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 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 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 when you think you can move in.

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

semi-formal
You are moving home. Write a letter to your neighbours to say goodbye to them and to thank them for their help during your stay. In your letter explain how they helped you say what you will miss the most about the area where you lived invite them to visit you at your new home.

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
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
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. You do not need to write any address. Begin your letter with Dear …,

semi-formal
You are applying for a job and need a letter of reference. Write a letter to a former teacher. In your letter: -Give details of the job -Explain why it is important to you - Suggest what information your teacher could put in the reference

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

semi-formal
You share a parking area with several neighbours and have recently started having problems. Write a letter to be copied to all neighbours that share the parking area. In that letter • explaining the problems • suggesting ways to help the situation • proposing a possible meeting You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Neighbour

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.

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
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 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. You do NOT need to write any address.

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 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. say how you tell about his performance give details of your musical activity explain how you would like him to help you with your musical activites

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
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 your letter tell your teacher about the child. say when and where you will teach the child. explain what books you would like to borrow.

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

semi-formal
You recently celebrated a special occasion in your personal life and received a card and a present from your colleagues at work. Write a letter to your colleagues. In your letter: remind your colleagues what the special occasion you were celebrating was thank them for the card and gift explain why you like the gift and how you will use it

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

semi-formal
you have sen an advertisement from a couple, whi livees in australia, someone to teach their language for a year. -write a letter to the couple. in your letter explain why you think you would be suitable for the job Say what else you could do for the family Give your reasons for wanting the job.

semi-formal
You recently booked a part-time course at a college. You now need to cancel your booking. Write a letter to the college admministrator. In your letter. say which part-time course you booked explain why you need to cacel your booking ask about booking a different course

semi-formal
You have enrolled in an evening course but you have found that you are too busy to continue and would like to take the course next term instead. Write a letter to your teacher. In your letter: explain the situation and why you cannot continue the course say what you would like to do about your studies ask for advice about what you can do about the situation

semi-formal
You have applied for a position in an international organisation and you need to provide a reference letter. Write a letter to your former teacher asking hin/her to write it for you. Give your full detail describe a job you are going to do their Say why its impotant to you.

semi-formal
Your landlord is asking to increase the rent write a letter to him In your you shoul tell: Why do you think the rent shouldn't be increased. What you will do if it is increased

semi-formal
You recently broke your leg and your colleagues visited with 'get well soon' cards and presents. Write a letter to: 1. Thank them 2. Describe how you have been spending your time while recovering 3. Tell some other information about your recovery

semi-formal
You have seen an advertisement for a community college that needs teachers for night classes. Write a letter to the community college. In your letter: say which advertisement you are answering describe which course(s) you want to teach, and what it/they would be about explain why you would be a suitable teacher

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
In your apartment building there is an entrance hall which you share with your neighbours. Recently there have been some problems with this shared area. Write a letter to your neighbours. In your letter introduce yourself and describe the problem or problems suggest what could be done to improve the situation suggest a meeting to talk about it

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

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
Every weekend you and a few close friends meet to play a team sport. Last week one of your friends had an accident and was hospitalised. Since he was not able to make it you decide to write a letter to him, telling him about the match. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter, tell him which team won describe the conditions on the day say how you felt about the match

semi-formal
Write a letter to your boss apologizing for the delay in submitting your report at work last week

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
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 experiencing financial problems and want to ask you landlord if you can pay your rent late. Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter explain. -why you can't pay the rent when you will pay the rent How you will ensure you can pay the rent in the future

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
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 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 landord. In your letter introduce yourself explain what is wrong with the furniture say what action you would like to the landlord to take

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. ▪️Yell him/her of the incorrect information ▪️Give him/her the correct information Explain why they should correct it.

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
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 city

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
Write a letter requesting a teacher to conduct exams.

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

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

semi-formal
You are applying for a job and you need a letter of reference. Write a letter to a former boss. In your letter: *Describe the job you are applying for *Say what you want included in the reference letter *Request that you former boss send you the letter be the end of the week

semi-formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 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 You should write at least 150 words.

