IELTS General Writing Task 1 semi-formal Topics/Questions 2026

Want to improve your IELTS score? Get instant feedback and learn from your mistakes!

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 have just moved into a new home and are plannig 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 . discribe your plans for the party . invite your neibourhour to come

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
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
You have seen an advertisement from a couple, who live in Australia, for someone to teach their 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 are attending part-time classes at a school but will be absent for a few days. Write a letter to your teacher. In your letter, you should: •explain why you are taking part-time classes. •describe the reason for your absence. •explain how you plan to keep up with the missed lessons.

semi-formal
Your friend got a new job. Write a letter to him/her and say - Why haven’t you contacted him/her recently? - Ask him/her some details about the new job. - Suggest when and where you’d like to meet him/her.

semi-formal
You have seen an advertisement from a couple, who live in Austalia, for someone to teach their two children your language for a year. Write a letter to the couple. In your letter * explain why 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 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.

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

semi-formal
You 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 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
Write a letter to your neighbour about the damage that occurred to your car while he was parking his car in the lane outside your home. In the letter, you should: describe the damage say how you feel about this problem suggest to him what actions he should take.

semi-formal
You and your family have just rented an apartment and one or two problems occurred. Write a letter to the landlord. In your letter • introduce yourself • describe the problems • what you would like him/her to do.

semi-formal
Your neighbours have recently written to you to complain about the noisefrom your house/flat. write a letter to your neighbours. in your letter - Explain the reason for the noise - apologise - describe what action you will take

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 moving home. Write a letter to your neighbours to say goodbye and to thanks them for their help during your stay.

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 Write at least 150 words.

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

semi-formal
Write a letter to your neighbours. In your letter •explain the reasons for the noise • apologise • describe what action you will take Write at least 150 words

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

semi-formal
You have 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 exercise regularly and have been a member of many different gyms. Recently, you moved into a new neighborhood and joined a new gym. You have noticed that 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 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 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
There Is a public event coming up in your town. Write a letter to your Mend who you think would be interested to take part in it. In your letter Describe the event. Say why you think he / she would be interested. Suggest an arrangement to meet there with him / her.

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 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 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 are a student at an English language school in Brighton and are living in private accommodation with other flatmates. You have not had hot water or heating for some time. The landlord’s workmen have tried to fix the problem but without success. Write a letter to the landlord. In your letter, state your reason for writing describe the problems and explain how you feel propose a solution and risk the landlord to take action

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 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
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
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 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 three years and had lived peacefully. Recently a new neighbor moved in and he loves to have loud parties every weekend. Write a letter complaining to the landlord. In your letter you should: · explain the situation · describe why it bothers you · suggest a solution

semi-formal
Write a letter requesting a teacher to conduct exams.

semi-formal
Write a letter to your colleague asking for help in setting up equipment for your presentation. In your letter, you should- -tell when and where presentation will take place -describe your arrangements -tell him/her what equipment you need

semi-formal
write a letter to your neighbour You are going away from home for one week and you need to ask your neighbour to look after you house. Why you want to go away What you want your neighbour to look after If there are any problems then give instructions

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

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
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 1. Your reason for writing 2. What you would like to happen 3. A nice, respectful style.

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
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 are a university student living in on-campus accommodation. You are having some problems with the Internet connection in your room. Write to the supervisor of your residence, in your letter: ● Introduce yourself ● Inform him/her of the situation ● Request that the problem be fixed

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

semi-formal
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
Mrs Barrett, an English-speaking woman who lives in yourtown, 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 availabl

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
Your neighbours have recently written to you to complain about the noise from your houselflat. Write a letter to your neighbours. In your letter explain the reasons for the noise apologise describe what action you will take

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
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 courses you want to teach, and what they would be about Explain why you would be a suitable character.

semi-formal
You play a team sports with some friends. Last week a member of the team had an accident and wasn’t able to play with you at that 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 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 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
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
You live in a small apartment building with a parking lot in back, and you often cannot find an empty parking space when you get home from work. Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter • describe the situation. • explain why it bothers you. • suggest something the landlord could do to solve the problem.

