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
You recently graduated from university. You have just been interviewed for a new job. The interviewers liked you and they are interested in hiring you. First, however, you need a letter of reference from a teacher at your university that explains your strengths. Write an email of about 150–200 words to your university teacher and ask for a reference letter. Your email should do the following things: remind the teacher about who you are, provide information about your interview, ask for a reference

formal
You missed a 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 the flight •Explain how missing your flight affected you •Make it clear what you would like the airline to do

formal
Think of one your favorite teachers. Write a note to him or her asking for a recommendation for you to get into a school or program where you are applying. Think of a place where you would like to work. Write a letter to the company, asking for a part-time job. Write about a place that you would like to visit one day.

formal
You have been offered a job, asking you to start next week. You want the job very much but, because of a previous commitment, you want to delay the start for another two weeks. Q Write to the Manager, accepting the job, but explaining your situation and asking for the change to your start date.

formal
The local council has decided to build a block of flats on the park opposite the place where you are living. write a letter to the editor of the local newspaper. In your letter explain: Why are you writing? Protest the development of this beautiful and necessary green space in your town. Make suggestions for what people can or should do to stop the development?

formal
Recently you purchased two items from an online store, but wrong products were delivered. Write a letter asking the company to manage the issue. In your letter, ● describe the items ● explain what the issue was ● state how you want them to address this situation

formal
There is a problem with the changing rooms in the sports center that you visit. You have complained several times but with no success. Write a letter to the manager of the sports center. In your letter: describe what the problem with the changing rooms is say what happened the last time you complained explain what you want the manager to do.

formal
You have received uniforms in your company that have to be worn by all employees. You are not satisfied with the uniform because it has some problems. Write a letter to your manager and in your letter consider the following points; Mention to positive points of the uniform. Clarify the problem that you have with the uniform. Suggest a solution for above mentioned problem.

formal
You have recently ordered an item through the Internet, but are not happy with the purchase. Write to the company. In your letter: – describe what you purchased, – explain why you are not happy with the purchase, – tell them what you would like them to do about the situation. Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
You are living in a University residence, and you have a problem with the high levels of noise from a new campus restaurant which is open until midnight. Write a letter to the governor of the University. In your letter, complain about the situation say why this is a problem and propose ways to reduce the noise Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

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 Ÿ describe what this book was about Ÿ explain how this book influenced you Ÿ say whether this book would be likely to influence other people

formal
You recently took a plane to a holiday in a foreign city, and on arrival you found that your luggage was lost. You did not receive your luggage until the last day of your holiday. Write to the airline, •complaining about this situation •saying why it caused you problems •seeking suitable compensation Begin your letter ‘Dear --------’ Do not write any addresses

formal
Your local college is organizing an event on International Student’s Day. Write a letter to the organizer and say: •What topics would you like them to cover? •Why would it be interesting for students? • Ask questions about the arrangement

formal
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 least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows:

formal
You missed an appointment for an immigration interview recently because of circumstances out of your control. Write to the immigration office. In your letter • Introduce yourself • Apologies for missing your appointment • Explain what happened • Request a new apartment

formal
You have seen an advertisement for a weekend job as a local tour guide showing visitors around your city Write a letter of application to the tourism office In the letter give your reasons for wanting the job explain why

formal
You work at home and have a probelm 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
You 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 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 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,

formal
Your local council has advertised for volunteers to teach on a basic english programme for refugees. You would like to do some work for this programme in your free time. Write a letter to the programmer coordinator. In your letter - explain why you would like to do unpaid work on this programme -describe why you are a suitable candidate -say when you are available to teach

formal
You recently stayed at a hotel for a conference with your company and there were several problems with your room.  Write to the hotel management to complain.  Include : &Where you stayed.  & What the problems were.  & How they can fix your complaints.

