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
The painting 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 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
LETTER OF APOLOGY Topic 3: You made a mistake in classroom. Write a letter to your teacher. In the letter: State your apology Describe the situation Write about your promise to change. Write at least 150 words.

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

semi-formal
Your child's teacher has requested a meeting with you this Friday to discuss your child's low test scores. Unfortunately, you cannot attend. Write a letter to your child's teacher. In your letter • Describe why you cannot attend the meeting • Explain how you have been helping your child study • Propose another time to meet

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

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

semi-formal
You are 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 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
Your child is going on a 3 day international schooltrip .Head teacher wants to find out if parents are interested in joining.write a letter say why you would like to go suggest what you can do to help ask other questions about the trip

semi-formal
you recently had your sanitary ware and taps replaced. You are unhappy with the job of contractor. Write a letter to the contractor for the same. In your letter • say what you are not satisfied with • say what you want the contractor to do • discuss time coordination of both parties for the repairing work

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 You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ......................,

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

semi-formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You paid a refundable deposit when you rented an apartment a year ago. You left the apartment last month in good condition but the landlord won't return your deposit. Write a letter to the landlord. In your letter, introduce yourself and say why you are writing ask for the return of your deposit inform the landlord of possible action if he/she does not agree to refund the amount Write at least 150 words.

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

semi-formal
You are shifting out of your accommodation. You think your current place of residence is suitable for your English speaking colleague who is arriving next month. Write a letter to your colleague. Explain why you are shifting out Describe your accommodation Explain why it is suitable for your friend

semi-formal
During a recent plane journey, you sat next to a businessman who owns a chain of restaurants. He suggested you should contact him for a possible job opportunity. Write a letter to remind him about meeting and your interest in a job and why you think you are suitable

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

semi-formal
You have had a problem with your next-door neighbor. You have not been able to speak to your neighbor about this. Write a letter to this neighbor. In your letter: • Explain the problem • Suggest a solution • Say what action you will take if the situation does not improve Begin as follows: Dear ... ,

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
Write a letter to your neighbour who is having animals in his/her garden. You and your family members are having problems with the animals - introduce yourself - tell the problem - suggest solutions

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 have planned to stduy in australia. You have sent a letter to a college, but you have not received a reply from the college. Write a letter to the college principle. In your letter you should give details og the course that you wished to do say why do you choose yo study study at the college say why you need the reply soon.

semi-formal
You borrowed an important textbook from a classmate last term. You now realize your classmate has returned home overseas and you still have a book. Write a letter to him/her. In your letter -apologise for the mistake -find out how important the book is to him/her -say what you will do

semi-formal
You are organizing a conference for your company. Write a letter to a colleague asking him/her to give a presentation during the conference. -Describe what this conference is about -Why you want him/her to give a presentation -Give details about the conference

semi-formal
You 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
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 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 your neighbour. In your letter introduce yourself describe your plans for the party invite your neighbour to come

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 have had a problem with your next-door neighbour. You have not been able to speak to your neighbour about this. Write a letter to this neighbour. In your letter *Explain the problem *Suggest a solution *Say what action you will take if the situation does not improve

semi-formal
Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter: * say where and when you are going * explain what you would like your neighbour to do * offer to do something for your neighbour in return

semi-formal
A local college is having an international day. You want to speak about your country to students from different cultures.Write a letter to the college head. In your letter: Tell him/her about the topics that you are going to talk about. Explain why would they be of interest to the students Ask about any arrangement that you need to make to give the talk.

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

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

semi-formal
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
You paid a refundable deposit when you rented an appartment.You left the appartment in good condition but the landlord won't return your deposits. Write a letter to landlord.In your letter Explain why you are writing Ask for teh return of your deposits Inform the landlord of possible legal action

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
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
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. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ....,

semi-formal
You are having problems with a neighbour’s animals because the fence between your properties is old and In poor repair. You want the neighbour to pay half the cost of building a new fence. Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter • say what the problems are • explain how a new fence will solve the problems • suggest that the neighbour pays half of the cost You do NOT need to write any addresses.

