IELTS General Writing Task 1 semi-formal Topics/Questions 2026

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This section presents a list of common IELTS General Writing Task 1 semi-formal topics. All these topics were added in 2026 by students who took the IELTS recently. Pick a random topic and start practicing and improving your writing skills.

semi-formal
You have 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
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 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 Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows:
semi-formal
You are taking a course at a local college. The deadline for your project was last week but you haven’t finished it. Write a letter to your lecturer. In your letter • introduce yourself • explain why you haven’t handed in the project yet • request more time to do it.
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 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
You have got a confirmation from Denmark University to study medicine. You have been asked to submit all the details and certify that they are correct. Write a letter to your college sharing information and get it registered at the campus. When you write, you can mention the following: Basic information. Mention that you will attach the supporting documents. Check if there is any other formality before you move to Denmark.
semi-formal
You play a team sport with some friends. Last week a member of the team had an accident and wasn't able to play with you at the weekend. You decide to write to him in hospital, telling him about the match. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter, tell him which team won describe the conditions on the day say how you felt about the match
semi-formal
You 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
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 youaare inter,sted in • say why you think you would be suitable for the Job
semi-formal
You eat at your college cafeteria every lunchtime. However, you think it needs some improvements. Write a letter to the college magazine. In your letter: explain what you like bout the cafeteria say what is wrong suggest how it could be improved
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
Topic 2. Your neighbours have a dog that is noisy at night. You can't sleep. Write a letter to your neighbours. In your letter describe the problem with the dog explain why it is important for you to sleep  outline what your neighbours could do about the situation.
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
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
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/her about the place he could stay at suggest to him/her what to pack and bring while coming to travel to your country/city Write at least 150 words. 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
Mrs Barret, an English-speaking woman who lives in your town, has advertised for someone to help her in her home for a few hours a day next summer. Write a letter to Mrs Barrett. In your letter suggest how you could help her in her home say why you would like to do this work explain when you will and will not be available Write at least 150 wrods. You do not need to write any addresses.
semi-formal
You have received a job offer from a country 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 country Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ....,
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
Your rental accommodation was recently damaged due to bad weather. Write a letter to the landlord and say • Explain what caused the damage • Why do you need them to fix the problem right away • What needs to be done to fix it
semi-formal
Your neighbor has recently written to you to complain about the noise from your house. Write a letter to your neighbor. In your letter: - Explain the reasons for the noise, - Apologise - Describe what action you will take.
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 have recently read a book about a city you know well and found some incorrect information. Write a letter to the author. Yell him/her of the incorrect information. Give him/her the correct information. Explain why they should correct it. #book #city #information #author
semi-formal
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
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
During a recent plane journey, you sat next to a businessman who owns a chain of restaurants. You talked to him and he suggested that you should contact him about a possible job in one of his restaurants. Write a letter to this businessman. In your letter l remind him when and where you met l tell him what kind of job you are interested in l say why you think you would be suitable for the job
semi-formal
One of your friends wants to apply for a job involving working with foreign teenagers. Write a letter of recommendation for him/her. In your letter you should say: how long you have known your friend something about your friend’s personality and explain why you think your friend would make a good employee
semi-formal
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 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
Your neighbours have recently wrtten to you to complain about the noisefrom your house/flat. write a letter to your neighbours. in your letter - Explain the reason for the noise - apologise - describe what action you will take
semi-formal
You work for an international company. You are celebrating for a special family even and you would like to have a time off for it. Write a letter to your boss
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
You are renting an apartment. Write a letter to your landlord regarding a noise problem from your neighbors. Include the following in your letter: – What is the problem? – What have you done about it? – What would you like the landlord to do?
semi-formal
Your friend got a new job. Write a letter to him/her and say - Why haven’t you contacted him/her recently? - Ask him/her some details about the new job. - Suggest when and where you’d like to meet him/her.
