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
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 moved into new home and are planning to hold a party. You are worried that the noise may disturbed you neighbour. Write a letter to you neighbour. In your letter Introduce yourself Describe your plan for party Invite your neighbour to come.
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 the hospital, telling him about the match
semi-formal
You have seen an advertisement for a community college that needs teachers for night classes. Write a letter to the community college. In you letter: say which advertisement you are answering describe which courses you want to teach, and what they would be about explain why you would be a suitable teacher
semi-formal
Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter - introduce yourself - explain what is wrong with the furniture - say what action you would like the landlord to take.
semi-formal
Your colleague found another job and invited you to his/her farewell party. Unfortunately, you are unable to attend it. Write a letter to him/her and say – Why can’t you attend the party? – Why did you enjoy working with him/her? – Offer him/her to meet some other time.
semi-formal
You 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. You do NOT need to write any addresses. You should write at least 150 words. In your letter ointroduce yourself odescribe your plans for the party oinvite your neighbour to come
semi-formal
A neighbour has damaged your car while parking his/her car in the lane in front of your house. Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter: Explain why you’re 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
One of your friends is planning to visit your country and asking you for some information. Write a letter to him/her and say: o when the best time to visit your country is o suggest a plan for the travel o recommend places to visit in your countr
semi-formal
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 ​ You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows:
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 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 have rented an apaprtment for 5 years. You have decided to move out. Write a letter to your landlord. . 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 completed a course and youu borrowed a book from your teacher which you couldn't return in time. You would like to return the book now. Write a letter to your teacher and say: What book it was. How helpful was the book? Explain why you couldn't return it in time.
semi-formal
You are planning a two-week vacation, and need someone to take care of your house while you are away. Write a letter to your neigbour. In your letter: tell your neighbour that you are going away ask your neighbour to take care of your house for you explain what task you would like your neighbour 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 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 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 neighbour has written to you to complain about the noise from your house. Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter • explain the reasons for the noise • offer your neighbour an apology • tell them what initiative you will take
semi-formal
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
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
Because of your job, you have to move to a new city. Write a letter to someone you know who lives there. In your letter ask them to help you find somewhere to live tell them the kind of accommodation you want to find tell them which area of the city you want to live in You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear …………….
semi-formal
You have invited to your friend’s wedding, which will take place in another country next month. Write a letter to the couple and say that you cannot attend. Explain why you are unable to come. Invite them to visit you after the wedding. Describe some activities you can do together when they visit.
semi-formal
You are 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
Your child is going away on a school trip for three days to another country. The head teacher wants some parents to join the trip and you would like to go. Write a letter to the head teacher. In your letter: Say why you would like to go Suggest what you could do to help during the trip Ask some more questions about the trip
semi-formal
You have seen a advertisement in an australian magazine for someone to live with a family for six months and after look after their six year old child. Write a eletterto the parents. In your letter Explain why you would like the Job
semi-formal
You are going to study in a college in the UK next year. You would like to stay in a college Hall of Residence. Write a letter to the college giving your accommodation requirements. You should outline what your room and food needs are and also ask what alternatives are available if they cannot provide what you want. You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You do NOT need to write your own address.
semi-formal
You 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
You have seen an advertisement from a couple, who live in Australia, for someone to teach their two children your language for a year. Write a letter to the couple. In your letter •explain why you think you would be suitable for the job •say what else you could do for the family •give your reasons for wanting the job Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.
semi-formal
you and your family are living in a acommodation in English - speaking country. You ae satisfied with the condition of the furniture. Write a letter to landlord.
semi-formal
Write a letter to a colleague who gave you a book that helped you for presentation at work. Describe the presentation Why was it important? How did it help you?
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
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 You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr. Smith,
semi-formal
A young person will start work at your office next month to gain work experience. Write a letter to him/her. In your letter ▪️Inform him/her about the work that needs to be done at the office; ▪️Explain what he/she is supposed to do on the first day; ▪️Suggest what he/she should bring to work
semi-formal
You have just moved into a new home and are planning to hold a party. You are worried that the noise may disturb your 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
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 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
Although you are meant to present your thesis project in one month, your sister is getting married in Spain at the same time. You would like to change dates for your presentation. Write a letter to your professor. In your letter: · Explain the situation · Remind the professor of your academic achievements to date · Ask for a different date to present your thesis
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 are going to study at a college in another country. You need to find a place you will live. Write a letter to the college's accommodation officer. In your letter, give details of your course and your arrival date, describe the kind of accommodation you need and say what you like the accommodation officer to do
semi-formal
You 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 your elderly neighbor. In your letter: ·       Explain what will be happening ·       Offer your apologies in advance ·       Invite him to join the celebration You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr. Kulligowski
semi-formal
You want to learn a foreign language to help you in your work. A teacher near where you live is offering lessons in this language. Write a letter to this teacher. In your letter: say how you heard about the language lessons explain how learning this language will help you in your work ask some questions about the lessons.
semi-formal
A close relative of yours is having a birthday lunch next week, but you know you will be working. Write a letter to your boss or supervisor to ask for some time off. In your letter, – explain the situation and why you particularly want to attend the lunch – specify the dates, times and amount of time off you will need – offer to work late or come in early another time to make up for the time
semi-formal
You have been living in a rental apartment for the past year. Recently a new neighbour moved in who has loud parties several times a week. Write a letter complaining about this to the landlord. In your letter: explain the situation describe why it bothers you suggest a solution Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr / Ms _____________,
semi-formal
One of your penfriends wants to imporve his/her English in advance of moving to Sydney. Write a letter to your penfriend. Advice him/her about the following: listening skills, speaking skills and vocabulary.
