Cambridge IELTS General Writing 1-21

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.