IELTS General Writing Task 1 semi-formal Topics/Questions 2024
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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 2024 by students who took the IELTS recently. Pick a random topic and start practicing and improving your writing skills.
semi-formal
You are travelling and need someone to do you a favour while
you are gone. Write a letter asking a neighbour or friend for
help. In your letter include:
semi-formal
You 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.
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
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
GENERAL TRAINING ONLY
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
You and your classmate just received a poor grade on a major school project. One reason for your grade was that your classmate’s family member got very ill. Your classmate was distracted and didn’t contribute as much as was expected.
Write a letter to your professor. In your letter
- Explain why you had to do most of the
work
- Describe how the illness of your
partner’s family member affected the
project
- Say what you hope your professor will
do
Write at least 150 words
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Professor Miller,
semi-formal
You have a spare room in your apartment that you would like to rent out to a student. Write a letter to the Student Accommodation Officer of local college.
In your letter, you should tell:
- where your apartment is located
- when the room will be available
- what your requirements for a student to stay there are
Begin your letter as follow:
Dear…,
semi-formal
Write a letter to your professor outlining why you are not satisfied with their course.
In your letter:
– write the reasons why you are not satisfied with the course
– request to change your course
– indicate what course you want to take instead
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 are shifting out of your accommodation. You think the place is suitable for your English speaking colleague who is arriving next month. Write a letter to your colleague-
- explain why you are shifting out.
- Describe your accommodation
- Why is it suitable for your friend?
semi-formal
You 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
A neighbor has damaged your car while parking his/her vehicle in the lane in front of your house. Write a letter to your neighbor.
In your letter:
* explain why you are writing
* describe the damage to your car and express your feelings about it
* recommend what steps he/she should take to resolve the situation.
semi-formal
ou have seen an advertisement from a couple who live in an Australia. For someone to teach their two children your language for a year. Write a letter the couple, in your letter:
explain why you think you would be suitable the job
say what else you could do for the family
give your reasons for wanting the job
semi-formal
Write a letter about a distubrance from your fellow student
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
A neighbor has damaged your car while parking his/her vehicle in the lane in front of your house. Write a letter to your neighbor.
In your letter
-explain why you are writing
-describe the damage to your car and express your feelings about it
-recommend what steps he/she should take to resolve the situation.
semi-formal
You have received a letter from your university. The University of Cambridge demanding a reason for your absence from an exam. You were ill that day, but failed to submit the evidence. Write a letter to the examinations committee explaning your situation. You should include:
* Applogize for the situation
* Identification for yourself (name, student number, case number)
* An explanation of what had happened and any possible evidence you may have
* Possible resolutions to consider
semi-formal
You and your family have just rented an apartment and one or two problems occurred. Write a letter to the landlord. In your letter
• introduce yourself
• describe the problems
• what you would like him/her to do.
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 are a student at an English language school in Brighton and are living in private accommodation with other flatmates. 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
Instructions
Read the question below and write a letter.
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
Write at least 150 words.
You are going on a short training course at a college in New Zealand. You need somewhere to live while you are there.
Write a letter to the accommodation officer at the college. In your letter,
explain your situation
describe the accommodation you require
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 have been asked to do a presentation and you would need help with setting up the equipment. Write a letter to your colleague, in your letter:
Let him/her know when and where the presentation will take place
Tell him/her what equipment you will need
Explain how him/her can help you
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 each day.
Write a letter to Mrs, Barret. In your letter
suggest how you could help her
say why you would like to do this work
explain when you would will and will not be available
semi-formal
Your friend wants to send her/his children to your house for the weekend. Write a letter to him/her and say
– Agree to this arrangement.
– Say what time is suitable for you.
– Describe what you are planning to do.
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 eat in your college cafeteria everyday lunchtime. However, you think it needs some improvements.
Write a letter to the college manager . 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 a problem with a neighbor. Write a letter to your neighbor. In your letter
Describe the problem
Say how long it has been a problem
Explain what action you want the neighbor to take.
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
You have been living in a rental apartment for the past year. Recently, a new neighbour Mr.Jackson moved in who has loud parties several times a week. You have spoken to Mr.Jackson but are not very close friends
Write a letter to Mr.Jackson. In your letter:
• Explain the situation
• Describe why it bothers you
• Suggest a solution
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
Write a letter to your boss apologizing for the recent meeting you missed at work.
Apologize for missing the meeting
Explain what happened
Say what you will do to compensate
semi-formal
Your child is going on a three day school trip to another country. The head teacher wants to find parents to go with the group and you would like to go.
