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 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 Write at least 150 words

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
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
Write a letter about a distubrance from your fellow student

semi-formal
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

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

semi-formal
Your neighbour has recently written to you to complain about the noise from your house flat Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter Explain the reason for the noise Apologise Describe what action you will take Write at least 150 words You do not need to write any addresses Begin your letter as follows Dear ………………………,

semi-formal
You are 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
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 would like to do this work explain when you will and will not be available

semi-formal
You will move to a new city for work. You know some people who live there. Write a letter to someone you know who lives there. In your letter - ask them for help in finding accommodation - tell them where you would like to live - tell them the type of place you are looking for. You should write at least 150 words.

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 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
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

semi-formal
You want to invite a famous actor to open the new theatre. Write a letter to this famous actor. In your letter • give some information about the new theatre • invite her/him to open the new theatre • explain why she/he would be a good person to open the theatre

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
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
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 organizing a conference for your company. Write a letter to a colleague asking him/her to give a presentation during the conference.  Describe what this conference is about  Why you want him/her to give a presentation  Give details about the conference

semi-formal
During a recent plane journey, you sat next to a businessman who owns a chain of restaurants. You talked to him and he suggested that you should contact him about a possible job in one of his restaurants. Write a letter to this businessman. In your letter -Remind him when and where you met -Tell him what kind of job you are interested in -Say why you think you would be suitable for the job

semi-formal
Because of your job, you have to move to a new city. Write a letter to someone you know who lives there. In your letter ask them to help you find somewhere to live tell them the kind of accommodation you want to find tell them which area of the city you want to live in You should 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 at this conference. Write a letter to your colleague. Detail about the conference. Why do you want your colleague to give the presentation? What arrangement you will make for this conference?

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. Ask electrician to be as quiet as possible. Pay for additional electrician so job finished sooner.

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

semi-formal
You successfully passed a job interview. You are expected to start on next month, but you will not be available on that date. Write a letter to your new boss, explaining your situation suggest a solution tell them when you can start

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 bout the cafeteria say what is wrong suggest how it could be improved

semi-formal
You need to take leave from your work of over one month of a period for personal reasons. Write a letter to your boss. In your letter · Explain the reason for the leave and the length of leave you need · Explain how you will keep up-to-date while you’re away · Suggest how your work could be covered while you are away

semi-formal
You 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 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:

semi-formal
our former boss has contacted you to offer you a position to help him start his new company. Write a letter to your former boss. In your letter: • Thank him for the job offering • Decline his job offer and explain why. • Show your appreciation and wish him well on his new project. Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear …………….,

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

semi-formal
Your neighbours have recently written to you to complain about the noise from your house/ flat. Write a letter to your neighbours. In your letter •explain the reasons for the noise •apologise •describe what action you will take

semi-formal
You have recently heard that your manager will be leaving the company next month. You and your colleague are planning to buy a farewell gift for her. Write a letter to your colleague. In your letter: say how you feel about your manager leaving describe a present you think would be suitable discuss arrangements for buying the gift or planning a farewell celebration

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 have recently shifted in a rental apartment with your family. However, there are some problems with the apartment. Write a letter to the landlord. In your letter.  Describe the problem  Demand the solution for the problem  Inform him what you will do if the problem is not solved.

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. You do NOT need to write any address. You should write at least 150 words.

semi-formal
You are having a graduation party next Saturday night. You have invited 50 people to celebrate at an outdoor barbecue evening, which may continue into late into the night. Write a letter to your elderly neighbour. In your letter: explain what will be happening offer your apologies in advance invite her to join the celebration Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr / Ms _________ You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

semi-formal
You play a team sport with some friends. Last week a member of the team had an accident and wasn't able to play with you at the weekend. You decide to write to him in hospital, telling him about the match. Write a letter to your friend.

semi-formal
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
Your neighbor has recently written to you to complain about the noise from your house. Write a letter to your neighbor. In your letter: - Explain the reasons for the noise, - Apologise - Describe what action you will take.

semi-formal
You have arranged a meeting with a business partner.Unfortunately, you have to change the arrangement. Write a letter to your partner. Explain the new arrangement Apology for the changes Explain the reason why the changes were needed.

semi-formal
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

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 this family.

semi-formal
You play a team sport with some friends. Last week a member of the team had an accident and wasn't able to play with you at the weekend. You decide to write to him in hospital, telling him about the match. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter, tell him which team won describe the conditions on the day say how you felt about the match

semi-formal
You 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. Begin your letter as follows: Dear …………….,

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
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Although you have never formally studied computing, you have always been interested in computers. You have just read about a computer course that really interests you, but it is only for people who have completed an elementary course. Write a letter to the college enrolment officer. In your letter explain why you are writing describe your circumstances ask if a special exception can be made for you so you can enrol in the course You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear You should write at least 150 words.

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

semi-formal
You are going on holiday for one week and your neighbour has agreed to take care of your house while you are away. Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter explain what you would like your neighbour to do while you are away tell him / her how to contact you if there is an emergency offer to buy your neighbour a gift to say thank you

semi-formal
Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter introduce yourself describe your plans for the party invite your neighbour to come

semi-formal
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

semi-formal
"Write a letter to your neighbour to ask him/her to take care of your house while you are away for a week on holiday. Please say •Explain where you are going and why. • What do you need him/her to do? • What should he/she do in case of emergency?"

