IELTS General Writing Task 1 formal Topics/Questions 2025

Want to improve your IELTS score? Get instant feedback and learn from your mistakes!

This section presents a list of common IELTS General Writing Task 1 formal topics. All these topics were added in 2025 by students who took the IELTS recently. Pick a random topic and start practicing and improving your writing skills.

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 Begin your letter as follows: Dear ____, You should write at least 150 words.

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

formal
You and your colleagues want to use a company room. Write a letter to your manager and ask for permission. In your letter. Explain why you need the room. Describe which room you need and why. Tell what changes you'll need in the room.

formal
You have recently made a purchase from the local department store. However, when you arrived home, you found a fault awith it. Write a letter to the mana what product is, explain the problem and say what you’d like to beger, say done about it.

formal
A museum near your house is looking for people to do part-time voluntary/unpaid work. You would like to do some voluntary/unpaid work at the museum. Write a letter to the museum director to apply for voluntary/unpaid work in your letter: oExplain why you want to do voluntary/unpaid work at the museum oDescribe some skills and qualities you have that would be useful oGive details of when you would be available for work

formal
You have recently visited a local school in your community. It needs people who can help renovate the building and also do other jobs. Write a letter to the principal of the school and say: - how would you be able to help? - When and why would you do it? - Who will help you to do it?

formal
You recently moved house and you used a removal Company to help you move your belongings. However, some of your things were damaged in the move. Write a letter to the manager of the removal company. In your letter, •Give details of the move •Describe the damage • Say what you would like the manager to do.

formal
You live in a room in a college where you share it with another student. You find it very difficult to study and work there because your roommate always has friends visiting. He/she has parties in the room and sometimes borrows your things without asking you. Write a letter to the Accommodation Officer at the college and ask for a new room next term. You would prefer a single room and explain your reasons.

formal
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 -advising them of your situation. -explain how this is affecting you. -request a new card.

formal
At an event you attended recently, you met an employee of a company you would like to work at. You talked to her and she suggested that you should contact her if you needed any help with your job application. Write a letter to this employee. In your letter: 1. remind her how you met and ask for some help 2. tell her what kind of job you are interested in 3. ask her about the company's job application process

formal
An art gallery in your town is looking for volunteers to work in the gallery at the weekends. You would like to do some work in the art gallery in your free time.Write a letter to the art gallery. In your letterexplain why you would like to do unpaid work in the gallerysay what type of unpaid work you could dogive details about when you will be available for this work

formal
You went to the local hospital’s Emergency Department with your young child who had severe stomach pains. You had to wait for almost four hours before your daughter was treated by a doctor and, while you were waiting, you were constantly ignored by the other staff. Write a letter to the Registrar, about the service you received.

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
You live in an English speaking country and you want to do some voluntary, unpaid work in a developing country. Write a letter to a company called Cultural Expeditions, which organizes such trips. In your letter: Explain why you want to do the voluntary work. State what your skills and experience are. Indicate where you would like to volunteer and for how long. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir / Madam

formal
An old car was left on the street near your street several weeks ago. The car is now causing a problem for residents. Write a letter to the Council. In your letter: * Describe the car * Outline the problems it is causing * Tell the Council what you want them to do about it

formal
Your company holds a staff party every every in the same hotel. This time you are tasked to organize the party and you have to write a letter to the hotel's manager. Include the following in your letter. - Write about your past experience with the hotel - What are your impressions with the hotel's service? - What you want to ask the manager

formal
You 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

formal
You are working for a company. You need to take sometime off and want to ask your manager about this. write a letter to your manager Explain why you want to take time off Give details of the amount of time you need Suggest how your work could be covered while you are away

formal
You have recently learned about a piece of equipment that would help you at your workplace. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter, describe the equipment explain how it might be useful at your workplace offer help in purchasing it Write at least 150 words.