formal
A large company in your area has decided to spend a certain amount of money. either to sponsor a child sports team for two years or to pay for two open air concerts. It has asked for feedback from the general public. Write a letter to the company. In your letter •Describe the benefits of sponsoring the sports team •Summarise the benefits of paying for the concert •Say how you think the company should spend the money.

formal
What are not satisfied with the changing rooms in a sports center that you visit. Write a letter to the sports center manager. In your letter: -Explain the problem. -Say how you feel about this problem. - Say what steps you would like the manager to take.

formal
You and your friend arranged a program at a restaurant and all of you went there to have a meal. You were satisfied with the food and service of the restaurant Write a letter to the manager of the restaurant. In you letter *Mention what kind of program it was. *Describe the environment of the restaurant. *Describe what you like about the food and the service.

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

formal
You have recently ordered an item through the Internet, but are not happy with the purchase. Write to the company. In your letter: – Describe what you purchased, – explain why you are not happy with the purchase, – tell them what you would like them to do about the situation.

formal
You were supposed to go on an interview in a few weeks, but you have since found out you cannot go on the date arranged. Write a letter to the potential employer. In your letter •Tell them why you need to move the interview time •Ask to change the interview date •Explain that you are still interested in being interviewed for the job You do NOT need to write any addresses.

formal
The road in front of your house got damaged a long ago and nothing has been done about it. Write a letter to the municipal authority complaining about the damaged road. In your letter: introduce yourself explain the condition of the road and suggest what they should do

formal
Write a letter to the local authorities for requesting additional sports facilities for your age group 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 of help for the people in your age group

formal
A large company in your area has decided to spend a certain amount of money, either to sponsor a local children’s sports team for two years, or to pay for two open air concerts. It has asked for feedback from the general public. Write a letter to the company. In your letter • describe the benefits of sponsoring the sports team • summarise the benefits of paying for the concerts • say how you think the company should spend the money

formal
The course director of your previous college has invited you to attend a party for new students, and he has also asked you to give a talk about studying overseas. You have an important examination on the same day so you cannot attend the party. Write a letter to the director to apologize and to explain why you cannot attend the event. Suggest another date when you could give Your talk.

formal
You live close to a restaurant and have recently been disturbed by the noise coming from the restaurant in the evenings. Write a letter to the owner of the restaurant. In your letter ● explain why you find the noise disturbing ● suggest a way to solve the problem ● explain what you will do if the problem is not solved

formal
You are interested in attending a training course abroad but require financial support to do so. Write a letter to the education department requesting financial assistance. ▪️Introduce yourself ▪️Describe the training course and how it would benefit your work ▪️Explain why you need financial assistance.

formal
you went to the local hospital's emergency department with your young child who had several stomach pains. you had to wait for almost four hours before your daughter was treated by a doctor and while you are were waiting, you were constantly ignored by the other staff. write a letter to the registrar complaining about the service you received

formal
You rent a four-bedroom house which you share with two other students. However, there are several problems with this house that need fixing. You also find it expensive and would like to find another student to share the spare bedroom. Write a letter to the estate agency. In the letter: - Explain your situation -Describe the problem with the house -Say what would you like to happen

formal
You recently stayed at a hotel and had a problem there. Write an email to the manager and describe how the receptionist helped to fix the problem quickly. Include the following in your letter: * Describe the Problem * How did the receptionist help you? * Suggest some solution regarding this problem.

formal
You recently missed a flight. You think this was the airline’s fault. Write a letter to the airline. In your letter, •explain why u believe airline is at fault •describe the impact it had on your journey. •say what you want the airline to do

formal
A museum near your home is looking for people to do unpaid work. You would like to do some voluntery work at the museum. Write a letter to the museum director to apply for the volunteer work in your letter - explain why you want to do voluntary work at the museum - describe some skills and qualities you have that would be useful - give details of when you would be available for work

formal
You have received a letter from your bank, asking you to acknowledge receipt of a new bank card. However, the card was missing from the envelope. Write a letter to the bank's head office. In your letter: explain why you are writing express concern about the missing card ask them what they intend to do Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any address. Begin your letter as follows: Dear __________

