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
ou 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

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 recently started commuting to work by bicycle and discovered that there is a problem with bicycle parking near the building where you work. Write a letter to the building manager. In your letter, •explain the reason for using a  bicycle to commute •mention what problems you have encountered with parking •what you recommend to solve the problems

formal
You recently discovered that there are plans to construct a new block of flats in your local area. Write a letter to the local authority. In your letter: ·  explain how you know about the plans ·  describe the negative effects this will have on your neighbourhood ·  suggest a possible solution to the problem

formal
You work at home and you have a problem with a piece of equipment your purchased for your job. Write a letter to company which supplied the equipment.

formal
When you received a device ordered online you discovered that it was damaged. Write a letter to the company. In your letter: • Explain what you ordered and the problem with it; • Tell how important is this purchase to you; • Ask for solutions of the problem. Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ....,

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 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 a 2 day work training outside your city next month.write a letter to the manager of the hotel regarding accommodation arrangement for your visit.in your letter Introduce yourself and your company. Ask Availability of their rooms. Tell him/her that your every arrangement and needs.

formal
A festival takes place in your town every year , The festival manager has asked for people to help with this year’s festival . You would like to help : Write a letter to the festival manager , in your letter * Give your opinion of last year’s festival * ⁠Say what you could do to help with this year’s festival * ⁠Ask some questions about the festival

formal
Afriend you made while travelling abroad has written to ask you for advice about doing language classes in your area. You know about local language school that might be suitable for him tell your friend about the language school Say why you think the language school would be suitable for him explain how to apply for the language school

formal
Your town council has decided to demolish an historic building due to lack of funds to renovate. Write a letter to your counselor . In your letter, you should say: why it is important to preserve the historic building how the funds could be generated.

formal
Your next-door neighbor likes 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 ordered a new cheque book from your bank two weeks ago, but you have received nothing. Write a letter to the manager complaining about the bad service. Say when and how you ordered the cheque book. Ask how much longer you will have to wait and ask the manager what action he will take over this matter.

formal
ou 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
You want to join a local club or organization. Write a letter to the club secretary. In your letter: - Introduce yourself and explain why you are interested. - Ask about membership requirements. - Enquire about the next meeting or event.

formal
You have bought a new camera but when you got home it home you found it had some problems. You returned the camera and spoke to the company representative a week ago but the camera has still not been repaired. Write a letter to the company. In your letter: • introduce yourself • explain the situation • say what action you would like the company to take.

formal
On a recent holiday, you lost a valubale 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 to do

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 are visiting another town next month for a short break. Write a letter to the tourist information center. In your letter •Tell them how long you are staying •Ask for some suggestions for what to do •Find out if any local events happening at that time

formal
You stayed at hotel last week. After you reached home, you realized you forgot your watch at your hotel room. Write a letter to Hotel Manager, explaining what happened. Describe tha watch, say why it is important to you and ask him to help you find it.

formal
You want to rent out a small apartment to a family, and you have decided to advertise it. Write a letter to the editor of a local newspaper asking to advertise your ad on the front page of the newspaper. In your letter, give details of the ad that you want to publish mention that you want the ad to be published on the front page say how you would like to pay for the advertisement

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. In your letter •introduce yourself •describe the training course and how it would benefit your work •explain why you need financial assistance.

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 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. – I am on vacation • Say what you would like the bank to do to fix the problem.- investigate the case/send revised credit card statemen

formal
You are looking for a part-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

formal
Last Monday you flew from Mumbai to Bangalore. When you reached home, you discovered that you had left your hand bang on the plane. Write a letter to the airline. In your letter you have to explain: Where and when you lost the bag What your bag looks like What its contents were

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
You study at a university and often use the university library. The library closes very early in the evening and you are not able to stay there and study. Write a letter to the manager of the library. In the letter, -Describe who you are and the details of your university course -Explain the problem at the library -Suggest what you think the manager should do

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 should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 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. – I am on vacation • Say what you would like the bank to do to fix the problem.- investigate the case/send revised credit card stateme

formal
You have been working as a Manager in a private company for the last two years with no salary raise. Write a letter to your manager to request a pay equity in your salary as compared to other managers in your department. In your letter, explain why you are writing why you think you deserve a salary raise say what you want your manager to do for you

formal
You recently hired a restaurant to host an office party at work, but there were several problems with the food and service. Write a letter to the restaurant manager. In your letter: Give details of the food and services you ordered Describe the problems that occurred Explain what you want the restaurant to do

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 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 work for an international company and need to take some time off work to celebrate a family event. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter ● give details of the family event and why it is important you attend ● say how much time you will need away from the office ● suggest how your work could be covered while you are away

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. Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

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 have been working for a company for some time, and other rival companies are willing to employ you with a higher salary for all the practical experience you have gained. Write a letter to your company manager and in your letter • Explain the situation • Say what you would like the manager to do (increase the salary etc.) • Say what action you would take in case the manager fails to meet your demands You do NOT need to write any addresses.

formal
The local Council in your city has no funds for repairs and maintanenance of old buildings. It has decided to demolish a historical building to build a software company. Write a letter to the head of Council. In your letter: explain why the building is important suggest how the building can be used to benefit the local community suggest a solution to finance the repairs.

formal
A large company in your area has decided to spend a certain amount of money, either to sponsor a local children's sport team for two years, or two 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 sport team. Summaries the benefits of paying for the concerts. And say how you think the company should spend the money.

