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
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 Write at least 150 words. You do not need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mrs Barrett,

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 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
You caused some damage to the kitchen area of your flat. Write a letter to your landlord explaining the following. • How the damage occurred • The extent of damage • What you would like to landlord to do.

semi-formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. After being involved in an accident, you were looked after by a person you did not know before. Write a special thank you letter to express your gratitude. In your letter: +Introduce yourself and let him/her know why you are writing +Express your appreciation +And offer him/ her to visit your home with this family.

semi-formal
GENERAL TRAINING ONLY You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 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 Write at least 150 words You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Ms. Jackson,

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 are moving home. Write a letter to your neighbours to say goodbye and to thanks them for their help during your stay.

semi-formal
A neighbor 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 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

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.

semi-formal
Q. There is the annual work party next month, which is held every year. Write a letter to your colleagues to co-arrange the party. In your letter: • Say what would you do differently than last year • Say what you think were some of the things not so good last year • Suggest where to meet to plan for the party.

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

semi-formal
You are about to move out of your apartment in an English-speaking country. Your landlord helped you a lot during your stay and you have a friend who 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 your landlord for his / her help tell him/her about your friend

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

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

semi-formal
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 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 need to take leave from your work of over one month of a period 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
Write a letter to a colleague asking for assistance setting up equipment for an upcoming presentation of yours. Include What the presentation is about The equipment needed Suggestions to set it up

semi-formal
You recently broke your leg and your colleagues from work sent you get well cards and presents. Write a letter to them and say • Thanks them for supporting you. • Describe how you spend your time. • Explain about your recovery process.

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 pridem with the flat.

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

semi-formal
You have just come back from San Francisco. When you were there, your friend Mr Jackson gave you a great deal of help. Write a letter to Mr. Jackson to thank him for his hospitality and help. In your letter: -Thank him for his help -Explain what you are impressed the most. -Invite him to visit you in your country.

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

semi-formal
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 live in a block of flats, your neighbor makes a lot of noise which has caused problems for you. Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter, you should: explain the situation tell him/her how you are affected by this suggest what you want the landlord to do.

semi-formal
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 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 would like to do this work explain when you will and will not be available

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

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

semi-formal
You recently booked a part time course at a college, You now need to cancel your booking. Write a letter to your college administrator. In your letter Say which part time course you’ve booked. explain why you need to cancel your booking ask about booking a different course. Begin as : Dear Sir or Madam

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

semi-formal
You have arranged a meeting with a business partner.Unfortunately, you have to change the arrangement. Write a letter to your partner. Explain the new arrangement Apology for the changes Explain the reason why the changes were needed.

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 are going on holiday for one week and your neighbour has agreed to take care of your house while you are away. Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter explain what you would like your neighbour to do while you are away tell him / her how to contact you if there is an emergency offer to buy your neighbour a gift to say thank you

semi-formal
You are shifting out of your accommodation. You think the place 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 - Why is it suitable for your friend?

semi-formal
You want to ask your boss for time off work. Write a letter requesting time off work. In your letter 1. why you are requesting time off work 2. give details of dates 3. explain how you will ensure to keep up with your work

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.

semi-formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. -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 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 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 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 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 are going to arrange a special party at your home next week. You want to invite a local artist who is a playback singer. Write a letter to him. Explain the occasion to him. Invite him to the party. Tell him why you want him to perform.

semi-formal
Write a letter to your partner to cancel an appointment

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

semi-formal
You just moved to a new home and planning to hold a party. You are worried that the noise may disturb the neighbour. Write a letter to your neighbor. In your letter introduce yourself describe your plans for the party invite your neighbour to come.

semi-formal
One of your colleagues from another country comes to your office for an official meeting. Write a letter to him/her and say – Describe how to get from the airport to his/her hotel. – Describe the hotel he/she will be staying in. – Describe the arrangement for the meeting.counter

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

semi-formal
You are not happy with the course you are doing at college and would like to change a different course. Write a letter to the college director requesting to change your course. You should include details about – what course you are doing now – why you are not satisfied with that course – what course would you like to change to.