formal
You have received a bill from a mobile phone (or cell phone) company for international call charges relating to a time when you did not use your phone for international calls. Write a letter to the company, complaining about this giving your reasons asking for the bill to be changed Begin your letter ‘Dear --------’ Do not write any addresses Write at least 150 words

formal
You are due to move into a rented apartment next week but you will not be able to due to an unexpected problem. Write a letter to the property manager. In your letter Explain the situation Describe your problems Tell him/her when you think you can move in

formal
7. You're working overseas in an international company. You are leaving the country in emergency. Write a letter to your friends explaining the situation. In the letter, you should - apologise for leaving like this - explain what happened - tell them what you're going to miss about working with them

formal
You would like to buy some electrical goods at a shop in a town which is far from your home.Write a letter to the manager of the shop. In your letter: say which electrical goods you want ask questions about the cost of the goods and how to pay explain how you will collect the goo

formal
You are planning to go study English at a school overseas. You would like some information about their courses. Write a letter to the school. In your letter

formal
The system used for rubbish / garbage collection in your local area is not working properly. This is causing problems for you and your neibhours. 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 neigbours suggest what should be done about the problems

formal
You are working for a company. You need to take some time off work and want to ask your manager about this. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter: explain why you want to take time off work give details of the amount of time you need suggest how your work could be covered while you are away

formal
Your car is hired from a company and while you are driving on holiday, you have a small accident. Your will have to write a letter to the company to explain it. You need to explain the following: -when and where you hired it -describe how the accident happened -And what kind of action you took after the accident.

formal
You have recently taken a two day course .write to give your feedback to the course organiser and say Guve details of the course What did like or dislike about it Suggest more improvement to the course

formal
A road near your home is damaged. Please write your town/city council to complain about it. In your letter •tell them who you are and where you live; •explain the nature of your complaint; • say what you would like them to do about it.

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You recently attended a series of English lessons in a language school. However, you were unhappy with the teaching quality. Write a letter to the director of the school. In your letter: • explain why you chose to study English at the school • describe the problems you had with the lessons • suggest how the classes could be improved Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
Your car insurance company has told you that they are going to increase the amount you have to pay in insurance for your car each month. You are not happy about this. Write a letter to your insurance company. In your letter explain: - Why you are writing to them - why you think the insurance shold not be increased - What you want them to do

formal
Write a letter of complaint to a company outlining a problem you had while visiting one of their stores. In your letter include: 􀈈􀀃 what the problem was 􀈈􀀃 why this problem has upset you 􀈈􀀃 what you want to happen as a result of your letter

formal
Write a letter to a financial organization that gives money to students who would like to take part-time course. Mention - Qualification and work experience -Details abut the course -How this course will help you

formal
You have recently bought some furniture. It was broken when you received it. Write a complaint letter to the store manager and say – What and when did you buy? – Why was it broken? – Suggest how the problem could be solved

formal
You and your family are planning to spend a weekend at a seaside hotel. Write a letter to the hotel for making the arrangement. In your letter say, - when you will be arriving and leaving - what type of rooms you would like and ask how much the weekend will cost - inquire about activities and places of interest near the hotel Write at least 150 words.

formal
You recently attended a conference and you would like to give a presentation about the information you gained by attending the conference. Write a letter to your manager asking for permission to give a presentation. In your letter: describe what type of presentation you have in mind what topics it would cover and how long it would take who should participate in the presentation and where should it be conducted You do NOT need to write any addres

formal
Write a letter to the manager of a hotel where you stayed and left two important things. - Give details of your stay - Why those two things are important - How he cab return the things to you

formal
go away to visit a sick relative and cannot return the books in time. Write a letter to the library. Explain what has happened and tell them what you want to do about it.

