IELTS general writing Sample 1 (Formal Letter)

You missed an international flight due to a problem at the airport.

Write a letter to the airline. In your letter:

 Describe what happened that caused you to miss your flight

 Explain how missing your flight impacted you
 Clearly state what you would like the airline to do

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Sir or Madam,

IELTS general writing Sample 2 (Semi-formal Letter)

You need to take some time off of work to go on holiday.

Write a letter to your direct manager. In your letter:

 Ask for time off and explain why

 Provide the dates and times for which you will be unavailable to work
 Describe what you will do to prepare or make up for your absence

Write at least 150 words.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Ms. Snyder,

IELTS general writing Sample 3 (Informal Letter)

You are having a party and want to invite your friend from a different city.

Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:

 Describe why you are having the party

 Give directions on how to get to the venue
 Suggest how you can accommodate him/her

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear ___,

IELTS general writing Sample 4 (Formal Letter)

You and your family are moving to another country for work, and you are looking to buy a
house there.

Write a letter to a property agent. In your letter:

 Introduce yourself and your family

 Describe the type of accommodation that you hope to find
 Give your preference for the location of the accommodation

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

To Whom it May Concern,

IELTS general writing Sample 5 (Formal Letter)

You and your friends ate a meal at a restaurant to celebrate a special occasion, and you were
extremely dissatisfied with the experience.

Write a letter to the restaurant manager. In your letter:

 Explain the reason for the celebration

 Give details of your visit to the restaurant
 Say what you would like the restaurant to do

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Sir or Madam,

IELTS general writing Sample 6 (Formal Letter)

You and your friends ate a meal at a restaurant to celebrate a special occasion, and you were
very pleased with the food and service.

Write a letter to the restaurant manager. In your letter:

 Give details of your visit to the restaurant

 Explain the reason for the celebration
 Say what you liked about the food or service

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Sir or Madam,

IELTS general writing Sample 7 (Formal Letter)

You are enrolled in a study abroad course in another country. Your accommodation was
arranged by the course provider, and there is a major problem with the accommodation.

Write a letter to the course provider. In your letter:

 Introduce yourself and describe the problem

 Describe the accommodation you thought you were getting
 Ask the provider to solve the problem

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Mr. Gazeley

IELTS general writing Sample 8 (Formal Letter)

You have been invited to attend an admissions interview for a prestigious college.
Unfortunately, you cannot come at the proposed time due to a previous appointment.

Write a letter to the admissions tutor and explain your position. In your letter:

 Introduce yourself and state your interest in the program

 Apologize and offer to come at a different time
 Ask how long the interview will be and if you will have to take an exam

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Sir or Madam,

IELTS general writing Sample 9 (Formal Letter)

Your local newspaper published an advertisement asking people to offer time for local
environmental initiatives in your area.

Write a letter to the project manager to offer your help. In your letter:

 Describe a local volunteer project that you are passionate about

 Explain what you would like to do to help
 Suggest how to gather more support for the cause

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Sir or Madam,

IELTS general writing Sample 10 (Formal Letter)

An old car was left on the street near your street several weeks ago. The car is now causing a
problem for residents.

Write a letter to the Council. In your letter:

 Describe the car

 Outline the problems it is causing
 Tell the Council what you want them to do about it

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Councilor,

IELTS general writing Sample 11 (Formal Letter)

Write a letter to a company asking for a refund for something you bought from them online.

Write a letter to the Customer Service department. In your letter:

 Describe the item you bought

 Outline what the problem is
 Explain why you want a refund

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Sir or Madam,

IELTS general writing Sample 12 (Formal Letter)

You have recently returned from an afternoon at your public library, and noticed various
negative aspects that could be improved upon.

Write a letter to the manager of the public library. In your letter:

 Describe the poor experience you had

 Include ideas for what the library should change
 Explain why you feel the library needs alteration

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

To Whom This May Concern,

IELTS general writing Sample 13 (Formal Letter)

You have a suggestion for a park near your apartment building.