formal
You were hurt in a minor accident inside a supermarket, and you wish to complain to the supermarkets. write a letter to the manager of the supermarket. In your letter : -say who you are -give details about the accident. -suggest how the supermarket could prevent similar accidents

formal
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

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 should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 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

formal
You saw an advertisement for a tennis course in England but you have some problems and can’t stay for the whole course. Write a letter to the course director. In your letter, explain your interest in the course describe your problems find out whether a refund is possible if you leave early Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

formal
Write a letter to the club secretary. In your letter ● state what type of membership you have and how you have paid for this ● give details of how you have benefited from the club ● explain why you want to leave

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

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
The office you work in does not have any cafeteria for staff. Write a letter to your manager to request setting up a cafeteria for the staff. In your letter, you should tell,     •    what you heard about the inconvenience from the staff     •    how you feel about it     •    what suggestions you have about setting up a cafeteria     •         •    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 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.

formal
Write a letter to apologise on particualr job you agreed to take during summer vacation due to some unforeseen circumstances. - Explain the Situation - An apology - Express that you would be interested in the position next summer.

formal
You are a student at a language school in New Zealand studying Business English. Part of the course is a summer work placement programme. 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
TASK-1 You have recently noticed that your work computer is getting too slow and out-of-date. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter -explain the problems with your computer -give some examples of how this has affected your work -make some suggestions for what can be done to help adress this issue

formal
A magazine wants to inculde contributions from its reders 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 are a student who wants to apply to the Green Pines College. You are experiencing financial problems at the moment. Write a letter to the Principal of the College explaining your situation and ask for information on scholarships or other means of financial help available.

formal
You have recently learned about an opening for an internship at a local company that you are interested in. Write a letter to the director of the company. In your letter, ● introduce yourself ● explain how you learned about the internship ● explain why you would be suitable for the internship

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You have recently moved to a new neighbourhood and would like to join a sports centre there. You have found a private sports club. Write a letter to the manager of the sports club. In your letter, introduce yourself say why are you interested in this sports club ask some questions about the club e.g facilities, membership, costs etc. Write at least 150 words.

formal
You have heard that a developer plans to build a shopping centre in your city. Write a letter to the city council, In your letter Explain how you heard about the plan. Describe why you do not think it's a good idea. Suggest some alternative solutions

formal
You recently organized a party for your company at a hotel. Write a letter to the hotel manager. In your letter. -describe the party and how it went -explain why you were pleased with the hotel service. -suggest some improvements that the hotel could make

formal
You have seen an advertisement for a weekend course to study a foreign language. Write a letter to the institution offering the course. In your letter: ask for details of the course ask if the course teachers are qualified native speakers request that the institution sends you their brochure. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir / Madam,...

formal
There is a sports stadium near your home where large number of people come to watch games each weekend. This cause you and your neighbours some problems. Write a letter to the local council. In your letter- -explain who you are and where you live -describe the problem -suggest what the local council should do

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
Your local public library wants to make improvements to there services & facilities. In order to get ideas from the public, they have asked library users to send them suggestions in writing. Write a letter to librarian in your letter - describe what you like about the library - say what you don't like - make suggessions for improvements

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 important •Tell the manager what you want him /her to do

formal
You bought a new HD television last week. At first it seemed to work perfectly but after a few hours a line appeared accross the TV and the sound seemed a little strange. You cannot take the TV back to the shop so you devide to write to them. Write a letter of complaint to the shop. In your letter: - give them the background information - described the problem - ask them to resolve the issue.

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
Write a letter to a hotel manager in another city for an upcoming 2 days business trip for you and your colleagues. In your letter you should tell - Introduce yourself and colleagues - give information about the business meeting - tell other requests you might have

formal
You want to apply to a private college seeking admission for a bachelor degree. You are experiencing financial problems at the moment and can not get admitted to the college without some help. Write a letter to the Principal of the college explaining your situation and ask for information on scholarships or other means of financial help available.

formal
You recently organised an all-day meeting for your company, which took place in a local hotel. In their feedback, participants athe 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
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 goods

formal
■ Write a letter to a sports club. Tell them you are not satisfied with the service and have already let them know about this. Write ▪What exactly wrong with their service ▪What happened after you complained the first time ▪What you want the club to do after your letter

formal
You have recently noticed that your work computer is getting too slow and out-of-date. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter -explain the problems with your computer -give some examples of how this has affected your work -make some suggestions for what can be done to help adress this issue

formal
You are a commuter. One morning on your way to work you suddenly fell ill and lost your consciousness. One gentleman on the same bus sent you to a hospital. Write a letter to the company where the gentleman works to extend your gratefulness. In your letter: - Introduce who you are, - Describe what happened, - Suggest how you would like to thank him.

