IELTS General Writing Task 1 semi-formal Topics/Questions 2023
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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 2023 by students who took the IELTS recently. Pick a random topic and start practicing and improving your writing skills.
semi-formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
You and your family are living in rented accommodation in an English speaking country. You are not satisfied with the condition of some of the furniture.
Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter
introduce yourself
explain what is wrong with the furniture
say what action you would like the landlord to take
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear .................,
You should write at least 150 words.
semi-formal
You are unable to attend the farewell party for your manager at work.
Write a letter to him/her. In your letter:
say why you can’t come
tell them what you valued about working for him/her
give him/her your best wishes.
semi-formal
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
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 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
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear…………….. ,
semi-formal
Write a letter to your former teacher. In your letter
Explain how you heard about his/her retirement
Describe what made him/her such a great teacher
Say how your teacher affected your life
semi-formal
You 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 letter to the Landlord.
- explain why you are writing
-ask for the return of your deposit
-inform the landlord of possible legal action
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 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 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
Although you are meant to present your thesis project in one month, your sister is getting married in Spain at the same time. You would like to change dates for your presentation.
Write a letter to your professor. In your letter:
· Explain the situation
· Remind the professor of your academic achievements to date
· Ask for a different date to present your thesis
semi-formal
You have 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
semi-formal
Mrs Barrett, an English-speaking woman who lives in your town, has advertised for some to help her in her home for a few hours a day in next summer.
Write a letter to Mrs Barrett. In you letter
Suggest how could you help her in her home.
say why you would like to do this work.
explain when you will and will not be available
semi-formal
Write a letter to the singer.
In your letter:
-say how you feel about his/her performance
-give details of your music related activities
-explain how you would like him/her to help you with your music-related activities
semi-formal
You have received a job offer for an exciting, new position. Although you are expected to start on September 7th, you are only available to start a week later due to personal reasons.
Write a letter to your new boss. In your letter:
Express your enthusiasm for the job offer
Explain the problem
Suggest what you can do
semi-formal
You are currently running a course and have a part-time job. Your boss suggested that you leave your course and work full time. Write a letter to your boss.
in your letter, you should:
-tell him/her your decision
-explain the reason of your decision.
semi-formal
You live in a room in college which you share with another student. However, there are many problems with this arrangement and you found it difficult to work. Write your letter
to the accommodation office at your college
- Describe the situation
- Explain your problems and why it is difficult to work
- Say what kind of accommodation you prefer
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
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 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
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
Your friend will be staying at your home, but you can’t be there. Write a letter in which you explain: - How the keys will get to him/her - How to use the electrical appliances - Recommend some interesting places to visit
semi-formal
Write a letter to 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
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
Mrs Barrett, an English-speaking woman who lives in your town, has advertised for someone to help her in her home for a few hours a day next summer.
Write a letter to Mrs Barrett. In your letter :
Suggest how you could help her in her home.
Say why you would like to do this work.
Explain when you will and will not be available.
semi-formal
Write a letter to a community college in America which invited you to talk about your country. In your letter
Accept invitation and suggest preferable dates
Tell them what your talks will be about
And what equipment you require them to arrange
semi-formal
You are going to arrange a special party at your home next week. You want to invite a
local artist who is a playback singer. Write a letter to him.
semi-formal
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 planning a two-week vacation, and you need someone to take care of your house while you are away.
Write a letter to your neighbor. In your letter
• tell your neighbor that you are going away
• ask your neighbor to take care of your house for you
• explain what tasks you would like your neighbor to do
semi-formal
You are applying for a job and you need a letter of reference. Write a letter to a former boss.
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.
You do NOT need to write any address.
You should write at least 150 words.
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
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
semi-formal
You currently live in a rental apartment, and the noise from your neighbors disturbs you. Write a letter to your landlord.
In your letter
describe how this situation affects you;
explain what steps you have taken to address the problem;
ask the landlord to take action to resolve the issue.
semi-formal
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, and you also request more information about the course, including the cost.
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
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
You share a parking area with several neighbours and have recently started having problems.