Write a letter to your city's council board. In your letter:

 Describe who you are and what your suggestion is

 Explain why you think this suggestion will improve the park
 Detail when you would like to see this suggestion in action

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Councilor,

IELTS general writing Sample 14 (Formal Letter)

You have seen an advertisement in the newspaper for a temporary job working as a Sales
Representative during the holiday season. You decide to apply for the job.

Write a letter to the Hiring Manager of the company. In your letter:

 Introduce yourself
 Explain what experience and special skills you have
 Explain why you are interested in the job

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Hiring Manager,

IELTS general writing Sample 15 (Formal Letter)

There have been some problems with public transport in your area recently.

Write a letter to the manager of the transport company. In your letter:

 Describe the problems

 Explain how these problems are affecting the public
 Suggest some changes that could be made

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Sir or Madam,

IELTS general writing Sample 16 (Formal Letter)

You were recently impressed by a staff member at a supermarket.

Write a letter to the manager of the supermarket. In your letter:

 Describe the situation

 Explain how you were helped
 State what you are going to do as a result of this good experience

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

To Whom This May Concern,

IELTS general writing Sample 17 (Semi-formal Letter)

You were absent from an important event held by the company you work for.

Write a letter to your manager. In your letter:

 Apologize for your absence and explain the reasoning

 Explain why you had to be at the other event
 Explain what you will do to catch up

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Mr. Brannagan

IELTS general writing Sample 18 (Semi-formal Letter)

You are due to move into a rented apartment next week but you will not be able to due to an
unexpected problem.

Write a letter to the property manager. In your letter

 Explain the situation

 Describe your problems
 Tell him/her when you think you can move in

Write at least 150 words.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Ms. Williams

IELTS general writing Sample 19 (Semi-formal Letter)

You applied to a job, 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
 Express your gratitude

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Ms. Barry,

IELTS general writing Sample 20 (Semi-formal Letter)

You have been living in a rental apartment for the past year. Recently, a new neighbor moved
in who has loud parties several times a week.

Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter:

 Explain the situation

 Describe why it bothers you
 Suggest a solution

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Mr. Ronch

IELTS general writing Sample 21 (Semi-formal Letter)

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 your elderly neighbor. In your letter:

 Explain what will be happening

 Offer your apologies in advance
 Invite him to join the celebration

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Mr. Kulligowski

IELTS general writing Sample 22 (Semi-formal Letter)

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

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Professor Simons,

IELTS general writing Sample 23 (Semi-formal Letter)

You have received a job offer for an exciting, new position. Although you are expected to
start on September 7th, you are only available to start a week later due to personal reasons.

Write a letter to your new boss. In your letter:

 Express your enthusiasm for the job offer

 Explain the problem
 Suggest what you can do

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Ms. Mcllwain,

IELTS general writing Sample 24 (Semi-formal Letter)

You have been invited to a networking conference for your field of work.

Write a letter to your boss. In your letter:

 Describe the invitation you received and why it is important to you

 Explain why the conference would be beneficial for you and the company
 Ask for the company for time off to attend and to cover some of the travel costs

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Mr. Powell,

IELTS general writing Sample 25 (Semi-formal Letter)

You are going to spend your vacation in Rome, Italy. Your friend's grandfather lives there and
has offered to let you stay in his apartment.

Write a letter to your friend's grandfather. In your letter:

  Thank him for the offer but politely decline
 Inform him of when you will be in Rome and your travel plans
 Invite him for an outing

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear. Mr. Harris

IELTS general writing Sample 26 (Semi-formal Letter)

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,

IELTS general writing Sample 27 (Semi-formal Letter)

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.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Ms. Granger,

IELTS general writing Sample 28 (Semi-formal Letter)

You have been working with your company for two years and are interested in a promotion.

Write a letter to your direct boss. In your letter:

  Explain your varied achievements over the past two years
 Express your interest in growing with the company
 Ask for a meeting to discuss a potential promotion

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Mr. Phillips,

IELTS general writing Sample 29 (Semi-formal Letter)

Your child's teacher has requested a meeting with you this Friday to discuss your child's low
test scores. Unfortunately, you cannot attend.