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 restrauants. Write a letter to this businessman. In your letter, remind him when and where you met, tell him what kind of job you are interested in, say why you think you would be suitable for the job

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

semi-formal
Your friend has written to you asking for your advice on whether to study marketing or information technology at a college in Australia. Write a letter to her. In your letter, • Ask her about the college • Give her suggestions • Explain your reasons

semi-formal
Although you are meant to present your thesis project in one month, your sister is getting married in Spain at the same time. You would like to change the date of your presentation. Write a letter to your professor. In your letter: -Explain the situation -Remind the professor of your academic achievements to date -Ask for a different date to present your thesis Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Professor Simons,

semi-formal
Your friend has asked you to teach English to their child. However, you do not have any English books so would like to borrow some from your teacher. Write a letter to your teacher. In your letter say which course you are taking describe the type of books you need to borrow ask to borrow the books

semi-formal
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.

semi-formal
You recently booked a part-time course at a college. You need to cancel your booking. Write a letter to the college administer. In your letter. Say which part-time course you booked Explain why you need to cancel your book Ask about booking a different course

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/her. In your letter you should: thank him/her and tell the dates of your holiday explain how he/she enters the house describe what you expect him/her to do

semi-formal
One of your penfriends wants to improve his/her english in advance of moving to sydney Write a letter to your penfriend. Advise him/her about the following: listening skills, speaking skills and vocabulary.

semi-formal
You attend a sports class at your local sports center. Unfortunately, you cannot ontinue to attend this class Write a letter to your sports teacher. In your letter - Say which class you are attending - Explain why you cannot continue to attend this class - Tell him/her what you have enjoyed about this class

semi-formal
While you were studying in the UK, you made friends with John Blaire who was one of your course tutors. He is coming to your country an international conference. You want to invite him to stay at your place and spend some time together. Write a letter to him. In your letter, • Ask him about the conference • Invite him to stay at your place • Suggest some things you can do together

semi-formal
Your child is going on a three day school trip to another country. The head teacher wants to find parents to go with the group and you would like to go. Write a letter to the head teacher. In your letter: Say why you would like to go on the trip Suggest what you could do to help during the trip

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

semi-formal
You have seen an advertisement for a community college that needs teachers for night classes. Write a letter to the community college.

semi-formal
You have just moved into a new home and are planning to hold a party. You are worried that the noise may disturb your neighbor. Write a letter to your neighbor. In your letter • Introduce yourself • Describe your plans for the party • Invite your neighbor to come

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

semi-formal
Write a minimum of 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic: 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 do you want your colleague to give a presentation? • What arrangement will you do for this conference?

semi-formal
you recently went to a program and thought one of the singer 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 you with your musical activities

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 received a job offer for an exciting, new position. Although you are expected to start on September 7th, you are only available to start a week later due to personal reasons. Write a letter to your new boss. In your letter: ·       Express your enthusiasm for the job offer ·       Explain the problem ·       Suggest what you can do Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Ms. Mcllwain,

semi-formal
You borrowed an important textbook during the last term from a classmate. You now realize your classmate has returned home overseas and you still have the book. Write a letter to him/her. •apologize for the mistake •find out how important the book is to him/her •say what you will do Begin your letter as follows: Dear ..................,

semi-formal
Your son is learning a second language at school he needs some extra lessons. Write a letter to a teacher ask for his help. In your letter explain Why yous son needs help Ask the teacher about the teaching experience and method Suggest a possible schedule for the lessons

semi-formal
Write a letter to a teacher asking for a reference letter for a job and explain: – Why you have chosen him to write the reference letter – What kind of job you are applying for – Why you think you are suitable for this job

semi-formal
You 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

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

semi-formal
You 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
You bought a ticket for a music concert. You’re unable to attend the concert. You want to offer the ticket to your friend. Write a letter to give him the ticket. In your letter, Give detailed information about the concert Explain why you’re unable to attend the concert Tell him how to get the ticket

semi-formal
ou 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 your letter • introduce yourself • explain what is wrong with the furniture • say what action you would like the landlord to take

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

semi-formal
You are 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

semi-formal
Write a letter to landlord about the problem you have in house of renting.

semi-formal
You were invited to your friend’s birthday party. You missed it and didn’t tell him about that beforehand. Write a letter to him: • Apologize; • Explain the reasons why you missed the party; • Suggest a way to compensate this misunderstanding

semi-formal
Your neighbours have recently written to you to complain about the noise from you house / flat. Wirte a letter to your neighbours. In your letter explain the reasons for the noise apologise describe what action you will take

semi-formal
You are renting a house in an English-speaking country, and the landlord has been helpful during your stay. Now your friend is interested in renting your place. Please write a letter to your landlord to inform your friend that you will be moving out. Tell your landlord that you are leaving and explain why. Thank you landlord for being helpful Recommend your friend as a prospective tenant.

semi-formal
You 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.

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. Berrett. In your letter Suggest how you could help her in her home Say why you would like to do this work Explain when you will and will not be available

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

semi-formal
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
One of your colleagues was in charge of organizing an annual executive conference, and he/she has been successful in doing it. You want to congratulate your colleague on that. Write a letter to this colleague. In your letter, • congratulate your colleague for successfully organizing the event • mention what you liked about it the most • say how much you would like him/her to organize other events as well

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

semi-formal
Your friend is involved in an import/export business. You have some ideas that might be helpful. Write to him/her and say – Suggest a product and explain what is good about it. – Tell him/her about the product in your country. – Advise what he/she should do with this product.

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

semi-formal
You are a student at an English language school in Brighton and are living in private accommodation 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 and explain how you feel propose a solution and ask the landlord to take action.

semi-formal
You have a test in your English class next week, but you cannot attend. Write to your teacher. In your letter: . Explain your situation. . Apologies for not being able to take the test. . Ask whether it is possible for you to take the test at another time. Write at least 150 words. You do not need to write any address. Begin your letter with: 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
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.

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

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