formal
The company you work for is planning to provide special training for staff. Your duty is to find out if the local conference centre has suitable facilities in order to hold the training. Write a letter to the manager of the conference centre. In your letter • Give some details about the training course • Describe what kind of equipment you will need for the course • Ask some questions about the facilities at the conference centre

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
A restaurant has placed an advertisement for waiters and waitresses in your local newspaper. Write a letter to the restaurant, applying for the job. In your letter: explain what you are currently doing

formal
You have been offered a place at a university and wish to find suitable accommodation. Write a letter to the accommodation officer including the following information: the type of accommodation you wish to find some details about yourself any special requirements you may have and any other relevant information.

formal
You forgot a bag at the guys and the gym is close for renovations. Write a letter to the Gym officer and mention the below : Introduce yourself Description of the bag Tell them to who you want to give the bag to

formal
You had traveled by air and had an unpleasant flight. Write a letter to the airline company Manager about the following: - Describe the flight - Explain what was the problem -Ask how this issue can be solved

formal
You live in a room in a college where you share with another student. You find it very difficult to work there because your roommate always has friends visiting. He/She has parties in the room and sometimes borrows your things without asking you. Write a letter to the Accommodation Officer at the college and ask for a new room next term. You would prefer a single room. Explain your reasons.

formal
You are going to have a family party in a private room in a hotel. Write a letter to the hotel manager and say : Why you need to use this private room What you need them to provide for the party inquire about the price of the food you are ordering.

formal
Your neighbor always plays loud music late at night. Write a letter of complaint to the building manager. Bullet points: Describe the problem Explain how it affects you Ask for a solution

formal
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
You have bought some clothing online and are not satisfied with your purchase Write a letter to the company that you bought the company from. In you email Give details of he purchase describe the problem explain why you need a replacemnet urgently

formal
You are a member of a sports centre and you have noticed a problem which has not been fixed for some time. Write a letter to the manager of the gym. In your letter tell the manager about the problem explain how this issue is affecting your experience at the gym tell the manager what you would like to happen

formal
You will go to foreign country for one year and write a letter to agency to find an accommodation for you. Why are you going to that country What do you want for your accommodation When will you arrive

formal
You recently stayed at a hotel and had a bad experience. Write a letter to the hotel manager. In your letter: Explain the issues you faced Describe how they affected you Suggest what the hotel should do to improve

formal
You experienced an incident on public transport that caused you distress. Write a letter to the managed 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
Write a letter to your manager explaining your grievance with the parking situation at work. 1) Explain the problem 2) Explain the results 3) How you plan to solve the problem

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 have lost an item of value on a train. Write a letter to the railway company. In your letter • describe the item • explain where and when you left it • say what action you would like the company to tak

formal
You recently organized a party for your company at a hotel. Write a letter to the hotel manager. In your letter • describe the party and how it went • explain why you were pleased with the hotel’s service • suggest some improvements that the hotel could make

formal
You recently heard about some new jobs at a local department store. You would like to work there. Write a letter to store manager of the department store. In your letter -Explain how you heard about the job -Describe the kind of job you would like to have - Give details of your experience and qualifications

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 they liked the hotel, but they were unhappy about the food served for lunch. Write a letter to the manager of the hotel. In your letter •Say what the participant liked about the hotel. • Explain why they were unhappy about the hotel. • Suggest what the manager should do to improve the food in the future.

formal
There is a problem with the changing rooms in the sports centre that you visit. You have complained several times but with no success. Write a letter to the manager of the sports centre. 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
Your town council has decided to demolish historic building due to lack of funds to renovate. Write a letter to your council man. In your letter, you should say: ● why it is important to preserve historic building ● how the funds could be generated.

