IELTS General Writing Task 1 formal Topics/Questions 2025

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

formal
Your university lecturer gave you an assignment. You won’t be able to submit your assignment on time. Write to your lecturer asking for an extension. In the letter describe the situation explain why your assignment will be late say when you will be able to hand in your assignment You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses

formal
You have decided to leave your current job even though you enjoy it. Write a letter to inform your manager of your decision. In your letter -tell the manager about your decision and the reason for it. -describe what you learnt in your current job. -and ask the manager to write a reference letter to help you with future employment.

formal
You missed an international flight due to a problem at the airport. Write a letter to the airline. In your letter: Describe what happened that caused you to miss your flight Explain how missing your flight impacted you Clearly state what you would like the airline to do You do NOT need to write any addresses.

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. 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
Task 1 You have seen an advertisement for part-time job at a restaurant and want to apply for it. Write a letter to the manager. In your letter: -describe your experience -tell him why you are interested in the job -say why you think you would be suitable for the job

formal
You recently read in an advert that a local restaurant 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 days and times that would suit you.

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 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 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 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
Write a letter to the manager of your local bus service. They have recently made some changes to the bus services which created inconveniences for you. In your letter, explain: what are the changes the problems you are facing which parts of the service you would like to change

formal
You live in a room in college which you share with another student. However, there are many problems with this arrangement. Write a letter to accommodation officer regarding this. - Describe the situation - Explain the problem and why it is difficult to work. - Say what kind of accommodation you prefer.

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 give me bands and original photo transcript •say what action you would like the company to take You do NOT need to write any addresses.

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

formal
You recently stayed at a hotel and had a very pleasant experience. Write a letter to the hotel manager to thank them for the excellent service.

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 to him/her to do

formal
A museum near your home is looking for people to do part-time voluntaryl 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 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 work. Write a letter to the accommodation officer at the college. In your letter describe the situation explain your problems and why it is difficult to work say what kind of accommodation you would prefer You do NOT need to write any addresses.

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 purchased a product on a website and received a different product. Write a letter to the company. In your letter – Describe the product you ordered – Explain why you aren’t satisfied with the product you received – Let them know what actions you expect them to take

formal
You have seen an advertisiment in an Australian magazine for someone to live with a family for six months and look for their six-year-old child. Write a letter to the parnets. In your letter -Explain why you would like the job -Give details of why you would be a suitable person to employ -Say how you would spend your free time while you are in Australia

formal
Write a letter to the hotel manager praising a staff member. In your letter: •Explain the situation. •What they did •What do you want the manager to do?

formal
You recently stayed at a hotel for a conference with your company and there were several problems with your room. Write to the hotel management to complain. Include •Where you stayed • What the problems were • How they can fix your complaints

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

formal
You have just rented an unfurnished flat and a friend has told you that the opportunity shop is the shopping centre has cheap secondhand furniture. Write to the shop, owner, describing what you need and asking whether they have this items and what they cost.

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You and your family are planning to spend a weekend at a seaside hotel. Write a letter to the hotel, making the arrangements. In your letter tell them when you will be arriving and leaving explain what type of rooms you would like, and ask how much the weekend will cost ask about activities and places of interest near the hotel 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 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 work for an international company and need to take some time off work to celebrate a family event. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter ● give details of the family event and why it is important you attend ● say how much time you will need away from the office ● suggest how your work could be covered while you are away

formal
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 are studying for a qualification, and you would like some time off work to complete it. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter: ● Ask for some time off to complete a qualification. ● Suggest what you will do later at work if you have time off. ● Say how the qualification helps your job or company

formal
You and your neighbours have noticed that the rubbish collection services where you live have recently been quite bad. Write a letter to your local council. In your letter, – explain what you have recently experienced – explain what the neighbours have recently experienced – ask what action will be taken to improve the service

formal
Your company has recently introduced a new work uniform. You are mostly happy with the uniform, but there is one thing that you do not like. Write a letter to your manager. In the letter say what you like about the uniform explain what you don’t you like about the uniform suggest how the uniform can be improved

formal
There is a problem with the changing room in your gym. You reported it several times, but it was not resolved. Write a letter to the gym manager. In your letter • Describe the problem. • Explain what the gym’s response was when you reported the problem. • Say what you would like the manager to do about the problem. Write at least 200 words to express your ideas clearly by using various structures and vocabularies.

