IELTS General Writing Task 1 formal Topics/Questions 2026

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This section presents a list of common IELTS General Writing Task 1 formal topics. All these topics were added in 2026 by students who took the IELTS recently. Pick a random topic and start practicing and improving your writing skills.

formal
Writing Task 1 you have bought some clothing onllne and are not s atisfied with your purchase. Write a letter to the company that you bought the clothing from. In your email -> give details of the purchase -> describe the problem -> explain why you need a replacement urgently Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
You are planning to go and study English at a school overseas. You would like some information about their courses. Write a letter to the school. In your letter ​•​ask about the school ​•​say what kind of accommodation you want ​•​mention any special requests you have (for example diet).

formal
You have moved to another city but your bank has your old address and continues to send all communication there. Write a letter to your bank branch. In the letter, mention: Where have you moved to? What problem are you facing regarding the bank’s communication? What you want them to do regarding old communication already sent to the wrong address?

formal
ou recently noticed a local restaurant that was offering a part-time job. Write a letter to the restaurant’s manager. In your letter, – explain that you would like to apply for the job – give some details of any relevant experience that you have – specify the days and times that would suit you

formal
WRITING TASK 1 You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You recently did a short cookery course. The cookery school has asked for your feedback on this course. Write a letter to the course director at the cookery school. In your letter - describe what you enjoyed about the course -say how much cooking you've done since the course - suggest another cookery course you'd like the school to offer

formal
Write a letter to local authorities by requesting additional sports facilities for your age in your area. Mention about the current sports facilities available. What kind of additional sports facilities should be introduced? How the new sports facilities would be a help for the people in your age group.

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Write a letter to a financial organization that gives money to students who would like to take a part-time course. Mention - qualifications and work experience - details about the course - how this course will help you

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For the past year you have been a member of a local club. Now want to discontinue your membership. Write a letter to the club secretary. In your letter:

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You would like to join the local orchestra. Write a letter of application to the orchestra. In the letter: – Introduce yourself and your instrument of choice – Explain how your credentials make you a good candidate – Express your enthusiasm for music

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You and your friends ate a meal at a restaurant to celebrate a special occasion, and you were extremely dissatisfied with the experience. Write a letter to the restaurant manager. In your letter: · Explain the reason for the celebration · Give details of your visit to the restaurant · Say what you would like the restaurant to do Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
A magazine wants to include contributions from its readers for an article called 'The book that influenced me most’. Write a letter to the editor of the magazine about the book that influenced you most. In your letter, •describe what this book was about •explain how this book influenced you •say whether this book would be likely to influence other people

formal
Your office building doesn't have parking available.  Write a letter to the manager. In your letter: Explain the problem  Suggest a solution Say why parking will benefit all employees

formal
A magazine wants to include contributions from its readers for an article called ‘The book that influenced me most’. Write a letter to the editor of the magazine about the book that influenced you most. In your letter -Describe what this book was about -Explain how this book influenced you -Say whether this book would be likely to influence other people

formal
You work for an international company. You enjoy this work but now you want to leave the company. Write a letter to the manager of the company. In your letter - Tell the manager why you want to leave the company - Explain what you have learnt from working at the company - Say why you have enjoyed working for the company

formal
Write a letter to your insurance company. In your letter explain Why you are writing to them Why you think the insurance should not be increased What you want them to do Write at least 150 words

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ou missed an international flight due to a problem at the airport. Write a letter to the airline. In your letter: Describe what happened that caused you to miss your flight Explain how missing your flight impacted you Clearly state what you would like the airline to do Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

formal
A magazine wants to include contribution from its readers for an article called 'the book that influenced me most". Write a letter to the editor of the magazine about the book that influences you most. In your letter, describe what this book was about, explain how this book influenced you, say whether this book would be likely to influence other people

formal
ou should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You recently stayed in a hotel in a large city. The weather was very unusual for the time of year and the heating / cooling system in the hotel was quite inadequate. Write a letter to the manager of the hotel. In your letter: give details of what went wrong explain what you had to do to overcome the problem at the time say what action you would like the manager to take You do NOT need to write your own address. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ..., You should write at least 150 words.

