IELTS General Writing Task 1 formal Topics/Questions 2026

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This section presents a list of common IELTS General Writing Task 1 formal topics. All these topics were added in 2026 by students who took the IELTS recently. Pick a random topic and start practicing and improving your writing skills.

formal
You recently 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. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
You are interested in scholarship programme to study at a foriegn university. Write a letter to enquire about the course. in your letter 1. Explain which course you are interested in 2. Tell what you know about the university 3. Explain why you should receive the scholarship

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

formal
Write a letter to your internet service provider to complain. In the letter: – Describe the problem and why you are unhappy – Arrange for an engineer to visit your home – Request a reduction in your bill

formal
You recently had furniture delivered to your home, but during the delivery the workers caused some damage to your property. Write a letter to the manager of the delivery company. In your letter: explain what was delivered and when describe the damage that was caused say what you would like the company to do about it

formal
Your Local council is considering closing a sports and leisure centre that it runs, in order to save money. Write a letter to the local council, In your letter - give details of how you and your friends or family use the centre - explain why the sports and leisure centre is important for the local community - describe the possible side effects on local people if the centre closes

formal
One of your penfriends wants to improve their English at a language school. They have never studied at a language school before and have asked for your advice on how to choose a good one. write a letter to your penfriend, Advise them about the following; the teaching method,the number of students in class and the number of hours per week. write 150 words in 20 minutes.

formal
You applied for a new passport, and it got delayed. Due to this delay, you missed your (study) intake. You are very disappointed over this delay. Write a letter to the Regional Passport Office for the same. In your letter ● introduce yourself ● describe what happened and how you are at loss ● say what you want the officer to do

formal
You and your friends ate a meal at a restaurant to celebrate a special occasion, and you were extremely dissatisfied with the experience. Write a letter to the restaurant manager. In your letter: Explain the reason for the celebration Give details of your visit to the restaurant Say what you would like the restaurant to do Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses

formal
you have some documents that you need to be translated into another language as soon as possible. Write a letter to a translation agency. In your letter · say what the documents are · explain why you need them to be translated · ask for the documents to be translated urgently

formal
the system used for rubbish collection in your local area is not working properly. this is causing problems for you and your neighbours. write a letter to the local rubbish collection system is not working properly. write a letter to the local council. in your letter describe how the ruubish collection system is not working properly explain how this is affecting you and your neighbours suugest what should be done about the problem

formal
you are looking for a full-time job. write a letter to an employment agency. in your letter: Introduce yourself. Explain what sort of job you would like. Say what experience and skills you have you should write at least 150 words you should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

formal
write a letter to the manager that you left the documents in the taxi

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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
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
You recently had your computer fixed at a local computer store, however, you are not pleased with the service you received. Write a letter to the store manager. In the letter: •describe the situation • explain why you are dissatisfied • say what you want the manager to do

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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 are you give details about the accident suggest how the supermarket could prevent similar accidents

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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
Write a letter to the course director at the cookery school. In your letter, describe what you enjoyed about the course say how much cooking you've done since the course suggest another cookery course you'd like the school to offer

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You have a full time job and also doing a part time evening course. You now find that you cannot continue the course. Write a letter to the course tuttor. In your letter Describe the situation Explain why you cannot continue at this time Say what action you would like to take

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PART 1: You read an article in a magazine about your hometown and some of the information was wrong. Write to the editor to correct the article and tell him how unhappy you are.

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You have a complaint about the hotel you stayed at while attending a meeting that was booked by the organiser of a company meeting. Write a letter to the organiser of the meeting and include •Details about the meeting •The problem you face •What should be done

formal
You have just read an article in a national newspaper which claim 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 point in the articles 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
There is a sports stadium near your home where large number of people come to watch games each weekend.This cause you and your neighbours aome problems. Write a letter to the local council. In your letter- -Explain who you are and where you live -Describe the Problem -Suggest what the local council should do

formal
You 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 x describe the problem with the equipment x explain what happened when you phoned the shop x say what you would like the manager to do

formal
You wish to study at a foreign university. Write a letter to the university. In your letter you should ask about: the accommodation and fees possible scholarships and the qualifications required for acceptance.

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Write a request letter to the mnager of the sports club in order to participate

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You recently travelled on the local bus service in your town. You think the driver drove badly and was rude to the passengers. Write a letter to the manager of the local bus service. In your letter - introduce yourself and say when the incident happened - describe what you saw and heard - say what you would like the bus company to do about it You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam, You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You took your family to a nearby restaurant. You were disappointed with the meal and wish to complain to the manager. Write a letter to the manager of the restaurant. In the letter: explain why you were at the restaurant describe the problems write about the action you want the manager to take You do NOT need to write your own address.

formal
You are studying a short course in another country. Your accommodation was arranged by the course provider. But there is a major problem with the accommodation. Write a letter to the course provider.

formal
You have received a letter from your bank, asking you to acknowledge receipt of a new bank card. However, the card was missing from the envelope. Write a letter to the bank's head office. In your letter: explain why you are writing express concern about the missing card ask them what they intend to do Begin your letter as follows: Dear ____, You should write at least 150 words.

