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 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
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
Your neighbour keeps his/her animal in the garden. Write to him/her about it and the inconvenience it causes you and your family. In your letter tell what the problem is explain why it causes inconvenience suggest a possible solution to it Say what actions you might take if the need arises.

semi-formal
You want to improve your English and a friend has given you contact details for a private teacher. Write a letter to the teacher and say: why you want to improve your English how the teacher can help you when you would like to start having lessons? You should 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
There Is a public event coming up in your town. Write a letter to your Mend who you think would be interested to take part in it. In your letter Describe the event. Say why you think he / she would be interested. Suggest an arrangement to meet there with him / her.

semi-formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You are taking a course at a local college. The deadline for your project was last week but you haven't finished it. Write a letter to your lecturer. In your letter introduce yourself explain why you haven't handed in the project yet request more time to do it. Write at least 150 words.

semi-formal
You 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 your 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: Dear ................., You should write at least 150 words.

semi-formal
You attend a sports class at your local sports center. Unfortunately, you cannot ontinue to attend this class Write a letter to your sports teacher. In your letter - Say which class you are attending - Explain why you cannot continue to attend this class - Tell him/her what you have enjoyed about this class

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
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 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 have received a job offer for an exciting, new position. Although you are expected to start on September 7th, you are only available to start a week later due to personal reasons. Write a letter to your new boss. In your letter: Express your enthusiasm for the job offer Explain the problem Suggest what you can do

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

semi-formal
you have sen an advertisement from a couple, whi livees in australia, someone to teach their language for a year. -write a letter to the couple. in your letter explain why you think you would be suitable for the job Say what else you could do for the family Give your reasons for wanting the job.

semi-formal
One of your penfriends wants to imporve his/her English in advance of moving to Sydney. Write a letter to your penfriend. Advice him/her about the following: listening skills, speaking skills and vocabulary.

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

semi-formal
Your neighbours have recently written to you to complain about the noise from your house/ flat. Write a letter to your neighbours. In your letter explain the reasons for the noise apologise describe what action you will take You should write at least 150 words.Mecky

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
The air-conditioner in your flat broke three weeks aago anf it is the middle of summer. You asked the landlord to repair it and he promised to send someone but no-one has contacted you yet. Write a letter to the landlord complaining about the situation. In your letter: explain the problem, remind the landlord about his promise, say what you want him to do.

semi-formal
Your neighbour has written to you to complain about the noise from your house. Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter • explain the reasons for the noise • offer your neighbour an apology • tell them what initiative you will take

semi-formal
You and your family are living in rented accommodation in an English speaking country. You are not satisfied with the condition of some of the furniture. Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter introduce yourself explain what is wrong with the furniture say what action you would like the landlord to take

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

semi-formal
You have a permanent job, and few weeks ago you have started a part-time short course. You are not satisfied with it and want to change this part time course. Write a letter to your professor explaining - What you are writing about - why you are not satisfied with your present part-time course, and stating which course you would prefer and why

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

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
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.

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You are librarian and a local residant wrote to you asking to host a community event in the library . Write a letter to him : -tell what kinds of events can be held -tell the procedurec for hosting events in the library -the rules for hosting an event

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

semi-formal
During a recent journey , you sat next to a businessman who owns chain of restaurants. you talked to him and he suggested that you should contact him about a possible job in one of his restaurants. Write a letter to this businessman. In your letter • remind him when and where you met • tell him what kind of job you are interested in • why you say you would be suitable for the job

semi-formal
Write a letter to your penfriend. Advise him/her about the following: listening skills, speaking skills and vocabulary.

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 have been going to a piano teacher for the past month. However, it no longer fits into your budget or busy schedule Write a letter to your piano teacher. In your letter: • Thank him for his efforts and time • Explain the changes in your circumstances • Explain that you may be able to pick it up again

semi-formal
You would like to take part in a work-related seminar in another country. Write a letter to the person in charge of the seminar and ask for detailed information regarding the dates, program, accommodation, and cost.

semi-formal
IELTS general writing task 1 sample: You have won a holiday to Hawaii with one extra ticket. Write a letter to someone to invite them along with you. In the letter: – Explain what has happened and that you would like them to come – Give details of when the trip will take place – Inform the person of the things they will need for the trip

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
Write a letter to your boss apologizing for the delay in submitting your report at work last week

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 neighbours have recently written to you to complain about the noise from your house/flat. Write a letter to your neighbours. In your letter : 1. Explain the reason for the noise 2. Apologise 3. Describe what action you will take Start with Dear, Mr. Zaveri and Mr. Dalal

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 currently live in a rental apartment, and the noise from your neighbors 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.

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 would like to reduce your working hours in order to study part-time. Write a letter to your boss. In your letter •explain why you want to reduce your working hours •say which hours you would like to work •describe how your part-time studies would benefit your employer

semi-formal
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 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 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
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
-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
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
"Write a letter to your neighbour to ask him/her to take care of your house while you are away for a week on holiday. Please say •Explain where you are going and why. • What do you need him/her to do? • What should he/she do in case of emergency?"