semi-formal
You are applying for a job and you need a letter of reference. Write a letter to a former boss. In your letter: *Describe the job you are applying for *Say what you want included in the reference letter *Request that you former boss send you the letter be the end of the week
semi-formal
You will move to a new city for work. You know some people who live there. Write a letter to someone you know who lives there. In your letter - ask them for help in finding accommodation - tell them where you would like to live - tell them the type of place you are looking for. 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
Write a letter to your boss for a recent meeting you missed 1. Apologies for the missing 2. Explain what happened 3. Day what you will do to compensate
semi-formal
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 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
restaurant has advertised in a newspaper that a waiter/waitress is required for evening work. It has also been mentioned that the prospective candidate should have some experience. Write a letter to Mr Moore describing your previous experience and explaining why you would be suitable for 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 Barret. In your letter suggest how you could help her in her home Say why you would like to do the work Explain when you will and will not be available
semi-formal
You have a permanent job, and few weeks ago you have started a part-time short course. You are not satisfied with it and want to change this part time course. Write a letter to your professor explaining - What you are writing about - why you are not satisfied with your present part-time course, and stating which course you would prefer and why
semi-formal
You are planning to study English at a college in an English-speaking country. You would like some information about their courses. Write a letter to the college. In your letter, ask about the course they offer ask about the cost of the course say what kind of accommodation you want in the college hostel Write at least 150 words.
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 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
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 have been living in an apartment for the last three years. A few problems have emerged in your apartment since the last repair. Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter, give details of the last repair work what the problems are now how you would like the landlord to solve these problems
semi-formal
You 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 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
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 were studying in an English speaking country and suddenly needed to go back to your home country, leaving your course incomplete. Write a letter to your teacher to - thank him -explain the reason you left without completing your course -say during your course study what did you like most about this course.
semi-formal
You have just moved into a new home and are planning to hold a party. You are worried that the noise may disturb your neighbour. Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter introduce yourself describe your plans for the party invite your neighbor to come
semi-formal
Mrs Barrette, 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 words
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
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 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 minimum of 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic: 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: • Details about the conference • Why do you want your colleague to give a presentation? • What arrangement will you do for this conference?
semi-formal
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
Each year, your company gives an Employee of the Year award to a worker who has performed exceptionally well. You believe that someone with whom you work should receive the award this year. Write a letter to your supervisor. In the letter - Describe your colleague’s job at the company - Describe a time you worked with this person - Explain why you believe this person deserves the award
semi-formal
A close relative of yours is having a birthday lunch next week, but you know you will be working Write a letter to you boss or supervisor to ask for some time off . In your letter, -explain the situation and why you particularly want to attend the lunch -specify the dates , times and amount of time off you will need -offer to work late or come in early another time to make up for the time
semi-formal
You want to invite a famous actor to open the new theatre. Write a letter to this famous actor. In your letter • give some information about the new theatre • invite her/him to open the new theatre • explain why she/he would be a good person to open the theatre
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
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 do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,
semi-formal
Your neighbor has been making a lot of noise recently. This has been causing you problems, and you want to ask them to stop. Write a letter to your neighbor in your letter: Ask for an explanation for the noise Explain the problem this has cause to you Say what will happen if the problem is not solved.
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
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
Your landlord is asking to increase the rent. Write a letter to him. In your letter, you should tell: •why you think the rent shouldn’t be increased •what you will do if it is increased.
semi-formal
you have seen an advertisement of Australian magazines for someone to live with family in six-months and look after their six-years old child write a letter 1- Explain why you would like this 2- Give detail of why you are suitable person to employ 3- Say how would you spend your free time while you are in Australia
semi-formal
You have been asked to write a letter of invitation to Professor W. Chan Kim asking him to give a talk on National Blue Ocean Strategy (NBOS). You should provide the following details in your letter:
semi-formal
You want to learn a language. A teacher who teaches this language lives near the area where you live. Write a letter to the teacher. In your letter, say how you came to know about him/her explain why you want to learn this language ask what help he/she can offer
semi-formal
You recently went to a concert and thought one of the singers was very good. You want to tell him how you feel. Write a letter to the singer. In your letter - say how you feel about his perfomace - give details of your musical activities - explain hoy you would like him to help you with your musicial activities.
semi-formal
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
WRITING TASK 1 You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You are applying for a job and need a letter of reference from one of your teachers. Write a letter to your teacher. In your letter: Give details of the job & position you are applying for Explain why the reference is important Suggest what information your teacher could put in the reference Write at least 150 words.
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
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 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 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
A colleague gave you a book which you used for your presentation. Write a letter to your colleague. In your letter, you should say: •What the presentation was about, •Why the presentation was important, •How did the book help you? You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear …………….. , You get 20 minutes to complete this task.
semi-formal
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
ou 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
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
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 should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Write at least 150 words. One of your pen pals will shortly be visiting your city. For some reasons, you can not manage to meet him at the airport on time. Write a letter asking him to wait for you at the airport and tell him how to identify you.
semi-formal
Your landlord has increased the amount of rent you pay every month and you don’t find it appropriate. Write a letter to the landlord and in your letter, Explain why you are writing Describe why you find the increase inappropriate What you want to do now
semi-formal
A colleague gave you a book which you used for your presentation. Write a letter to your colleague. In your letter, you should say: •What the presentation was about, •Why the presentation was important, •How did the book help you?
semi-formal
You have a meeting with your manager next day.Write a letter him/her what you are going to discuss in the meeting. In your letter what you have done for the company in the year you worked there what changes you would like to recommend what training you require
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 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.
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