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 are a current student of Loren Brusque University, studying Business Administration. You want to apply for the post of Quality Assurance Manager you have recently seen on the university's notice board. Write a letter to Mr. Walker, and •Give your reason for writing •Tell about your education • Describe your work experience and explain why you would be suitable for the job.

semi-formal
You applied for a job and were offered the position but have decided not to accept the offer. Write a letter to the HR supervisor with whom you interviewed. In your letter: - explain the reason why you are declining the offer - describe your reasons for staying with your current position.

semi-formal
You have seen an advertisement for a community college that needs teachers for night classes. Write a letter to the community college. In your letter: Say which advertisement you are answering Describe which courses you want to teach, and what they would be about Explain why you would be a suitable character.

semi-formal
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
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 left college but you didn’t say goodbye to your friend who lived in the room with you because he had a course that time. Write a letter to him. In your letter  Apologize and tell him how you spent the day when you left  Tell him how you got home  Invite him to visit you.

semi-formal
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
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 are travelling and need someone to do you a favour while you are gone. Write a letter asking a neighbour or friend for help. In your letter include:

semi-formal
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
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 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
You are organizing a conference for your company. Write a letter to a colleague asking him/her to give a presentation during the conference. Describe what this conference is about  Why you want him/her to give a presentation  Give details about the conference

semi-formal
Your friend was supposed to visit you soon, but due to some personal problems you can’t meet him / her on the specified date. Write a letter to him or her explaining the situation. In your letter, you have to: – Apologise to your friend. – Explain why it’s not possible to meet now. – Suggest an alternative date for the meeting.

semi-formal
Your friend wants to visit your town. Write a letter to him giving information about the town. In your letter include : 1. what is the good time for visit? 2. describe some interesting places to visit 3. what accomodation is better for his stay?

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
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
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 paid a refundable deposit when you rented an apartment. You left the apartment in good condition but the Landlord won't return your 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 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
Write a letter to your partner to cancel an appointment

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 friend would like to visit your hometown. Write a letter to him/her and say - What is the best time of the year to visit your hometown? - Suggest some places to visit in your town. - Invite your friend to meet your 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 next summer. Write a letter to Mrs Barrett. In your letter Ÿ suggest how you could help her in her home Ÿ say why you would like to do this work Ÿ explain when you will and will not be available

semi-formal
Your neighbor has been making a lot of noise recently. This has been causing you problems, and you want to ask them to stop. Write a letter to your neighbor in your letter: Ask for an explanation for the noise Explain the problem this has cause to you Say what will happen if the problem is not solved.

semi-formal
You 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
Your neighbor 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 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
You have a test in your English class next week, but you cannot attend. Write to your teacher. In your letter: . Explain your situation. . Apologies for not being able to take the test. . Ask whether it is possible for you to take the test at another time. Write at least 150 words. You do not need to write any address. Begin your letter with: Dear...

semi-formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. "You have seen an advertisement from a couple, who live in Australia, for someone to teach their two children your language for a year." Write a letter to the couple. In your letter, • explain why you think you would be suitable for the job • say what else you could do for the family • give your reasons for wanting the job Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

semi-formal
You are having problems with a neighbour’s animals because the fence between your properties is old and In poor repair. You want the neighbour to pay half the cost of building a new fence. Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter: say what the problems are explain how a new fence will solve the problems suggest that the neighbour pays half of the cost ​ You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear .....................,

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 are applying for a job and need a letter of reference Write a letter to a former teacher. In yur letter Give details of the job Explain why it is impportant to you Suggest what infomrmation your teacher could put in the reference.

semi-formal
You recently booked apart-time course at a college. You now need to cancel your booking. Write a letter to the college administrator. In your letter ·say which part-time course you booked ·explain why you need to cancel your booking ·ask about booking a different course You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

semi-formal
You need to take leave from your IELTS Institute of over two weeks for personal reasons. Write a letter to your teacher. In your letter. > Explain the reason. >The length of the leave you needed. >Explain how will you keep uptodate while are you away.

semi-formal
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 the date of 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 Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Professor Simons,

semi-formal
Your friend is involved in an import/export business. You have some ideas that might be helpful. Write to him/her and say – Suggest a product and explain what is good about it. – Tell him/her about the product in your country. – Advise what he/she should do with this product.

semi-formal
Write a letter to your neighbour requesting that something be done about the dog. Include in your letter: – Your reason for writing – What you would like to happen – A nice, respectful style

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

semi-formal
You had to cancel a meeting with a friend. Write a letter to him/her, in your letter - Apologise for cancelling the meeting - Explain why you couldn't be there - Suggest an alternative day when you could meet

semi-formal
You have rented an apartment for five years. You have decided to move out. Write to the landlord. In the letter, Describe who you are and where you live Explain why you have decided to move out Suggest what you want the landlord to do