formal
You recently organized an all-day meeting for your company, which took place in a local hotel. In their feedback, participants at the meeting said that they liked the hotel, but they were unhappy about the food that was served for lunch. Write a letter to the manager of the hotel. In your letter -say what the participants liked about the hotel -explain why they were unhappy about the food -Suggest what the manager should do to improve the food in future

formal
There have been some problems with the bus service, especially its reliability, in your area over the last two weeks. Write a letter to the manager of the bus company. In your letter • describe what the problems are • explain how these problems are affecting you • suggest what you would like the company to do You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ...........,

formal
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.

formal
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 the letter, • describe the situation • explain your problems and why it is difficult to work • say what kind of accommodation you would prefer Write at least 150 words. Yồu do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

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Your have heard that a developer plans to build a shopping centre near your home. Write a letter to the council. In your letter · say how you heard about the plan · explain how you feel about it · ask for more information about it

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You participated in a public event organized at a local park. Write a letter to the event organizer. In your letter tell them some feedback about the event; explain what you particularly enjoyed; give some suggestions for improvement.

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You recently ordered an item that was advertised as having a discount from the normal price, but you have found that when you paid, you did not get the discount. Write to the company. In your letter •Explain that you did not get the discount • Tell them where you saw the discount advertised • Tell them what you would like them to do about the situation

formal
You visit a cafe every day. Write a letter to the manager of the cafe. In your letter Say what you like about the cafe - peacefull environemnt, as well as the coffee, welcoming employees and the interior Suggest an improvement to the cafe - An addtional barista as well as counter, and add some games Explain the benefits of your suggestion - increase efficiency + customer's will spend more time cafe which will increase cafe's revenue.

formal
You work for an international company, and would like to spend six months working in its head office in another country. Write a letter to your manager. In your latter • Explain why you want to work in the company’s head office for six months • Say how your work could be done while you are away • Ask for his/her help in arranging it

formal
You live in a room in college which you share with anohter student. However, there are many problems with this arrangement and you find it very difficult to work. Write a letter to the accomodation officer at the college. I the letter, - describe the situation - explain your problems and why it is difficult to work - say what kind of accommodation you would prefer

formal
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

formal
You have bought a washing machine. First you found that the machine did not work properly,and you had it changed. Then you found that the new one seriously entangled the clothes. Write to the manager of the company to complain about it. In your letter :-state your reason for writing  Describe the problem  Ask the provider ro solve the problem.

formal
You recently bought a peice of equipment for your kitchen but it didn't work. You phoned the shop but no action was taken. Write a letter to the shop manager. You should say Describe problem with the equipment Explain what happened when you phoned the shop Say what you would like the manager to do

formal
You are a student at a language school in New Zealand studying Business English. Part of the course is a summer work placement program. Unfortunately, you have just learnt from the school that this programme has now been cancelled. Write a letter to the School Principal. In your letter: state your reason for writing describe the problem and your concerns explain what you would like the Principal to do

formal
You recently took a train journey but you left an important item on the train. You phoned the train company to report it but you were not pleased with the response. Write a letter to the manager of the train company. In your letter • describe the item you left on the train • say why you were not pleased with the train company's response to your phone call • explain what you want the manager to do about it

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You and your family are planning to spend a weekend at a seaside hotel. Write a letter to the hotel, making the arrangements. In your letter tell them when you will be arriving and leaving explain what type of rooms you would like, and ask how much the weekend will cost ask about activities and places of interest near the hotel You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
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

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Write a letter to your manager requesting leave. In your letter • explain the reason for the leave request • provide the dates you will be absent • offer to help with work arrangements during your absence You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr……… ,

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You travelled abroad and faced some problems at the airport.Write a letter to the airport manager.In your letter provide Your flight details What is the problem Suggest some improvements

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You had a problem while staying at a hotel and the receptionist was very helpful. Write a letter to the manager of the hotel. In your letter, – describe the problem that you had – explain how the receptionist helped you – suggest ways to prevent the problem from happening again.

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Write a letter to your local council that the road in front of your house is damaged. In your letter, you should: tell him your name and where you are living describe the problem suggest what you want him to do for it.

