Cambridge IELTS General Writing 1-21

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.