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 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
You were doing a short course at another country. All of a sudden, you had to leave the course and fly back to your home country. Write a letter to your teacher, and in your letter – express your gratitude – explain why you had to leave – explain what part of the course you enjoyed the most

semi-formal
You were invited to your friend’s birthday party. You missed it and didn’t tell him about that beforehand. Write a letter to him: • Apologize; • Explain the reasons why you missed the party; • Suggest a way to compensate this misunderstanding. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ....,

semi-formal
You are working in an English speaking country. Recently, you have learned that a person who lives near your home can offer English lessons. Write a letter to this person. In this letter, Tell him / her how you got to know about the lesson Explain why you are interested in this lesson Say when and where you want to have the lesson

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

semi-formal
Write a letter to your neighbor in response to complaint received regarding noise coming out of your home

semi-formal
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 the neighbor. In your letter describe the situation explain the problems it is causing you offer at least one solution

semi-formal
Write a letter to your landlord complaining about noise in the block of flats which he owns. You should include -where you live -explain the problem -what he should do

semi-formal
You 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
Your neighbour has written to you to complain about the noise from your flat. Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter: explain the reason for the noise offer your neighbour an apology tell them what action you will take. Ask electrician to be as quiet as possible. Pay for additional electrician so job finished sooner.

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 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 have bought tickets for a tour with your friend for the period of your holiday, but you have just discovered that you have to change your plans. Write a letter to him: • Apologize; • Explain the reasons; • Suggest alternative arrangements. Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ....,

semi-formal
You carried out an emergency maintenance on a key system and this resulted in an issue with the system Write a letter to the head of your data team. In your letter: - Provide an update on what happened - Explain what you're going to do about it - Say what you would like to him to do

semi-formal
You rent an apartment. you want to tell your landlord that you are happy with the apartment in general, but there are some small repairs that need to be carried out. write a letter to your landlord. In your letter say what you like about the apartment , describe the repairs that need to be made and explain how the repairs will improve your quality of life.

semi-formal
You and your family are living in rented accommodation in an English-speaking country. You are not satisfied with the condition of some of the furniture. Write a letter to the landlord. In 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:

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

semi-formal
You are 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
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
You want to arrange a conference for your company, and you need to ask one of your colleagues to give a presentation at this conference. Write a letter to your colleague. Detail about the conference. Why do you want your colleague to give the presentation? What arrangement you will make for this conference?

semi-formal
You relocated to a new country for work. Write to your previous co-worker. In your letter – Tell him/her where you live in the new country – Describe how you feel – Explain what you are doing at work – Invite him/her for a visit.

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
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
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 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 effected by this Suggest what you want the landlord to do.

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 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
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 -ay why you would like to do this work -explain when you will and will not be available

semi-formal
. You want to buy some computers. Therefore, write to a vendor seeking information and price quotation for the same. In your letter • introduce yourself • give details on what types of computers you are looking for • request the quotation

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
Write a letter to a community college in America which invited you to talk about your country. In your letter Accept invitation and suggest preferable dates Tell them what your talks will be about And what equipment you require them to arrange

semi-formal
You live in a student apartment and your neighbor, a student from another country, is moving out. You have enjoyed living next to them and have learned a lot about their culture. Write a letter to your neighbor. In your letter: Express your sadness that they are leaving. Mention a specific positive memory or experience you shared. Suggest a way to keep in touch and wish them well for the future. You should You do not need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear [Name of Neighbor],

semi-formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You are a current student of Loren Brusque University, studying Business Administration. You want to apply for the post of Quality Assurance Manager you have recently seen on the university's notice board. Write a letter to Mr. Walker, and Give your reason for writing Tell about your education Describe your work experience and explain why you would be suitable for the job. Write at least 150 words.

semi-formal
You have recently moved into a new house and have noticed that the garden is in need of some maintenance. Write a letter to your landlord requesting permission to make the necessary improvements.

semi-formal
You are due to start a new job next week but you will not be able to beacuse you have some problems. Write a letter to your new empolyer. In your letter explain your position siutation describe your problem tell him/her when you think you can startess.

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
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 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
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 his/her family. You do NOT need to write any address. You should write at least 150 words.

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
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
You have been assigned to give a networking presentation with your colleague from a different office, who you met last year. Write a letter to your colleague. In your letter: · Inform your colleague that you will be working together · Provide your initial ideas on the networking presentation · Ask for a time to meet and practice the presentation

semi-formal
Write a letter to your neighbour requesting him to lend you his laptop. In you letter: - Describe why you need a laptop. - How long you will be requiring the laptop. - Ensure him about the safety of his device and its content.