Write a letter to be copied to all neighbours that share the parking area. In that letter
• explaining the problems
• suggesting ways to help the situation
• proposing a possible meeting
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Neighbours,
........
You should write at least 150 words.
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
Example Letter: Your next-door neighbour owns a small dog that barks throughout the day and the night. Write a letter to your neighbour requesting that something be done about the dog. Include in your letter:
– Your reason for writing
– What you would like to happen
– A nice, respectful style
semi-formal
Marina has just started a new course at college and her tutor has asked her to write him a letter telling him something about herself.
semi-formal
You have seen an advertisement in Australian magazines for someone to live with a family for six months and look after their six-year-old child write a letter.
•Explain why you would like this.
•Give detail of why you are a suitable person to employ.
•Say how would you spend your free time while you are in Australia.
semi-formal
our 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 spend about 20 minutes on this task.
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 have received a letter from your landlord, Mr Matthews, asking you to renew your contract and pay more rent. You are happy with property but landlord has not been maintaining it well.
Write a reply to Mr. Matthews. In your letter:
Indicate your intention to stay
give information about maintenance issues
explain what you would like the landlord to do now
semi-formal
You are going away from home for one week and you need to ask your neighbor to look after you house.
Write a letter describe:
•Why you want to go away
•What you want your neighbor to look after
•If there are any problems, then give instructions
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
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 recently went to a concert and thought one of the singers was very good
You want to tell him how you feel.
Write a letter to the singer. In your letter
say how you feel about his petformance
give details of your musical activities
explain how you would like him to help you with your musical activities
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
Your landlord is asking to increase the rent. Write a letter to him.
In your letter, you should tell:
• why you think the rent shouldn't be increased
• what you will do if it is increased
semi-formal
You eat in your college cafeteria everyday lunchtime. However, you think it needs some improvements. Write a letter to the college magazine. In your letter,
explain what you like about the cafeteria
say what is wrong with it
suggest how it could be improved
semi-formal
You are applying for a job and need a letter of reference.
Write a letter to a former teacher. In your letter
•give details of the job
• explain why it is important for you
• suggest what information your teacher could put in the reference
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 neighbor.
Write a letter to your neighbor. In your letter
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your plans for the party
• Invite your neighbor to come
semi-formal
You are a student at a university in the UK. you have recently lost your University ID card. Write a letter to the local Police station. In your letter,
-Who are you?
-What happened
-Ask to record your details so that you can apply for a new ID card.
semi-formal
After working in your department for over 3 years, you feel the need to switch your department.Write a letter to your boss requesting a change in the department.
In the letter mention:
Why do you want to switch departments?
Which department would you prefer?
Why do you think you are a good fit in that department?
semi-formal
You have been living in a rental apartment for the past year. Recently a new neighbour moved in who has loud parties several times a week. Write a letter complaining about this to the landlord. In your letter:
explain the situation
describe why it bothers you
suggest a solution
Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr / Ms _____________,
semi-formal
You need to take leave from your work of over one month 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
I have magnificent pleasure in writing the letter of recommendation for Mr. Yirgalem Gidey, who was my student and currently an employee of Information Network and Security Agency. He has completed his five years of study in
semi-formal
Your landlord has increased the amount of rent you pay every month and you don’t find it appropriate. Write a letter to the landlord and in your letter, Explain why you are writing Describe why you find the increase inappropriate What you want to do now--
semi-formal
You 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 the hospital, telling him about the match.
Write a letter to your friend. In your letter
tell him which team won
describe the conditions of the day
say how you felt about the match
semi-formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You are taking a course at a local college. The deadline for your project was last week but you haven't finished it. Write a letter to your lecturer. In your letter introduce yourself explain why you haven't handed in the project yet request more time to do it. Write at least 150 words.
semi-formal
You 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
One of your friends is planning to visit your country and asking you for some information.