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
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
You have bought an electronic equipment and within 2 days , problem started occuring. Write a letter to the Shopkeeper about your dissatisfaction with the product & services. Ask him to find proper solution for the problem.

semi-formal
You have received a letter from your landlord, Mr Matthews, asking you to renew your contract and pay more rent. You are happy with property but landlord has not been maintaining it well. Write a reply to Mr. Matthews. In your letter: Indicate your intention to stay give information about maintenance issues explain what you would like the landlord to do now

semi-formal
During a recent journey , you sat next to a businessman who owns 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 • why you say you would be suitable for the job

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

semi-formal
our former boss has contacted you to offer you a position to help him start his new company. Write a letter to your former boss. In your letter: • Thank him for the job offering • Decline his job offer and explain why. • Show your appreciation and wish him well on his new project. Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear …………….,

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
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
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 are taking a course at a local college. the deadline for your project was last week but you have not finished it. write a letter to your teacher. in your letter introduce yourself. explain why you have not handed in the project yet. request more time to do it.

semi-formal
Your next door neighbour owns a small dog that barks throughout the day and the night. Write a letter to your neighbour requesting that something be done about the dog. Include in your letter: – Your reason for writing – What you would like to happen – A nice, respectful style

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

semi-formal
You applied to a job, were offered the position, but have decided not to accept the offer. Write a letter to the 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 Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Ms. Barry,

semi-formal
You and your family are livign in rented accommodations in an English speaking country. You are note satisfied with teh condition of some of the furniture. Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter - introduce yourself - explain what is wrong with the furniture - say what action you would like the landlord to take

semi-formal
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 neighbor to come You do NOT need to write any addresses. 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 ltter to your neighbours, in your letter: explain a reason for the noise apologise describe what actions will you take

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 for you •suggest what information your teacher could put in the reference

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
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 need to take leave from your work of over one month for personal reasons. Write a letter to your boss. In your letter: explain the reason for the leave and the length of leave you need explain how you will keep up-to-date while you’re away suggest how your work could be covered while you are away

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 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 been offered a job that will require you to move to a city that you have never visited before. You have an acquaintance that 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 questions about life in the cit

semi-formal
You have seen an advertisment from a couple who live in Australia, for somone who teach their two children your language for a year. write a letter to the couple, in your letter 1. explain why you think you would be suitable for the job 2. say what else you could do for the family 3. give your reasons for wanting the job

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

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

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

semi-formal
You are experiencing problems with a colleague at work and you want to ask your boss for some advice. Write a letter to your boss. In your letter: Explain you are writing to him. Why you are having problems . When you would like to have a meeting to discuss the issues.

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
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 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
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
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 addresses. Begin your letter as follows:

Dear ……………….,

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 live there. In your letter ask them for help finding accommodation tell them where you would like to live tell them the type of place you are looking for

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
​​ Write a letter to your landlord complaining about noise in the block of flats which he owns. Include: where you live what the problem is what he should do

semi-formal
You are unable to attend the farewell party for your manager at work. Write a letter to him/her. In your letter: say why you can’t come tell them what you valued about working for him/her give him/her your best wishes.

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 have recently shifted in a rental apartment with your family. However, there are some problems with the apartment. Write a letter to the landlord. In your letter.  Describe the problem  Demand the solution for the problem  Inform him what you will do if the problem is not solved.

semi-formal
Your friend was supposed to visit you soon, but due to some personal problems you can’t meet him / her on the specified date. Write a letter to him or her explaining the situation. In your letter, you have to: – Apologise to your friend. – Explain why it’s not possible to meet now. – Suggest an alternative date for the meeting.

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 are going away from home for one week and you need to ask your neighbor to look after you house. Write a letter describe: • Why you want to go away • What you want your neighbor to look after • If there are any problems, then give instructions

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

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

semi-formal
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
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 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 introduce yourself describe your plans for the party invite your neighbour to come

semi-formal
You are interested in attending a short course at a college in an English speaking country. Write a letter to the college administration. In the letter: • mention what course you would like to attend • give details about your educational background and work experience • say why you choose this college

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

semi-formal
It is ten years since you left college, You'd like to organise an event to celebrate this anniversary with all your friends and classmates from college. Write a letter to one of your college friends. In your letter • say what kind of celebration event you'd like to organise • explain why you think it would be good to celebrate in this way • describe what help you need to organise this event

semi-formal
You successfully passed a job interview. You are expected to start on next month, but you will not be available on that date. Write a letter to your new boss, explaining your situation suggest a solution tell them when you can start

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 have recently read a book about a city you know well and found some incorrect information. Write a letter to the author. In your letter tell him/her of the incorrect information give him/her the correct information explain why they should correct it.

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 in her home -say why you would like to do this work -explain when you will and will not be available Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mrs. Barrett,

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

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