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
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
You have noticed a problem with the heating system in your rented apartment. Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter: Describe the problem Say how it is affecting your daily life Ask for it to be fixed as soon as possible

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 are a student at an English language school in Brighton and are living in private accommodation with other flat mates. You have not had hot water or heating for some time. The landlord’s workmen have tried to fix the problem but without success. Write a letter to the landlord. In your letter, state your reason for writing describe the problems and explain how you feel propose a solution and risk the landlord to take action

semi-formal
You wish to apply for a new college course, but you are unsure about the details of cost, duration and subjects posted on the college website. Write an email to the relevant person in admissions at the college, asking them to clarify these points for you. In this email, Say what your interest is Explain why the website is unclear Request the information that you need Begin your letter ‘Dear --------’ Do not write any addresses Write at least 150 words

semi-formal
write a letter to invite him/her to celebrate traditional festival in your country from overseas. explain your friend about the celebration

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
After being involved in an accident, you were looked after by another person. Write a letter to him/her. In your letter Thank him/her for the timely assistance Describe how emergent the situation is Think highly of his/her selfless behavior

semi-formal
1.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

semi-formal
You are having problems with a neighbour’s animals because the fence between your properties is old and In poor repair. You want the neighbour to pay half the cost of building a new fence. Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter •say what the problems are •explain how a new fence will solve the problems •suggest that the neighbour pays half of the cost

semi-formal
Your neighbours have recently written you a complaint about the noise from your flat. Write a letter to your neighbours. In your letter, explain the reasons for the noise and apologise. Describe what actions you will take in future to reduce the noise.

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

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…………….. ,

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

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

semi-formal
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 would like to take some time off of work to attend a training course. Write a letter to your supervisor asking for permission to attend the course. In your letter • describe the training course • say how it will help improve your job performance • explain how much time you need off and ask for permission Begin your letter as follows: Dear………..

semi-formal
You are going for a one week vacation and your friend agreed to stay at your place while you are away. Write a letter to him/her. In your letter you should: thank him/her and tell the dates of your holiday explain how he/she enters the house describe what you expect him/her to do

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

semi-formal
A neighbour recently invited you to a special party. You intended to go, but at the last minute were unable to attend. Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter apologise for not going to the party explain why you didn’t go suggest a way to make up for missing the party

semi-formal
You have received a letter from your neighbour complaining about noise from your house/flat. Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter explain the cause of the noise apologise for the noise describe what action you will take to solve the problem Write at least 150 words.

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

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

semi-formal
You are experiencing financial problems and want to ask your landlord if you can pay your rent late. Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter explain: Why you cannot pay the rent When you will pay the rent. How you will ensure you can pay your rent in the future Write at least 150 words You do NOT need to write any addresses Begin your letter as follows: Dear……..,

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 arranged a meeting with a business partner. Unfortunately, you have to change the arrangement. Write a letter to your business partner. In your letter, apologise for the changes explain the reason why the changes were needed explain the new arrangement

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

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

semi-formal
Your neighbor has written to you to complain about the noise from your flat. Write a letter to your neighbor. In your letter • Explain the reason for the noise • Offer your neighbor an apology • Tell them what action you will take

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

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

semi-formal
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. barrettes 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 had recently ordered a book, online from a bookseller. The book sent by him was not the latest edition, even though you had paid the money according to the latest edition version. Write an email to bookseller in about 150-200 words. Your email should do the following things. 1.Complain about the service of the online site. 2.State about the urgency for the latest edition.

semi-formal
You are studying abroad. You must return home before the end of the semester for a family event. Write a letter to your supervisor. In your letter: explain why you need to leave early request time off reassure your professor that this will not affect your studies Write at least 150 words. You should spend no more than 20 minutes on this task.

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
One of your colleagues Recently got a new job at another Company. Write a letter to him and say you feel about him What you enjoy the most while working together Ask what is future plans are

semi-formal
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 this woman. 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 Write at least 150 words.

🚀 Prepare for IELTS writing section today!
  • Unlimited Task 1 & Task 2 checks
    Practice with essays, charts, and letters.
  • Personalized suggestions & mistake analysis
    Spot every mistake and boost your score.
  • Topic ideas & vocabulary helpers
    Expand your ideas and use the right words.
  • Progress tracking
    Watch your writing improve with every practice.