formal
Your local council is considering a sports and leisure centre that it runs, in order to save money. Write a letter to the local council

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
You recently used a taxi and left some important documents there. Write a letter to the taxi manager and say: – Describe what you left and where it happened. – Why are these papers important? – What would you like the manager to do about it? Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

formal
You have recently moved to a new neighbourhood and would like to join a sports centre there. You have found a private sports club. Write a letter to the manager of the sports club. In your letter,     •    introduce yourself     •    say why are you interested in this sports club     •    ask some questions about the club e.g facilities, membership, costs etc. Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

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

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
Recently you saw an article in a newspaper/journal 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 your letter, you should tell: - how you know about this city/town; - what information was incorrect; - what the editor should do about this.

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 work for a company and have recently decided to leave your current employment. Write a letter to your employer. In your letter explain why you are writing explain why you have decided to leave the company tell your employer what you plan to do after leaving your present employment

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
You recently spent a night in a hotel and had to put up with a great deal of noise very early in the morning because of a faulty central heating system. The manager promised to contact you regarding compensation but you still haven't heard from him. Write a letter to the hotel. In the letter describe the problem at the hotel explain what the manager had said at the time say what you want the manager to do

formal
You have just read an article in a national newspaper which claims that town centres in your country all look very similar to each other. You don't fully agree with this opinion. Write a letter to the editor of the newspaper.In your letter • say which points in the article you agree with • explain ways in which your town centre is different from most other town centres .offer to give a guided tour of your town to the writer of the article

formal
You recently returned from overseas by air and left a valuable item on the plane. Write a letter to the airline manager. In your letter: Describe the item you left behind say why it is important to you, explain what you would like the airline manager to do

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
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
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 offer your help. Write a letter to the charity paying for the renovation.In your letter ● explain why you want to help with the renovations ● suggest what you can do to help ● say when you are available to start work

formal
You recently did a short cookery course. The cookery school has asked for your feedback in this course. Write a letter to the course director at the cookery school. In your letter • describe what you enjoyed about the course • say how much cooking you’ve done since the course • suggest another cookery course you’d like the school to offer Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
Your internet connection has been slow and intermittent Write a letter to your internet service provider to complain about. 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 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 and your 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: ·       Give details of your visit to the restaurant ·       Explain the reason for the celebration ·       Say what you liked about the food or service Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows:

formal
You work for a company and have recently decided to leave your current employment. Write a letter to your employer. In your letter explain why you are writing explain why you have decided to leave the company When you are going to leave

formal
Write a letter to a cinema manager you have previously been to regarding a problem you had. In your letter mention Which the movie was and when you saw it - What the problem was What the manager should do to rectify the problem

formal
You have seen an advertisement for a '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. Now you want to apply for the job. 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 You should write at least 150 words.

formal
Write a letter to your future employer. In your letter explain the situation describe your problem(s tell him/her when you can start work

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

formal
You missed an international flight due to a problem at the airport. Write a letter to the airline. In your letter: -describe what happened that caused you to miss your flight -explain how missing your flight impacted you -clearly state what you would like the airline to do

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

formal
Write a letter to your manager asking for a training course, which you would like to attend. In your letter explain What the course is, Why it is required for your job How you will manage work while doing the course.

formal
Write a letter to a property agent. In your letter: * Introduce yourself and your family * Describe the type of accommodation that you hope to find * Give your preference for the location of the accommodation

formal
You saw an advertisement requiring volunteers for an organization that helps children. Write a letter and offer to volunteer part time. Include the following in your letter. -Why are you applying for this position? -What makes you suitable for it? -When will you be available?

formal
You are not happy with the course you are doing at college and would like to change to a different course. Write a letter to the Head of Department to change your course. In your letter, explain: - what course you are doing now - why you are not satisfied with that course - what course you would like to change to

formal
You have a full time job and are also doing a part time evening course. You now find that you can not continue the course. Write a letter to your tutor. In your letter, describe the situation explain why you cannot continue at this time say what action you would like to tak

formal
You have recently ordered an item from the internet, but are not happy with the purchase. Write to the company. In your letter •Describe what you purchased • Explain why you are not happy with the purchase • Tell them what you would like them to do about the situation

formal
vou want to complain about the service you received in the hotel you stayed in while attending a recent meeting. Write a letter to the person who organised the meeting. In your letter • • • describe the meeting explain the problems with the service suggest what the meeting organiser should do.