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Write a letter to a translation agency about a report that you need to have translated urgently. Include -The content of your report -Why you need it translated -Why it is urgent

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You have lost your student identification card. This has created some problems for you. Write a letter to the director of student services. In your letter advise them of your situation explain how this is affecting you request a new card You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You should write at least 150 words.

formal
Q. You recently bought a piece of sports equipment from an online store. When you first used the piece of sports equipment, you found a problem with it. Write a letter to the manager, In your letter describe the problem with the piece of sports equipment say what happened because of the problem explain what you would like the company to do?

formal
You work at home and have a problem with a piece of equipment that you use for your job. Write a letter to the shop or company which supplied the equipment. In your letter •Describe the problem with the equipment •Explain how this problem is affecting your work •Say what you want the shop or company to do

formal
Your local newspaper is offering an award for people who have helped the community. Write a letter to the newspaper editor. In your letter suggest someone you think should receive the award describe what the person does to help the community suggest an award that would be appropriate for this person

formal
You recently stayed in a hotel in a large city. The weather was very unusual for tI time of year and the heating/cooling system in the hotel was quite inadequate. Write a letter to the manager of the hotel. In your letter give details of what was wrong explain what you had to do to overcome the problem at the time say what action you would like the manager to take

formal
There have been some problems with the public transport you use to commute daily. Write a letter to the manager of the public transport company. In your letter: describe the problems explain how these problems are affecting you and others suggest what could be done about it

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You have just read an article in an international travel magazine which contained some information about your town that is incorrect. Write a letter to the editor of the magazine. In your letter Correct the information in the article Explain why it is important for the magazine to give correct information. Suggest what the magazine should do about this situation. Write at lease 150 words.

formal
The system used for rubbish/garbage collection in your local area is not working properly. This is causing problems for you and your neighbours. Write a letter to the local council. In your letter: – Describe how the rubbish collection system is not working properly – Explain how this is affecting you and your neighbours – Suggest what should be done about the problem

formal
A local college wants people with a job to come and talk to students about what it is like to work. You would like to come forward and talk to the students about your job. Write a letter to the principal of the college. In your letter, •explain what you would like to talk about • say why students would be interested in your job • suggest a possible date and time for the talk

formal
You have purchased some goods from a company and the goods were supposed to be delivered within three days of purchase. Seven days have already gone and you have not received the products yet. Write a letter to a company manager with whom you arranged the delivery of goods. In your letter:     •    inform him/her what items you have purchased     •    ask the reason for the delay in delivery     •    suggest what can be done about the matter

formal
You recently bought a piece of equipment for your kitchen but it did not work. You phone 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.

formal
Last Tuesday you flew from New York to Paris. When you arrived home, you discovered that you had left your cabin bag on the plane. Write a letter to the airline. In your letter, you should explain: • where and when you lost your bag • what your bag looks like • what its contents were Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir / Madam You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

formal
You live in a room in college which you share with another student. However, there are many problems with this apartment, and you find it very difficult to work. Write a letter to the accommodation officer at the college. In the letter • Describe the situation • Explain your problems and why it is difficult to work • Say what kind of accommodation you would prefer

formal
You have just started a course in a college which has no sports facilities of its own. Write a letter to the meneger of the nearest private sports club. In your letter × introduce yourself × say why you are interested in this sports club × ask some questions about the club e.g. facilities, members, costs

formal
You are going to spend three months doing work experience in an organization. Write a letter to the manager of the organization where you are going to do work experience. In your letter: •Thank the manager for the opportunity to do work experience, •Explain what you hope to learn from the work experience, •Ask some questions about the work experience you are going to do, You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam, You get 20 minutes to complete this task.

formal
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.

formal
You recently visited a department store. One member of staff at the store was very helpful to you, and you want to tell the store manager about this. Write a letter to the store manager. In your letter say which part of the store you visited describe how this member of staff was helpful to you say what you would like the manager to do

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Write a letter to the store manager about the recent accident occured explain -Who are you - explain what happened - provide suggestions so that it doesnt occur in future

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A TV company is going to make a new program about a place near your home. Write a letter to the head of the production company. In your letter explain how you found out about the TV program say how you know the place where they plan to film suggest some information about the place that could be included in the TV program

formal
You recently did a short cookery course. The cookery school has asked for your feedback on this course. Write a letter to the course director at the cookery school. In your letter • describe what you enjoyed about the course • say how much cooking you’ve done since the course • suggest another cookery course you'd like the school to offer

formal
You have recently moved into a company accommodation and you are facing some issues at the place. Write a letter to your HR department. In the letter, mention: • A brief description of your accommodation. • What problems are you facing? • What do you expect the company to do about it?

