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 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
Your neighbours have recently written to you to you about the noise from your houseflat. Write a letter to your neighbours, in your letter: - explain a reason for the noise - apologise - describe what actions will you take
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 are interested in applying for a new position at your company but have some questions. Write a letter to you boss. In your letter include: Which position you are considering What questions you have about it How your boss can help you decide whether or not to apply. sample ielts answer
semi-formal
General Training 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: •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 ……………., You get 20 minutes to complete this task.
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 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 are taking a holiday in a place recommended by your local travel agent, you have had a wonderful time. You have promised to write to him and 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 the journey.
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
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
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
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
You have enrolled in an evening course but you have found that you are too busy to continue and would like to take the course next term instead. Write a letter to your teacher. In your letter: explain the situation and why you cannot continue the course say what you would like to do about your studies ask for advice about what you can do about the situation
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
A builder has recently completed some renovations at your house, but you are not happy with his work.write a letter to him.In your letter, Tell him what work has not been done properly Tell him what you want him to do Suggest some times when you will be available at home
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 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 are applying for a job and you need a letter of reference. Write a letter to a former boss. In your letter: *Describe the job you are applying for *Say what you want included in the reference letter *Request that you former boss send you the letter be the end of the week
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 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 just moved into a new home and are planning to hold a party. You are worried that the noise may disturb your neighbour. Write a letter to your neighbour. You do NOT need to write any addresses. You should write at least 150 words. In your letter ointroduce yourself odescribe your plans for the party oinvite your neighbour to come
semi-formal
You are applying for a Job and need a reference. Write a letter to the boss in your former Job. In your letter: •Give details of the job •Explain why it is important to you •Suggest what information your ex-boss could put in the reference.
semi-formal
Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter: * say where and when you are going * explain what you would like your neighbour to do * offer to do something for your neighbour in return
semi-formal
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
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
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
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
A business partner and his team have recently visited your organization, and one of the team members left a coat behind. Write a letter to your business partner. In your letter Say what you liked about their visit Explain why you think the coat belongs to one of their team members Tell them how you plan to return it
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 neighbour to come
semi-formal
Your new neighbours have recently invited you to a party they are holding next Saturday. However, you have other plans on Saturday evening and cannot attend the party. Write a letter to your neighbours. In your letter: •Thank them for the invitation •Mention what plans you already have •Suggest when you can meet them
semi-formal
You are a student at a university in the UK. You have recently lost your university ID card. Write to the local police station, giving details of who you are, what happened and ask to record your details so that you can apply for a new ID card. Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,
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
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 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
Write a letter to a teacher asking for a reference letter for a job and explain: •Why you have chosen him to write the reference letter •What kind of job you are applying for •Why you think you are suitable for this job
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 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
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
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
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 just moved into a new home and are planning to hold a party. You are worried that noise may disturb your neighbour Write a letter to your neighbour Introduce your self Describe your plans for the party Invitee your neighbour to come
semi-formal
You want to learn a language. There is a teacher near to 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 whatbhelp the can offer
semi-formal
You have a problem with a neighbour. Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter •describe the problem • say how long it has been a problem • explain what action you want the neighbour to take
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
You live in a small apartment building. You are frequently bothered by noise from your upstairs neighbor’s apartment. Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter • Describe the situation • Explain why it is a problem for you • Suggest a solution Begin your letter as follows: Dear…….
semi-formal
You would like to participate 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. Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows:
semi-formal
You have seen an advertisment 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 you 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
Your friend has written to you asking for your advice on whether to study marketing or information technology at a college in Australia. Write a letter to her. In your letter, • Ask her about the college • Give her suggestions • Explain your reasons
semi-formal
Your friend is coming to your country from abroad, but you can't go to pick him up at the airport. Write a letter to him/her and say -why you can't pick him up -suggest alternative ideas -talk about what he can do in your country
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 neighbour to come You do NOT need to write any address
semi-formal
You are having a graduation party next Saturday night. You have invited 50 people to celebrate at an outdoor barbecue evening, which may continue till late night. Write a letter to your elderly neighbour. In your letter: explain what will be happening offer your apologies in advance invite him/her to visit your house someday
semi-formal
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 were studying in an English speaking country and suddenly needed to go back to your home country leaving your course incomplete. Write a letter to your teacher to - Thank him - Explain the reason you left without completing your course - say during your course study what did you like most about this coursev
semi-formal
You 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
Mrs Barrett, an English-speaking woman who lives in your town, has advertised for someone to help in her home for a few hours a day next summer. Write a letter to Mrs Barrett. In your letter- Suggest how you could help in her home- home layout, done degree in interior design, garden maintenance, cooking Say why you would like to do this work-social cause, love connecting new people, new ideas Explain when you will and will not be available-weekdays busy not possible, weekends will be there 10am to 5pm
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 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.