formal
Write a letter to the museum director to apply for the voluntary/unpaid work. In your letter, explain why you want to do voluntary/unpaid work at the museum describe some skills and qualities you have that would be useful give details of when you would be available for work 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 stayed at a hotel conference with your company and there were several problems with your room. Write to the hotel management to complain. Include • Where you stayed • What the problems were • How they can fix your complaint.

formal
Write a letter to the admission tutor. In your letter explain your position apologise and offer to come on another day or later the same day also ask how long the interview will be, and whether there will be any tests during it You should write at least 150 words.

formal
You recently received a notice from your fitness club stating that, due to electricity supply issues, the club will no longer operate 24 hours a day. In addition, the membership fee will increase by 15%. 1 Write a short letter to your friend who was planning to join this fitness club with you. Explain what changes have been announced. Describe how you feel about this situation. Tell your friend what you plan to do now.

formal
You are interested in applying for a scholarship program to study at a foreign university. Write a letter to inquire about the course. In your letter: •explain which course you are interested in •say what you know about the university • explain why you should receive the scholarship

formal
You read an article in a news paper about a city . Some of the information in that article is wrong. Write a letter to the newspaper editions.

formal
Your next-door neighbors like to listen to music late at night. Because of the loud music, you often lose sleep. Write a letter to the building manager. In your letter -describe the situation -explain the problems it is causing you -offer at least one solution

formal
You are studying for a qualification, and you would like some time off work to complete it. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter: ● Ask for some time off to complete a qualification. ● Suggest what you will do later at work if you have time off. ● Say how the qualification helps your job or company

formal
You are organizing a staff training day at a local conference centre. Write a letter to the manager of the conference centre. In your letter: Describe the purpose of the training day Explain what you will need for the day Ask about availability and cost

formal
Our local hospital has advertised people to do unpaid work helping at the hospital. You would like to do some work at the hospital in your free time. Write a letter to the hospital. In your letter •explain why you would like to do unpaid work at the hospital •say what type of unpaid work you would be able to do •give details of when you would be available for this work

formal
You recently visited a restaurant to celebrate a special occasion, but you were unhappy with the meal and service you received. Write a letter to the restaurant manager. In your letter:** - **Describe the occasion and why you chose the restaurant.** - **Explain the issues you encountered with the meal and the service.** - **Suggest what you would like the manager to do to address the problem.**

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You would like to be work in a different city to be closer to your family. Write a letter to your employer to request a transfer to another office. In the letter: – Explain why you would like to move – Request that your employer place you in a specific city – Request that it be completed by a certain date Write at least 150 words.

formal
You have recently read a newspaper article about your school friend whom you did not hear about for a long time. Write a letter to the newspaper editor highlighting some article details. Ask for some information about your friend.

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You took your family to a nearby restaurant. You were disappointed with the meal and wish to complain to the manager. Write a letter to the manager of the restaurant. In the letter: explain why you were at the restaurant describe the problems write about the action you want the manager to take

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 the 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
You have recently ordered an item through the Internet, but are not happy with the purchase. Write to the company. In your letter: – describe what you purchased, – explain why you are not happy with the purchase, – tell them what you would like them to do about the situation. Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
You have just read an article in a national newspaper which cleans the 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 are agree with. * explain ways in which your town center is different from most other town centers. * offer to give a guided tour of your town to the writer of the article. Write not less than 150 words

formal
For the past seven days, you were late for work due to some unavoidable issues at home. Write a letter to your manager explaining why you were late for work for several days. In your letter, explain why you were late for the last seven days apologise for the delay assure your manager that you will be on time from now on You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
You have organized 90th birthday of your relative and invited elderly guests also. It was a successful party. Write a letter to the hotel manager to provide the feedback. In your letter you should tell When the party was Why it was successful Thank for a staff member who was really helpful

formal
You have recently landed in a foreign country on a work visa and are interested in seeking information and guidance about the various places in and around the city. Write a letter to the relocation assistance provider seeing help. In your letter: •explain why you are writing the letter. •what kind of information you want. •how and when you can get requested information.

formal
You recently helped your company organise an event at a hotel. Write a letter to the hotel manager. In your letter: – Provide details about the event – Mention what you particularly liked about the hotel – Suggest areas for improvement.

