Cambridge IELTS General Writing 1-21

You rent a flat from an accommodation agency. Your neighbour who rents their flat from the same agency plays very loud video games late at night.

Write a letter to the accommodation agency. In your letter

• explain when the problem began

• describe how the noise affects you

• say what you would like the agency to do

Dear Sir or Madam,

It is very common for people to change both their habits and their opinions as they get older.

Do you agree or disagree?

You enjoy walking in the countryside near your home. However, you are noticing that there is more and more litter left there by other walkers.

Write a letter to your local newspaper. In your letter

• say why you enjoy walking and where

• describe the litter you have seen on your walks

• suggest what might be done about the problem

Dear Sir or Madam,

Some people believe that international sports events, such as The Olympics or the Football World Cup, are a good way to bring countries together. Others say that these events create competition, not friendship, between countries.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

This summer your local council organised a series of free concerts in your local park. You attended one of the concerts. The council has asked for feedback about the concerts.

Write a letter to the council giving your feedback. In your letter

• say which concert you attended

• explain why you enjoyed the concert

• make suggestions for improving next summer's concerts

Dear Sir or Madam,

Nowadays many large international companies offer their staff the opportunity to spend a period of time living and working in another country.

Why might this opportunity be good for employees?

What advantages does this development have for companies?

All new employees at your workplace have a mentor – an experienced colleague who gives them advice and support in their career. As a new employee, you have been given details of your mentor.

Write a letter to introduce yourself to your new mentor. In your letter

• give a brief outline of your previous studies and work experience

• explain what help you hope your mentor can give

• suggest arrangements for a first meeting with your mentor

Dear ....................,

Doctors tell us that we can get all the vitamins we need from having a healthy diet. Despite this advice, some people continue to spend large sums of money on vitamin pills.

Why do you think some people spend a lot of money on vitamin pills?

How could people be persuaded to improve their diet instead of buying vitamin pills?

It is ten years since you left college. You'd like to organise an event to celebrate this anniversary with all your friends and classmates from college.

Write a letter to one of your college friends. In your letter

• say what kind of celebration event you'd like to organise

• explain why you think it would be good to celebrate in this way

• describe what help you need to organise this event

Dear ....................................,

It is important for children, young adults, working people and the retired to have at least one hobby.

What's your opinion about this?

The younger sister of one of your friends is thinking about spending a year studying abroad as part of her university course. You did this recently, and she has asked you about your experience.

Write a letter to your friend's sister. In your letter

• tell her where you studied during your year abroad

• describe what you learnt about the country you studied in

• explain why your year abroad was helpful for your studies

Dear .....................,

In many countries, family members work together in their family business.

Do you think family businesses have more advantages than disadvantages?

You work for an entertainment company which plans to open a new theatre soon. You want to invite a famous actor to open the new theatre.

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

Dear ______________ ,

Nowadays it's possible for people to buy many products or pay for treatments that help them to look younger.

Is this a good thing or a bad thing?

You recently used a company to help you move your furniture and possessions to your new apartment. The removal company has now asked for your feedback about the service they provided.

Write a letter to the removal company. In your letter

• explain what went well on the day you moved house

• praise an employee who was particularly helpful

• mention an aspect of the service that you were not happy with

Dear Sir or Madam,

In some parts of the world, people buy far too many clothes.

What are the reasons for this?

How can people be persuaded to reduce the number of clothes they buy?

You would like to reduce your working hours in order to study part time.

Write a letter to your boss. In your letter

• explain why you want to reduce your working hours

• say which hours you would like to work

• describe how your part-time studies would benefit your employer

Dear ...,

More and more people nowadays visit well-known places to take photographs of themselves, without looking at the place.

Why do you think this is happening?

Is it a positive or a negative trend?

You are a member of an International Students' club. The club is organising

an event to celebrate popular food from around the world.

Write a letter to the event organiser, Luis. In your letter

• offer to make a popular dish from your country

• describe what this dish is

• explain why it should be included in the event

Dear Luis,

It is sometimes possible to pay somebody to do things you don't want to

do, or don't have time to do, for example, household chores or looking

after children.

Is this a good way of providing work for others?

Should people do these things themselves?

Five months ago, you started renting an apartment on a six-month agreement. You now wish to stay in the apartment for longer than the six months you originally agreed with the owner.

Write a letter to the owner of your apartment. In your letter:

Say how long you now want to rent the apartment for

Explain why your plans have changed

Tell the owner about a problem in the apartment

Dear ...,

Some consumers are increasingly choosing to buy goods that are produced in their local area, rather than imported goods.

