IELTS General Writing Task 1 semi-formal Topics/Questions 2024
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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 2024 by students who took the IELTS recently. Pick a random topic and start practicing and improving your writing skills.
semi-formal
You recently booked a part-time course at a college. You now need to cancel your booking.
Write a letter to the college administrator. In your letter
-Say which part-time course you booked
-Explain why you need to cancel your booking
-Ask about booking a different course
semi-formal
You are taking a holiday in a place recommended by your local travel agent, you have had a wonderful time. You have promised to write to him and let him know what you think of his suggestion. \
Write a letter to your travel agent as promised,
and let him know what you have been doing and
what you are going to do before the end of the journey.
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: 1
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
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
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 recently broke your leg and your colleagues from work sent you get-well cards and presents. Write a letter to them and:
- thank them for supporting you
- describe how you spend your time
- explain your recovery process
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. In your letter:
Introduce yourself and let him / her know why you are writing to him / her
Express your gratitude
Offer him / her to visit your home with his / her family
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
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 --------’
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
You play a team sport with some friends. Last week, a memver 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 were studying in an English-speaking country and suddenly had to go back to your home country
your course is incomplete. Write a letter to your teacher
- Thank you
- Explain the reason why you did not finish the course
- tell me what you liked most about this course while studying the course
semi-formal
You need a recommendation letter from your former university teacher. Write a letter to your teacher: • Give him the reasons for asking for the recommendation letter. • Give him/her details about your personal and academic background that can be added to your letter. • Tell him/ her about your future plans
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 are a foreign student. You want to join the club or society so that you can enjoy your time when you study there. Write to the student union manager. in your letter
Introduce yourself
Write about your hobbies and interests
Ask for information about clubs and societies
semi-formal
Your neighbour has written to you to complain about the noise from your house. Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter
• explain the reasons for the noise
• offer your neighbour an apology
• tell them what initiative you will take
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
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
Mrs BARETT, an English-speaking woman who lives in your town , has advertised for someone to help her in her home for a few hours a day next summer.
Write a letter to Mrs. Barrett. In your letter
Suggest how you could help her in her home
say why you would like to do this work
explain when you will and will not be available
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 are planning a week-long vacation and you need someone to take care of your house while you are away. Write a letter to your neighbor and tell them that you are going away.
In your letter, you should:
ask them to take care of your house
explain why you will be away.
semi-formal
You wish to get enrolled in a course at an Australian college. You have already written a letter to the college asking for information, but you haven’t received a reply yet.
Write a letter to the college
explaining your concern because the course will start in less than two months.
You need to know if you can still get enrolled,
you also request more information about the course, including the cost.
semi-formal
You've seen an advertisement from a couple, who live in Australia, for someone to teach their children your language for a year.
In your letter,
-Explain why you would be suitable for the job
-say what else you could do for the family
-give reasons for wanting the job.
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
Question. You exercise regularly and have been a member of many different gyms. Recently you moved into a new neighbourhood and joined a new gym. You have noticed people at this gym do not bother to wipe down the machines after use and often leave dirty towels on the benches in the change rooms. Write to Mr Koto, the manager. In your letter:
Explain who you are
Describe the problem exactly
Make suggestions to improve the gym
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 rent an apartment and recently a new neighbor has moved in who lives above you. They are making a lot of noise and this is disturbing you.
Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter:
Explain what the problem is
Explain why it is disturbing you so much
Tell your landlord what you would like him/her to do about it
semi-formal
You have planned to study in Australia. You have sent a letter to a college, but you have not received a reply from college. Write a letter to the college principal. In your letter,
- you should give details of the course that you wished to do,
- say why do you choose to study at the college,
- say why you need the reply soon.
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 have a test in your English class next week, but you cannot attend. Write to your teacher. In your letter:
• Explain your situation.
• Apologise for not being able to take the test.
• Ask whether it is possible for you to take the test at another time.
semi-formal
During a recent plane journey, you sat next to a businessman who owns a chain of restaurants. You talked to him and he suggested that you should contact him about a possible job in one of his restaurants.
Write a letter to this businessman.
In your letter,
remind him when and where you met
tell him what kind of job you are interested in
say why you think you would be suitable for the job
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear ..................,
semi-formal
Although you have never formally studied computing, you have always been interested in computers. You have just read about a computer course that really interests you, but it is only for people who have completed an elementary course. Write a letter to the college enrolment officer. In your letter
explain why you are writing
describe your circumstances
ask if a special exception can be made for you so you can enrol in the course
semi-formal
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
semi-formal
You recently booked a part-time course at a college. You now need to cancel your booking. Write a letter to the college administrator. In your letter:
Say which part-time course you booked.
Explain why you need to cancel your booking.
Ask about booking a different course.
semi-formal
You 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
Write a letter to your landlord complaining about noise in the block of flats which he owns. Include:
where you live
what the problem is
what he should do
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
You are going to teach English to your friend's child. Write a letter to your past English teacher to ask if you can borrow some books from him/her. In this letter :
Say how well you know your friend.
Describe the qualifications and experience that your friend has.