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Write at least 150 words. You have just returned from holiday and were not satisfied with your trip. Write to the travel agency. In your letter •Say where / when you went on holiday •Explain why you are not satisfied with your holiday •Tell them what you would like them to do You do NOT need to write any addresses.

formal
You work for an international company,and would like to spend six months working in its head office in another country. write a letter to your manager.in your letter explain why you want to work in the companys hear office for six months say how your work could be done while you are away ask for his/her help in arranging it

formal
You and your family are moving to another country for work, and you are looking to buy a house there. Write a letter to a property agent. In your letter: •Introduce yourself and your family. •Describe the type of accommodation that you hope to find. •Give your preference for the location of the accommodation. You do not need to write any addresses.

formal
You have a problem with a recently hired employee in your workplace. Write a letter to the HR manager. In your letter describe the problem the new employee has caused explain how other colleagues feel about the new employee's conduct say how you expect the manager to address the situation.

formal
You have just finished your master’s degree and need to leave your current part-time job to search for full-time employment. Write a letter to your current employer. In your letter ● explain why you will not pursue a full-time job in his/her company ● say why you’ve enjoyed working for him/her ● tell him/her how much longer you will continue to work for him/her

formal
You experienced an incident on public transport that caused you distress. Write a letter to the manager of the public transport company. In your letter ▪ describe the incident ▪ explain how this incident affected you ▪ suggest what could be done about it

formal
People in your area are having problems with their internet connection. Write a letter to the company which provides the connection. In your letter, describe the problems explain how it is affecting people say what the company should do to help Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
You have lost your credit card Write a letter to the manager of your bank In the letter explain how you lost the card ask the manger to cancel the old card and to issue you a replacement

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!"ou work (or an internation,1 company, and wou[d like to spend six months working in its h,ad office in anoth,r cour,try. Write a letter to your manager. In your fetter • explain why yoq want tp wcfrk in· the company�s head office for six months • say how your work coulcfc be done while you are away • ask for hisllJer help in ijrranging it

formal
You have just read an article in a national newspaper which claims that town centres in your country all look very similar to each other. You don't fully agree with this opinion. Write a letter to the editor of the newspaper. In your letter say which points in the article you agree with explain ways in which your town centre is differrent from most other town centres offer to give a guided tour your town to the writer of the article. Write at least 150 words.

formal
write a letter to airport manager for missing luggage.

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Write a letter to the local council about plans to close a children's playground in your area in your letter, you should: -say why children are not using the playground -Explain how important the playground is for the local community -Suggest how the playground could be improved

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You recently transferred money into your bank account through online banking but the money was not credited to your account. Write a letter to your bank manager. In your letter, introduce yourself describe the situation tell what you want him to do

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Write a letter expressing your interest in a job in a different country. Write to a job recruiter. Your letter should include: •Why you want to work abroad •What type of job you want to have •Questions about working abroad

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You applied for a new passport, and it got delayed. Due to this delay, you missed your (study) intake. You are very disappointed over this delay. Write a letter to the Regional Passport Office for the same. In your letter ● introduce yourself ● describe what happened and how you are at loss ● say what you want the officer to do

formal
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 importa nt "' tell the manager what you want him/her to do

formal
you and some friends ate a meal at a resturant to celebrte a special ocaasion , and you were very pleased with the food and service. write a letter to the resturant manager , in you letter give a detail of your visit to the resturant explain the reason for the celebration say what was good about the food and service

formal
You recently travelled on the local bus service in your town. You think the driver drove badly and was rude to the passengers. Write a letter to the manager of the local bus service. In your letter - introduce yourself and say when the incident happened - describe what you saw and heard - say what you would like the bus company to do about it You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam, You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

formal
You are soon going to spend three months doing work experience in an organisation. Write a letter to the manager of the organisation where you are going to do work experience. In your letter •thank the manager for the opportunity to do work experience •explain what you hope to learn from the work experience •ask some questions about the work experience you are going to do You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam

formal
You have lost something on a bus and called customer service to get help. You weren't happy with their response. Write a letter to the bus company manager. In your letter, you should: · describe the item you lost · explain why you weren't happy with the customer service · say what action you would like the company to take.