What are the reasons for this?

Is this a positive or a negative trend?

You started in your present job two years ago. You now feel it is important for your career development to move to a different department in the same company.

Write a letter to your manager. In your letter:

• say what you have learned in your present job

• suggest how the company would benefit from moving you to a different department

• explain why you do not wish to leave the company

Dear ……………………,

Nowadays famous people are photographed by professional photographers everywhere they go. Some people say this is a good thing because the public are interested in their lives. Other people think that photographers are wrong to follow famous people.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Your English-speaking friend has asked for your help with a college project he/she is doing about celebrating New Year in different countries.

Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:

Say how important New Year is to people in your country

Describe how New Year is celebrated in your country

Explain what you like about New Year celebrations in your country

Some people say that it is better to work for a large company than a small one. Do you agree or disagree?

You are soon going to spend three months doing work experience in an organisation.

Write a letter to the manager of the organisation where you are going to do work experience. In your letter:

Thank the manager for the opportunity to do work experience

Explain what you hope to learn from the work experience

Ask some questions about the work experience you are going to do

When we meet someone for the first time, we generally decide very quickly what kind of person we think they are and if we like them or not. Is this a good thing or a bad thing?

You recently bought some train tickets for a journey a week in advance. When you went to the station to catch the train, you were told you could not use the tickets and the staff were very unhelpful to you.

Write a letter to the train company. In your letter:

Describe the problem you had with the tickets

Say why you were unhappy with the staff

Suggest what action the train company should take

In the past, most working people had only one job. However, nowadays, more and more people have more than one job at the same time.

What are the reasons for this development?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of having more than one job?

You recently attended a training course for your work. Your employer has asked you for your feedback on the training course.

Write a letter to your employer. In your letter:

Remind your employer what the course was about

Explain why the course was useful to you in your work

Suggest why the course may not be suitable for some of your other colleagues

Some people dislike changes in their society and in their own lives, and want things to stay the same.

Why do some people want things to stay the same?

Why should change be regarded as something positive?

Your English-speaking friend who lives in your town has asked for your advice about learning a new sport.

Write an email to your friend. In your email:

Recommend a new sport that would be suitable for your friend to learn

Explain how your friend could learn this sport

Suggest that you both learn this sport together.

In the future, people may no longer be able to pay for things in shops using cash. All payments may have to be made by card or using phones.

Do you think this will happen one day?

Why do you think some people might not be happy to give up using cash?

The parents of your Australian friend Chris have invited you to a surprise birthday party for him/her.

Write a letter to Chris’s parents. In your letter:

Say why you think Chris will enjoy the surprise party

Explain why you won't be able to attend the party

Give details of a plan to see Chris at a different time

In some countries, more and more people are hiring a personal fitness trainer, rather than playing sports or doing exercise classes.

What are the reasons for this?

Is this a positive or a negative development?

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

It is better to buy just a few expensive clothes, rather than lots of cheaper clothes.

Do you agree or disagree?

You have bought some clothing online and are not satisfied with your purchase.

Write an email to the company that you bought the clothing from. In your email:

Give details of the purchase

Describe the problem

Explain why you need a replacement urgently

Some people think that it’s a good idea to socialise with work colleagues during evenings and weekends. Other people think it’s important to keep working life completely separate from social life.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

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

Plastic bags, plastic bottles, and plastic packaging are bad for the environment.

What damage does plastic do to the environment?

What can be done by governments and individuals to solve this problem?

You have just read an article in a national newspaper which claims that town centres in your country all look very similar to each other. You don't fully agree with this opinion.

Write a letter to the editor of the newspaper. In your letter:

Say which points in the article you agree with

Explain ways in which your town centre is different from most other town centres

Offer to give a guided tour of your town to the writer of the article

Some people like to try new things, for example, places to visit and types of food. Other people prefer to keep doing things they are familiar with.

Discuss both these attitudes and give your own opinion.

A magazine wants to include contributions from its readers for an article called 'The book that influenced me most'.

Write a letter to the editor of the magazine about the book that influenced you most. In your letter

Describe what this book was about

Explain how this book influenced you

Say whether this book would be likely to influence other people

Some people spend most of their lives living close to where they were born.

What might be the reasons for this?

What are the advantages and disadvantages?

Your friend has been offered a place on a course at the university where you studied. He/She would like your advice about finding a place to live.

Write an email to your friend. In your email:

Describe where you lived when you were a student at the university

Recommend the best way for him/her to look for accommodation

Warn him/her of mistakes students make when choosing accommodation

Some people say that now is the best time in history to be living.

