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 have been working with your company for two years and are interested in a promotion. Write a letter to your direct boss. In your letter:
· Explain your varied achievements over the past two years
· Express your interest in growing with the company
· Ask for a meeting to discuss a potential promotion
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 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
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.
semi-formal
During a recent plane journey, you sat next to a businessman who owns a chain of restaurants. You talked to him and he suggested that you should contact him about a possible job in one of his restaurants.
Write a letter to this businessman. In your letter,
remind him when and where you met
tell him what kind of job you are interested in
say why you think you would be suitable for the job
semi-formal
You 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
You want to arrange a conference for your company, and you need to ask one of your colleagues to give a presentation in this conference. Write a letter to your colleague. In your letter include:
1. Details about the conference-
2. Why you want your colleague to give the presentation –
3. What arrangements you will do for this conference
semi-formal
You have bought a new home recently and you want to hire an interior decorator. Write a letter to the interior decorator seeking information about his services. In your letter • let him know how you came to know about his work/name • specify about your condominium {flat) • discuss your furnishing taste
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
Last semester a classmate let you borrow an important textbook. You realize that you
still have the book after your friend has already gone back home overseas. Write a
letter to him/her. In your letter:
• Give an apology
• Find out if/when they need the book back
• Tell them what you will do to fix the problem
Your letter should be between 150-200 words.
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 travelling and need someone to do you a favour while
you are gone. Write a letter asking a neighbour or friend for
help. In your letter include:
semi-formal
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
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
Mrs Barret an English-speaking woman who lives in your town, has advertised for someone to help her in her home for a few hours a day next summer.
Write a letter to Mrs Barret. In your letter
•Suggest how you could help in her home
•say why you would like to do this work
•explain when you will and will not be available
semi-formal
You are the charge nurse on the mediacl health ward where Mr Ming will be discharged from and need to write a nursing referral letter to the local community mental health team.
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.
Say how will you know your friend
Describe the qualification and experience that your friend has
Explain why your friend would be suitable for this job
semi-formal
Your neighbour has recently written to you to complain about the noise from your house flat
Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter
Explain the reason for the noise
Apologise
Describe what action you will take
Write at least 150 words
You do not need to write any addresses
Begin your letter as follows
Dear ………………………,
semi-formal
You have decided to resign from your work in order to try a new field.
Write a letter of resignation to your boss.
In your letter:
tell your boss of your decision and explain why you are leaving
explain what you have learnt from your current job and how you feel about leaving
ask for a letter of reference
semi-formal
You are due to move into a rented apartment next month but you will not be able to because you have some problems.
Write a letter to the landlord. In your letter:
– explain your situation
– describe your problems
– tell him/her when you think you can move in
semi-formal
You 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 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 have seen an advertisement for a community college that needs teachers for night classes.
Write a letter to the community college. In your letter:
say which advertisement you are answering
describe which course(s) you want to teach, and what it/they would be about
explain why you would be a suitable teacher
semi-formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 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
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
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 borrowed an important textbook during the last term from a classmate. You now realize your classmate has returned home overseas and you still have the book.
Write a letter to him/her.
• apologize for the mistake
• find out how important the book is to him/her
• say what you will do
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 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.
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
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
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
Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Mr. Smith,
semi-formal
You recently celebrated a special occasion in your personal life and received a card and a present from your colleagues at work. Write a letter to your colleagues.
In your letter:
remind your colleagues what the special occasion you were celebrating was
thank them for the card and gift
explain why you like the gift and how you will use it
semi-formal
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
Head teacher, Marti Dyers, believes that safe outdoor space is important for keeping students in good health, mentally and physically. They need somewhere they can exercise and be sociable he says. At the moment many schools have dangerous areas where students might trip or have an accident. Write a letter explaining your view.
semi-formal
You have rented an apartment recently, but you are facing some problems. Write a letter to the landlord:
•Describe the details of the problems
•How are these affecting your family
•Ask for possible solutions
semi-formal
You have rented an apartment recently, but you are facing some problems. Write a letter to the landlord:
• Describe the details of the problems
• How are these affecting your family
• Ask for possible solutions
semi-formal
You 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
Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr / M
semi-formal
Your neighbours have recently written to you to complain about the noise from you house / flat.
Wirte a letter to your neighbours. In your letter
explain the reasons for the noise
apologise
describe what action you will take
semi-formal
You 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 performance
•give details of your musical activities
•explain how you would like him to help with your musical activities
You should write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear........................,
semi-formal
Your friend will be staying at your home, but you can’t be there. Write a letter in which you explain: - How the keys will get to him/her - How to use the electrical appliances - Recommend some interesting places to visit
semi-formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
Your neighbours have recently written to you to complain about the noise from your house/ flat.
Write a letter to your neighbours. In your letter
explain the reasons for the noise
apologise
describe what action you will take
You should write at least 150 words.
semi-formal
Your neighbours have recently written to you to you about the noise from your houseflat. Write a letter to your neighbours, in your letter:
- explain a reason for the noise
- apologise
- describe what actions will you take
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 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 this 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.
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 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 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
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
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.
semi-formal
You live in a block of flats, your neighbour 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
Essay topics:
Your next-door neighbor likes to listen to music late at night. Because of the loud music, you often lose sleep.
Write a letter to your neighbor. In your letter
Describe the situation
Explain the problem it is causing you
Offer at least one solution
semi-formal
You recently learnt that the best teacher you ever had will be retiring soon.