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You have just read an article in a national newspapaer which claims that town centres in your country all look very similar to each other. You don’t fully agree with this opinion. • Write a letter to the editor of the newspapaer. In your letter • Say which points in the article you agree with • Explain ways in which your town centre is different from most other town centres • Offer to give a guided tour of your town to the writer of article. Write at least 150 words

formal
You left a jacket behind at a restaurant you went to recently. Write a letter to the restaurant manager. In your letter 1) Describe the jacket 2) explain when you visited the restaurant and where you were sitting 3) Say what you want the manager to do.

formal
Write a formal letter to your school director in which you suggest starting an Ancient Civilisations Club

formal
You have just read read in an international travel magazine which contained some information about your town that is incorrect. Write a letter to the editor of the magazine. In your letter * Correct the information in the article * Example why it is important for the magazine to give correct information * Suggest what the magazine should do about this situation

formal
You bought a laptop while you were travelling abroad. When you reached your native country you realised that some items were missing from the box. Write a letter to the representative of the company. In your letter, give details of the laptop and from where you bought it explain what has happened say what you want him/her to do about it

formal
Your local council is considering closing a sports and leisure center 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 center *explain why the sports leisure center is important for the local community •describe the possible effects on local people if the center closes

formal
You are enrolled in a study abroad course in another country. Your accommodation was arranged by the course provider, and there is a major problem with the accommodation. Write a letter to the course provider. In your letter: •Introduce yourself and describe the problem •Describe the accommodation you thought you were getting •Ask the provider to solve the problem Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr. Gazeley

formal
Two weeks ago you bought a radio from a local branch of a well-known chain of shops. It did not work properly. The shop took it back and said they would repair it. You have waited a week and it is still not ready. Write a letter to the shop. In your letter * say what has happened and how you feel * ask them to explain why there has been a delay * ask them to repair the radio very quickly or to supply you with a new radio

formal
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 :  Explain the importance of paper.  Tell them where you think you have forgotten them  Suggest a solution.

formal
A company has asked your local council to open a factory in the area where you live. You and your neighbours feel that this is not a great idea. write a letter to the local council. In your letter, you should: • state what problems this might cause • explain how it will affect you and others • suggest what you want the council to do.

formal
You recently bought a piece of computer equipment but it was broken. You work at home and you need this equipment for your work. Write a letter to the shop manager. In this letter: • describe the problem with the equipment • explain how this problem is affecting your work • say what you would like the shop to do

formal
ou need to take leave from your work for almost a month for some personal reasons. Write a letter to your Manager. In your letter: • Explain the reason for your leave & the length of your leave. • Explain how you intend to deliver the task that was given to you recently and has to be turned in in a week’s time. • Explain how & who will look after your work while you are away.

formal
Last week you were on a flight to London. Unfortunately, when you got off the plane, you left a bag there. You did not remember about the bag until you got to your hotel. Write a letter to the airline. In your letter •explain what has happened • describe the bag and its contents • say what you would like them to do about this problem

formal
Test 3 WRITING 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 centre closes You do NOT need to write any addresses.

formal
You have been working in a company for the last two years. Recently, your computer in the office has started giving some problems and it is affecting your work performance. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter, describe the problem explain how it is affecting your work write what you want him to do regarding it You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows:

formal
Write a letter to the manager of your local bus service. They have recently made some changes to the bus services which created inconveniences for you. In your letter, explain: -what are the changes -what are the problems you are facing -what part of the service would you like to change

formal
You bought a TV a week ago but when you got home you discovered it did not work properly. You called customer service to report the problem but you have not yet received any help. Write a letter to the company. - introduce yourself - explain the problem - and state what action you would like from tge company

formal
You work at home and have a problem with a piece of equipment that you use for your job. Write a letter to the shop or company which supplied the equipment. In your letter -describe the problem.

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You recently organised an all-day meeting for your company, which took place in a local hotel. In their feedback, participants at the meeting said that they liked the hotel, but they were unhappy about the food that was served for lunch. Write a letter to the manager of the hotel

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