What is your opinion about this?

What other time in history would be interesting to live in?

A friend of yours is thinking of going on a camping holiday for the first time this summer. He/She has asked for your advice.

Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:

Explain why you think your friend would enjoy a camping holiday

Describe some possible disadvantages

Say whether you would like to go camping with your friend this summer

In many countries today, crime novels and TV dramas are becoming more and more popular.

Why do you think these books and TV shows are popular?

What is your opinion of crime fiction and TV crime dramas?

A museum near your home is looking for people to do part-time voluntary/unpaid work. You would like to do some voluntary / unpaid work at the museum.

Write a letter to the museum director to apply for the voluntary/unpaid work. In your letter

Explain why you want to do voluntary/unpaid work at the museum

Describe some skills and qualities you have that would be useful

Give details of when you would be available for work

Nowadays many people complain about not getting enough sleep.

What are problems caused by lack of sleep?

What can be done about this lack of sleep?

A friend of yours is thinking about applying for the same course that you did at university. He/She has asked for your advice about studying this subject.

Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:

Give details of the course you took at the university

Explain why you recommend the university

Give some advice about how to apply

In the future, more people will choose to go on holiday in their own country and not travel abroad on holiday.

Do you agree or disagree?

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

In many countries, paying for things using mobile phone (cellphone) apps is becoming increasingly common.

Does this development have more advantages or disadvantages?

You have seen an advertisement in an Australian magazine for someone to live with a family for six months and look after their six-year-old child.

Write a letter to the parents. In your letter:

Explain why you would like the job

Give details of why you would be a suitable person to employ

Say how you would spend your free time while you are in Australia

The growth of online shopping will one day lead to all shops in towns and cities closing.

Do you agree or disagree?

You have just read an article in an international travel magazine which contained some information about your town that is incorrect.

Write a letter to the editor of the magazine. In your letter:

Correct the information in the article

Explain why it is important for the magazine to give correct information

Suggest what the magazine should do about this situation

Some people think it's better to choose friends who always have the same opinions as them. Other people believe it's good to have friends who sometimes disagree with them.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

You recently did a short cookery course. The cookery school has asked for your feedback on this course.

Write a letter to the course director at the cookery school. In your letter:

Describe what you enjoyed about the course

Say how much cooking you've done since the course

Suggest another cookery course you'd like the school to offer

Some people say the main way to be happy in life is to have a lot of money.

How might having a lot of money make people happy?

What other things in life can make people happy?

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 performance

Give details of your musical activities

Explain how you would like him to help you with your musical activities

Many people work long hours, leaving very little time for leisure activities.

Does this situation have more advantages or more disadvantages?

You work for an international company, and would like to spend six months working in its head office in another country.

Write a letter to your manager. In your letter:

Explain why you want to work in the company’s head office for six months

Say how your work could be done while you are away

Ask for his/her help in arranging it

In some areas of the US, a 'curfew' is imposed, in which teenagers are not allowed to be out of doors after a particular time at night unless they are accompanied by an adult.

What is your opinion about this?

You recently organized an all-day meeting for your company, which took place in a local hotel. In their feedback, participants at the meeting said that they liked the hotel, but they were unhappy about the food that was served for lunch.

Write a letter to the manager of the hotel. In your letter

Say what the participants liked about the hotel

Explain why they were unhappy about the food

Suggest what the manager should do to improve the food in the future

Many working people get little or no exercise either during the working day or in their free time, and have health problems as a result.

Why do many working people not get enough exercise?

What can be done about this problem?

The system used for rubbish/garbage collection in your local area is not working properly. This is causing problems for you and your neighbours.

Write a letter to the local council. In your letter:

Describe how the rubbish collection system is not working properly

Explain how this is affecting you and your neighbours

Suggest what should be done about the problem

Some people say that now we can see films on our phones or tablets there is no need to go to the cinema. Others say that to be fully enjoyed, films need to be seen in a cinema.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

A friend you made while you were studying abroad has written to ask you for help in finding a job in your country. You have heard about a job in a local company that might be suitable for him/her.

Write a letter to this friend. In your letter:

Tell your friend about the job and what sort of work it involves

Say why you think the job would be suitable for him/her

Explain how to apply for the job

Some people say it is important to keep your home and your workplace tidy, with everything organized and in the correct place.

What is your opinion about this?

You work at home and have a problem with a piece of equipment that you use for your job.

