IELTS General Writing Task 1 formal Topics/Questions 2026

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 2026 by students who took the IELTS recently. Pick a random topic and start practicing and improving your writing skills.

formal
Writing Task1 Letter You believe that your local library needs some improvements. Wriye a letter manager to suggest changes In your letter: Explain why you think the library needsbimprovements Suggest what changes should be made Invite the manager to discuss your suggestions in more detail

formal
As the graduation day draws near, you have to apply for a library card for your graduate thesis. Write a letter to the person in charge of the library. In your letter Explain your situation Inquire about to the required materials and the required procedures Express your thanks

formal
Last year you attended a presentation skill course at the Sydney College of Australia. Your new employer has asked you to provide copies of your reports and assignments as quickly as possible. Write a letter to the director of the school. In your letter, explain: • who you are and why you are writing • request these documents • ask whether you need to pay any fee for that

formal
You had borrowed a book from the public library however, when You reached home, you found that some important pages were torn away. Write a letter to the librarian explaining the situation. You should - Mention the book - Mention the pages - Suggest what can be done.

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
You are organising a local committee meeting. You would like a local MP to attend the meeting to contribute to a discussion about green areas in the community. Write a letter of invitation to the MP's secretary, Mrs Shelton. In your letter •introduce your committee •say why you are having the meeting •invite the MP to attend Write about 150 words. You do not need to write addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear…

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 Task 1 (general)

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Your department had been given additional work at a company you work for which is creating problems. Write a letter to your manager. In it - Explain what the additional work is. - What problems are you facing due to extra work - Offer a solution to solve You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write your own address.

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You had a job during the summer vacation, but the payment you received was not right. Write to the manager to state the following: 1) describe what has happened, 2) the work you did and how much you should have earned, and 3) what you want to happen next. You should write at least 150 words.

formal
You recently organized an all-day meeting for your company, which took place in a local hotel. In their feedback, participants at the meeting said 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
Write a letter to the company. In your letter describe the benefits of sponsoring the sports tean summarise the benefits of paying for the concerts say how you thing the company should spend the money Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

formal
You are attending a course at an evening school. Write a letter to the director of the school with a complaint about the course. In your letter, you should: – Describe the course you are taking. – Explain what you don’t like about the course. – Give your opinion about what should be done about it.

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 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 address. You should write at least 150 words.

formal
You rented a car from a company and while you were driving on holiday, you had a small accident. You will have to write a letter to the company and in your letter. Explain when and from where you rented it Describe how the accident happened what kind of action did you take after the accident

formal
Your manager has asked you to arrange a programme for the first day at work of a new employee. You can only be there for the morning Write a letter to your manager. In your letter - Explain why you can only be there for the morning. - ⁠say how you could help the new employee in the morning. - ⁠suggest what the new employee could do in the afternoon.

formal
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.

formal
You need to seek admission in a short cource. Write a letter to the admission officer. In your letter, you should tell: - What the course is? -How you background knowledge is related to this? -Why this institure is important?

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
Your child is going on a trip to a nature reserve organized bye by a local youth club. The club leader is looking for parents to travel with Group and you would like to go. Write a letter to the leader of the youth club. In your letter- say why you want to go on the trip Describe what you could do to help during the trip Ask for more details about the trip Begin your letter as follows: Dear .... You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

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: Dear Sir or Madam, You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

formal
The hotel were you and your family spent the weekend did not offer the service they had promised. Write a letter to the manager. In your letter: • Introduce yourself. • Explain the problem. • State what action you would like from the hotel. 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 lot an item of value on a train. Write a letter to the raiway company.

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

formal
you went to see a good film but you could not enjoy it because of some problems in the cinema. Write a letter to the cinema manager. You should tell When you watched the film What problem you experienced in the cinema What the manager should do 150 words

formal
You are studying at a college which has very limited sports and leisure facilities for students. Write a letter to the principal. In your letter, •outline the situation •propose ways to improve this situation •request a meeting to discuss this Begin your letter ‘Dear --------’ Do not write any addresses Write at least 150 words

formal
You bought a TV a week ago but when you got home you discovered it was not working properly. You called customer service to report the problem but you have not received any help. Write a letter to the company and in your letter 1. Introduce yourself 2. Explain the problem 3. State what action you would like from the company

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 Write at least 150 words.