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You have been invited to attend an interview for a place studying a course in a college. Unfortunately, because of a previous appointment, you cannot come at the time they wish. Write a letter to the admissions tutor: explain your position apologise and offer to come on another day or later the same day. ask how long the interview will be and whether there will be any tests during it.

formal
You recently attended a meeting at a hotel. When you returned home you found some important papers are missing. Write a letter to the Manager saying where you left the papers, how important the papers are, waht do you want him/her to do?

formal
You read in a newspaper that a company is going to renovate some school buildings in your local area that are in a poor condition. You would like to offeryour help. Write a letter to the charity paying for renovation. In your renovation -explain why you want to help with the renovations. -suggest what you can do to help -say when are you available to start work.

formal
your company does not have a staff rest area. write a letter to your manager to request an office that can be used as a staff rest area. in the letter -explain the benefits of this action -suggest an office that can be used -what should be done to transform the office into a staff rest are

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You know what a building company Is planning to build new houses in immediate proximity to your house. Write a letter to the manager of the company.

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You are currently taking a course at a university but you will need to have a week off during this course. Write a letter to the university of Dean. In the letter: •Give details of your course •Explain why you need a week off •Say what you want the Dean to do

formal
Write a letter to the airport flight manager about missing a business trip due to an accident that happened at the airport. Explain • - what was the accident? • - what was the result of missing the flight? • - what do you want them to do?

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You hired a car from a company, while. While you were driving you had a small accident. Write a letter to the company to explain it. In your letter: •when and where you hired it •describe how the accident happened •what kind of action did you take after the accident

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Your children go to a local school that requires vulenteers to accompany school science trips Write a letter to the school to apply to be a volunteer. In the letter : – Introduce yourself and give details of your children who attend the school – Explain why you are interested in the position – Talk about any relevant experience that you have with children

formal
you recently organised an all day meeting for your company, which look place in a local hotel. In their feedback, participants at the meeting said that they liked the hotel, but they were unhppy about the food that was served for lunch. write a letter to the manger of the hotel.

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

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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

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 for an international company. You have seen an advertisement for a training course which will be useful for your job. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter -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 are supposed to go on an interview in a few weeks, byt you have since found out you can not 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 the change the interview date explain that you are still intersted in being interviewed for the job

formal
You are unhappy with a service you received at a restaurant. Write a letter to the restaurant manager. In your letter: - Describe the situation. - Explain why you were unhappy. - Suggest what you would like the manager to do.

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

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

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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 recently visited a department store. One member of staff at the store was very helpful to you and you want to tell the store about this. Write a letter to the store manager. In your letter. - say which part of the store you visited - ⁠describe how this member of staff was helpful to you - ⁠say what you would like the manager to do

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You ordered a new credit card from the bank about 14 days ago and still have not received it. You are not happy about this. Write a letter to the bank. In your letter say: Why you are writing to them. Ask why you have waited so long for the new card Ask the bank manager what he will do about this matter.

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A sports club in your area is about to be closed and you oppose to that. Write a letter to the manager and make suggestions why it is important that the club stays open.

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You applied for a job at a company but haven't received a response yet. Write a letter to the HR department to inquire about the status of your application.

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a museum near your home is looking for people to do part-time voluntary/unpiad 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.

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You have been looking for a job and have seen a job advertisement for a part-time position. Write a letter to the employer. In your letter explain why you need the job; describe your skills and qualifications; say what days you are available.

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Write a letter to the company to complain about the poor service you received from its employees. In your letter, express: why you went to the shop/office how the employees behaved to offend you what you expect the company to do

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Write a letter to the Planning Manager of your local council about a historical building in your area that is about to be pulled down due to the lack of money to repair it. In your letter State why the building is important What the building can be used for in the future Suggest ways for paying for the repairs

formal
Your local council has advertised for volunteers to teach on a basic English programme for refugees. You would like to do some work for this programme in your free time. Write a letter to the programme coordinator. In your letter explain why you would like to do unpaid work on this programme describe why you are a suitable candidate say when you are available to teach. Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses Begin your letter as follows: Dear...

formal
A magazine wants to include contribution 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
You recently ordered an item that was advertised as having a discount from the normal price, but you have found that when you paid, you did not get the discount. Write to the company. In your letter •Explain that you did not get the discount • Tell them where you saw the discount advertised • Tell them what you would like them to do about the situation

formal
Your local council has decided to close the only park in your town and build a car park in its place. You believe this will have a bad effect on the people who live and work in the town. Write a letter to the mayor. In your letter introduce yourself explain why you think the decision is wrong say what you think the council should do instead 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 have been offered a scholarship for obtaining a distance Master's degree through distance learning at a prestigious university. One of the requirements is to take a test on site once a month. Write a letter to your current employer.In your letter: • Share the news. • Explain how this will be helpful. • Ask for permission to be absent. Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear …………..,

