write at least 150 words. In your letter
ointroduce yourself
odescribe your plans for the party
oinvite your neighbour to come
semi-formal
You are going for a one-week vacation and your friend agreed to stay at your place while you are away. write a letter to him or her. In your letter you should thank him or her and the dates for your holiday.
explain how he or she enters the home
describe what you expect him or her to do
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 should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
You are going to study in a college in the UK next year. You would like to stay in a college Hall of Residence.
Write a letter to the college. In your letter
explain your accommodation requirements
explain what your food needs are
ask what alternatives are available if they cannot provide what you want
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
You have had a problem with your next-door neighbour. You have not been able to speak to your neighbour about this. Write a letter to this neighbour. In your letter
*Explain the problem
*Suggest a solution
*Say what action you will take if the situation does not improve
semi-formal
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.
semi-formal
You and your family are living in rented accommodation in an English speaking country. You are not satisfied with the condition of some of the furniture.
Write a letter to the landlord. In you letter:
Introduce yourself
Explain what is wrong tin the furniture
Say what action you would like the landlord to take
semi-formal
Your child is going on a 3 day international schooltrip .Head teacher wants to find out if parents are interested in joining.write a letter say why you would like to go suggest what you can do to help ask other questions about the trip
semi-formal
You successfully passed a job interview. You are expected to start on November 15, but you will not be available on that date.
Write a letter to your new boss, explaining your situation, expressing your concern and suggesting a solution
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
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear ..................,
semi-formal
You are not happy with the course you are doing at college and would like to change to a different course. 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 would you like to change to
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
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
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 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 ro the singer. In your letter
. say how you feel about his performance
. give details of your musical activities
. explain how you would like him to help you with your musical activities
semi-formal
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
1. Your reason for writing
2. What you would like to happen
3. A nice, respectful style.
semi-formal
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
semi-formal
Your landlord has increased the amount of rent you pay every month and you don’t find it appropriate. Write a letter to the landlord and in your letter,
Explain why you are writing
Describe why you find the increase inappropriate
What you want to do now
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 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 his/her family
semi-formal
Write a letter to your boss apologising for the recent meeting you missed at work.
1. Apologise for missing the meeting
2. Explain what happened
3. Say what you will do to compensate
semi-formal
You were studying in an English speaking country and suddenly needed to go back to your home country leaving
your course incomplete. Write a letter to your teacher to
- Thank him
- Explain the reason you left without completing your course
- say during your course study what did you like most about this course.
semi-formal
Write a letter to your neighbour requesting him to lend you his laptop. In you letter: - Describe why you need a laptop. - How long you will be requiring the laptop. - Ensure him about the safety of his device and its content.
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
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
semi-formal
Your neighbour keeps his/her animal in the garden. Write to him/her about it and the inconvenience it causes you and your family.
In your letter
tell what the problem is
explain why it causes inconvenience
suggest a possible solution to it
Say what actions you might take if the need arises.
semi-formal
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
You should write at least 150 words.
semi-formal
You are the charge nurse on the mental health ward where Mr Ming will be discharged from and need to write a nursing referral letter to the local community mental health team.
semi-formal
Your friend wants to send her/his children to your house for the weekend. Write a letter to him/her and say
*Agree to this arrangement.
*Say what time is suitable for you.
*Describe what you are planning to do.
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
Although you have never formally studied computing, you have always been interested in computers. You have just read about a computer course that really interests you, but it is only for people who have completed an elementary course. Write a letter to the college enrolment officer. In your letter
explain why you are writing
describe your circumstances
ask if a special exception can be made for you so you can enrol in the course
semi-formal
1. You successfully passed a job interview. You are expected to start on November 15, but you will not
be available on that date.
Write a letter to your new boss. In your letter
explain your situation
express your concern
suggest a solution
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear ………………….. ,
semi-formal
Your neighbour keeps his animal in his garden and they create problem for you.you have problem with animal.write a letter to your neighbour.describe the problem.suggest the solution.ehat action willyou take if its unsolved.
semi-formal
You have received a letter from your neighbour complaining about noise from your house/flat. Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter explain the cause of the noise apologise for the noise describe what action you will take to solve the problem Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ………………. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
semi-formal
You have a meeting with your manager the next day. Write a letter telling him/her what you are going to discuss in the meeting.