formal
You have seen an adverstisement for weekend work in a hotel in the town where you are staying. You have worked in a hotel before and think that the job would be suitable for you. You must apply in writing. Write a letter to the hotel manager expressing your interest. In your letter . Introduce yourself . Explain why you think you would be suitable for the job . ask what work you would be expected to do

formal
Government plans to construct an airport in your locality. Write a letter to the authority. - Explain where you came to know about the news. - Describe the negative effects of airport construction. - Ask to consider alternate sits for the airport construction.

formal
Write a letter to counsel regarding the issue of waste in the lake

formal
You have been experiencing problems with your internet service, such as slow speed or frequent disconnections. Write a letter to the internet service provider to complain about the issue. In your letter: - describe the problems you are facing with the internet service, - explain how these problems are affecting your daily activities, - request immediate action to fix the issue or offer compensation.

formal
You have an upcoming meeting with your manager to discuss your performance in the past years. write a letter to the manager. In your letter. Describe your achievements in the past year. Say what areas/skills need to improve on Suggest plan to improve those skills/areas.

formal
You have a full-time job and you are also doing a part-time evening course. You now find that you cannot continue the course. Write a letter to your teachers. In your letter describe the situation explain why you cannot continue at this time say what action you would like to take You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ................. , There are three main things to consider before writing your essay:

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
You are looking for a part-time job at a football club. Write a letter to the manager of the football club. In your letter, introduce yourself explain what experience and special skills you have tell him/her when you think you could start

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
The company you work for is planning to provide special staff training Your duty is to find out if the local conference center has suitable facilities in order to hold the training. Write a letter to the manager of

formal
You have a bad experince at a restaurent and write a letter to complain to the manager

formal
(Livia) You have a problem with a recently hired employee in your workplace. Write a letter to the HR manager. In your letter – Describe the problem the new employee has caused – Explain how other colleagues feel about the new employee’s conduct – Say how you expect the manager to address the situation.

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

formal
You work for an international company. You have seen an advertisement for a training course which will be useful for your job. •Describe the training course you want to do •Explain what the company could do to help you •Say how the course will be useful for your job

formal
You have finished a course. Write a letter to the course organizer to give your feedback. In your letter include: - the details of the course, - what you enjoyed during the course, - any suggestions you would have.

formal
complain to the supermarket. You were hurt in a minor accident inside a supermarket, and you wish to 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. Write at least 150 words.

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 times you complained • Explain what you want the manager to do

formal
You travelled to another city on business last week, and there was a problem with your hotel room. Write to the hotel manager. In your letter… •Tell the manager about the problems you had •Explain to them how you feel about what happened •Let them know what actions you would like them to take. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

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
You have lost your student identification card. This has created some problems for you. Write a letter to the director of student services. In your letter advise them of your situation explain how this is affecting you request a new card You do NOT need to write any addresses.

formal
Write a letter to the manager of a restaurant you recently visited. In your letter: - Explain why you chose this restaurant - Describe the problems you faced during your visit - Suggest what the restaurant can do to improve the situation.

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 magazie. 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
Your child is going on a trip to another country for 3 days. School is looking for some parents who can join the trip and you decided to apply for the same. You are interested in going with trip. Write a letter to the head of the school and include: – Why you want to join the team – What you can do to assist – Queries related to the trip.

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 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 Write at least 150 words

formal
You were hurt in a minor accident inside a supermarket, and you wish to complain to the supermarket. 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 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
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 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 have lost your student identification card. This has caused some problems for you. Write a letter to the director of student services. In your letter, -advise them of your situation -explain how it is affecting you -request a new card

formal
You want to take a course related to your work. Write a letter to your employer. Describe what the course is. Explain how it will benefit the company. Suggest how to arrange time for it.

formal
You share your room with another student in the college hostel. You find it very difficult to study there because he or she always has parties and friends visiting. Write a letter to the hostel warden complaining about your displeasure with the room-mate.

formal
You recently attended a meeting at a hotel. When you returned home , you found you had left some important paper 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
Making Recommendations. 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 Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir / Madam You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

formal
Your neighbours have been smoking in their apartment. Write a letter to the management company. In your letter • give details about the problem • explain how you would like the problem to be solved • describe other issues you've been having with the neighbours Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ...

formal
You have a suggestion for a park nearby where you live. Write a letter to your city’s council. In your letter include: •what your suggestion is • why you think this suggestion will improve the park • when you would like to see this suggestion in action

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

formal
You recently travelled abroad and had some issues at airport. Write a letter to airport manger provide The flight details What the problem was What suggestions you could give

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

formal
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
Write a letter to an airline manager to find out about something you forgot on the plane during your travel. in your letter 1. Give details about the flight 2. Describe the item you forgot 3. explain why it is important that you get it back

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

formal
You ride a bicycle to work, but there is a problem with the parking. Write a letter to the building manager to provide bicycle parking. In your letter, you should: why you ride a bicycle to work what the problem is with the parking what your suggestions are.