Write a letter to your child's teacher. In your letter

 Describe why you cannot attend the meeting

 Explain how you have been helping your child study
 Propose another time to meet

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Mr. Smith,

IELTS general writing Sample 30 (Informal Letter)

Your friend's dog has recently passed away.

Write a letter to console your friend. In your letter:

 Express your sympathy

 Include memories you have about the dog
 Invite your friend to do something with you

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear ___,

IELTS general writing Sample 31 (Informal Letter)

You recently took a long vacation. In your absence, a friend did you a huge favor.

Write a letter thanking your friend. In your letter:

 Explain what the favor was

  Describe how this favor helped you
 Offer compensation

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear ___,

IELTS general writing Sample 32 (Informal Letter)

Your friend invited you to his/her birthday party, but you are unable to attend.

Write a letter apologizing for your absence. In your letter:

 State why you cannot go

 Explain your reason for not contacting your friend sooner
 Suggest another time to meet

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear ___,

IELTS general writing Sample 33 (Informal Letter)

A friend of yours is going on holiday soon and has asked you to recommend a destination.

Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:

 Recommend a good place for a holiday that you have visited

 Describe where you stayed and what you can do there
 Provide one negative aspect about the destination

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear ___,

IELTS general writing Sample 34 (Informal Letter)

You are moving to a new city for work and have just realized that an old friend lives in the
city.

Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:

 Ask them for advice in finding accommodation

 Tell them where you would like to live
  Tell them the type of place you are looking for

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear ___,

IELTS general writing Sample 35 (Informal Letter)

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

Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:

 Tell him which team won

 Describe the weather conditions that day
 Say how you felt about the match

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear ___,

IELTS general writing Sample 36 (Informal Letter)

One of your friends has asked you to be a partner in his new business.

Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:

 Give your opinion of your friend's business idea

 Tell him whether or not you have decided to accept the offer
 Explain your reasons for this decision

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Mark,

IELTS general writing Sample 37 (Informal Letter)

You are going on holiday and have just remembered that your aunt lives in one of the cities
you will be visiting.

Write a letter to your aunt. In your letter:

 Tell her about your holiday plans

 Ask if you can stay with her for a portion of the trip
  Explain how you will make it up to her

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Aunt Sally,

IELTS general writing Sample 38 (Informal Letter)

You and a friend have both been accepted to a study abroad program in Paris, France.

Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:

 Congratulate him/her for also being accepted

 Ask him/her if he/she would like to be your roommate
 Discuss possible activities that the two of you could do together

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear ___,

IELTS general writing Sample 39 (Informal Letter)

You have recently started work in a new company.

Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:

 Explain why you changed jobs

 Describe your new job
 Tell him/her your other news

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear ___,

IELTS general writing Sample 40 (Informal Letter)

You have recently moved to a different city.

Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:

 Explain why you decided to move to a different city

 Describe the new city and accommodation
 Ask your friend to arrange a visit
Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear ___,

IELTS general writing Sample 41 (Informal Letter)

You have been busy with your studies for the past month and haven't had time to visit your
family.

Write a letter to your grandmother. In your letter:

 Apologize for not getting in touch with her sooner

 Explain why you have been so busy
 Arrange a time to visit

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Grandmother,

IELTS general writing Sample 42 (Formal Letter)

Last week, you lost your luggage while traveling on holiday. Luckily, you have travel
insurance.

Write a letter to the manager of your insurance company. In your letter:

 Describe the characteristics of what you lost

 Explain how you lost it
 Tell the insurance company what you need from them

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Sir or Madam,

IELTS general writing Sample 43 (Semi-formal Letter)

In addition to your full-time job, you are taking a 15-hour Computer Science course. You now
find that you cannot continue with the course.

Write a letter to the course tutor. In your letter:

 Describe your schedule and situation

 Explain why you cannot continue the course
 Say what action you would like to take
Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Ms. Franklin,

IELTS general writing Sample 44 (Informal Letter)

Last weekend, your cousin celebrated her 50th birthday, but you couldn't attend and you
forgot to cancel.

Write a letter to your cousin. In your letter:

 Apologize for missing the birthday celebration

 Explain why you missed it and why you hadn't let her know
 Describe how you will make it up to her

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear ___,