Write a letter to the shop or company which supplied the equipment. In your letter:

Describe the problem with the equipment

Explain how this problem is affecting your work

Say what you want the shop or company to do

Today more and more tourists are visiting places where conditions are difficult, such as the Sahara desert or the Antarctic.

What are the benefits and disadvantages for tourists who visit such places?

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

In many places, new homes are needed, but the only space available for building them is in the countryside. Some people believe it is more important to protect the countryside and not build new homes there.

What is your opinion about this?

A large company in your area has decided to spend a certain amount of money, either to sponsor a local children's sports team for two years, or to pay for two open-air concerts. It has asked for feedback from the general public.

Write a letter to the company. In your letter:

Describe the benefits of sponsoring the sports team

Summarise the benefits of paying for the concerts

Say how you think the company should spend the money

Some people say that parents should encourage their children to take part in organized group activities in their free time. Others say it is important for children to learn how to occupy themselves on their own.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

There have been several complaints about the reception area where visitors to your company arrive. Your manager has asked you to suggest how the reception area could be improved.

Write a letter to your manager. In your letter:

Describe the complaints that have been made

Say why the reception area is important

Suggest how the reception area could be improved

In recent years, many small local shops have closed because customers travel to large shopping centres or malls to do their shopping.

Is this a positive or negative development?

You recently received a letter from a friend asking for advice about whether to go to college or try to get a job. You think he/she should get a job.

Write a letter to this friend. In your letter:

Say why he/she would not enjoy going to college

Explain why getting a job is a good idea for him/her

Suggest types of job that would be suitable for him/her

Employers sometimes ask people applying for jobs for personal information, such as their hobbies and interests, and whether they are married or single. Some people say that this information may be relevant and useful. Others disagree.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

You recently attended a meeting at a hotel. When you returned home, you found you had left some important papers at the hotel.

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

Say where you think you left the papers

Explain why they are so important

Tell the manager what you want him/her to do

Some people say that in all levels of education, from primary schools to universities, too much time is spent on learning facts and not enough on learning practical skills.

Do you agree or disagree?

Your local council is considering closing a sports and leisure centre that it runs, in order to save money.

Write a letter to the local council. In your letter:

Give details of how you and your friends or family use the centre

Explain why the sports and leisure centre is important for the local community

Describe the possible effects on local people if the center closes

News stories on TV and in newspapers are very often accompanied by pictures.

Some people say that these pictures are more effective than words.

What is your opinion about this?

You work for an international company. You have seen an advertisement for a training course which will be useful for your job.

Write a letter to your manager. In your letter:

Describe the training course you want to do

Explain what the company could do to help you

Say how the course will be useful for your job

Some people say that it is possible to tell a lot about a person's culture and character from their choice of clothes. Do you agree or disagree?

You are going to another country to study. You would like to do a part-time job while you are studying, so you want to ask a friend who lives there for some help.

Write a letter to this friend. In your letter:

• give details of your study plan

• explain why you want to get a part-time job

• suggest how your friend could help you find a job

Dear ....................................,

It is said that countries are becoming more and more similar because people are able to buy the same products anywhere in the world.

Do you think this is a positive or negative development?

You and some 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 was good about the food and the service

Dear Sir or Madam,

Some parents buy their children a large number of toys to play with.

What are the advantages and disadvantages for the child of having a large number of toys?

You are working for a company. You need to take some time off work and want to ask your manager about this.

Write a letter to your manager. In your letter

• explain why you want to take time off work

• give details of the amount of time you need

• suggest how your work could be covered while you are away

Dear .................... ,

Being a celebrity – such as a famous film star or sports personality – brings problems as well as benefits.

Do you think that being a celebrity brings more benefits or more problems?

On a recent holiday you lost a valuable item. Fortunately you have travel insurance to cover the cost of anything lost.

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

• describe the item you lost

• explain how you lost it

• tell the insurance company what you would like them to do

Dear Sir or Madam,

Some people think that the teenage years are the happiest times of most people's lives. Others think that adult life brings more happiness, in spite of greater responsibilities.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

You have recently moved to a different house.

Write a letter to an English-speaking friend. In your letter

• explain why you have moved

• describe the new house

• invite your friend to come and visit

Dear ............. ,

Today more people are travelling than ever before.

Why is this the case?

What are the benefits of travelling for the traveller?

You recently bought a piece of equipment for your kitchen but it did not work. You phoned the shop but no action was taken.

Write a letter to the shop manager. In your letter

- describe the problem with the equipment

- explain what happened when you phoned the shop

- say what you would like the manager to do.

Dear sir or Madam,

Some people think that it is better to educate boys and girls in separate schools. Others, however, believe that boys and girls benefit more from attending mixed schools.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

You have recently started work in a new company.