semi-formal
You currently live in a rental appointment and the noise from your neighbours disturbs you. Write a letter to your landloard. In your letter, - Describe how this situation affects you - Explain what steps you have taken to address the problem - Ask the landloard to take action to resolve the issue
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 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
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 are applying for a job and need a letter of reference Write a letter to a formal teacher. In your letter -give details of the job -explain why it is important to you -suggest what information your teacher could put in the reference
semi-formal
You have seen an advertisement from a couple who live in Australia, for someone to teach their two children your languge for a year. Write a letter to the couple, In your letter explain why you think tou 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 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 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 exercise regularly and have been a member of many different gyms. Recently you moved into a new neighbourhood and joined a new gym. You have noticed people at this gym do not bother to wipe down the machines after use and often leave dirty towels on the benches in the changing rooms. Write to Mr Koto, the manager. In your letter: Explain who you are Describe the problem exactly Make suggestions to improve the gym
semi-formal
You have just moved into a new home and are planning to hold a party. You are worried that the noise may disturb your neighbour. Write a letter to your neighbour. You do NOT need to write any addresses. You should write at least 150 words. In your letter introduce yourself describe your plans for the party invite your neighbour to come
semi-formal
You 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
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
Write a letter to your frind who lives in aqnother country and in your letter: a. Invite him to a public event in your country b. Describe the public event. c. Explain about other plans you have for your friennd when he will visit.
semi-formal
Mrs Jones, 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
Your neighbour has animals and they cause noise. Write a letter - Describe the situation - Suggestion to solve the problem - Tell him what will you do if he will not solve the problem
semi-formal
Write a letter to your neighbour requesting that something be done about your dog. Include in your letter: - Your reason for writing - What would you like to happen
semi-formal
You are interested in attending a short course at a college in an English speaking country. Write a letter to the college administration. In the letter: • mention what course you would like to attend • give details about your educational background and work experience • say why you choose this college
semi-formal
Your son is learning a second language at school, but he needs some extra lessons. Write a letter to a teacher asking for her help. In your letter Explain why your son needs help Ask the teacher about her teaching experience and methods And suggest a possible schedule for the lessons.
semi-formal
You recently completed a course and you borrowed a book from your teacher which you couldn't return in time. You would like to return the book now. Write a letter to your teacher and say: What book it was. How helpful was the book? Explain why you couldn't return it in time.
semi-formal
You are going to study in a college in the UK next year. You would like to stay in a college Hall of Residence. Write a letter to the college giving your accommodation requirements. You should outline what your room and food needs are and also ask what alternatives are available if they cannot provide what you want. You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You do NOT need to write your own address.
semi-formal
You have been living in a rental apartment for the past year. Recently a new neighbour moved in and has been making a lot of noise, which disturbs you. Write a letter to the landlord. In your letter: *Explain the situation *Describe why it bothers you *Suggest a solution
semi-formal
A local college is having an International day. You want to speak about your country to students from different cultures. Write a letter to your college head. Talk about the topic you are going to talk about. Explain why would they be of interest to students Ask about any arrangements you need to work to give the talk.
semi-formal
You are going for a one-week vacation and your friend agreed to stay at your place while you are away. Write a letter to him/her. In your letter, you should: thank her/him and tell the dates of your holiday explain how he/she enters the house describe what you expect him/her to do.
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 have a problem with a neigbour. Write a letter to your neigbour. In your letter Describe the problem Say how long it has been a problem Explain what action you want the neighbour to explain take
semi-formal
You have seen and advertisement for a couple, who lives 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 this job Say what else you could do for the family Give your reason for wanting the job
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
Mrs Barrett, an English-speaking woman who lives in yourtown, 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 availabl
semi-formal
You recently completed a course and youu borrowed a book from your teacher which you couldn't return in time. You would like to return the book now. Write a letter to your teacher and say: What book it was. How helpful was the book? Explain why you couldn't return it in time.
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: 1. Explain the situation. 2. Describe why you would like to stay in this flat. 3. Ask the landlord if you can find another flatmate. Write at least 150 words. You do not need to write any addresses. Begin you letter as follows: Dear_______,
semi-formal
You have a problem with a neighbour. Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter: describe the problem say how long it has been a problem explain what action you want the neighbour to take ​ You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows:
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
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
semi-formal
Write a letter to landlord about the problem you have in house of renting.
semi-formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You paid a refundable deposit when you rented an apartment a year ago. You left the apartment last month in good condition but the landlord won't return your deposit. Write a letter to the landlord. In your letter, introduce yourself and say why you are writing ask for the return of your deposit inform the landlord of possible action if he/she does not agree to refund the amount Write at least 150 words.
semi-formal
In your apartment building there is an entrance hall which you share with your neighbours. Recently there have been some problems with this shared area. Write a letter to your neighbours. In your letter introduce yourself and describe the problem or problems suggest what could be done to improve the situation suggest a meeting to talk about it
semi-formal
Your friend has asked you to teach English to their child. However, you do not have any English books so would like to borrow some from your teacher. Write a letter to your teacher. In your letter say which course you are taking describe the type of books you need to borrow ask to borrow the books
semi-formal
You will move to a new city for work. You know some people who live there. Write a letter to someone you know who lives there. In your letter - ask them for help in finding accommodation - tell them where you would like to live - tell them the type of place you are looking for. You should write at least 150 words.
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
You have enrolled in an evening course but you have found that you are too busy to continue and would like to take the course next term instead. Write a letter to your teacher. In your letter: Explain the situation and why you cannot continue the course say what you would like to do about your studies ask for advice about what you can do about the situation. Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.
semi-formal
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 are having a graduation party next Sunday evening. You have invited over 25 people to celebrate in your garden, which may continue late into the night. Write a letter to the Chairman of the Housing Society. In your letter: Explain what will be happening Offer your apologies in advance Invite him to join the celebration
semi-formal
You wish to get enrolled in a course at an Australian college. You have already written a letter to the college asking for information, but you haven’t received a reply yet. Write a letter to the college explaining your concern because the course will start in less than two months. You need to know if you can still get enrolled, you also request more information about the course, including the cost.
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