Hi, I’m Jonathan Mitchell, IELTS examiner and writing specialist.
If you’ve practised IELTS letter writing for a while, you’ve probably noticed that Task 1 questions often repeat similar situations. The wording may change, but the topic patterns stay the same year after year.
In this lesson, we’ll explore the Common Letter Topics that appear frequently in the IELTS General Training Writing Task 1 test. I’ll also show you model phrases, tone guidance, and Band 9 sample openings so you can write confidently—no matter what question you face.
IELTS letters don’t test creativity — they test your ability to communicate clearly in everyday contexts.
When you understand recurring topics, you can prepare vocabulary and sentence patterns in advance.
✅ Band 8 Tip: Most Task 1 prompts can be grouped into 5 major themes:
Typical tasks: Asking for details, applying for something, requesting information or action.
Example Prompt | Tone | Useful Phrases |
Write to a college asking for course details. | Formal | I am writing to inquire about… / I would be grateful if you could send me information on… |
Write to a friend asking for travel advice. | Informal | Could you tell me the best places to stay? / Any recommendations for…? |
✅ Band 9 Opening Example:
I am writing to request information about the evening photography classes advertised on your website.
Typical tasks: Complaining about products, services, or mistakes; apologising for an error.
Example Prompt | Tone | Useful Phrases |
Write to a hotel manager about a poor service. | Formal | I wish to express my dissatisfaction with… / Please accept my apologies for the inconvenience. |
Write to your friend apologising for missing a party. | Informal | I’m really sorry I couldn’t make it. / Hope you’re not too upset! |
✅ Band 8 Tip: Include both cause and resolution — complaint + solution or apology + promise.
Typical tasks: Inviting friends, accepting/declining an event, organising plans.
Example Prompt | Tone | Useful Phrases |
Invite a friend to stay at your home during a holiday. | Informal | It’d be amazing to have you here! / Let’s go to the beach together. |
Invite a manager to speak at a conference. | Formal | We would be honoured if you could attend… / Please let us know your availability. |
✅ Band 9 Opening Example:
I would like to invite you to deliver a guest lecture at our annual business seminar next month.
Typical tasks: Writing to supervisors, colleagues, or educational institutions about projects, leave, or courses.
Example Prompt | Tone | Useful Phrases |
Write to your manager requesting time off. | Semi-Formal | I would like to request annual leave from 10 to 14 July. |
Write to a university tutor about a missed assignment. | Formal | I apologise for not submitting my essay on time due to illness. |
✅ Band 8 Tip: Use polite modal verbs (would, could, may) and avoid slang in professional letters.
Typical tasks: Issues with flats, rentals, utilities, repairs, or public services.
Example Prompt | Tone | Useful Phrases |
Write to your landlord about a broken appliance. | Semi-Formal | The washing machine has not been working since last week. / Could you arrange for a technician to visit? |
Write to a council about a waste collection issue. | Formal | I am writing to report an ongoing problem with the waste service in my area. |
✅ Band 9 Opening Example:
I am writing to report a maintenance issue in my flat that requires immediate attention.
Typical tasks: Changing travel plans, booking issues, complaining about tours, or recommending places.
Example Prompt | Tone | Useful Phrases |
Write to an airline about lost luggage. | Formal | I am writing to report that my baggage was missing on arrival from… |
Write to a friend about your holiday. | Informal | You won’t believe how beautiful the beaches were! |
✅ Band 8 Tip: Include time, place, and specific details for credibility — avoid vague descriptions
Typical tasks: Congratulating, thanking, or offering help.
Example Prompt | Tone | Useful Phrases |
Write to a friend to congratulate them on a new job. | Informal | I’m so happy for you — you really deserve it! |
Write to a colleague offering help on a project. | Semi-Formal | Please let me know if I can assist with any tasks. |
✅ Band 9 Tip: Show genuine emotion but keep language controlled and appropriate to the relationship.
Theme | Useful Lexis / Collocations |
Travel & Transport | itinerary, flight delay, confirmation, boarding pass, refund, luggage claim |
Work & Business | schedule, meeting agenda, promotion, project deadline, annual leave |
Housing & Maintenance | rent agreement, repair service, leakage, furniture damage, electricity bill |
Education & Training | enrolment, module, course fees, certificate, attendance policy |
Social Life | celebration, invitation, hospitality, appreciation, congratulations |
Identify the tone and topic:
1️⃣ Write to a restaurant manager to complain about a spoiled meal. → Formal / Complaint
2️⃣ Write to a friend asking for advice about moving to their city. → Informal / Request
3️⃣ Write to your supervisor to thank them for supporting your promotion. → Semi-Formal / Appreciation
Before you start writing Task 1:
If yes, you’ll save time and avoid register mistakes on test day.
Recognising the Common Letter Topics helps you prepare smartly — you don’t need to memorise hundreds of questions; you just need to master the core situations.
Practise each theme until you can adapt tone, vocabulary, and structure instinctively.
Next, move to Band 9 Model Letters to see how these topics appear in real exam-style answers.
Or revisit the IELTS Writing Overview: Format, Scoring & Key Skills for a complete foundation.
You can also view official topic examples on IELTS.org.
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