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
Write a letter to your penfriend. Advise him/her about the following: listening skills, speaking skills and vocabulary.

semi-formal
You and a couple of your colleagues would like to participate in a work-related seminar. Write a letter to your colleague who is the person in charge of the seminar and ask for: Detailed information regarding the dates Program schedule Enquire about cost and possible discounts for groups

semi-formal
You are a parent and you need information about a school trip your child is going on. Write a letter to the class teacher. In your letter introduce yourself explain what information you are looking for inform the teacher about any specific needs your child has You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear…………….. ,

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You have been asked to write a letter of invitation to Professor W. Chan Kim asking him to give a talk on National Blue Ocean Strategy (NBOS). You should provide the following details in your letter:

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

semi-formal
Your neighbour keeps an animal in his / her garden and that is causing problem for you. Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter: say what the problem is and how it is affecting you suggest how the problem could be solved tell your neighbour what action you might take if the problem is not solved

semi-formal
Each year, your company gives an Employee of the Year award to a worker who has performed exceptionally well. You believe that someone with whom you work should receive the award this year. Write a letter to your supervisor. In the letter - Describe your colleague’s job at the company - Describe a time you worked with this person - Explain why you believe this person deserves the award

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 mentor recommended you to learn a new language and gave you contact details of a teacher. Following his advice, you need to write a letter to the teacher and say: • What is your motivation to learn a new language • How can the teacher help you • When you will be ready to start

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: o Your reason for writing o What you would like to happen o A nice, respectful style

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 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 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 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 Apologize Describe what action you will take

semi-formal
A builder has recently completed some renovations at your house, but you are not happy with his work.write a letter to him.In your letter, Tell him what work has not been done properly Tell him what you want him to do Suggest some times when you will be available at home

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
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

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
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 You do NOT need to write any address

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 did the book help you? You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear …………….. , You get 20 minutes to complete this task.

semi-formal
Recently Booked A Part-time Course At A College, You Now Need To Cancel - GT Letter Band 9 Sample You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 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 You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam..........,

semi-formal
Your colleague is traveling from another country for a meeting in your office. You have arranged the airport pickup, hotel accommodation and planned his/her meeting. Write a letter to your colleague. In the letter say when and where you will meet him/her explain where he/she will stay tell him/her about the arrangements you have made for the meeting

semi-formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 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 You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ................. , You should write at least 150 words.

semi-formal
You live in a rental flat.A few problems emerged since the last repair. Wrote a letter to your landlord. In your letter --what are the problems --give details of the last repair. --how you would like the landlord to solve current problems

semi-formal
Write a letter to your neighbours. In your letter • explain the reasons for the noise • apologise • describe what action you will take

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

semi-formal
You 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

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 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
B1.Write a letter to your uncle informing him about your improvement of performance in Annual Examination

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Write a letter to a colleague who gave you a book that helped you for presentation at work. Describe the presentation Why was it important? How did it help you?

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You have invited to your friend’s wedding, which will take place in another country next month. Write a letter to the couple and say that you cannot attend. Explain why you are unable to come. Invite them to visit you after the wedding. Describe some activities you can do together when they visit.

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

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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
After being involved in an accident, you were rescued by a person you did not know before. Write a special thank you letter to express your gratitude. In your letter: 1) Introduce yourself and let him/her know why you're writing 2) Express your appreciation 3) Request to pay him/her to visit.

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 successfully passed a job interview. You are expected to start on November 15, but you will not be available on that date. Task: Write a letter to your new boss, explaining your situation, expressing your concern and suggesting a solution.

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You recently completed a course and youu borrowed a book from your teacher which you couldn't return in time. You would like to return the book now. Write a letter to your teacher and say: What book it was. How helpful wa the book? Explain why you couldn't return it in time.

semi-formal
Your neighbour has animals and they cause noise. Write a letter - Describe the situation - Suggestion to solve the problem - Tell him what will you do if he will not solve the problem

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Dear Sir, I am writting this letter to inform you regarding project related course. i am Aiden. i am taking diploma in your college in heath care aide. i need to finish my course last to full fill my requirement. Moreover, i am not able to finish my course at time because of right hand injury. So this the reason i was unable to inform you at time. Also, i have physician reference letter regarding this mishappening and taking bed rest. Please give me 2-4 days more to complete my course. Because now am able to write and complete my work as early as possible. i am almost at the end of project, so i just need a time for final completion and wrting a bibliography. Hope you understad this circumstance and give me some extra time. Thank you Your sincerely, Aiden

semi-formal
A young person will start work at your office next month to gain work experience. Write a letter to him/her. In your letter •inform him/her about the work that needs to be done at the office; •explain what he/she is supposed to do on the first day; •suggest what he/she should bring to work.

semi-formal
A builder has recently completed some renovation at your house, but you are not satisfied with his work. Write a letter to him. In your letter:  Tell him what work has not been completed properly  Tell him what you want him to do  Suggest some time when you will be available at home