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 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 should spend about 20 minutes on this task. -You have seen an advertisement from a couple, who live in Australia, for someone to teach their two children your language for a year Write a letter to the couple. in your letter, • explain why you think you would be suitable for the job • say what else you could do for the family • give your reasons for wanting the job Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

semi-formal
You 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
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
Your neighbour has recently written to you to complain about the noise from your house flat Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter Explain the reason for the noise Apologise Describe what action you will take Write at least 150 words You do not need to write any addresses Begin your letter as follows Dear ………………………,

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 have been  assigned to give a networking presentation with your colleague from a different office, who you met last year. Write a letter to your colleague. In your letter: ·       Inform your colleague that you will be working together ·       Provide your initial ideas on the networking presentation ·       Ask for a time to meet and practice the presentation Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Ms. Petitto,

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

semi-formal
You are attending part-time classes at a school but will be absent for a few days. Write a letter to your teacher. In your letter, you should: •explain why you are taking part-time classes. •describe the reason for your absence. •explain how you plan to keep up with the missed lessons.

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 childhood friend has established his own business. He needs a partner whom he can completely trust and asks you to become his partner. Write a letter to him. In your letter: • Give the details about your knowledge in this particular field and your opinion; • Tell your decision and its reasons;

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
you and your family are living in a acommodation in English - speaking country. You ae satisfied with the condition of the furniture. Write a letter to landlord.

semi-formal
1.You are a parent and you need information about a school trip your child is going on. Write a letter to the class teacher. In your letter • introduce yourself • explain what information you are looking for • inform the teacher about any specific needs your child has

semi-formal
You are having problems with a neighbour’s animals because the fence between your properties is old and In poor repair. You want the neighbour to pay half the cost of building a new fence. Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter: say what the problems are explain how a new fence will solve the problems suggest that the neighbour pays half of the cost

semi-formal
You lost your driving licence and someone found it and sent it back to you. Write a letter to the finder. In your letter -describe why the licence is important to you -ask where he or she found it -offer how would vou like to thank him/her

semi-formal
During a recent plane journey, you sat next to a businessman who owns a chain of restaurants. He suggested you should contact him for a possible job opportunity. Write a letter to remind him about meeting and your interest in a job and why you think you are suitable

semi-formal
During a recent plane journey, you sat next to a businessman who owns a chain of restaurants. He suggested you should contact him for a possible job opportunity. 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 this job

semi-formal
Write a letter to a colleague asking for assistance setting up equipment for an upcoming presentation of yours. Include What the presentation is about The equipment needed Suggestions to set it up

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

semi-formal
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
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 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

semi-formal
A neighbour has damaged your car while parking his/her car in the lane in front of your house. Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter: Explain why you’re 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 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
You bought a ticket for a music concert. You’re unable to attend the concert. You want to offer the ticket to your friend. Write a letter to give him the ticket. In your letter, Give detailed information about the concert Explain why you’re unable to attend the concert Tell him how to get the ticket

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 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
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 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 are planning a week long vacation, and you need someone to take care of your house while you are away. Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter, - tell your neighbour that you are going away - ask your neighbour to take care of your house for you - explain what tasks you would like your neighbour to do.

semi-formal
You have been living in a rental apartment for the past year. Recently a new neighbor 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
Write a letter to one of your colleagues has recently been appointed as the new manager of the company. Introduce yourself Congratulate him/her on the promotion And ask for an appintment to discuss the problems in your section.

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
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 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 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
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 are currently doing a diploma course at a college, but you need to take a week off during this course. Write a letter to the college Principal. In your letter give details of your course explain why you need a week off say what you want the Principal to do

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 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
You have noticed a problem with the heating system in your rented apartment. Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter: Describe the problem Say how it is affecting your daily life Ask for it to be fixed as soon as possible

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 decided to resign from your work in order to try a new field. write a letter of resignation to your boss, in your letter. Tell your boss of your decision and explain why you are leaving. Explained what you have learned from your current job and how you feel about leaving. As for a letter of refference.

semi-formal
Write a letter to your neighbours. In your letter •explain the reasons for the noise •apologise • describe what action you will take Write at least 150 words

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 have arranged a meeting with a business partner. Unfortunately, you have to change the arrangement. Write a letter to your business partner. In your letter, apologize for the changes explain the reason why the changes were needed explain the new arrangement

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 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
A student you know is coming to visit the town or city where you live next weekend. Write a letter to the student. In the letter, • tell the student about some places in your town or city that he/she should visit. • give instructions about transportation in your city. • give contact details for the student so he/she can get in touch with you. Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear...

semi-formal
ou had a birthday party and you were playing loud music. Your neighbor complained. Write a letter of apology explaining that it was a special occasion and that it won't happen again.

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.

semi-formal
you have seen an advertisement from a couple who live in Australia, for someone to trach their children your language for a year write a letter to the couple. in your letter explain why you think you would be suitable for the job say what else you could do for the family give your reasons for writing the job

semi-formal
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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