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. 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 Write at least 150 words.

formal
You recently saw an advertisement about a business conference that can be helpful for your work. Write a letter to your manager asking permission to attend the conference. - What is the conference about? - How did you know about the conference? - Explain to him/her why it is important that you attend this conference. You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any address. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ......,

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 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
ASSGNMENT There have been some problems with the bus servicing, especially its reliability, in your area over the last two weeks. Write a letter to the manager of the bus company, in your letter: 1. Describe what the problems are 2. Explain how these problems are affecting you 3. Suggest what you would like the company to do

formal
You recently organised and old a meeting for your company. Which took place in local hotel. In their feedback, participant 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 managers should do to improve the food in future

formal
You have just started a course in a college which has not sports facilities of its own. Write a letter to the manager 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 Example- facilities, members, costs

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

formal
Last week, you visited a local supermarket and you got saticfactory service. Write a letter to the supermarket manager to thank. In your letter: -introduce yourself; -say why you are satisfield; -say thank you and write about your future visits;

formal
Last week, you celebrated your birthday with some friends in a restaurant. It was a great success and you and your friends enjoyed yourselves very much. Write a letter to the restaurant. In your letter •mention the food and service •explain that you really enjoyed the atmosphere •suggest any improvements to make things better

formal
Practice 1: You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You have a full-time job and are also doing a part-time evening course. You now find that you cannot continue the course. Write a letter to the course tutor. In your letter, •describe the situation •explain why you cannot continue at this time •say what action you would like to take You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any address.

formal
You recently attended a job interview, but you have not heard back from the company about whether you got the job or not. Write a letter to the HR department. In your letter • describe the position you were interviewed for • explain why you think the interview was successful • say why you need to know if you've got the job or not.

formal
You need to take leave from your work of over one month for personal reasons. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter: explain the reason for the leave and the length of leave you need explain how you will keep up-to-date while you’re away suggest how your work could be covered while you are away Write at least 150 words You do NOT need to write any addresses Begin your letter as follows: Dear....,

formal
You recently did a short cookery course.The cookery school has asked for your feedback on this course. Writing a letter to the course director at the cookery school.Hn yoour letter . describe what you enjoed about the course . say how much cooking you have done since the course . suggest another cookery course you would like the school to offer

formal
You have some library books that you are unable to return as a member of your family in another city has fallen sick and you have hand to go and look after them. Write a letter to the library. In you letter, you should: explaining the situation apologize for the inconvenience called and say what you are going to do

formal
Write a letter to the manager complaining about the bad service. Say when and how you ordered the cheque book. Ask how much longer you will have to wait and ask the manager what action he will take over this matter.

formal
You live in a room in college which shared with another 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 thee college In this letter, Describe your situation Explain your problems and why it’s difficult to work Say what kind of accomodation you would prefer.

formal
You were absent from an important event held by the company you work for. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter: · Apologize for your absence and explain the reasoning · Explain why you had to be at the other event · Explain what you will do to catch up Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr. Brannagan

formal
One of your colleagues is leaving for a new job, and your manager has asked you to arrange a farewell party for him/her. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter, suggest a suitable date and time for the party recommend a place discuss the food and entertainment options that should be available You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr/Mrs ..................,

formal
You recently discovered that there are plans to build a new airport in your area and you are not happy with it. Write a letter to the local authority. In your letter, Say how you found out about the plans Explain what problems your neighborhood will face Suggest some possible solutions to those problems.

formal
You use public transport and have been facing issues. Write a letter to the public transport authorities. In your letter include: Why public transport is important to you What problem you face Suggest what can be done to improve public transport

formal
You recently started a part-time job in a supermarket. You made a small mistake in your work and you want to tell the manager about this. Write a letter to the manager of the supermarket. In your letter - give details of the small mistake you made. - explain why you made this mistake. - Suggest what you intend to do about this.

formal
You would like to buy some electrical goods at a shop in a nearby town. Write a letter to the shop and - ask if they have the things you want or whether they will be able to order them. - --- Ask what the prices are and - how long they will be able to hold the goods for you.

formal
You have read about a scholarship offered by a university and wish to apply. Write a letter to the university and include the following information: the scholarship you wish to apply for some details about yourself your academic suitability for the scholarship and any other relevant information.

formal
You recently made a journey by train. When you got on the train, you realised you had left a bag on the platform. Write a letter to the station manager. In your letter: • give details of where and when you left the bag • describe the bag and its contents • suggest how you could get the bag back

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 due to give a presentation at work at the end of this week, but you are unwell and would like to postpone the presentation. Write a letter to your manager. In the letter, Describe the presentation Explain why you cannot deliver the presentation on the scheduled day Request a different date for your presentation You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear...,