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 Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: To Whom it May Concern,

formal
Your local council is considering closing a sport 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 friends or family use the centre .explain why sport and leisure centre is important for the local community .describe the possible effects on local people if the centre closes.

formal
You normally go shopping in the area where you live. However, you think some of the facilities for shoppers could be improved. Write a letter to your local newspaper. In your letter: say in general what you like about shopping in your area say what is wrong with the facilities suggest how they can be improved

formal
You work at home and have a problem with a place 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
You want to book a hotel that one of your friends recommended to you for a family holiday at the seaside. Write a letter to the hotel manager to make arrangements. In your letter, ➡️explain what accommodation you require and when you want to stay ➡️ask what will be included in the price ➡️enquire about activities and places of interest near the hotel

formal
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……… ,

formal
You are bored in your current job but you enjoy working for your company. You think you would be happier if you moved to a different department in the same company. Write a letter to your employer. In the letter ask to be moved to a position in another department explain how you feel about your current position and your career say why you think changing your job would be good for you and the company

formal
Although you have never studied computing, you have always been interested ill computers - you buy magazines about them, and you have taught yourself many skills your computer at home. You have just read about a computer course that really interests you, but it is only for people who have studied computing at college or university. Write a letter to the Enrolment Officer asking if you can enrol, explaining your circumstances and asking if he/she will make a special exception for you. You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write your own address. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir/Madam,

formal
You took your family to a nearby restaurant. You were disappointed with the meal and wish to complain to the manager. Write a letter to the manager of the restaurant. In your letter, » explain why you were at the restaurant » describe the problems » write about the action you want the manager to take

formal
You recently moved to a new city and are looking for a gym to join. Write a letter to the manager of a gym in your neighborhood. In your letter: Introduce yourself. Say why you are interested in the gym. Ask about the facilities available and membership options

formal
The sports center that you regularly visit has a problem with some of its equipment. Write a letter to the center manager. In your letter •tell them about the problem; •describe how it has affected you; •explain why it should be fixed soon.

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You want to join a new gym in your neighbourhood. Write a letter to the gym manager. In your letter •ask what types of membership are available, and what the prices are •ask what activities are available •ask what the joining procedure is 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 stayed at a hotel and you had a great time. Write a letter to the hotel. In your letter thank the manager and his staff give some particular examples of why you enjoyed your stay at the hotel so much explain that you have written a review of the hotel on a popular website for tourists You should You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
Work is being done on the street where you live. The noise is disturbing you. Write a letter of complaint to your local council. In your letter: -Introduce yourself. -Explain what the problem is. -Suggest solutions to the problem.

formal
Manager asked you to do a presentation at the upcoming meeting. Write a letter including, topic of presentation, benefits of conducting a session and requirement for the conducting presentation.

formal
You have learned about an international job that is available within the company you currently work for and you want to apply. Write a letter to the hiring manager. In your letter Say why you are applying for this international position Describe the job you are currently doing for the company Tell him/her why you think you will be good at the job Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam

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 were recently helped by an employee at the airport, write to the airport manager. In your letter:- - describe the problem - Talk about how you were helped - Suggest how to reward the employee

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

formal
You have just received a credit card statement from your bank. The statement lists a number of expensive purchases that you are sure you did not make. Write a letter to the bank manager. In the letter: • Introduce yourself. • Explain that you did not buy the items listed. • Say what you would like the bank to do to fix the problem. You do not need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
You are looking for a full-time job. Write a letter to an employment agency. In your letter: +introduce yourself explain what sort of job you would like say what experience and skills you have Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir/Madam

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