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

formal
You recently attended a conference and thought one of the speakers was particularly good. Write a letter to the event organizer. In your letter: Tell them which conference you attended Explain which speaker you particularly enjoyed and why Suggest inviting them to future events

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

formal
You recently attended a meeting at a hotel. When you returned home, you found you had left some important papers at 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 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. Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows:

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

formal
You are going on a short training course at a college in Sydney, Australia. You need somewhere to live while you are there. Write a letter to the accommodation officer at the college. In your letter: explain your situation describe the accommodation you require say when you will need it

formal
You and some friends ate a meal at a restaurant to celebrate a special occasions, and you were very pleased with the food and service. Write a letter to the restaurant manager. In your letter -give details of your visit to the restaurant -explain the reason for the celebration -say what was good about the food and the service

formal
Write a letter to the organiser of an annual festival that you attended last year. Include Feedback about last year An offer to volunteer Questions about the festival

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 work. Write a letter to the accommodation officer at the college. In your letter describe the situation explain your problems and why it is difficult to work say what kind of accommodation you would prefer You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam

formal
A problem has occurred on the road outside your house. Write a letter to the local councilor. In your letter -Introduce yourself -Explain the problem -State what action you would like him to take

formal
Write a letter to the manager of your insurance company. -Describe the item you lost -How you lost it -What you would like the insurance company to do for you.

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

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

formal
You have read a magazine article that mentioned a place you are familiar with. There was a mistake in the article. Write a letter to the editor of the magazine and say:  What the error was  Explain that you are familiar with the place  Why it is important to correct the error

formal
Write a letter to a tour agency and say Where did you see this advertisement? Explain why are you suitable for this job. Suggest how to improve your local area to attract more tourists.

formal
Your local council is considering closing a sports 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 sports and leisure 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 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
You have just read an article in a national newspaper which claims that town centers in your country all look very similar to each other.you don't fully agree with this opinion. Write a letter to the editor of the newspaper in your letter •say which points in the article you agree with .explain ways in which your town center is different from most other centers •offer to give a guided tour of your town to the writer or f the article

formal
You experienced a problem while visiting a store in your neighborhood. Write a letter to the manager of the store. In your letter: Describe the problem Explain why this problem has upset you State what you want to happen as a result of your letter 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 the police sub inspector complaining about the lack of discipline in your locality with respect to the behavior of certain youth mishaps. 1. Discuss the complaint in detail clarifying the erroneous troublemaking behavior of the young people in your locale. 2. Suggest what could be done to find appropriate solution. 3. Suggest what you expect from the police.

formal
Write a letter to the local school in your neighborhood to give suggestions about improving its buildings and play area. Include Why they should be improved Suggestions for how When they could be improved

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 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
Your workplace requires an interpreter to translate from one language to another during meetings. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter •recommend someone to act as an interpreter; •explain why the person is qualified for that role; •say how the person can be contacted.

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 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. Explain the problem. Say why the documents are important. Suggest a solution.

formal
You have been invited to attend an admissions interview for a prestigious college. Unfortunately, you cannot come at the proposed time due to a previous appointment. Write a letter to the admissions tutor and explain your position. In your letter: Introduce yourself and state your interest in the program Apologize and offer to come at a different time Ask how long the interview will be and if you will have to take an exam

formal
You have heard that your company is organising a language training abroad for a limited number of participants. Write a letter of interest state your position in the company explain why they should include you in the training Explain how training could benefit you and your company.

formal
There are plans to build a new factory in parkland near where you live. Write a letter to the local council. In your letter give reasons why you are against the plans explain why the parkland should stay suggest what action the council should 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 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
You bought a laptop while you were travelling abroad. When you reached your native country you realised that some items were missing from the box. Write a letter to the representative of the company. In your letter, give details of the laptop and from where you bought it explain what has happened say what you want him/her to do about it

formal
You have made a reservation at a hotel for a business trip for you and your colleagues. However, you need to make some changes to your booking. Write a letter to the hotel manager. In your letter: give details of your current booking explain what changes you need to make and why ask the manager to make some special arrangements for your business meetings

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

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