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 Guve 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.

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 whey it is important for the magazine to give correct information - suggest what the magazine should do about this situation

formal
Write a letter to the manager of the bus company. In your letter • describe what the problems are • explain how these problems are affecting you • suggest what you would like the company to do

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

formal
You regularly attend meetings where many people who belong to different countries take part. You have met people of a large number of countriesand have had a wide experience of them. Write a letter to the editor of a local newspaper. In your letter · Why you attend such meetings · What activities are being done in such meetings · How this information can be useful to the people of your country

formal
you are leaving your job and would like to invite your friend as your replacement. Write a litter to your friend. In your letter, you should: describe the job explain the reason you leave tell him/her why you recommend the job to them.

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 town centers Offer to give a guided tour of your town to the writer of the article

formal
Some people prefer to work hard to earn more but have no free time while others want to have a free time but earn less Discuss both these views and give your opinion

formal
Last Tuesday you flew from New York to Paris. When you arrived home, you discovered that you had left your cabin bag on the plane. Write a letter to the airline. In your letter, you should explain: • Where and when you lost your bag • What your bag looks like What its contents were

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Some members of your city council want to prohibit cars on several downtown streets. This will allow pedestrians and bicyclists to use the roads freely. Write a letter to a city council official in your city. In your letter Explain how you heard about the plan Provide some possible effects of this plan Give your opinion about the plan

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

formal
You are organising a local committee meeting. You would like a local MP to attend the meeting to contribute to a discussion about green areas in the community. Write a letter of invitation to the MP's secretary, Mrs Shelton. In your letter -introduce your committee -say why you are having the meeting -invite the MP to attend

formal
Your local newspaper is offering an award for people who have helped the community. Write a letter to the newspaper editor. In your letter suggest someone you think should receive the award describe what the person does to help the community suggest an award that would be appropriate for this person 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
Write a letter to apologise on the particular job you agreed to take during summer vacation due to some unforeseen circumstances. ● explain the situation ● state your apology ● express that you would be interested in this position next summer.

formal
You recently ordered a small item online but when it arrived it was unusable. Write a letter to the company that sold you the item. In the letter: give details about the order you made explain what was wrong with the item tell the company what you want them to do 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
Write a letter to a construction company which has the plan for building new houses in your neighbourhood

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. There is construction taking place near your home and the noise is disturbing you. 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 study at a college in the city centre. You use public transport to get to the college but the bus service you use has changed. Write a letter to the manager of the bus company. In the letter, -Say who you are and the details of service you use -Explain the problem with the bus service -Suggest what you think the manager should do

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

formal
your child is going on a school trip abroad for three days and the headmaster of the school has asked anyparents if they would like to come along to assist.you would like to go . write a letter to the headmaster. say why you woud like to go? Suggest what you could do to help during the trip? ask some further questions about the trip?

formal
You recently missed a flight. You think this was the fault of the airlines. Write a letter to the airline. In your letter - explain why you believe the airline was at fault - describe the impact this had on your journey - say what you want the airline to do. Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin you letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
You recently visited the zoological park and had an uncanny experience , as the man died by falling in the tiger enclosure. You were not able to do anything at that point, but wanted to show your concern for the safety of the visitors. Write an email to director of Zoological park in about 150-200 words. Your email should do the following. 1)Give a description of the incident 2)Complain about the short fencing 3)Show your concern for the safety of the visitors.

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

formal
You ecently bought some food at a supermarket, but, when you got home, you found that the food was in bad condition. Write a letter to the manager of the supermarket. In your letter, -Explain what happen to you -Give details of the day and time of the purchase -Ask the manager what he/she intends to do about your experience

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. & Summaries the benefits of paying for the concerts. & Say how you think the company should spend the money.

formal
You rent a house through an agency. The heating system has stopped working. You phoned the agency a week ago but it still has not been repaired. write a letter to agency. Explain the situation and tell them what you want them to do about it.

formal
You saw an advert for the post of finance manager at the vacancy board. You want to apply for the same job. But, you have been late for applying for the same. Write a letter along with your resume to your prospective employer. In your letter • introduce yourself • talkaboutyourskills • reasonsforyourdelay

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 the letter: explain why you were at the restaurant describe the problems write about the action you want the manager to take You do NOT need to write your own address.

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
There is construction taking place near your home and the noise is disturbing you. 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

🚀 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.