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You have recently visited a city on vacation and stayed in a hotel. Write a letter to the manager about your stay. In your letter: Give details of your stay What were the high & low points of the hotel What are your suggestions; recommendations and / or complaints about the hotel Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear .....................,

formal
You recently attended a training course for your work. Your employer has asked you for your feedback on the training course. Write a letter to your employer In your letter • remind your employer what the course was about • explain why the course was useful to you in your work • suggest why the course may be suitable for some of your 5.

formal
You were going to start a job next month, but you will not be able to. Write a letter to your future employer. In your letter explain the situation describe your problem(s) tell him/her when you can start work

formal
You celebrated your birthday with some friends last week in a restaurant. It was a great success and you and your friends enjoyed the evening very much. Write a letter to the restaurant to thank them. Mention the food, service and the atmosphere. Also suggest any improvements to make things better. You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You do NOT need to write your own address.

formal
Your child’s school is planning a field trip outside the country for 3 days and is asking for parents to come along. Write a letter Asking about the trip Explaining why you want to join Explain how you can help out

formal
Write a letter to local authorities by requesting additional sports facilities for your age group in your area. Mention about current sports facilities 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

formal
You have bought some clothing online and are not satisfied 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

formal
You have recently ordered an item from 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
Your local hospital has advertised for people to do unpaid work helping at the hospitsal. 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
Last week, you lost your luggage while traveling on holiday. Luckily, you have travel insurance. Write a letter to the manager of your insurance company. In your letter: Describe the characteristics of what you lost Explain how you lost it Tell the insurance company what you need from them 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 just read an article Oman international travel magazine which contained some information about your town is incorrect. Write a letter to the editor f 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

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Write at least 150 words. You recently went to a restaurant but think you could have left your credit card behind. Write to the restaurant. In your letter •Tell them when you went there •Describe where you think you may have left the credit card •Explain what you would like the restaurant 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 company’s head office for six months -say how your work could be done while you are away -ask for his/her in arranging in

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
You have been asked to organise a special dinner to celebrate your company’s achievements this year. Write a letter to the restaurant you have chosen. In your letter say why you want to come to the restaurant and when how many people will attend the dinner what special requirements you have You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

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 different from most other town centres .offer to give a guided tour of your town to the writer of the article

formal
WRITING TASK 1 You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 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 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
In your letter: Tell the manager your decision and the reason Describe what you have learnt in your current job Ask the manager to write to you a reference letter. You have decided to leave your current job even though you enjoy it . Write a letter to inform your manager of your decision.

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 study/work. Write a letter to the accommodation officer at the college. In the letter:

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 request you have (for example diet).

formal
You are part of a group of musicians who meet on Tuesday and Friday evenings to practise in the community hall. You have been told, however, that it is no longer possible for the group to use the hall. Write a letter to the manager. In the letter: describe what the group does explain why the group is good for the community suggest alternative days and times for practice You should write at least 150 words.

formal
You have recently booked a trip abroad with a travel agency; however, plans have changed, and you cannot go to that trip. Write a letter to your travel agent. - Give details of your trip. - Explain why you can’t go on this trip. Tell the agency what you want to do about the booking

formal
You accidentally left an important item while checking out of a hotel. Please write a letter to the hotel manager and ask him/her to send the item back to you. In your letter provide the details of your stay; describe the item you left behind; tell the hotel manager how to return it to you.

formal
Recently saw an advertisement local news paper having some vacancies in a supermarket. Write a letter to the recruiting officer in your later Post for which you are applying Give details about your experience. Why you ant to get this job.

formal
You stayed at a holiday resort recomended by your travel agent. Write a letter of complaint

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 have just started a course at a college that does not have its own sports facilities. Write a letter to the manager of the nearest private sports club. .Introduce yourself .Tell me why you are interested in this sports club .ask some questions about the club, e.g. objects, members, costs Begin with: Dear Sir or Madam

formal
You are looking for a part-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.

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 Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You work for a small company. You need to arrange for some time off work. Write a letter to your employer. In your letter • explain why you want to take time off work • give details of how long you will be away • suggest how you will make up for the lost time Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear……………………,

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

formal
On a recent holiday, you lost a valuable item. Fortunately, you have insurance to cover the cost of anything lost. write a letter to the manager of your insurance company. In this 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 bought an electronic device online, but when it arrived, it was faulty. Write a letter to the company to complain about the problem. In your letter: describe the problem explain how it has affected you say what you would like the company to do

formal
You recently spent the night at an expensive hotel. There was a problem with your room, but the hotel staff was unable to do anything about it. Write a letter to the hotel manager. In your letter • describe the problem. • explain what happened when you asked the hotel staff for help. • say what you would like the manager to do.

formal
You have recently bought some camping equipment but it was faulty. You phoned the shop but no action has been taken. Write a letter to the shop maneger. In your letter, -Describe the problem with the equipment -Explain what happened when you phoned the shop -Say what you would like the maneger to do

formal
Write a letter to the manager of the supermarket. In your letter 1. say who you are 2.give details about the accident 3. suggest how the supermarket could prevent similar accidents.

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