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
You were invited to your friend’s birthday party. You missed it and didn’t tell him about that beforehand. Write a letter to him: • Apologize; • Explain the reasons why you missed the party; • Suggest a way to compensate this misunderstanding. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ....,
semi-formal
you are 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 had an appointment to meet you friend but you were not able to make it and you couldn't inform him. Write a letter - Apologize for not coming - Explain the reasons why you couldn't be there. - Tell him/her how you tried contacting him/her. Request another meeting.
semi-formal
You would like to take some time off of work to attend a training course. Write a letter to your supervisor asking for permission to attend the course. In your letter • describe the training course • say how it will help improve your job performance • explain how much time you need off and ask for permission Begin your letter as follows: Dear………..
semi-formal
General You would like to participate in a business seminar in another country. Write a letter to the person in charge of the seminar and ask for detailed information on the dates, the program, the accommodation and the cost. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir / Madam,...
semi-formal
You were studying in an English speaking country and suddenly needed to go back to your home country, leaving your course incomplete. Write a letter to your teacher to - thank him -explain the reason you left without completing your course -say during your course study what did you like most about this course.
semi-formal
You will have a speech about your country on the international college event. Write a letter to the event’s planners about the following: - Ask about the date of the event - What speech you prepared/ why it should be interesting - What equipment you will need for your speech
semi-formal
Your child is going on a three day school trip to another country. The head teacher wants to find parents to go with the group and you would like to go. Write a letter to the head teacher. In your letter:  Say why you would like to go on the trip  Suggest what you could do to help during the trip  Ask other questions about the trip
semi-formal
After being involved in an accident, you were looked after by a person you did not know before. Write a special thank you letter. In your letter: Introduce yourself and let him / her know why you are writing to him / her Express your gratitude Offer him / her to visit your home with his / her family
semi-formal
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 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 work for an entertainment company which plans to open a new theatre soon. You want to invite a famous actor to open the new theatre. Write a letter to this famous actor. In your letter • give some information about the new theatre • invite her/him to open the new theatre • explain why she/he would be a good person to open the theatre
semi-formal
You recently go to a concert 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
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 a full-time job and are also doing a part-time evening course. You naive find that you cannot continue the course. Write a letter to your neighbours. In your letter • describe the situation • explain why you cannot continue at this time • say what action you would like to take
semi-formal
You recently moved to a new neighborhood and want to introduce yourself to your neighbor. Write a letter to your neighbor. In your letter: Explain who you are and why you are writing. Describe your family and interests. Offer to meet them in person to get acquainted.
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 should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Write at least 150 words. One of your pen pals will shortly be visiting your city. For some reasons, you can not manage to meet him at the airport on time. Write a letter asking him to wait for you at the airport and tell him how to identify you.
semi-formal
You have been invited to a networking conference for your field of work. Write a letter to your boss. In your letter: ·       Describe the invitation you received and why it is important to you ·       Explain why the conference would be beneficial for you and the company ·       Ask for the company for time off to attend and to cover some of the travel costs Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr. Powell,
semi-formal
You have recently moved into new home. You are planning for a party. However, you are worried about the noise which may disturb your neighbour. Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter - Introduce yourself - invite your neighbour - describe the planning of the party and express your concern
semi-formal
Write a letter to your neighbor requesting that something be done about the dog. Include in your letter: – Your reason for writing – What you would like to happen – A nice, respectful style
semi-formal
Your neighbours have a dog that is noisy at night. You can’t sleep. Write a letter to your neighbours. In your letter: – describe the problem with the dog – explain why it is important for you to sleep – outline what your neighbours could do about the situation
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, – 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 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
Write a letter requesting a teacher to conduct exams.