In your letter, you should tell:
what you have done for the company in the year you worked there
what changes you would like to recommend
what training you require
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
Write a letter of application to mrs hopkins the oganizer of the trip,telling her:
-why would you like to go on the trip
-what skills do you have
-what previous experience
semi-formal
You need to take leave from your work of over one month for personal reasons. Write a letter to your boss.
In your letter:
explain the reason for the leave and the length of leave you need
explain how you will keep up-to-date while you’re away
suggest how your work could be covered while you are away
semi-formal
New neighbours have recently moved in, but they are making a lot of noise at night while you are preparing for your exams. Write a letter to your neighbours. In your letter:
explain that they are preventing you from studying well
suggest what they can do to improve the situation
tell them when you will have completed your studies
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 country
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
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 have received a letter from your neighbour complaining about noise from your house/flat.
Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter
explain the cause of the noise
apologise for the noise
describe what action you will take to solve the problem
Write at least 150 words.
semi-formal
You have been assigned to give a networking presentation with your colleague from a different office, who you met last year. Write a letter to your colleague. In your letter:
· Inform your colleague that you will be working together
· Provide your initial ideas on the networking presentation
· Ask for a time to meet and practice the presentation
semi-formal
Write a letter to your landlord complaining about noise in the bolck of flats which he owns.
You should include
Where you live
Explain the problem
What he should do
semi-formal
You need to take leave from your IELTS Institute of over two weeks for personal reasons.
Write a letter to your teacher.
In your letter.
> Explain the reason.
>The length of the leave you needed.
>Explain how will you keep uptodate while are you away.
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 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 are applying for a job and need a letter of reference.
write to a teacher about:
Give details of the job
Explain why it is important to you
Suggest what information your teacher could put in the refernce
semi-formal
During a recent plane journey, you sat next to a businessman who owns a chain of restaurants. You talk 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’re interested in
• say why you think you would be suitable for the job
semi-formal
You currently live in a rental apartment, and the noise from your neighbors disturbs you. Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter •describe how this situation affects you; •explain what steps you have taken to address the problem; •ask the landlord to take action to resolve the issue.
semi-formal
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 want to learn a language. There is a teacher neat to you where you live.
Write a letter to the teacher. In the letter:
say how you came to know about him/her
explain why you want to learn
ask what help they can offer
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 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
Task 1
Write a letter to your landlord complaining about noise in the block of flats which he owns. Include:
-Where you live
-The problem
-What he should do
semi-formal
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.
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.
Say how will you know your friend
Describe the qualification and experience that your friend has
Explain why your friend would be suitable for this job
semi-formal
You recently went to a concert and thought one of the singers was very good. You want to tell him how you feel.
Write a letter to the singer. In your letter,
•say how you feel about his performance
•give details of your musical activities
•explain how you would like him to help with your musical activities
You should write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear........................,
semi-formal
You are planning a week-long vacation and you need someone to take care of your house while you are away. Write a letter to your neighbor and tell them that you are going away.
In your letter, you should:
ask them to take care of your house
explain why you will be away.
semi-formal
Your colleague found another job and invited you to his/her farewell party. Unfortunately, you are unable to attend it. Write a letter to him/her and say
– Why can’t you attend the party?
– Why did you enjoy working with him/her?
– Offer him/her to meet some other time.
semi-formal
You 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 this 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.
semi-formal
A college asked its graduates to give a speech to current students about their professional careers and future opportunities. You would like to participate. Write a
letter and say
What do you want to talk about?
Why do you think students will be interested in it?
Suggest a suitable date and time for your speech?
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
Your friend has a problem at work. He has written to you a letter and asked for advice about the ways to solve it.
Write to him. In your letter:
• Tell him that you understand the problem;
• Tell about similar case that you experienced in the past;
• Suggest possible ways to solve the problem.
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
A new neighbour has moved in next door and has taken your main rubbish bin.
Write a letter to your new neighbour requesting that they return the item. In the letter:
– Explain that new bins must be sourced from the local council
– Request that the person returns your bin immediately
– Inform the person of what further actions you will take should they not return your bin
semi-formal
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 hou could help her in her home.
Say why you would like to do this
Explain when you will and will not be available.
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:
Dear .....................,
semi-formal
You applied to a job, 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
Express your gratitude
Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Ms. Barry,
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