Write a letter to the head teacher. In your letter:
Say why you would like to go on the trip Suggest what you could do to help during the trip Ask other questions about the trip
semi-formal
You wish to apply for a new college course, but you are unsure about the details of cost, duration
and subjects posted on the college website. Write an email to the relevant person in admissions at
the college, asking them to clarify these points for you. In this email,
Say what your interest is
Explain why the website is unclear
Request the information that you need
Begin your letter ‘Dear --------’
semi-formal
You have received a letter from your neighbour complaining about noise from your house/flat.
Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter
explain the cause of the noise
apologise for the noise
describe what action you will take to solve the problem
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear ……………….
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
semi-formal
You are going on holiday for one week and your neighbour has agreed to take care of your house while you are away. Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter
explain what you would like your neighbour to do while you are away
tell him / her how to contact you if there is an emergency
offer to buy your neighbour a gift to say thank you
semi-formal
After being involved in an accident, you were looked after by another person.
Write a letter to him/her. In your letter
Thank him/her for the timely assistance
Describe how emergent the situation is
Think highly of his/her selfless behavior
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 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
Write a letter to your colleague from another department asking him/her to give presentation at a conference. In your letter say :
1. What is the conference about
2. Why do you want him/her to give the presentation
3. What arrangements will you have to make
semi-formal
You have planned to stduy in australia. You have sent a letter to a college, but you have not received a reply from the college. Write a letter to the college principle. In your letter
you should give details og the course that you wished to do
say why do you choose yo study study at the college
say why you need the reply soon.
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
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 should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
You have received a letter from your landlord, Mr Matthews, asking you to renew your contract and pay more rent. You are happy in the property but the landlord has not been maintaining it well.
Write a reply to Mr Matthews. In your letter:
• indicate your intention to stay
• give information about the maintenance issues
• explain what you would like the landlord to do now.
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
1. You successfully passed a job interview. You are expected to start on November 15, but you will not
be available on that date.
Write a letter to your new boss. In your letter
explain your situation
express your concern
suggest a solution
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear ………………….. ,
semi-formal
You are a student at an English language school and are living in private accommodation with other students from the school. You have not had hot water or
heating for some time. The landlord’s workmen have tried to fix the problem but
without success. Write a letter to the landlord.
In your letter:
state your reason for writing
describe the problems
propose a solution
semi-formal
2) Your next door neighbour owns a small dog that barks throughout the day and the night. Write a letter to your neighbour requesting that something be done about the dog. Include in your letter:
• Your reason for writing
• What you would like to happen
semi-formal
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
You exercise regularly and have been a member of many different gyms. Recently, you moved into a new
neighborhood and joined a new gym. You have noticed that people at this gym do not bother to wipe down the
machines after use and often leave dirty towels on the benches in the change 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 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
You are the charge nurse on the mental health ward where Mr Ming will be discharged from and need to write a nursing referral letter to the local community mental health team.
semi-formal
Write a letter to your neighbour who is having animals in his/her garden. You and your family members are having problems with the animals
- introduce yourself
- tell the problem
- suggest solutions
semi-formal
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
LETTER OF APOLOGY
Topic 3:
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 relocated to a new country for work. Write to your previous co-worker. In your letter
– Tell him/her where you live in the new country
– Describe how you feel
– Explain what you are doing at work
– Invite him/her for a visit.
semi-formal
You recently booked a part-time course at a college. You now need to cancel your booking. Write a letter to the college administrator. In your letter:
•say which part-time course you booked
•explain why you need to cancel your booking
•ask about booking a different course
You should write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Sir or Madam..........,
semi-formal
You will transfer your work place to another and you should write a letter to your boss
- explain why you would like to move
- request your documents
- explain your transfer date
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 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 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.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear …………….,
semi-formal
During a recent plane journey, you sat next to a businessman who owns a chain of restaurants. You talked to him and he suggested that you should contact him about a possible job in one of his restaurants.
Write a letter to this businessman. In your letter
- remind him when and where you met
- tell him what kind of job you are interested in
-say why you think you would be suitable for the job
semi-formal
You have recently finished a course and would like to give some feedback to the course organiser. Write a letter to he college where you took the course. In your letter
explain what the course was
say what you enjoyed about the course
suggest how the course could be improved
semi-formal
There is an annual work party next month, which is held every year.
