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IELTS informal letter topics (General Training Task 1)
An informal letter goes to a friend or relative. Write as you would speak to them: contractions, questions, a warm opening and a sign-off such as Best wishes.
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- ComplaintFriend cancelling plans againA close friend has cancelled plans with you at the last minute for the third time.
- ComplaintFlatmate not washing upYour flatmate never washes his dishes and the kitchen is always a mess.
- ComplaintNoisy hotel a friend recommendedYou went on holiday with a friend who recommended a hotel, but it turned out to be noisy and dirty.
- ComplaintCousin returning a damaged bikeYour cousin borrowed your bicycle and returned it damaged.
- ComplaintLazy group project teammateYou and a friend are in a group project, but another team member is doing nothing.
- ComplaintPen friend not replyingA pen friend used to write to you every week but has not replied for two months.
- RequestBorrowing a friend's cameraYou are going on a trip and would like to borrow a friend's good camera.
- RequestHelp with moving houseYou are moving into a new flat next weekend and need some help.
- RequestStaying at a friend's flatYou are visiting a city where an old friend lives, and you need somewhere to stay for a few nights.
- RequestWatering plants and collecting postYou are going abroad for a month and need someone to look after your home.
- RequestAsking a friend for a book to readYou are going on a long train journey and would like something good to read.
- ApologyForgetting a friend's birthdayYou forgot your best friend's birthday last week.
- ApologyLosing a friend's bookYou borrowed a book from a friend and have lost it.
- ApologyMissing a cousin's weddingYou could not attend your cousin's wedding because of a work problem.
- ApologyHaving guests over without askingYou had friends stay over without asking and your flatmate was upset.
- ApologyArguing with a friend at a partyYou had a disagreement with a friend at a party and said some unkind things.
- InvitationInvitation to a birthday partyYou are planning a birthday party at home and want a friend who lives far away to come.
- InvitationA weekend visit to your cityA friend from overseas has never visited your city and you would like to show her around.
- InvitationInviting a friend on a hiking tripYou are planning a hiking trip in the mountains with a few friends.
- InvitationInviting a friend to a housewarmingYou have just moved into a new flat and want to celebrate with friends.
- InvitationOld classmates' school reunionYou are helping to organise a reunion for your old school class.
- InvitationGrandparents' wedding anniversaryYour family is having a big celebration for your grandparents' wedding anniversary.
- ThanksThanks for a birthday presentA friend sent you a thoughtful present for your birthday.
- ThanksThanks for a week's hospitalityYou stayed with a friend's family for a week and had a wonderful time.
- ThanksThanks for job interview practiceA friend helped you practise for a job interview, and you got the job.
- ThanksThanking a cousin for a loanYour cousin lent you money when you had an unexpected expense.
- ThanksThanks for support in a hard timeA friend supported you through a difficult few months at work.
- AdviceAdvice for a friend studying abroadA friend is thinking of studying abroad and has asked you, because you did the same, for advice.
- AdviceAdvising a friend on buying a laptopA friend wants to buy a laptop for university and has asked what you would recommend.
- AdviceTaking a job in another cityYou have been offered a job in another city and are unsure whether to take it.
- AdviceLearning to driveYou would like to learn to drive but don't know where to start.
- AdviceProblems with a flatmateYou are sharing a flat with someone who is becoming difficult to live with.
- AdviceFriend stressed about final examsA friend is very stressed about her final exams and has written to you for help.
- InformationTelling a friend about a new jobYou have just started a new job and want to tell a friend about it.
- InformationMoving to a new cityYou have moved to a new city and haven't written to a friend for a while.
- InformationA recent trip abroadYou have just returned from a trip abroad and want to share the experience.
- InformationDescribing your new flatYou have found a flat and want to describe it to a friend.
- InformationCancelled summer plans abroadYou are no longer going abroad this summer as you had planned.
- ArrangementMeeting a friend at the airportA friend is flying in to visit you and you need to agree how to meet.
- ArrangementWeekend away with friendsYou and some friends want to go away together for a weekend.
- ArrangementStudying together before an examYou and a friend have the same exam next month and would like to study together.
- ArrangementVisiting a friend in hospitalA friend is recovering in hospital after an operation.
- ArrangementMeal with an old friendYou haven't seen an old friend for a long time and want to meet for a meal.
- ExplanationChanging your university courseYou have switched to a different course at university, and a friend is surprised.
- ExplanationWhy you have not been in touchYou haven't contacted a good friend for several months.
- ExplanationWhy you sold your carYou have sold your car and now travel by public transport.
- ExplanationPulling out of a trip with friendsYou were planning to join your friends on a trip but cannot go any more.
- ExplanationHow to use a language appA friend has asked how to use an app you recommended for learning languages.
Letters by tone
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