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 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 coursev
semi-formal
You are experiencing financial problems and want to ask your landlord if you can pay your rent late. Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter explain: Why you cannot pay the rent When you will pay the rent. How you will ensure you can pay your rent in the future Write at least 150 words You do NOT need to write any addresses Begin your letter as follows: Dear……..,
semi-formal
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
You live in a small apartment building with a parking lot in back, and you often cannot find an empty parking space when you get home from work. Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter • describe the situation. • explain why it bothers you. • suggest something the landlord could do to solve the problem. You do NOT need to write any addresses.
semi-formal
You exercise regularly and have been a member of many different gyms. Recently, you moved into a new neighborhood and joined a new gym. You have noticed that people at this gym do not bother to wipe down the machines after use and often leave dirty towels on the benches in the change rooms. Write to Mr Koto, the manager. In your letter: •explain who you are •describe the problem exactly •make suggestions to improve the gym
semi-formal
You 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 Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr / Ms _________
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 till late night. Write a letter to your elderly neighbour. In your letter: explain what will be happening offer your apologies in advance invite him/her to visit your house someday
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 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 have a spare room in your apartment that you would like to rent out to a student. Write a letter to the Student Accommodation Officer of local college. In your letter, you should tell: - where your apartment is located - when the room will be available - what your requirements for a student to stay there are Begin your letter as follow: Dear…,
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 are currently taking a course at a college but you will need to have a week off during this course.  Write a letter to the college Principal.  In the letter Give details of your course   Explain why you need a week off   Say what you want the Principal to do
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
Your son is learning a second language at school, but he needs some extra lessons. Write a letter to a teacher asking for her help. In your letter Explain why your son needs help Ask the teacher about her teaching experience and methods And suggest a possible schedule for the lessons.
semi-formal
One of your pen friends wants to visit your country. You have never seen him/her, and you will be late at the airport. Write a letter to him/her to inform. In your letter, • explain why you will be late • suggest him a place to wait for you • say how he/she can recognise you
semi-formal
Write a letter to your neighbor in your letter . Describe the problem . Say how long it has been a problem . Explain what action you want the neighbor to takes Write atleast 150 words
semi-formal
You have recently moved to a new flat. Unfortunately, you lost some money the other day, and cannot afford to pay next month's rent which is due. Write a letter to the landlord: explaining the situation that you will pay as soon as your parents send the money Also, mention that there are some problems with the flat.
semi-formal
General task 1 Your next door neighbour own a small dog that bark throughout day and night. Write a letter to your neighbour requesting that something be done about the dog. Your reason for writing. What you would like to happen. A nice respectful style.
semi-formal
You have a test in your English class next week, but you cannot attend. Write to your teacher. In your letter: . Explain your situation. . Apologies for not being able to take the test. . Ask whether it is possible for you to take the test at another time. Write at least 150 words. You do not need to write any address. Begin your letter with: 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
You and your family are living in rented accommodation in an English-speaking country. You are not satisfied with the condition of some of the furniture. Write a letter to the landord. In your letter introduce yourself explain what is wrong with the furniture say what action you would like to the landlord to take
semi-formal
You are 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 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
write a letter to your neighbour You are going away from home for one week and you need to ask your neighbour to look after you house. Why you want to go away What you want your neighbour to look after If there are any problems then give instructions
semi-formal
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
You need to take leave from your IELTS Institute of over two weeks for personal reasons. Write a letter to your teacher. In your letter. > Explain the reason. >The length of the leave you needed. >Explain how will you keep uptodate while are you away.
semi-formal
You recently celebrated a special occasion in your personal life and received a card and a present from your colleagues at work. Write a letter to your colleagues. In your letter: remind your colleagues what the special occasion you were celebrating was thank them for the card and gift explain why you like the gift and how you will use it
semi-formal
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
semi-formal
You are organising a conference and you want to request an expert in your field to be the keynote speaker. You have not met this person before. Write a letter to the expert. In your letter - explain the purpose of the conference -describe what you would like her/him to talk about - provide details about the venue, and the date and time of the conference
semi-formal
You recently heard that your friend has started a new job. Write a letter to congratulate him/her. In your letter: - congratulate them - ask about the new job - suggest a time to meet
semi-formal
You recently booked apart-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
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
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
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
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
Mrs Barret, an English-speaking woman who lives in your hometown, 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 this work - Explain when you will and will not be available
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 Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Ms. Petitto,
semi-formal
You paid a refundable deposit when you rented an appartment. You left the department in good condition but the landlord won’t return the deposit. Write a letter to the landlord. In your letter: -Explain why you are writing -Ask for the return of your deposit - Inform the landlord of possible legal action.
semi-formal
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
You have asked for a meeting with your manager the next day. Write a letter telling him/her what you would like to discuss in the meeting.
semi-formal
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
 You are moving home. Write a letter to your neighbours to say goodbye and to thanks them for their help during your stay.
semi-formal
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 reason for the noise • apologies for the noise • describe what action you will take
semi-formal
Your landlord is asking to increase the rent write a letter to him In your you shoul tell: Why do you think the rent shouldn't be increased. What you will do if it is increased
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
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 have been living in a rental apartment for the past year. Recently a new neighbour moved in and has been making a lot of noise, which disturbs you. Write a letter to the landlord. In your letter: explain the situation describe why it bothers you suggest a solution.
