IELTS General Writing Task 1 - Informal Letters Questions
This section presents a list of common IELTS General Writing Task 1 - Informal Letter questions. If you want to prepare for the IELTS Writing Test, these questions are a must study.
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 ___,
Model Essay
Transition words are highlighted in redAdvanced grammar structures are highlighted in green
Topic vocabulary are highlighted in blue
Dear Ben,
I hope you're well. I'm writing to invite you to a party I'll be having next Friday, December 17th.
I'm not sure if you've heard the news, but I proposed to my girlfriend Sally last week. This is a very exciting time in our lives, and we'd like to formally celebrate the engagement with our family and friends. Not only will it be a fun gathering, but we'll all be able to catch up and spend some time together.
Since the guest list is quite extensive, we've decided to have the party at “Le Chalet” restaurant in Pittsboro. If you'll be coming from your city, though, it would be best to take Highway South for 30 miles, and then take the “Steeltown 19A” exit. The restaurant is about 100 feet from the exit on the left-hand side.
Given the fact that the weather forecast is calling for a snowstorm next Friday, we've blocked off a few rooms at the hotel next to the restaurant. Having said that, I would be happy to pay for your room, since you'd be traveling quite a bit in order to celebrate with us.
I hope you'll be able to join us for the festivities!
Sincerely,
Michael
Word Count: 204
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 ___,
Model Essay
Transition words are highlighted in redAdvanced grammar structures are highlighted in green
Topic vocabulary are highlighted in blue
Dear Erin,
I would like to express my deepest condolences to you and your husband, Jack.
I was heartbroken to hear of Dexter's passing, and I cannot imagine what you and Jack must be going through at this time. Dexter was more than a dog; he was a member of the family, a playful friend, and a best friend in times of need.
I am a staunch believer in celebrating positive memories and reflecting on joyous times when overcoming a difficult situation. Lately, I've been thinking about the moment when I first met Dexter at your housewarming party ten years ago. He acted so warmly towards all of the new people, always let my children play with him, and showed a steadfast, gentle temperament.
I understand that this is a difficult time, so please know that I am available if you need a shoulder to cry on or someone to talk to. If you're free next weekend, I would love to take you and Jack out for a coffee or go for a relaxing hike in the park.
I'm sending you a big hug. Please let me know if you need anything.
Your friend always,
Tessa
Word Count: 194
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 ___,
[Practice and View Model Answer]
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 ___,
[Practice and View Model Answer]
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 ___,
[Practice and View Model Answer]
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 ___,
[Practice and View Model Answer]
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 ___,
[Practice and View Model Answer]
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,
[Practice and View Model Answer]
You recently went on a trip with a friend and you both took some photographs.
Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:
- Ask your friend to send you a particular photograph
- Explain why you need that particular photograph
- Tell your friend what happened to your copy of it
Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Brendan,
[Practice and View Model Answer]
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,
[Practice and View Model Answer]
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 ___,
[Practice and View Model Answer]
An English-speaking friend wants to spend a two-week holiday in your region and has written asking for information and advice.
Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:
- Offer to find somewhere to stay
- Give advice about what to do
- Give information about what clothes to bring
Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Sally,
[Practice and View Model Answer]
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 ___,
[Practice and View Model Answer]
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 ___,
[Practice and View Model Answer]
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,
[Practice and View Model Answer]
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 ___,
[Practice and View Model Answer]
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