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 are working for an international company and you would like to request time off for a family event. Write a letter to your boss Explaining what the celebration is Asking for the time off Explaining how you can get work done when you take time off

semi-formal
Instructions Read the question below and write a letter. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Write at least 150 words. You are going on a short training course at a college in New Zealand. You need somewhere to live while you are there. Write a letter to the accommodation officer at the college. In your letter, explain your situation describe the accommodation you require

semi-formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You are taking a course at a local college. The deadline for your project was last week but you haven't finished it. Write a letter to your lecturer. In your letter introduce yourself explain why you haven't handed in the project yet request more time to do it. Write at least 150 words.

semi-formal
Your find that your study load is too heavy. Write a letter to your college teacher explaining why you need to withdraw from two courses. Ask if it is possible to obtain a refund. decided to do all 08 subjects at once. study load is too heavy to withdraw from two courses Possible refund.

semi-formal
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 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

semi-formal
You have been a living in a rental apartment for the past year. Recently, a new neighbour moved in who has loud parties several times a week. Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter:  Explain the situation  Describe why it bothers you  Suggest a solution

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

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Mrs Barret, an English -speaking woman who lives in your town ,has advertised for someone to help her in her home for a few hours a day next summer. Write a letter to Mrs Barret. in your letter Suggest how you could help her in her home Say why you would like to do this Job Explain when you will and will not be available

semi-formal
You had a birthday party and you were playing loud music.your neighbour. write a letter of appology explaining the ocasion and it wont happen again

semi-formal
You eat at your college cafeteria every lunchtime. However, you think it needs some improvements. Write a letter to the college magazine. In your letter, •explain what you like about the cafeteria •say what is wrong with it •suggest how it could be improved

semi-formal
You are due to move into a rented apartment next month but you will not be able to because you have some problems. Write a letter to the landlord. In your letter: •explain your situation •describe your problems • tell him/her when you think you can move in

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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

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

semi-formal
You were doing a short course at another country. However, you had to leave the course unexpectedly to fly back home. Write a letter to your teacher. In your letter explain why you had to leave describe which part of the course you enjoyed most thank your teacher for the course

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

semi-formal
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 seen an advertisement of Australian magazines for someone to live with family in six-months and look after their six-years old child write a letter 1- Explain why you would like this 2- Give detail of why you are suitable person to employ 3- Say how would you spend your free time while you are in Australia

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_______,

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You want to study a short course at a college abroad. Write a letter to the college administration. In your letter Explain which course you are inerested in ask about entry requirements request information about acommodation options.

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

semi-formal
You are due to move into a rented apartment next month but you will not be able to because you have some problems. Write a letter to the landlord. In your letter: – explain your situation – describe your problems – tell him/her when you think you can move in

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

semi-formal
You have left your job and are now looking for a new job. You need a letter of reference from your previous employer. Write a letter to him. In your letter: • Give details of what you need; • Explain why it is important to you; • Suggest what information your employer could put in the reference. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ....,

semi-formal
Q. There is the annual work party next month, which is held every year. Write a letter to your colleagues to co-arrange the party. In your letter: • Say what would you do differently than last year • Say what you think were some of the things not so good last year • Suggest where to meet to plan for the party.

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

semi-formal
you and your family are living in a acommodation in English - speaking country. You ae satisfied with the condition of the furniture. Write a letter to landlord.

semi-formal
You are about to move out of your apartment in an English-speaking country. Your landlord helped you a lot during your stay and you have a friend who would like to rent the flat after you. Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter let your landlord know that you will be leaving thank your landlord for his / her help tell him/her about your friend

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
You are going to study at a college in another country. You need to find a place you will live. Write a letter to the college's accommodation officer. In your letter, give details of your course and your arrival date, describe the kind of accommodation you need and say what you like the accommodation officer to do

semi-formal
A student you know is coming to visit the town or city where you live next weekend. Write a letter to the student. In the letter, • tell the student about some places in your town or city that he/she should visit. • give instructions about transportation in your city. • give contact details for the student so he/she can get in touch with you. Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear...