Write a letter to an English-speaking friend. In your letter

• explain why you changed jobs

• describe your new job

• tell him/her your other news

Dear ................. ,

Some people prefer to live in a house, while others feel that there are more advantages to living in an apartment.

Are there more advantages than disadvantages of living in a house compared with living in an apartment?

Last month you had a holiday overseas where you stayed with some friends.

They have just sent you some photos of your holiday.

Write a letter to your friends. In your letter

• thank them for the photos and for the holiday

• explain why you didn't write earlier

• invite them to come and stay with you

Dear ................. ,

Some people feel that entertainers (e.g. film stars, pop musicians or sports stars) are paid too much money.

Do you agree or disagree?

Which other types of job should be highly paid?

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 the landlord. In your letter

• introduce yourself

• explain what is wrong with the furniture

• say what action you would like the landlord to take

Dear ................. ,

Some people think it would be a good idea for schools to teach every young person how to be a good parent.

Do you agree or disagree with this opinion? Describe the skills a person needs to be a good parent.

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. In your letter

• introduce yourself

• describe your plans for the party

• invite your neighbour to come

Dear ............,

Using a computer every day can have more negative than positive effects on young children.

Do you agree or disagree?

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

Dear .................... ,

Some people believe that children are given too much free time. They feel that this time should be used to do more school work.

How do you think children should spend their free time?

You have a full-time job and are also doing a part-time evening course. You now find that you cannot continue the course.

Write a letter to the course tutor. In your letter

• describe the situation

• explain why you cannot continue at this time

• say what action you would like to take

Dear ..................................... ,

Nowadays we are producing more and more rubbish.

Why do you think this is happening?

What can governments do to help reduce the amount of rubbish produced?

You were hurt in a minor accident inside a supermarket, and you wish to complain to the supermarket.

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

• say who you are

• give details about the accident

• suggest how the supermarket could prevent similar accidents.

Dear Sir or Madam,

In the past, many people had skills such as making their own clothes and doing repairs to things in the house. In many countries, nowadays, skills like these are disappearing.

Why do you think this change is happening?

How far is this situation true in your country?

You want to sell some of your furniture. You think a friend of yours might like to buy it from you.

Write a letter to your friend. In your letter

• explain why you are selling

• describe the furniture

• suggest a date when your friend can come and see the furniture

Dear ............ ,

Some people believe that children should be allowed to stay at home and play until they are six or seven years old. Others believe that it is important for young children to go to school as soon as possible.

What do you think are the advantages of attending school from a young age?

You are due to start a new job next week but you will not be able to because you have some problems.

Write a letter to your new employer. In your letter

• explain your situation

• describe your problems

• tell him/her when you think you can start.

Dear...............,

You have been asked to write about the following topic.

Some people believe that children’s leisure activities must be educational, otherwise they are a complete waste of time.

Do you agree or disagree?

You are unhappy about a plan to make your local airport bigger and increase the number of flights. You live near the airport.

Write a letter to your local newspaper. In your letter

• explain where you live

• describe the problem

• give reasons why you do not want this development.

Dear Sir/Madam,

You have been asked to write about the following topic.

It is generally accepted that families are not as close as they used to be.

Give some reasons why this change has happened and suggest how families could be brought closer together.

You borrowed some books from your school or college library. Unfortunately you have to go away to visit a sick relative and cannot return the books in time.

Write a letter to the library. Explain what has happened and tell them what you want to do about it.

Dear ___________ ,

Some governments say how many children a family can have in their country. They may control the number of children someone has through taxes.

It is sometimes necessary and right for a government to control the population in this way.

Do you agree or disagree?

You travelled by plane last week and your suitcase was lost.

You have still heard nothing from the airline company.

Write to the airline and explain what happened. Describe your suitcase and tell them what was in it. Find out what they are going to do about it.

Dear ______________ ,

Millions of people every year move to English-speaking countries such as Australia, Britain or America, in order to study at school, college or university.

Why do so many people want to study in English?

Why is English such an important international language?

You have had a bank account for a few years. Recently you received a letter from the bank stating that your account is $240 overdrawn and that you will be charged $70 which will be taken directly from your account. You know that this information is incorrect.

Write a letter to the bank. Explain what has happened and say what you would like them to do about it.

Dear Sir,

We are becoming increasingly dependent on computers. They are used in business, hospitals, crime detection and even to fly planes. What things will they be used in the future? Is this dependence on computers a good thing or should we be more suspicious of their benefits?