Write a letter to him/her and say:
o when the best time to visit your country is
o suggest a plan for the travel
o recommend places to visit in your country
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 are a university student living in on-campus accommodation. You are having
some problems with the Internet connection in your room. Write to the supervisor
of your residence, in your letter:
Introduce yourself
Inform him/her of the situation
Request that the problem be fixed
semi-formal
During a recent plane journey, you sat next to a businessman who owns a
chain of restaurants. You talked to him and he suggested that you should
contact him about a possible Job in one of his restaurants.
Write a letter to this businessman. In your letter
• remind him when and where you met
• tell him what kind of Job youaare inter,sted in
• say why you think you would be suitable for the Job
semi-formal
Write a letter to your neighbours. In your letter
• explain the reasons for the noise
• apologise
• describe what action you will take
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 have planned to study in Australia. You have sent a letter to a college, but you have not received a reply from college. Write a letter to the college principal. In your letter,
- you should give details of the course that you wished to do,
- say why do you choose to study at the college,
- say why you need the reply soon.
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 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
Your neighbor has recently written to you to complain about the noise from your house/flat. Write a letter to your neighbor. In your letter:
- explain the reasons for the noise
- apologise
- describe what action you will take.
Write at least 150 words.
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
semi-formal
You and your family are living in rented accommodation in an English speaking country. You are not satisfied with the condition of some of the furniture.
Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter
introduce yourself
explain what is wrong with the furniture
say what action you would like the landlord to take
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear .................,
You should write at least 150 words.
Writing task 1Show more
semi-formal
Question. 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 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
WRITING TASK 1 You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You are applying for a job and need a letter of reference from one of your teachers. Write a letter to your teacher. In your letter:
Give details of the job & position you are applying for
Explain why the reference is important
Suggest what information your teacher could put in the reference
Write at least 150 words.
semi-formal
Mrs. Barette, an English-speaking woman who lives in your town, has advertised for someone to help her in her home for few hours a day next summer.
Write a letter to Mrs. Barette. 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 available
semi-formal
You caused some damage to the kitchen area of your flat. Write a letter to your landlord explaining the following.
• How the damage occurred
• The extent of damage
• What you would like to landlord to do.
semi-formal
Your next-door neighbour likes to listen to music late at night. Because of the loud music, you often lose sleep.
Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter
-describe the situation
-explain the problems it is causing you
-offer at least one solution
semi-formal
Write a letter to a colleague who gave you a book that helped you for presentation at work.
Describe the presentation
Why was it important?
How did it help you?
semi-formal
You were doing a short course at another country. All of a sudden, you had to leave the course and fly back to your home country. Write a letter to your teacher, and in your letter
– express your gratitude
– explain why you had to leave
– explain what part of the course you enjoyed the most
semi-formal
Write a minimum of 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic:
You want to arrange a conference for your company, and you need to ask one of your colleagues to give a presentation in this conference. Write a letter to your colleague. In your letter include:
• Details about the conference
• Why do you want your colleague to give a presentation?
• What arrangement will you do for this conference?
semi-formal
You are a student at an English language school in Brighton and are living in private accommodation with other flat mates. You have not had hot water or heating for some time. The landlord’s workmen have tried to fix the problem but without success.
Write a letter to the landlord. In your letter,
state your reason for writing
describe the problems and explain how you feel
propose a solution and risk the landlord to take action
semi-formal
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
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 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
Write a letter to your boss apologising for the recent meeting you missed at work. Apologise for missing the meeting. Explain what happened. Say what you will do to compensate.
semi-formal
You have bought a ticket for a live concert (music program) but cannot attend it. so you decided to offer the ticket a friend.
write a letter to him/her and say
-give details about a concert explain
-why you would not be able to attend the concert
-suggest how your friend will receive the ticket.
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
You are applying for a job and need a letter of reference from one of your teachers. Write a letter to your teacher. In your letter: 1
Give details of the job & position you are applying for
Explain why the reference is important
Suggest what information your teacher could put in the reference
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
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
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
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
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
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 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 English teacher has found a new penfriend. Write a letter to your penfriend and introduce yourself. Tell them what you do in your free time.
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 ………………….. ,