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

semi-formal
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 eat in your college cafeteria everyday lunchtime. 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
You share a parking area with several neighbours and have recently started having problems. Write a letter to be copied to all neighbours that share the parking area. In that letter • explaining the problems • suggesting ways to help the situation • proposing a possible meeting You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Neighbour

semi-formal
You 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 are taking a holiday in a place recommended by your local travel agent, and you are having a wonderful time.you promised to write to himand let him know what you think of his suggestion . Write a letter to your travel agent as promised , and let him know what you have been doing and what you are going to do before the end of your holiday. Explain why you think he made the right choice for you.

semi-formal
You recently learnt that the best teacher you ever had will be retiring soon. Write a letter to your former teacher. In your letter Explain how you heard about his/her retirement Describe what made him/her such a great teacher Say how your teacher affected your life

semi-formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 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
You have decided to resign from your work in order try a new field. Write a letter to your boss In your letter • Tell your boss of your decision and explain why you are leaving • Explain what you have learnt from your current job and how you feel about leaving • Ask for a letter of reference

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 have trouble paying rent for the house where you live. Write a letter to your landlord explaining your current financial situation and ask for a house change.

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

semi-formal
. You want to buy some computers. Therefore, write to a vendor seeking information and price quotation for the same. In your letter • introduce yourself • give details on what types of computers you are looking for • request the quotation

semi-formal
Write a letter to your boss apologising for the recent meeting you missed at work. 1. Apologise for missing the meeting 2. Explain what happened 3. Say what you will do to compensate

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

semi-formal
You would like t reduce your working hours in order to study part time. write a letter to your boss. explain why you want to reduce your working hours. say which hows you would like to work, describe how your part-time studies world kenefit your employer.

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
You have been working with your company for two years and are interested in a promotion. Write a letter to your direct boss. In your letter: Explain your varied achievements over the past two years Express your interest in growing with the company Ask for a meeting to discuss a potential promotion Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr. Phillips,

semi-formal
You want to improve your knowledge of foreign languages which can help you at work. Write a letter to a foreign language teacher and say: Where did you hear about the teacher? + Why do you want to learn a foreign language? + Ask some questions about the course

semi-formal
You rent an apartment. you want to tell your landlord that you are happy with the apartment in general, but there are some small repairs that need to be carried out. write a letter to your landlord. In your letter say what you like about the apartment , describe the repairs that need to be made and explain how the repairs will improve your quality of life.

semi-formal
A new neighbour has moved in next door and has taken your main rubbish bin. Write a letter to your new neighbour requesting that they return the item. In the letter: – Explain that new bins must be sourced from the local council – Request that the person returns your bin immediately – Inform the person of what further actions you will take should they not return your bin

semi-formal
You have applied for a position in an international organisation and you need to provide a reference letter. Write a letter to your former teacher asking hin/her to write it for you. Give your full detail describe a job you are going to do their Say why its impotant to you.

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 are planning to study English at a college in an English-speaking country. You would like some information about their courses. Write a letter to the college. In your letter, ask about the course they offer ask about the cost of the course say what kind of accommodation you want in the college hostel Write at least 150 words.

semi-formal
You borrowed an important textbook during the last term from a classmate. You now realize your classmate has returned home overseas and you still have the book. Write a letter to him/her. •apologize for the mistake •find out how important the book is to him/her •say what you will do Begin your letter as follows: Dear ..................,

semi-formal
You would like to reduce your working hours in order to study part-time. Write a letter to your boss. In your letter explain why you want to reduce your working hours say which hours you would like to work discuss how your part-time studies would benefit your employer

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 an interview next week for a job you really want, but unfortunately you will now be unable to attend. Write a letter to the person due to interview you. In your letter, 1.inform him and apologise 2.explain the reason why you cannot come to the interview 3.offer a new day and time and express your continued desire for the job You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr. Compton,

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
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
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 rent an apartment and recently a new neighbor has moved in who lives above you. They are making a lot of noise and this is disturbing you. Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter: Explain what the problem is Explain why it is disturbing you so much Tell your landlord what you would like him/her to do about it

semi-formal
You have received a job offer for an exciting, new position. Although you are expected to start on September 7th, you are only available to start a week later due to personal reasons. Write a letter to your new boss. In your letter: ·       Express your enthusiasm for the job offer ·       Explain the problem ·       Suggest what you can do Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Ms. Mcllwain,

semi-formal
YOU HAVE A BUSINESS PRESENTATION IN WHICH YOU WANT TO USE EQUIPMENT FOR WHICH YOU NEED ONE OF YOUR COLLEAGUES TO HELP YOU IN ITS OPERATION. WRITE A LETTER TO YOUR COLLEAGUE AND ASK HIM TO HELP YOU. When and where is your presentation Which equipment you have to use How he can help you

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

semi-formal
You 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 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 are studying mathematics at university and have an assignment next week. You have been sick. Write a letter to your teacher asking for an extension on your assignment. In the letter, explain that you are a student in the mathematics class explain that you have been sick ask for an extension Write at least 150 words.  You do NOT need to write any addresses

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
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
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
You hind that your study load is too heavy and you would like to withdraw from two courses. Write a letter to your college teacher explaining why you need to withdraw from two courses. Ask if it is possible to obtain a refund. You should write at least 150 words.

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 next door owns a small dog that barks throughout the day and the night write a letter to your neighbor requesting that something be done about the dog

semi-formal
You are not happy with the course you are doing at college and would like to change to a different course. 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.

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