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
You have heard about plans to build new apartments in a public park near your home. You want to give your opinion about this. Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper. In your letter • Explain how you learnt about these plans • Say what you think of the park • Give your opinion on the plans

formal
You are working at home and have a problem with be shap equipment that you use for your job at a letter to the shop or company which applied the equipment in your letter describe the problem with equipment explain how this problem affecting you say what you want the shop or company to do

formal
Letter number 110 Write a complaint letter to a moving company, let them know that they have damaged some of your furniture, tell them you’re not happy about the service and suggest a solution.

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

formal
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 work for a large corporation. You want to apply for one month's leave owing to illness. Write to your manager requesting leave for the same. In your letter • introduce yourself • describe about your illness • inform the manager how you intend to manage your job assignment in your absence

formal
You travelled by plane last week and your suitcase was lost. You have still heard nothing from the airline Company, write to the airline and explain what happened. Describe your bag and tell them what was in it and what they were going to do about it?

formal
You read an advertisement about in the local newspapers about a discount sale at a particular shop. However, when you meet to buy the goods you wanted, you found the sale had ended. Write to the shop manager. In your letter, -inform him/her where and when you went to the shop -what you felt when you came to know that the sale had ended -demand compensation for the goods you wanted to buy

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 You should You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows:

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

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 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. write at least 150 words Begin your letter as follows: Dear...,

formal
Your company is going to give a special training course for staff. Your manager has asked you to find out if the local conference centre has the right facilities to hold this course. Write a letter to the manager of the conference centre. In your letter: ● Give details about the course ● Describe what equipment you will need for the course ● Ask some further questions about the facilities at the conference centre

formal
You have decided to leave your current job due to some reason. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter, tell him about the decision and mention the reason for it describe what you have learnt in the job request a experience letter

formal
Your manager has asked you to arrange a programme for three 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 are planning a trip for you and a group of friends to a resort in a foreinn country. Write a letter to the manager of the resort requesting more information. Your letter should include When you hope to be staying at the resort Ask for suggestions on activities to do Ask for advice on places to eat for both vegetarian and family friendly places

formal
(SOFIA) The government is looking to demolish an old historic building in the City Centre. Write a letter to them expressing your dissatisfaction with this plan. In your letter – Say why the building is important – Suggest solutions to preserve the building – Explain the benefits of keeping the building to the city and its residents.

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 are planning to study abroad. Write a letter of inquiry. - Ask for the terms of admission into that university - Ask for the possibility of getting a scholarship You do NOT need to write any addresses.

formal
You recently went shopping at the local supermarket. When you got home and noticed your bill, you found that you had been charged for items you did not purchase. Write a letter to the supermarket manager explaining what has happened. Tell the manager you are not able to collect the refund and suggest a refund method and say what do you want him to do

formal
you have lost a vsluable item. write a letter to insurance manager

formal
You recently organised an all- day meeting for your company, which took place in a local hotel, in their feedback, participants said they liked the hotel but were not happy with the food served for lunch Write a letter to the manager, in your letter, Say what the participants liked about the hotel Explain why the were unhappy about the food Suggest what the manager should do to improve the food in the future

formal
The local council has some funds to invest in the neighborhood. They have asked for suggestions from the public. Write a letter to the local council. In your letter • thank them for considering the public’s opinion • explain ways in which the funds can be utilised • offer some ways in which you can contribute to the council You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam

formal
You are having some trouble with a work colleague. Write to your employer. In your letter 􀁸 Explain what the problem is 􀁸 Describe how it is affecting you 􀁸 Make a suggestion about what could be done

formal
You recently discovered plans to build a new airport in your area and are unhappy 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 have a suggestion for a park near your apartment building. Write a letter to your city's council board. In your letter: •Describe who you are and what your suggestion is •Explain why you think this suggestion will improve the park •Detail when you would like to see this suggestion in action Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows:

formal
You are being sent on a one month work assignment in San Francisco, California. You need a place to stay while you are there. Write a letter to the Maury Samson Real Estate Agency. In your letter: explain the situation describe the kind of accommodation you would like provide the dates you will need it Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr Samson, You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

formal
You have recently missed a project deadline which resulted in your company losing an important client. Write a letter to your senior director. In your letter ● apologise for what happened •● explain why you missed the deadline •● tell him/her how you will avoid this situation in future.