Write a letter to your colleagues to co- arrange the party. In your letter:
• Say what would you do differently than last year
• Say what you think were some of the things not so good last year
• Suggest where to meet to plan for the party.
semi-formal
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
You recently broke your leg and your colleagues from work sent you get-well cards and presents. Write a letter to them and:
- thank them for supporting you
- describe how you spend your time
- explain your recovery process
semi-formal
You wish to apply for a new college course, but you are unsure about the details of cost, duration and subjects posted on the college website. Write
an email to the relevant person in admissions at the college, asking them to clarify these points for you. In this email,
Say what your interest is
Explain why the website is unclear
Request the information that you need
Begin your letter ‘Dear --------’
Do not write any addresses
Write at least 150 words
semi-formal
you have been offeed a job that will require you to move to a city that you have never visitedbefore. You have an acquaintance who lives there. Write a letter to the acquaintance . In your letter exlplain your situation, say why you feel unsure about living in the city, ask some questions about life in the city.
semi-formal
One of your friends ask you to be a partner in his new business.
write a letter to reply him:
- give your opinion about your friend's business idea
- tell him weather or not you have decided to accept his offer
- and explain your reason for this decision
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
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 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
The apartment that you have rented was repaired recently. Later you discovered some defects in repairs. Write a letter to your landlord; In your letter.
Explain what the problem is
Suggest how it can be fixed
Say what you would like the landlord to do about it
semi-formal
You are due to start a new job next week but you will not be able to beacuse you have some problems. Write a letter to your new empolyer. In your letter
explain your position siutation
describe your problem
tell him/her when you think you can startess.
semi-formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
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
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
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
Write a letter to your college administration department complaining about the college facility.
In your letter, include:
• what the problem is
• how this problem has affected you
• what the college should do to fix this problem
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows: Dear/ Madam
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 have received a job offer from a country where lives one of your childhood friend. Write a letter to him:
• Tell about this happy event in your life;
• Ask him for help finding accommodation;
• Ask him to advise the best ways to get prepared for the new life in that country
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear ....,
semi-formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
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.
semi-formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
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.
You do NOT need to write any address.
You should write at least 150 words.
semi-formal
Each year, your company gives an Employee of the Year award to a worker who has performed exceptionally well. You believe that someone with whom you work should receive the award this year.
Write a letter to your supervisor. In the letter
- Describe your colleague’s job at the company
- Describe a time you worked with this
person
- Explain why you believe this person
deserves the award
semi-formal
A neighbour has damaged your car while parking his/her vehicle in the lane in front of your house. Write a letter to your neighbor.
In your letter:
* explain why you are writing
* describe the damage to your car and express your feelings about it
* recommend what steps he/she should take to resolve the situation.
semi-formal
One of your friends wants to apply for a job involving working with foreign teenagers. Write a letter of recommendation for him/her. In your letter you should say: how long you have known your friend something about your friend’s personality and explain why you think your friend would make a good employee
semi-formal
One of your penfriends wants to improve his/her English in advance of moving to Sydney. Write a letter to your penfriend. Advise him/her about the following: listening skills, speaking skills and vocabulary.
You should write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write your own address. Begin your letter as follows:
Dear ...,
semi-formal
After being involved in an accident, you were looked after by a person you did not know before. Write a special thank you letter to express your gratitude. In your letter:
introduce yourself and let him/her know why you are writing
express your appreciation
and offer him/ her to visit your home with his/her family
semi-formal
As part of a student social survey project, you are organizing a group to visit a historical exhibition in a small town, write a letter asking for information regarding such things as the content of the exhibition and the dates of its opening and closing, and if there are any discount available.
semi-formal
B1.Write a letter to your uncle informing him about your improvement of performance in Annual Examination
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 problems with the flat.
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
There is an annual work party next month, which is held every year.
Write a letter to your colleagues to co-arrange the party. In your letter:
Say what would you do differently than last year
Say what you think were some of the things not so good last year
Suggest where to meet to plan for the party.
semi-formal
You have recently read a book about a city you know well and found some incorrect information. Write a letter to the author.
In your letter
tell him/her of the incorrect information
give him/her the correct information
explain why they should correct it.
semi-formal
Write a letter to your neighbor requesting that something be done about the dog. Include in your
letter:
– Your reason for writing
– What you would like to happen
– A nice, respectful style
semi-formal
One of your friends wants to apply for a job involving working with foreign teenagers.
Write a letter of recommendation for him/her.
You should write at least 150 words.
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
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
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear …………….,
semi-formal
You have got a confirmation from Denmark University to study medicine. You have been asked to submit all the details and certify that they are correct. Write a letter to your college sharing information and get it registered at the campus.
When you write, you can mention the following:
Basic information.
Mention that you will attach the supporting documents.
Check if there is any other formality before you move to Denmark.
semi-formal
You have seen an advertisment from a couple who live in Australia, for somone who teach their two children your language for a year.
write a letter to the couple, in your letter
1. explain why you think you would be suitable for the job
2. say what else you could do for the family
3. give your reasons for wanting the job
semi-formal
You missed one of the most important lessons of your teacher. Write a letter to your teacher. In your letter
apologize for not attending
explain why you did not attend
say what you will do to make up for it
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
Essay topics:
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 your neighbor. In your letter
Describe the situation
Explain the problem it is causing you
Offer at least one solution
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