semi-formal
You are studying mathematics at university and have an assignment next week. You have been sick. Write a letter to your teacher sking for an extension on your assignment. In the letter, · explain that you are a student of mathematics class · explain that you have been sick · ask for an extension Begin your letter with Dear …,
semi-formal
You were studying in an English-speaking country and suddenly had to go back to your home country your course is incomplete. Write a letter to your teacher - Thank you - Explain the reason why you did not finish the course - tell me what you liked most about this course while studying the course
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 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
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
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 have had a problem with your neighbor for the past few months. You have not been able to meet with your neighbor to discuss the problem. Write a letter to your neighbor. In your letter: ·       Explain the problem ·       Suggest a solution ·       Say what action you will take if the situation does not improve Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Ms. Granger,
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 friend will be staying at your home, but you can’t be there. Write a letter in which you explain: - How the keys will get to him/her - How to use the electrical appliances - Recommend some interesting places to visit
semi-formal
Write a letter to your boss apologizing for the delay in submitting your report at work last week
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 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
Your landlord has increased the amount of rent you pay every month and you don’t find it appropriate. Write a letter to the landlord and in your letter, Explain why you are writing Describe why you find the increase inappropriate What you want to do now--
semi-formal
You recently gave. 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
ou and your family are living in rented accommodation in an English speaking country. You are not satisfied with the condition of some of the furniture. Write a letter to the landlord. In your letter • introduce yourself • explain what is wrong with the furniture • say what action you would like the landlord to take
semi-formal
You have received a letter from your landlord, Mr Matthews, asking you to renew your contract and pay more rent. You are happy in the property, but the landlord has not been maintaining it well. Write a reply to Mr Matthews. In your letter: •indicate your intentions to stay • give information about the maintenance issues • explain what you would like the landlord to do now
semi-formal
Your neighbour has written to you to complain about the noise from your flat. Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter explain the reason for the noise offer your neighbour an apology tell them what action you will take
semi-formal
Write a letter to a community college in America which invited you to talk about your country. In your letter Accept invitation and suggest preferable dates Tell them what your talks will be about And what equipment you require them to arrange
semi-formal
You 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
Each year, your company gives an Employee of the Year award to a worker who has performed exceptionally well. You believe that someone with whom you work should receive the award this year. Write a letter to your supervisor. In the letter - Describe your colleague’s job at the company - Describe a time you worked with this person - Explain why you believe this person deserves the award
semi-formal
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
Your child is going on a three day school trip to another country. The head teacher wants to find parents to go with the group and you would like to go. Write a letter to the head teacher. In your letter:  Say why you would like to go on the trip  Suggest what you could do to help during the trip  Ask other questions about the trip
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 bought a new home recently and you want to hire an interior decorator. Write a letter to the interior decorator seeking information about his services. In your letter • let him know how you came to know about his work/name • specify about your condominium {flat) • discuss your furnishing taste
semi-formal
Write a letter to a colleague who is hospitalized at the moment . In your letter you should Ask about his/her health Let him/her know what changes occurred since he /she has been hospitalized Also try to make him/her happy in some ways
semi-formal
You have just moved into a new home and are plannig 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 . discribe your plans for the party . invite your neibourhour to come
semi-formal
There is a sports stadium near your home where large number of people come to watch games each weekend. This cause you and your neighbours some problems. Write aletter to the local council . In your letter- -explain who you are and where you live -describe the problem -suggest what the local council should do
semi-formal
You rent a flat with your friend who is moving out. It is too expensive for you to pay the rent alone.Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter: •explain the situation •describe why you would like to stay in this flat •ask the landlord if you can find another flatmate
semi-formal
Your colleague recently gave you a book. You had a presentation, and this book helped you in the presentation. Write a letter to your colleague. In your letter, • tell the topic of your presentation • why the presentation was important for you • how the book helped you in presentation
semi-formal
A neighbour recently invited you to a special party. You intended to go, but at the last minute were unable to attend. Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter apologise for not going to the party explain why you didn’t go suggest a way to make up for missing the party
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 eat at your college cafeteria at lunch time every day.. However, you think it needs some improvements. Write a letter to the college magazine. In your letter: explain what you like about the cafeteria say what is wrong with it suggest how it could be improved
semi-formal
Your friend bought tickets to the theatre for both of you. Write a letter to him to tell him that you cannot go to the theatre. In your letter:  Apologize  Explain the situation  Tell him what he can do with the extra ticket
semi-formal
You play a team sport with some friends. Last week a member of the team had an accident and wasn't able to play with you at the weekend. You decide to write to him in hospital, telling him about the match. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter, • tell him which team won • describe the conditions on the day • say how you felt about the match Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear .........,
semi-formal
Write a letter to your neighbour about the damage that occurred to your car while he was parking his car in the lane outside your home. In the letter, you should: describe the damage say how you feel about this problem suggest to him what actions he should take.
semi-formal
You have 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 would like to participate in a work-related seminar in another country. Write a letter to the person incharge of the seminar and ask for detailed information regardng the dates, program, accomodation and cost.
semi-formal
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 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
You currently live in a rental apartment, and the noise from your neighbours disturbs you. Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter describe how this situation affects you; explain what steps you have taken to address the problem; ask the landlord to take action to resolve the issue.
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