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 let him/her know why you are writing Express your appreciation offer him/ her to visit your home with this family.

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
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
A young person will start work at your office next month to gain work experience. Write a letter to him/her. In your letter ▪️Inform him/her about the work that needs to be done at the office; ▪️Explain what he/she is supposed to do on the first day; ▪️Suggest what he/she should bring to work

semi-formal
You would like to participate 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 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

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 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
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
You want to arrange a conference for your company, and you need to ask one of your colleagues to give a presentation in this conference. Write a letter to your colleague. In your letter include: Details about the conference Why you want your colleague to give presentation What arrangement will you do for this conference

semi-formal
You 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

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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

semi-formal
Mrs. Barrett, an English-speaking woman who lives in your town, has advertised for someone to help her in her home for a few hours a day next summer. Write a letter to Mrs. Barrett. In your letter -suggest how you could help in her home -say why you would like to do this work -explain when you will and will not be available Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mrs. Barrett,

semi-formal
You 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
You have recently moved to a new flat. Unfortunately, you lost some money the other day, and cannot afford to pay next month's rent which is due. Write a letter to the landlord: explaining the situation that you will pay as soon as your parents send the money Also, mention that there are some problems with the flat.

semi-formal
Mrs Barret, an English-speaking woman who lives in your hometown, has advertised for someone to help her in her home for a few hours a day next summer. Write a letter to Mrs Barret. In your letter - Suggest how you could help her in her home - Say why you would like to do this work - Explain when you will and will not be available

semi-formal
Head teacher, Marti Dyers, believes that safe outdoor space is important for keeping students in good health, mentally and physically. They need somewhere they can exercise and be sociable he says. At the moment many schools have dangerous areas where students might trip or have an accident. Write a letter explaining your view.

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

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

semi-formal
IELTS general writing task 1 sample: 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

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 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
Write a letter to your frind who lives in aqnother country and in your letter: a. Invite him to a public event in your country b. Describe the public event. c. Explain about other plans you have for your friennd when he will visit.

semi-formal
You have rented an apartment recently, but you are facing some problems. Write a letter to the landlord: •Describe the details of the problems •How are these affecting your family •Ask for possible solutions

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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
Your neighbour has written to you to complain about the noise from your flat. Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter explain the reason for the noise offer your neighbour an apology tell them what action you will take

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

semi-formal
ou have just moved into a new home and are planning to hold a party. You are worried that the noise may disturb your neighbour. Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter introduce yourself describe your plans for the party invite your neighbor to come You do NOT need to write any addresses. You should write at least 150 words.

semi-formal
You 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
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You and your family are living in rented accommodation in an English speaking country. You are not satisfied with the condition of some of the furniture. Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter introduce yourself explain what is wrong with the furniture say what action you would like the landlord to take

semi-formal
 You are moving home. Write a letter to your neighbours to say goodbye and to thanks them for their help during your stay.

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you are a student at an english language school in brighton and are living in private accomodation with other flat mates. 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
You recently completed a course and youu borrowed a book from your teacher which you couldn't return in time. You would like to return the book now. Write a letter to your teacher and say: What book it was. How helpful was the book? Explain why you couldn't return it in time.

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 Begin your letter as follows: Dear …………….,

semi-formal
You are going to study in a college in the UK next year. You would like to stay in a college Hall of Residence. Write a letter to the college. In your letter explain your accommodation requirements explain what your food needs are ask what alternatives are available if they cannot provide what you want You should You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

semi-formal
You want to improve your knowledge of foreign languages which can help you at work. Write a letter to a foreign language teacher and say: Where did you hear about the teacher? + Why do you want to learn a foreign language? + Ask some questions about the course

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
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
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 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

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
Your neighbours have recently written to you to complain about the noise from your house/ flat. Write a letter to your neighbours

semi-formal
Your friend will be staying at your home, but you can’t be there. Write a letter in which you explain: - How the keys will get to him/her - How to use the electrical appliances - Recommend some interesting places to visit