Explain why your friend would be suitable for this job.
semi-formal
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
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
1. suggest how you could help her in her home
2. say why you would like to do this work
3. explain when you will and will not be available
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses
Begin your letter as follows
Dear Mrs Barrett,
semi-formal
You have bought tickets for a tour with your friend for the period of your holiday, but you have just discovered that you have to change your plans.
Write a letter to him:
• Apologize;
• Explain the reasons;
• Suggest alternative arrangements.
Write at least 150 words.
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 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
You caused some damage to the kitchen area of your flat. Write a letter to your landlord explaining the following.
•How the damage occurred
•The extent of damage
•What you would like to landlord to do.
semi-formal
You and your family are living in rented accomodation 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
Write at least 150 words
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 are a student at a university in the UK. You have recently lost your university ID card. Write to the local police station, giving details of who you are, what happened and ask to record your details so that you can apply for a new ID card.
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Sir or Madam,
semi-formal
1.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
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 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
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
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
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 giving your accommodation requirements. You should outline what your room and food needs are and also ask what alternatives are available if they cannot provide what you want.
You should write at least 150 words.
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
You do NOT need to write your own address.
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
Write a letter to landlord about the one or two problems you have in the house you moved to before 15 days with your family.
What are issues and tell what you want him to do.
semi-formal
One of your friends is planning to visit your country and asking you for some information.
Write a letter to him/her and say:
o when the best time to visit your country is
o suggest a plan for the travel
o recommend places to visit in your countr
semi-formal
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
You recently booked a part-time course at a college. You now need to cancel
your booking.
Write a letter to the college adminisllator. In your letter
• say which part-time course you booked
• explain why you need to cancel your booking
• ask about booking a different course
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Sir or Madam,
semi-formal
You and your family are living in rented accommodation in an English speaking country. You are not satisfied with the condition of some of the furniture.
Write a letter to the landlord. In you letter:
Introduce yourself
Explain what is wrong tin the furniture
Say what action you would like the landlord to take
semi-formal
Your 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
During a recent plane journey, you sat next to a bussinessman 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 bussinessman. 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 recently assigned a contract of your home painting. The work is over but you are not satisfied with quality of work. Write a letter to the contractor for the same. Write a letter
Describe what you are not satisfied with
Say what you want the contractor to do and your action plan
Say what was good about this service
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 are planning a two-week vacation, and you need someone to take care of your house while you are away.
Write a letter to your neighbor. In your letter
• tell your neighbor that you are going away
• ask your neighbor to take care of your house for you
• explain what tasks you would like your neighbor to do
semi-formal
You 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 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
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
Write a letter to your neighbor requesting that something be done about the dog. Include in your
letter:
– Your reason for writing
– What you would like to happen
– A nice, respectful style
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.
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
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 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 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
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
WRITING TASK 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
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
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
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
You have asked for a meeting with your manager the next day. Write a letter telling him/her what you would like to discuss in the meeting.
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 you letter:
say which advertisement you are answering
describe which courses you want to teach, and what they would be about
explain why you would be a suitable teacher
semi-formal
You were doing a short course at another country. All of a sudden, you had to leave the course and fly back to your home country. Write a letter to your teacher, and in your letter
– express your gratitude
– explain why you had to leave
– explain what part of the course you enjoyed the most
semi-formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
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.
Write at least 150 words.
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
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
One of your friends has asked you to be a partner in his new start- up business.
Write a letter to him and say
- What is your opinion on his new business idea
- What have you decided on this matter
- What are the reasons for your decision
semi-formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
-You have seen an advertisement from a couple, who live in Australia, for someone to teach their two children your language for a year
Write a letter to the couple.
in your letter,
• explain why you think you would be suitable for the job
• say what else you could do for the family
• give your reasons for wanting the job
Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.
semi-formal
Write a letter to your boss apologising for the recent meeting you missed at work.
1. Apologise for missing the meeting.
2. Explain what happened.
3. Say what you will do to compensate.
semi-formal
You 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
Write a letter to your landlord complaining about noise in the block of flats which he
owns.
You should include
-where you live
-explain the problem
-what he should do
semi-formal
You would like to take admission at the college.
Write a letter to the program coordinator in charge of the course and ask for detailed information on the deadline dates, the program, the accommodation.
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 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
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
You currently live in a rental apartment, and the noise from your neighbors disturbs you. Write a letter to your landlord.
In your letter
describe how this situation affects you;
explain what steps you have taken to address the problem;
ask the landlord to take action to resolve the issue.
semi-formal
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 are having a graduation party next Sunday evening. You have invited over 25 people to celebrate in your garden, which may continue late in to the night. Write a letter to your elderly neighbour. In your letter: Explain what will be happening, offer him your apologies in advance, invite him to join the celebration
semi-formal
As part of a student social survey project, you are organizing a group to visit a historical exhibition in a small town, write a letter asking for information regarding such things as the content of the exhibition and the dates of its opening and closing, and if there are any discount available.
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 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 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
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
Write a letter to the landlord about the unavailability of hotwater. State your reason for writing. Describe the problems and explain how you feel. Propose a solution and ask the landlord to take actions.
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 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 yur neighbour. In your letter
introduce yourself
describe your plans for the party
invite your neigbhour to come
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