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 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 recently received a letter from your freind asking for an advice to go to a college or to find a job. You think he/she should get a job. Write a letter to your freind, In your letter include why he would not enjoy goin to college. why getting a job is good. suggest few good jobs for him

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

semi-formal
You are 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
You paid a refundable deposit when you rented an apartment. You left the apartment in good condition but the Landlord won't return your deposit. Write a letter to the landlord. In your letter explain why you are writing ask for the return of your deposit inform the landlord of possible legal action

semi-formal
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
Write a letter to a colleague who is hospitalized at the moment . In your letter you should Ask about his/her health Let him/her know what changes occurred since he /she has been hospitalized Also try to make him/her happy in some ways

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
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 have rented an apartment for five years. You have decided to move out. Write to the landlord. In the letter, Describe who you are and where you live Explain why you have decided to move out Suggest what you want the landlord to do

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
You eat at your college cafeteria at lunch time every day.. However, you think it needs some improvements. Write a letter to the college magazine. In your letter: explain what you like about the cafeteria say what is wrong with it suggest how it could be improved Write at least 150 words. Begin your letter as follows: Dear __________

semi-formal
You have been living in a rental apartment for the past year. Recently a new neighbor moved in and has been making a lot of noise, which disturbs you. Write a letter to the landlord. In your letter: explain the situation describe why it bothers you suggest a solution

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

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 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
Your friend wants to send her/his children to your house for the weekend. Write a letter to him/her and say – Agree to this arrangement. – Say what time is suitable for you. – Describe what you are planning to do.

semi-formal
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 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
Your friend would like to visit your hometown. Write a letter to him/her and say - What is the best time of the year to visit your hometown? - Suggest some places to visit in your town. - Invite your friend to meet your family.

semi-formal
Your colleague found another job and invited you to his/her farewell party. Unfortunately, you are unable to attend it. Write a letter to him/her and say – Why can’t you attend the party? – Why did you enjoy working with him/her? – Offer him/her to meet some other time.

semi-formal
You recently booked apart-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 You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

semi-formal
You are concerned about a playground in your local college. Write a letter to the college principal. In your letter: - express your concern on things in the playground that are not safe; - explain why it is important to fix them; - suggest any improvements that make playground safe for everyone.

semi-formal
You would like to participate in a work-related seminar in another country. Write a letter to the person incharge of the seminar and ask for detailed information regardng the dates, program, accomodation and cost.

semi-formal
our neighbours have recently written to you to complain about the noise from your house/ flat. Write a letter to your neighbours. In your letter explain the reasons for the noise apologise describe what action you will take You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

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

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

semi-formal
You are having a graduation party next Saturday night. You have invited 50 people to celebrate at an outdoor barbecue evening, which may continue till late night. Write a letter to your elderly neighbour. In your letter: explain what will be happening offer your apologies in advance invite him/her to visit your house someday

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

semi-formal
You have just come back from San Francisco. When you were there, your friend Mr Jackson gave you a great deal of help. Write a letter to Mr. Jackson to thank him for his hospitality and help. In your letter: -Thank him for his help -Explain what you are impressed the most. -Invite him to visit you in your country.

semi-formal
You recently received a letter from a friend asking for advice about whether to go to college or to try to get a job. You think he/she should get a job. Write a letter to him/her

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 applying for a job and need a letter of reference from one of your teachers. Write a letter to your teacher. In your letter: Give details of the job & position you are applying for Explain why the reference is important Suggest what information your teacher could put in the reference Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear .....................

semi-formal
You 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.

semi-formal
you are a student at an english language school in brighton and are living in private accomodation with other flat mates. You have not had hot water or heating for some time. the landlord's workmen have tried to fix the problem but without success. write a letter to the landlord. in your letter: . state your reason for writing . describe the problems . propose a solution

semi-formal
You 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
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 recently gave. Presentation at work.you borrowed a book from a colleague, which helped prepare for the presentation.write a letter to your colleague.In your letter Say what the presentation was about Explain why the presentation was important Describe how the book helped you prepare for the presentation

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
Write a letter to your neighbour requesting that something be done about your dog. Include in your letter: - Your reason for writing - What would you like to happen

semi-formal
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 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 recently went to a concert and thought one of the singers was very good. You want to tell him how you feel. Write a letter to the singer. In your letter - say how you feel about his perfomace - give details of your musical activities - explain hoy you would like him to help you with your musicial activities.

semi-formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You have received a letter from your landlord, Mr Matthews, asking you to renew your contract and pay more rent. You are happy in the property but the landlord has not been maintaining it well. Write a reply to Mr Matthews. In your letter: • indicate your intention to stay • give information about the maintenance issues • explain what you would like the landlord to do now. Write at least 150 words.

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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.

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You have recently moved to a new house. There has been damage after you have moved into the house. write a letter to your landlord explaining what has happened and ask him what you can do.

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

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 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 Neighbours,

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

semi-formal
You are going on vacation and would like a colleague to look after your work while you are away. Write a letter to your colleague. In your letter: •Explain why you will be away •Describe what you need them to do •Offer to help when they are on holiday

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