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
Your child's teacher has requested a meeting with you this Friday to discuss your child's low test scores. Unfortunately, you cannot attend. Write a letter to your child's teacher. In your letter Describe why you cannot attend the meeting Explain how you have been helping your child study Propose another time to meet You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr. Smith,

semi-formal
Your neighbours have a dog that is noisy at night. You can’t sleep. Write a letter to your neighbours. In your letter: – describe the problem with the dog – explain why it is important for you to sleep – outline what your neighbours could do about the situation

semi-formal
You have recently read a book about a city you know well and found some incorrect information. Write a letter to the author. In your letter tell him/her of the incorrect information give him/her the correct information explain why they should correct it.

semi-formal
Mrs Barrett, an english-speaking woman who lives in your town, has advertised for someone to help her in her home for a few hours a day next summer. Write a letter to Mrs Barrett. In your letter • suggest how could you help her in her room • say why you would like to do this work • explain when you will and will not be available

semi-formal
You currently live in a rental apartment, and the noise from your neighbours 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
You are currently taking a course at a college but you will need to have a week off during this course.  Write a letter to the college Principal.  In the letter Give details of your course   Explain why you need a week off   Say what you want the Principal to do

semi-formal
Your next door neighbour owns a small dog that barks throughout the day and the night. Write a letter to your neighbour requesting that something be done about the dog. Include in your letter-Your reason for writing, What you would like to happen. A nice, respectful style

semi-formal
Write a letter to your neighbor (who is also your friend) about the damage that occurs to your car while he parks his car in the space allotted to you. In the letter, you should: Describe the damage Say how you feel about this problem. Suggest on actions he should take.

semi-formal
You have bought an electronic equipment and within 2 days , problem started occuring. Write a letter to the Shopkeeper about your dissatisfaction with the product & services. Ask him to find proper solution for the problem.

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
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 …………………,

semi-formal
You want to arrange a conference for your company, and you need to ask one of your colleagues to give a presentation in this conference. Write a letter to your colleague. In your letter include: 1. Details about the conference- 2. Why you want your colleague to give the presentation – 3. What arrangements you will do for this conference

semi-formal
You are going to move out of your apartment in a English-speaking country. Your landlord is a very good person, who has assisted you a lot during your stay. Meanwhile, your friend would like to rent the flat after you. Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter, • Let your landlord know that you will be leaving • Thank you landlord for his/her help • Tel him/her about your friend

semi-formal
You have been offered a job that will require you to move to a city that you have never visited before. You have an acquaintance that lives there. Write a letter to the acquaintance. In your letter • explain your situation • say why you feel unsure about living in the city • ask some questions about life in the cit

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 lost your driving licence and someone found it and sent it back to you. Write a letter to the finder. In your letter -describe why the licence is important to you -ask where he or she found it -offer how would vou like to thank him/her

semi-formal
Your child's teacher has requested a meeting with you this Friday to discuss your child's low test scores. Unfortunately, you cannot attend. Write a letter to your child's teacher. In your letter • Describe why you cannot attend the meeting • Explain how you have been helping your child study • Propose another time to meet

semi-formal
Last semester a classmate let you borrow an important textbook. You realize that you still have the book after your friend has already gone back home overseas. Write a letter to him/her. In your letter: • Give an apology • Find out if/when they need the book back • Tell them what you will do to fix the problem Your letter should be between 150-200 words.

semi-formal
Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter, give details of the last repair work what the problems are now how you would like the landlord to solve these problems

semi-formal
You have seen an advertisment from a couple, who live in Australia, for someone to teach their two children your language for a year. Write a letter to the couple, In you letter - Explain why you think you would be suitable for the job - say what else you could do for the family - give your reasons for wanting the job

semi-formal
restaurant has advertised in a newspaper that a waiter/waitress is required for evening work. It has also been mentioned that the prospective candidate should have some experience. Write a letter to Mr Moore describing your previous experience and explaining why you would be suitable for the job.

semi-formal
You do not go to a company from where you got an offer write a letter to the HR supervisor to Explain the readon why you declined the offer express your gratitude Explain that you like your current job very much

semi-formal
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 reason for the noise apologise for the noise describe what action you will take

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