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

formal
You want to go camping for a week with a group of friends. Write a letter to the campsite manager. In your letter • ask them to send you some information about the campsite • find out about the cost • give information about your likely arrival time

formal
You have just returned from a holiday. You are unhappy with the quality of the hotel you stayed in and want to complain to the travel agency that arranged the holiday. Write a letter to the manager of the travel agency. In your letter, -say about the holiday and where you stayed -mention why you are unhappy about the hotel where you stayed -say what yo would like the travel agency to do

formal
Write a letter to an accommodation agency for change in your accommodations (150 words) - explain your past requirements - why do you want to change your current accommodations - what are your requirements for the new accommodations

formal
You are attending a night course at the school. You are not happy with some parts of the course. Write a letter to the school director about this. What course you are studying? What you are not happy about. What you expect from the school director.

formal
Write a letter to the company from who you purchased an item from which you are disappointed write about the product and why you are disappointed and what are you expect from

formal
You bought a TV a week ago but when you got home you discovered it didnot 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: 1. Introduce yourself 2. Explain the problem 3. And state what action you would like from the company

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

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

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
You have recently moved to a new apartment. After living there for a week, you have noticed that the public transportation services available are not sufficient, especially during peak hours. Write a letter to the local council. In your letter: • Introduce yourself and explain where you have moved to. • Describe the problems you have experienced with public transportation services. • Suggest what changes could be made to improve the situation.

formal
You eat at the cafeteria of your workplace every day. You have been talking with some of your colleagues about the quality of the food and its nutritious level. Write a letter to the cafeteria manager. In your letter: · explain what you like about the cafeteria · say what you think should improve · suggest how it could be improved

formal
The company you work has decided to close the cafeteria, as the staff is not using it much. You are not happy with the decision. Write a letter to the director. -Give reason of low usage -How will it affect the staff -Suggest ways to improve it

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. – I am on vacation • Say what you would like the bank to do to fix the problem.- investigate the case/send revised credit card statement

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

formal
You recently did a 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 have done since the course Suggest another cooker course you would like the school to offer

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

formal
you ordered a book online for exam preparation. It has been some time since you purchased it and you still have not received your book. Write a letter to the e-commerce company about that. 1. Describe your order 2. Explain the importance 3. Say what you want the company to do for you

formal
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 You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear……………………,

formal
As an international student in Sweden, you have an account with a local bank. The monthly bank transfer you receive from your parents has been delayed this month due to an error at your parents’ bank. Write a letter to your bank. In your letter: •introduce yourself and ask for a loan •say why you need the money •tell how you intend to pay back the money You should 

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

formal
Your local newspaper had an advertisement asking people to help with environmental projects in your area. Write a letter to the project manager to offer your help. Describe a local environmental issue Explain how you can help Suggest how to avoid the problem in future

formal
You and some friends ate a meal at a restaurant to celebrate a special occasion, and you were very pleased with the food and service. Write a letter to the restaurant manager. In your letter.

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 recently enjoyed a meal at an expensive restaurant, and you were impressed with the good service you received. Write a letter to the restaurant manager. In your letter • explain the circumstances of your visit to the restaurant • describe the service you received • say what you would like the manager to do Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
You have bought an airline ticket, but for some reason you will not be able to travel on the day scheduled. Write a letter to the airline company: Providing the details of your flight, Explaining the situation, reasons why you cannot travel, Saying what you expect the airline company does

formal
Recently your employer offered some employees to do some work directly from home. Write a letter to your manager requesting the same arrangement. You should say Why do you want to work from home? Why would it be beneficial for the company and yourself? Suggest a suitable arrangement for you to work from home.