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
You rent an apartment and recently a new tenant moved in above you. This tenant’s behaviour is causing you a lot of problems. Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter: Describe what the new tenant is doing, explain why it is disturbing you so much, tell your landlord what you would like him/her to do about it

semi-formal
You are planning a two-week vacation, and need someone to take care of your house while you are away. Write a letter to your neigbour. In your letter: tell your neighbour that you are going away ask your neighbour to take care of your house for you explain what task you would like your neighbour to do

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
chain of restaurants. You talked to him and he suggested that you should contact him about a possibleJob 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 youaare inter,sted in • say why you think you would be suitable for theJob

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

semi-formal
You are currently running a course and have a part-time job. Your boss suggested that you leave your course and work full time. Write a letter to your boss. in your letter, you should: -tell him/her your decision -explain the reason of your decision.

semi-formal
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
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
General task 1 Your next door neighbour own a small dog that bark throughout day and night. Write a letter to your neighbour requesting that something be done about the dog. Your reason for writing. What you would like to happen. A nice respectful style.

semi-formal
You borrowed an important textbook from a classmate last term. You now realize your classmate has returned home overseas and you still have a book. Write a letter to him/her. In your letter -apologise for the mistake -find out how important the book is to him/her -say what you will do

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

semi-formal
Write a letter to your boss for a recent meeting you missed 1. Apologies for the missing 2. Explain what happened 3. Day what you will do to compensate

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

semi-formal
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 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
Write a letter to your college administration department complaining about the college facility. In your letter, include: • what the problem is • how this problem has affected you • what the college should do to fix this problem Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear/ Madam

semi-formal
You are applying for a new job. Write a letter to a former supervisor asking for a reference. In your letter •describe the job you are applying for •say why you are qualified for the job •explain why you want a reference from this person Begin your letter as follows: Dear……

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
Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter explain the problem explain how it is causing you provide an appropriate solution Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any address. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr .........,

semi-formal
You recently had your car repaired and now it is not working properly. Write a letter to your mechanic and in your letter: • Introduce yourself • Explain the problem • And say what you need him to do

semi-formal
LETTER OF APOLOGY Topic 3: You made a mistake in classroom. Write a letter to your teacher. In the letter: State your apology Describe the situation Write about your promise to change. Write at least 150 words.

semi-formal
You have a problem with a neighbour. Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter -describe the problem -say how long it has been a problem -explain what action you want the neighbour to take

semi-formal
Write a letter to your professor outlining why you are not satisfied with their course. In your letter: write the reasons why you are not satisfied with the course request to change your course indicate what course you want to take instead

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
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
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
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

semi-formal
Your English teacher has found a new penfriend. Write a letter to your penfriend and introduce yourself. Tell them what you do in your free time.

semi-formal
You rent an apartment and recently a new tenant moved in above you. This tenant's behaviour is causing you a lot of problems. Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter: Describe what the new tenant is doing Explain why it is disturbing you so much Tell your landlord what you would like him/her to do about it

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

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 coursev

semi-formal
You are going to attend a training course at a college in another country. You need somewhere to live while you are there. Write a letter to the College Accommodation Officer. In your letter: • Explain your situation • Describe the accommodation you require • Say when and how long you will need the accommodation

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 you should: introduce yourself explain what is wrong with the furniture and say what action you would like the landlord to take.

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
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 are away Suggest how your work could be covered while you are away

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 have a problem with a neighbour. Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter •describe the problem • say how long it has been a problem • explain what action you want the neighbour to take

semi-formal
Your friend asked you to teach his son English. You need to borrow some English books from your teacher. Write a letter to your teacher requesting these materials. In your letter you should share: - Details about the child. - What type of books you need. - When and where you are going to teach this child

semi-formal
One of your friends wants to apply for a job involving working with foreign teenagers. Write a letter of recommendation for him/her. You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task

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

semi-formal
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 are studying mathematics at university and have an assignment next week. You have been sick. Write a letter to your teacher asking for an extension on your assignment. In the letter, explain that you are a student in the mathematics class explain that you have been sick ask for an extension Write at least 150 words.  You do NOT need to write any addresses

semi-formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You are having problems with a neighbour’s animals because the fence between your properties is old and In poor repair. You want the neighbour to pay half the cost of building a new fence. Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter • say what the problems are • explain how a new fence will solve the problems • suggest that the neighbour pays half of the cost Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows:

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

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 discuss how your part-time studies would benefit your employer

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

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