IELTS General Training
New tasks
- newTask 1 — Formal LetterShared room problemsYou share a room in college but find it very difficult to work.
You live in a room in college which you share with another student. However, there are many problems with this arrangement and you find it very difficult to work. Write a letter to the accommodation officer at the college. In your letter: describe the situation, explain what the problems are, and say what you would like the accommodation officer to do. You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Write at least 150 words. ~20 min.
- newTask 1 — Formal LetterLibrary improvementsYour local public library wants ideas from users to improve services.
Your local public library wants to make improvements to their services and facilities. In order to get ideas from the public, they have asked library users to write to them. Write a letter to the librarian. In your letter: describe how you use the library at the moment, explain what you find wrong with the current service, and suggest some improvements.
Write at least 150 words. ~20 min.
- newTask 1 — Complaint LetterFlight complaintYour luggage was lost on a recent flight and never returned.
You recently travelled by plane and your luggage was lost. You have still not received it. Write a letter to the airline's customer service department. In your letter: describe what happened, explain what problems you have experienced as a result, and say what action you would like the airline to take.
Write at least 150 words. ~20 min.
- newTask 1 — Informal LetterInvitation to a friendInvite an English-speaking friend to a concert next weekend.
You have been given two free tickets to a concert next weekend. You want to invite an English-speaking friend to come with you. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: explain how you got the tickets, describe what the concert will be like, and invite your friend to come.
Write at least 150 words. ~20 min.
- newTask 1 — Formal LetterJob applicationApply for a part-time job at an international company in your city.
You have seen an advertisement for a part-time job at an international company in your city. Write a letter of application. In your letter: explain why you are interested in this job, describe your relevant experience and qualifications, and say when you would be available to start.
Write at least 150 words. ~20 min.
- newTask 1 — Formal LetterNeighbour noise complaintWrite to a neighbour about a noise problem.
You are experiencing problems with noise from a neighbour. Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter: introduce yourself, describe the problem, and suggest how the situation could be improved.
Write at least 150 words. ~20 min.
- newTask 1 — Informal LetterRecommending a place to visitA friend is visiting your country and needs accommodation advice.
A friend is planning to visit your country for the first time and has asked you to recommend somewhere to stay. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: recommend a place to stay, explain what there is to do in the area, and offer to help with any arrangements.
Write at least 150 words. ~20 min.
- newTask 1 — Informal LetterBorrowing something from a friendYou need to borrow an important item from a friend for a few days.
You need to borrow an important item from a friend for a few days. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: explain why you need the item, explain how you will take care of it, and say when you will return it.
Write at least 150 words. ~20 min.
- newTask 1 — Formal LetterRequesting a referenceAsk a former manager for a job reference.
You are applying for a new job and need a reference from a former manager. Write a letter to your former manager. In your letter: remind them of your working relationship, explain what the new job involves, and ask them if they would be willing to provide a reference.
Write at least 150 words. ~20 min.
- newTask 1 — Complaint LetterReturning a faulty productAn electrical item you bought recently has stopped working.
You recently bought an electrical item from a shop and it has stopped working. Write a letter to the shop manager. In your letter: describe the item and when you bought it, explain what the problem is, and say what you want the manager to do.
Write at least 150 words. ~20 min.
- newTask 2 — EssayShopping as a leisure activityDiscuss advantages and disadvantages of shopping for leisure.
Shopping is becoming more and more popular as a leisure activity. However, some people argue that this has both positive and negative consequences for individuals and society. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of shopping as a leisure activity and give your own opinion.
Write at least 250 words. ~40 min.
- newTask 2 — EssayPublic transport vs private carsShould governments discourage private cars?
Some people think that governments should discourage people from using private cars and invest more heavily in public transport. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer.
Write at least 250 words. ~40 min.
- newTask 2 — EssayOlder workersWhy do employers prefer younger workers? Is this positive or negative?
Some employers prefer to hire younger workers rather than older employees. What do you think are the reasons for this? Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
Write at least 250 words. ~40 min.
- newTask 2 — EssayThe importance of arts educationShould art and music be compulsory in schools?
Some people think that art and music should be compulsory subjects in all schools. Others believe that schools should focus only on academic subjects. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Write at least 250 words. ~40 min.
- newTask 2 — EssayHealthy eatingWhy don't people eat well or exercise? What can be done?
Many people today do not follow a healthy diet and do not take regular exercise. What do you think are the main causes of this problem? What measures could be taken to address it?
Write at least 250 words. ~40 min.
- newTask 2 — EssayZoosAre zoos cruel, or do they play an important role?
Some people think that zoos are cruel and should be banned. Others argue that zoos play an important role in conservation and education. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Write at least 250 words. ~40 min.
- newTask 2 — EssayTravelling abroad vs staying homeIs travelling abroad the best way to learn about cultures?
Some people think that spending time travelling abroad is the best way to learn about other cultures. Others believe you can learn just as much about other cultures in your own country. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Write at least 250 words. ~40 min.
- newTask 2 — EssayChildren and technologyDo digital devices benefit children more than they harm them?
Many children today spend a great deal of time using smartphones and other devices. Some parents and teachers are concerned about the effects of this. Do you think the advantages of children using digital devices outweigh the disadvantages?
Write at least 250 words. ~40 min.
- newTask 2 — EssayCelebrity cultureIs it unfair that celebrities earn more than other professions?
In many countries, celebrities such as film stars and sports personalities receive far higher salaries than people in other important professions. Some people think this is unfair. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Write at least 250 words. ~40 min.
- newTask 2 — EssayWorking long hoursIs working long hours positive or negative? How could it be reduced?
In some countries, people work very long hours and have little time for leisure activities. Do you think this is a positive or negative development? What could be done to reduce working hours?
Write at least 250 words. ~40 min.