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Write a letter of complaint about a proposal to build a new road through your local park

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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 * Summarize the benefits of paying for the concerts * Say how you think the company should spend the money

formal
You recently attended a meeting at a hotel. When you returned home, you realized you had left some important documents at the hotel. Write a letter to the manager of the hotel. In your letter: Explain the situation Describe the documents Say what action you would like the manager to take You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir/Madam,

formal
You need to take some time off of work to go on holiday. Write a letter to your direct manager. In your letter: Ask for time off and explain why Provide the dates and times for which you will be unavailable to work Describe what you will do to prepare or make up for your absence Write at least 150 words. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Ms. Snyder,

formal
You are looking for part-time work. Write a letter to an employment agency. In your letter introduce yourself say what skills and work experience you have explain the sort of job you are looking for You should write at least 150 words.

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you ordered a book online for exam preperation. It has been sometime since you ordered it and you still have not received your book. Write a letter to the e-commerce compnany about this. Describe your purchase order of the book explain the importance of the book Say what you want the company to do for you

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

formal
The school Library is seeking applicants for job over summer break. Write a letter to the library's manager, In the letter include: A brief introduction of yourself Your experience and relevant skills Why you want the job Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
Your company sent you to complete a course in another country. You have lost the certificate received at the end of the course. Write a letter to the principal of the college where you took the course. In your letter, you should tell: how you lost the certificate why you need it now what you want the principal to do.

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

formal
You have just finished your master’s degree and need to leave your current part-time job to search for full-time employment. Write a letter to your current employer. In your letter •explain why you will not pursue a full-time job in his/her company •say why you’ve enjoyed working for him/her • tell him/her how much longer you will continue to work for him/her.

formal
You have just finished your master’s degree and need to leave your current part-time job to search for full-time employment. Write a letter to your current employer. In your letter: – explain why you will not be able to pursue a full-time job in his/her company – say why you’ve enjoyed working for him/her – tell him/her how much longer you will continue to work for him/her.

formal
You would like a temporary job working in the summer camp which runs sports and outdoor activities for children and young people next summer. Write a letter to the organizers of the summer camp. In your letter: explain what sort of job you would like to do describe your personality say what experience and skills you have

formal
Your local council is considering closing a sports and leisure center that it runs, in order to save money. Write a letter to the local council. In your letter: •give details of how you and your friends or family use the center *explain why the sports leisure center is important for the local community •describe the possible effects on local people if the center closes

formal
You and your colleague want to use a company room. Write a letter to your manager and ask for permission. In your letter, you should: explain why you need the room describe which room you need and why tell what changes you’ll need in the room

formal
You recently organised an all-day meeting for your company, which took place in a local hotel. In their feedback, participants at the meeting said that they liked the hotel, but they were unhappy about the food that was served for lunch. Write a letter to the manager of the hotel. In your letter • say what the participants liked about the hotel • explain why they were unhappy about the food • suggest what the manage should clo to improve the foocl in future

formal
You work for an international company. You have seen an advertisement for a training course which will be useful for your job. Write a letter to your manager. In the letter: •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 the job

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 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 You do NOT need to write any addresses

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

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

formal
You recently attended a series of English lessons in a language school. However, you were unhappy with the teaching quality. Write a letter to the director of the school. In your letter: • explain why you chose to study English at the school • describe the problems you had with the lessons • suggest how the classes could be improved

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

formal
Recently you saw an article in a a newspaper about a city/town you know and some of the information in the article was incorrect. Write a letter to the editor regarding this. In this letter, you should tell: * How you know about this city/town * What information was incorrect * What the editor should do about this Write at least 150 words.

formal
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

formal
The system used for rubbish/garbage collection in your local is not working properly. This is causing problems you and your neighbours. 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 neighbours • Suggest what should be done about the problem

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

formal
On a recent holiday, you lost a valuable item. Fortunately you have travel insurance to cover the cost of anything lost. Write a letter to the manager of the company – describe the item lost – explain how you lost it – tell the insurance company what you would like them to do

formal
You have recently used a moving company to move your household items to a new place and they have been damaged in transfer. Write a letter to the company’s manager and say – When and where did it take place? – What is your complaint? – Suggest a reasonable solution.

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You have recently left something in a train, write a letter to the manager of lost and found department and specify. • When you lost it • Describe the object you have left • Tell the manager what you want them to do with it

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

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 seen a job advertised in the newspaper. You want to apply for the job. Write a letter to the manager of the company. In your letter • provide information about yourself • give details of your previous work experience • say why the company should consider you for the job You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear,

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. Write at least 150 words.

formal
You recently did a short 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 cookery course you'd like the school to offer.

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 noticed a local restaurant that was offering a part time job. Write a letter to the restaurant's manager. In your letter, Explain that you would like to apply for the job Give some details of any relevant experience that you have Specify the date and times that would suit you

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