Write a letter to your former teacher. In your letter
Explain how you heard about his/her retirement
Describe what made him/her such a great teacher
Say how your teacher affected your life
semi-formal
Mrs Barret, an English-speaking woman who lives in your town, has advertised for someone to help her in her home for a few hours each day.
Write a letter to Mrs, Barret. In your letter
suggest how you could help her
say why you would like to do this work
explain when you would will and will not be available
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 rent a flat with your friend who is moving out. It is too expensive for you to pay the rent alone.Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter: •explain the situation •describe why you would like to stay in this flat •ask the landlord if you can find another flatmate
semi-formal
You have left your job and are now looking for a new job. You need a letter of reference from your previous employer.
Write a letter to him. In your letter:
• Give details of what you need;
• Explain why it is important to you;
• Suggest what information your employer 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. In that letter
• explaining the problems
• suggesting ways to help the situation
• proposing a possible meeting
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Neighbour
semi-formal
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
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
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 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 been offered a job that will require you to move to a city that you have never visited before. You have an acquaintance who 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 question about life in the city.
semi-formal
One of your friends wants to apply for a job involving working with foreign teenagers.
Write a letter of recommendation for him/her.
You should write at least 150 words.
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
semi-formal
You 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 have gained admission in a prestigious college. Now you have to arrange for the accommodation.
write a letter to the college authorities stating your likes and dislike in the choice of food and accommodation.
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
semi-formal
You eat at your college cafeteria every lunchtime. However, you think it needs some improvements.
Write a letter to the college magazine. In your letter,
•explain what you like about the cafeteria
•say what is wrong with it
•suggest how it could be improved
semi-formal
You will have a speech about your country on the international college event. Write a letter to the event’s planners about the following:
- Ask about the date of the event
- What speech you prepared/why it should be interesting
-What equipment you will need for your speech
semi-formal
Mrs Jones, 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
Write a letter to one of your colleagues has recently been appointed as the new manager of the company.
Introduce yourself
Congratulate him/her on the promotion
And ask for an appintment to discuss the problems in your section.
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
Your neighbours have recently written to you to complain about the noise from your houseflat.
Write a letter to your neighbours. In your letter,
explain the reason for the noise
apologise for the noise
describe what action you will take
semi-formal
You have a problem with a neigbour.
Write a letter to your neigbour. In your letter
Describe the problem
Say how long it has been a problem
Explain what action you want the neighbour to explain take
semi-formal
You have been living in a rental apartment for the past year.
Recently a new neighbour 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 having a graduation party next Sunday evening. You have invited over 25 people to celebrate in your garden, which may continue late into the night.
Write a letter to the Chairman of the Housing Society. In your letter:
· Explain what will be happening
· Offer your apologies in advance
· Invite him to join the celebration
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.
#book
#city
#information
#author
semi-formal
You are studying mathematics at university and have an assignment next week. You have been sick.
Write a letter to your teacher asking for an extension on your assignment. In the letter,
explain that you are a student in the mathematics class
explain that you have been sick
ask for an extension
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
semi-formal
You 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, apologize for the changes explain the reason why the changes were needed explain the new arrangement
semi-formal
You are applying for a job and need a letter of reference.
Write a letter to a former teacher.
In your letter:
give details of the job
explain why it is important to you
suggest what information your teacher could put in the reference
semi-formal
A neighbour has damaged your car while parking his/her vehicle in the lane in front of your house. Write a letter to your neighbor.
In your letter:
* explain why you are writing
* describe the damage to your car and express your feelings about it
* recommend what steps he/she should take to resolve the situation.
semi-formal
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
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
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 country
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
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
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
l remind him when and where you met
l tell him what kind of job you are interested in
l say why you think you would be suitable for the job
semi-formal
During a recent plane journey, you sat next to a businessman who owns a chain of restaurants. You talked to him and he suggested that you should contact him about a possible job in one of his restaurants.
Write a letter to this businessman. In your letter
- remind him when and where you met
- tell him what kind of job you are interested in
-say why you think you would be suitable for the job
semi-formal
You are experiencing financial problems and want to ask you landlord if you can pay your rent late. Write a letter to your landlord.
In your letter explain.
-why you can't pay the rent
when you will pay the rent
How you will ensure you can pay the rent in the future
semi-formal
You 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 petformance
give details of your musical activities
explain how you would like him to help you with your musical activities
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 ro 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
Your neighbours have recently written to you to complain about the noise from your houseflat.
Write a letter to your neighbours. In your letter
explain the reasons for the noise
apologise
describe what action you will take
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write your own addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear ..................,
semi-formal
You applied to a job, were offer the position but have decided not to accept the offer
Write a letter to hr supervisor with whom you interviewed in your letter:
Explain the reason why you are declining the offer
Describe your reasons for staying with your current position
Express your gratitude.
semi-formal
You have a full-time job and are also doing a part-time evening course. You naive find that you cannot continue the course.
Write a letter to your neighbours. In your letter
• describe the situation
• explain why you cannot continue at this time
• say what action you would like to take
semi-formal
You have had a problem with your neighbor for the past few months. You have not been able to meet with your neighbor to discuss the problem.
Write a letter to your neighbor. In your letter:
Explain the problem
Suggest a solution
Say what action you will take if the situation does not improve
Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.
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 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
semi-formal
You are due to move into a rented apartment next month but you will not be able to because you have some problems.
Write a letter to the landlord. In your letter:
– explain your situation
– describe your problems
– tell him/her when you think you can move in
semi-formal
Mrs Barrett, an English speaking woman who lives in your town, has advertised for somene 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 should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
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
You should write at least 150 words.You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Sir or Madam,
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