semi-formal
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
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 recently had your car repaired and now it is not working properly. Write a letter to your mechanic and in your letter: • Introduce yourself • Explain the problem • And say what you need him to do
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 would you like to work •Describe how your part-time studies would benefit your employer
semi-formal
A neighbour has damaged your car while parking his/her vehicle in the lane in front of your house. Write a letter to your neighbor. In your letter: * explain why you are writing * describe the damage to your car and express your feelings about it * recommend what steps he/she should take to resolve the situation.
semi-formal
You 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 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 recently went to a concert and thought one of te 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 you with your musical activities
semi-formal
WRITING TASK 1 You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 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 Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows:
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 have enrolled in an evening course but you have found that you are too busy to continue and would like to take the course next term instead. Write a letter to your teacher. In your letter: Explain the situation and why you cannot continue the course say what you would like to do about your studies ask for advice about what you can do about the situation. Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.
semi-formal
You have received a letter from your university of Albion demanding a reason for your absence from an exam. You were ill that day, but failed to submit the evidence. Write a letter to the Examinations Committee explaining your situation. You should include: • Apologies for the situation • Identification for yourself (Name, Student Number, Case Number) • An explanation of what had happened and any possible evidence you may have Possible resolutions to consider
semi-formal
Every weekend you and a few close friends meet to play a team sport. Last week one of your friends had an accident and was hospitalised. Since he was not able to make it you decide to write a letter to him, 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
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 are planning a week long vacation, and you need someone to take care of your house while you are away. Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter, - tell your neighbour that you are going away - ask your neighbour to take care of your house for you - explain what tasks you would like your neighbour to do.
semi-formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You are going to study in a college in the UK next year. You would like to stay in a college Hall of Residence. Write a letter to the college. In your letter explain your accommodation requirements explain what your food needs are ask what alternatives are available if they cannot provide what you want You should write at least 150 words.You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,
semi-formal
You have rented a condominium (apartment). Under tenancy agreement, you are required to give a three-month notice period before vacating the condo. For some reasons, you have to give up the condo all of a sudden as you have to migrate to other city as soon as possible. Write a letter to your landlord, • explain the reason for a sudden decision of vacating the condo • ask fora special consideration • how you would feel if your special consideration is granted
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 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 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
Recently you visited a foreign country with a friend. Write a letter to someone. You should tell why you enjoyed the trip what you are doing now invite her to visit you
semi-formal
Write a letter to the landlord about the unavailability of hotwater. State your reason for writing. Describe the problems and explain how you feel. Propose a solution and ask the landlord to take actions.
semi-formal
You 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
You have been a 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 to your landlord. In your letter:  Explain the situation  Describe why it bothers you  Suggest a solution
semi-formal
You are applying for a new job. Write a letter to a former supervisor asking for a reference. In your letter •describe the job you are applying for •say why you are qualified for the job •explain why you want a reference from this person Begin your letter as follows: Dear……
semi-formal
You are supposed to move into a new apartment but you can not do that so because of some problems. Write a letter to your landlord. Explain your situation Describe your problems Tell him when you can move in
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. Barette, an English-speaking woman who lives in your town, has advertised for someone to help her in her home for few hours a day next summer. Write a letter to Mrs. Barette. 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 available
semi-formal
You have recently moved into a new apartment. Your neighbour regularly plays loud music late at night, which disturbs your sleep. Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter: •Introduce yourself. •Explain how the noise is affecting you. •Suggest what could be done to solve the problem.
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
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 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
You've seen an advertisement from a couple, who live in Australia, for someone to teach their children your language for a year. In your letter, -Explain why you would be suitable for the job -say what else you could do for the family -give reasons for wanting the job.
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
A friend has written a letter to you informing you about his or her plan to visit your country/city. Write a letter to him/ her. In your letter, write: what he or she can do in your country/city advise him about the place he could stay at suggest to him/her what to pack and bring while coming to travel to your country/city
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
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 to inform them about a maintenance problem in your apartment. In your letter, you should: •Clearly explain the problem and how it is affecting your daily life. •Ask the landlord to deal with the issue as soon as possible and propose a suitable time for the repair work. •Show your gratitude for the landlord’s help and cooperation.
semi-formal
Your English teacher has found a new penfriend for you. Write a letter to the penfriend and introduce yourself. Tell them what you like doing in your free time. Ask your penfriend to tell you about their hobbies and interests.
semi-formal
You are moving home. Write a letter to your neighbours to say goodbye to them and to thank them for their help during your stay. In your letter explain how they helped you say what you will miss the most about the area where you lived invite them to visit you at your new home.
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
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
semi-formal
You are due to move into a rented apartment next month but you will not be able to because you have some problems. Write a letter to the landlord. In your letter: •explain your situation •describe your problems • tell him/her when you think you can move in
semi-formal
you are a student at an english language school in brighton and are living in private accomodation 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
You and your family are living in rented accomodation 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 Write at least 150 words
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
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 let him/her know why you are writing Express your appreciation offer him/ her to visit your home with this family.
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 enroll in the course
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
One of your friends wants to apply for a job that involves working with foreign teenagers. Write a letter of recommendation for him/her. In your letter, express: how well you know your friend what qualifications he/she has why you think she would be suitable for the job
semi-formal
You recently went to a concert and thought one of te singers was very good. You want to tell him hoe 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 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 your neighbours. In your letter • explain the reasons for the noise • apologise • describe what action you will take
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