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 are planning a two-week vacation, and you need someone to take care of your house while you are away. Write a letter to your neighbor. In your letter • tell your neighbor that you are going away • ask your neighbor to take care of your house for you • explain what tasks you would like your neighbor to do

semi-formal
You 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 neighbor. Write a letter to your neighbor. In your letter • Introduce yourself • Describe your plans for the party • Invite your neighbor to come

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
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 next summer. Write a letter to Mrs Barrett. In your letter Ÿ suggest how you could help her in her home Ÿ say why you would like to do this work Ÿ explain when you will and will not be available

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 were invited to your friend’s birthday party. You missed it and didn’t tell him about that beforehand. Write a letter to him: • Apologize; • Explain the reasons why you missed the party; • Suggest a way to compensate this misunderstanding

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
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 taking a course at a local college. The deadline for your project was last week but you haven't finished it. Write a letter to your lecturer. In your letter introduce yourself -mehak 2nd year pursuing explain why you haven't handed in the project yet- health concer, i was allergic reaction due to my d=ffod coming in contact w mushrooms in the kitchen request more time to do it.- doc advised me to rest couple days and nor to put strain on eyes, next week will submi

semi-formal
Your neighbour keeps his/her pet outside in the garden and this is causing some inconvenience for you and your family. Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter: say what the problem is explain how it is affecting you and your family suggest a possible solution

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
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 couls 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 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
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 recently assigned a contract of your home painting. The work is over but you are not satisfied with quality of work. Write a letter to the contractor for the same. In your letter • describe what you are not satisfied with • say what you want the contractor to do and your action plan • say what was good a bout the service

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

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

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 sir,

semi-formal
As part of a student social survey project, you are organising a group to visit a historical exhibition in a small town, Write a letter asking for information regarding such things as the contents of the exhibition, and the dates of its opening and closing, and if there are any discounts available.

semi-formal
General You would like to participate in a business seminar in another country. Write a letter to the person in charge of the seminar and ask for detailed information on the dates, the program, the accommodation and the cost. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir / Madam,...

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

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. In your letter you should say: how long you have known your friend something about your friend’s personality and explain why you think your friend would make a good employee

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
U recently attended short course at college and left an electronic device behind in the classroom. Write an email to the course administrator. In your letter 1-Give details of the course u attended and explain what happened. 2-Describe the device and where u left it 3- Tell the course administrator what would u like him to do

semi-formal
You have seen an advertisement from a couple who live in Australia looking 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 you a reason reasons for wanting the job.

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 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 Write at least 150 wrods. You do not need to write any addresses.

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.

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. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ………………. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

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 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 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
You would like to participate in a business seminar in another country. Write a letter to the person in charge of the seminar and ask for detailed information on the dates, the program, the accommodation and the cost.

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 • propose a solution

semi-formal
A colleague gave you a book which you used for your presentation. Write a letter to your colleague. In your letter, you should say: what the presentation was about, why the presentation was important how the book helped you.

semi-formal
your neighbours have recently written to you to you about the noise from your houseflat. Write a ltter to your neighbours, in your letter: explain a reason for the noise apologise describe what actions will you take

semi-formal
You would like to reduce your working hours in order to study part time. Write a letter to your boss. In your letter explain why you want to reduce your working hours say which hours you would like to work describe how your part-time studies would benefit your employer

semi-formal
Your neighbour keeps his animal in his garden and they create problem for you.you have problem with animal.write a letter to your neighbour.describe the problem.suggest the solution.ehat action willyou take if its unsolved.

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 applying for a job and need a letter of reference from someone who knows you well. Write a letter to your former teacher. In your letter: Explain why you are writing. Describe the job you are applying for. Suggest what information the teacher should include.

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 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
You are studying mathematics at university and have an assignment next week. You have been sick. Write a letter to your teacher sking for an extension on your assignment. In the letter, · explain that you are a student of mathematics class · explain that you have been sick · ask for an extension Begin your letter with Dear …,

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 currently doing a diploma course at a college, but you need to take a week off during this course. Write a letter to the college Principal. In your letter give details of your course explain why you need a week off say what you want the Principal to do

semi-formal
You had a birthday party and you were playing loud music. Your neighbor Mr. Smith complained. Write a formal letter of apology explaining that it was a special occasion and that it won't happen again.

semi-formal
You found a piece of lost luggage with someone's belongings labeled with their name and address. Write a letter to the owner. In your letter •describe the luggage you found; •explain where you found it; •suggest how the owner could get it back.

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 performance give details of your musical activities e explain how you would like him to help you with your musical activities

semi-formal
Task 1 Write a letter to your landlord complaining about noise in the block of flats which he owns. Include: -Where you live -The problem -What he should 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
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

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