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

formal
A restaurant near your home is making a lot of noise. Write a letter to the manager. In your letter Describe the problems you are facing How it solve this problem and suggest solution What will you do if it cannot solve this problem

formal
You recently moved to a new city and want to join a public library. Write a letter to the library manager. In your letter: explain why you want to join the library ask about membership fees and opening hours inquire whether the library provides online resources or study rooms

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 recently bought a piece of equipement for your kitchen but it did not work. You phoned the shop but no action was taken Write a letter to the shop manager. In your letter Describe the problem with the equipment explain what happened when you phoned the shop say what you would like the manager to do

formal
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 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 launch. 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 the future Write at least 150 words.

formal
Write a letter to a transport office about a problem with the transportation system in your area. •Describe the situation you are facing •Why do you consider it a problem •What change you would like to recommend.

formal
You are a member of an organisation which meets regularly at a particular restaurant. The most recent meal you had there was not satisfactory. Write a letter to the manager of the restaurant. In your letter explain why you are writing describe what went wrong with the meal and service suggest what the manager should do to ensure that you and your group return to the restaurant

formal
Last week you bought a new laptop computer but it isn’t working properly. You are not satisfied with the level of service you have received from the company. Write a letter to the company you bought the laptop from. In your letter give details of what the problem is. complain about the customer service you have received. tell the company what action you want them to take.

formal
You saw a brochure for a one-week walking tour in the mountains. You're very interested in taking part, but you're not very fit and are worried you wouldn't be able to keep up. Write to the tour operator. In your letter: • Explain why you're interested in the tour. • Ask for information about dates and prices. • Express your concerns about your fitness level. You do not need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

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

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
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 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 will go to a foreign country to stay there for one year, and you need a place to live in. You have decided to write to an agency for accommodation. Write a letter to the agency to get information about accommodation. why you are going to this country what kind of accommodation you want when you will arrive

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 servd 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
The system used for rubbish / garbage collection in your local area is not working properly. This is causing problems for you and your neibhours. Write a letter to the local council. In your letter describe how the rubbish collection system is not working properly explain how this is affecting you and your neigbours suggest what should be done about the problems

formal
You own an old item that you think is valuable and would like to sell. Write a letter to the owner of an antique's shop. In your letter: • explain how you found the shop • describe the item that you would like to sell say how much you would like to sell the item for Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses

formal
You live in an English-speaking country and you want to so some voluntary, unpaid work in a developing country. Write a letter to a company called Cultural Expeditions, which organizes such trips. In your letter: - Indicate where you would like to volunteer and for how long. - Explian why you want to do the voluntary work. - State what your skilld and experience are.

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

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

formal
You recently bought some train tickets for a journey a week in advance. When you went to the station to catch the train, you were told you could not use the tickets and the staff were very unhelpful to you. Write a letter to the train company. In your letter, describe the problem you had with the tickets say why you were unhappy with the staff suggest what action the train company should take

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 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. In your letter, say: what the conference is about how 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.

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
Your local council is considering closing a sports and leisure center that it runs, in order to save money. Write a letter to local council. In the letter: Give details of how you and your friends use the centre. Explain why the sports and leisure center is important for the local community. Describe the possible effects on local people if the center closes.

formal
Write a letter of complaint to a store where you purchased a faulty new refrigerator. In your letter explain the following: where and when you purchased the refrigerator what is wrong with it what action you would like the store to take You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ..........,

formal
The school library is seeking applicants for a job over summer break. Write a letter to the library’s manager, in your letter include: – A brief introduction of yourself – Your experience and relevant skills – Why you want the job

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 work a part-time job in a company, and the company posted an advert seeking a person for a full-time position. Write a letter to your manager requesting to apply for the advertised position. In your letter say – Why do you want to apply? – What are your future goals? – Why would it be beneficial for the company?

formal
You have just finished a trip booked from a travel agency, but you are not satisfied with it Write a letter to the travel agent in your letter, you should say: - why you felt so unhappy - what happened - make some recommendations about what the travel agent should do about it.

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

formal
You work in an office and have recently been experiencing a health problem. You think that the problem started because of the working conditions in the office. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter Describe the health problem. Explain why you think it was cause by conditions in the office. Suggest what the manager should do to improve the working conditions in the office.

formal
You have just 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 about explain ways in which year Town Centre is different from most other towns centres offer to give a guided tour of your Town Centre to the writer of the article

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

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 Dear Sir or Madam,

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

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

formal
You’ve read an article about the company you work for in a business magazine. The article contains information that is wrong. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter: • give details of the magazine • explain what information about your company is wrong • suggest what you think your manager should do

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
You want to organize a party in your office to celebrate something. Write a letter to your manager about the party at the office. In your letter, say what the party is about mention why it is necessary explain what you expect from him/her to do

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

formal
A museum near your home 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 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 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 You do NOT need to write any addresses.

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

formal
You 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…

🚀 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.