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 had a birthday party and you were playing loud music.your neighbour. write a letter of appology explaining the ocasion and it wont happen again

semi-formal
You are experiencing financial problems and want to ask you landlord if you can pay your rent late. Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter explain. -why you can't pay the rent when you will pay the rent How you will ensure you can pay the rent in the future

semi-formal
You have just read about a computer course that really interests you, but it is only for people who have completed an elementary course. Write a letter to the college enrolment officer. In your letter explain why you are writing describe your circumstances ask if a special exception can be made for you so you can enrol in the course You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear

semi-formal
You recently gave a successful presentation at work. You borrowed a book from a colleague, which helped prepare for the presentation. Write a letter to your colleague. In your letter ● say what the presentation was about ● explain why the presentation was important ● describe how the book helped you prepare for the presentation

semi-formal
Write a letter to the college director requesting to change your course. You should include details about: - what course are you doing now - why you are not satisfied with that course -what course you would like to change to.

semi-formal
You play a team sport with some friends. Last week a member of the team had an accident and was not able to play with you at the weekend. You decide to write to him/her in the hospital, telling him/her about the match. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter,     •    tell him/her which team won     •    say how you felt about the match     •    ask how he/she is doing You should You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ……………….,

semi-formal
You are going to arrange a special party at your home next week. You want to invite a local artist who is a playback singer. Write a letter to him.

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

semi-formal
ou 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
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
There is an annual work party next month, which is held every year. Write a letter to your colleagues to co-arrange the party. In your letter: Say what would you do differently than last year Say what you think were some of the things not so good last year Suggest where to meet to plan for the party.

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

semi-formal
You have borrowed a book from your professor and returned it late write a letter to him why you delayed in returning the book and how useful the book was.

semi-formal
Write a letter to the singer. In your letter: -say how you feel about his/her performance -give details of your music related activities -explain how you would like him/her to help you with your music-related activities

semi-formal
You 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
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
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 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 have received a job offer for a position you have wanted for a long time. Its expected to begin on July 1st. However, you can only start a week later due to personal reasons. Write a letter to your new boss. In your letter: - show enthusiasm for the job - explain the problem - suggest what you can do

semi-formal
Your neighbours have recently written to you to complain about the noise from your house/ flat. Write a letter to your neighbours

semi-formal
Although you have never formally studied computing, you have always been interested in computers. You have just read about computer courses that really interests you, but it is only for people who completed elementary course. write a letter to the college enrollment 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 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 are travelling and need someone to do you a favour while you are gone. Write a letter asking a neighbour or friend for help. In your letter include:

semi-formal
You 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 recently booked a part-time course at a college. You now need to cancel your booking. Write a letter to the college admministrator. In your letter. say which part-time course you booked explain why you need to cacel your booking ask about booking a different course

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

semi-formal
You want to learn a language. There is a teacher neat to you where you live. Write a letter to the teacher. In the letter: say how you came to know about him/her explain why you want to learn ask what help they can offer

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: Details about the conference Why you want your colleague to give presentation What arrangement will you do for this conference

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
chain of restaurants. You talked to him and he suggested that you should contact him about a possibleJob 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 youaare inter,sted in • say why you think you would be suitable for theJob

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 should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You have just moved into a new home and are planning to hold a party. You are worried that the noise may disturb your neighbour. Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter ● introduce yourself ● describe your plans for the party ● invite your neighbour to come You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ................. , You should write at least 150 words.

semi-formal
you have seen an advertisement from a couple who live in Australia, for someone to trach 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 writing the job

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
You want to study a short course at a college abroad. Write a letter to the college administration. In your letter Explain which course you are inerested in ask about entry requirements request information about acommodation options.

semi-formal
You have received a job offer from a city where lives one of your childhood friend. Write a letter to him: • Tell about this happy event in your life; • Ask him for help finding accommodation; • Ask him to advise the best ways to get prepared for the new life in that city

semi-formal
Mrs Barrett, an English speaking woman who lives in your town, has advertised for someone to help 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 and explain when you will and will be available

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 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.

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