formal
You recently purchased a mobile phone online, but it has several defects and does not meet your expectations. Write a letter of complaint to the customer service department of the online store. In the letter • describe the product you purchased and mention the specific defects • explain the inconvenience and disappointment caused by the defective product • request a refund or replacement for the faulty mobile phone

formal
Write a letter to your local council. In the letter, Describe the construction Explain why the construction is a problem for you Say what you would like them to do about it You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
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 You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam

formal
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 have been doing some voluntary work to help your local community. However, now you are unable to continue doing this work. Write a letter to the manager of the organization where you have been working. In your letter 1. describe the work you have been doing 2. explain why you can no longer do this work 3. recommend another person who is interested in the work

formal
You recently purchased an item from a local store, but you are not satisfied with your purchase. Write a letter to the manager of the store. In your letter: Describe the item you bought and why you need it. Explain why you are not happy with it. Say what you would like the manager to do.

formal
You recently discovered that there are plans to construct an airport in your locality. Write a letter to the local authority. In your letter, you should tell: •explain how you knew about the plans •describe the negative effect of the construction on your neighbourhood •suggest a possible solution to the problem.

formal
You are studying for an exam, and you would like some time off work to complete it. Write a letter to your immediate 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. State how this qualification helps your job or company.

formal
Some people become famous in their early age. Is it bad or good? Discuss and give your opinion. Write a letter to your manager to request setting up a cafeteria for the staffs. In your letter, you should tell: what you heard about the inconvenience from the staffs how you feel about it what suggestion you can give

formal
You have recently applied for a course at a college and have been accepted. However, you cannot join the course due to some reasons. Write a letter to the principal of the college. In your letter: which course you have been applied for why you cannot join the course ask about the possibility of the course in the future Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

formal
Your employer is considering ways to adjust work hours and reduce them overall. You have been asked to provide suggestions on how to implement this change. Write a letter to your employer. In your letter: – Explain why you think reducing work hours is a good idea. – Suggest how the work hours could be reduced. – Describe how these changes could benefit the company.

formal
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 should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write your own addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
An international company is offering a temporary job for work experience, write a letter to apply for that job. You need to explain -where did you find this information -why you want to apply this job -what qualification you have -what position you want to apply

formal
You have just finished a language course provided by your company and want an- other. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter you should say: - why you liked the course - why you need more - and say where and when the course should take place

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: Dear Sir or Madam,

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 head about the plan -explain how you feel about it -ask for mor information about it

formal
You work for a company. You have seen some information about a training course that would be useful for your work. Write a letter to your manager. In the letter: • give details of the course • say how the course would be useful • explain how the company could help you do this course.

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 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
An international company is offering job without pay for good experience write a letter to apply for this job in this letter where did you find this information why you want to apply for this job what qualification you have what position you want to apply

formal
1.You recently took a trip with a taxi company. The driver behaved in an unacceptable way and you had a lot of problems. You complained to the company but no one has replied to your complaint. Write a letter to the taxi company. In your letter osay why you are writing and how you feel o explain what happened o tell them what you would like them to do.

formal
The road near your house is completely unsuitable for traffic. Write a letter to your local council. In your letter: • Introduce yourself; • Explain what the problem is; • Tell what would you like to be done. Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ....,

formal
You have just read an article in a national newspaper which claims that town centers 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 center is different from most other centers •offer to give a guided tour of your town to the writer or f the article

formal
Write a letter to local council regarding the plan of replacement of a library with a supermarket, you need to write the following: -where did you get this information -the disadvantages of having a supermarket instead of a library -importance of having a library

formal
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. 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
You are working for a company, and you need to ask for some time off. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter: Explain why you need to take time off Explain when and for how long you need to be off work Suggest how your work could be covered while you are away

🚀 Prepare for IELTS writing section today!
  • Unlimited Task 1 & Task 2 checks
    Practice with essays, charts, and letters.
  • Personalized suggestions & mistake analysis
    Spot every mistake and boost your score.
  • Topic ideas & vocabulary helpers
    Expand your ideas and use the right words.
  • Progress tracking
    Watch your writing improve with every practice.