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 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 local company has initiated a huge construction project near your house. Write a letter to your local council. In your letter: • Introduce yourself; • Explain that the works disturb you and your neighbors; • Suggest solutions to the problem.

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

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You are due to move into a rented apartment next week but you will not be able to due to an unexpected problem. Write a letter to the property manager. In your letter Explain the situation Describe your problems Tell him/her when you think you can move in

formal
You had a meeting with many jobseekers and you were dissaisfied with your stay write a letter to meeting organizer, In your letter # Provide the detailsof yout meeting # Explain what you ere dissatisfied with # suggest what the hotel should do to resolve issue

formal
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.

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.

Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

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

formal
You recently attended a training course for your work. Your employer has asked you for your feedback on the training course. Write a letter to your employe. In your letter: Remind your employer what the course was about Explain why the course was useful to you in your work Suggest why the course may not be suitable for some of your other colleagues

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 your insurance company. In your letter -describe the item you lost -Explain how you lost it - tell the insurance company what would you like them to do

formal
The system used for rubbish collection in your local area is not working properly. This is causing problems for you and your neighbors. Write a letter to the local council. In your letter ... 1.Describe how the rubbish collection system is not working properly 2.. Explain how this is affecting you and your neighbours 3.Suggest what should be done about the problem

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Although you have never studied computing, you have always been interested ill computers - you buy magazines about them, and youlJave taug/lt yourself many skills 011 your computer at home. You have jllst read about a computer course tlwt really interests you, but it is only for people who have shtdied computing at college or uuiversity. Write a letter to tlte Enrolment Officer asking if you can enrol, explaining your circumstances and asking if he/she will make a special exception for you. You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write your own address. Begin you r letter as follows: Dear SirIMadam ,

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

formal
You 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 paper •explain why they are so important •tell the mamager what you want him/her to do

formal
Write a letter to your favourite restaurant. Include the following: – Your reason for writing – What you like about the restaurant – Suggestions for improvement. Write at least 150 words.

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 days and times that would suit you

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
Write a letter to the admissions tutor. In your letter explain why you cannot keep the appointment apologise and offer to arrange a new appointment ask how long the interview will be, and whether there will be any tests during 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

formal
You recently moved to a new city and are looking for a gym to join. Write a letter to the manager of a gym in your neighborhood. In your letter: Introduce yourself. Say why you are interested in the gym. Ask about the facilities available and membership options

formal
Your local hospital has advertised for people to do unpaid work for helping at the hospital. You would like to do some work at the hospital in your free time. Write a letter to the hospital. In your letter: - Explain why you would like to do unpaid work at the hospital - say what type of unpaid work you would be able to do - give detais of when you would be availble for this work. Write at least 150 words

formal
You found a problem with the item which you bought it online. Write a letter to the company manager. In your letter, you should: •describe the item •explain what the issue is •suggest what you expect the manager to do

formal
You have recently ordered a book online, but the book was delayed and has not arrived yet. Write a letter to the company manager. In the letter, you should: – give the details of your order. – explain why you need the book urgently. – suggest a solution for the situation.

formal
You recently attended a job interview, but you have not received any feedback yet. Write a letter to the Human Resources manager. In your letter: – Introduce yourself and mention the position you applied for – Explain why you believe the interview went well – Request an update on the result and explain why you need it promptly. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

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 you would like the travel agency to do

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 are not happy with the course you are doing at collage and would like to change to a different course. Write a letter to the collage director requesting to change your course. You should include details about: •what course are you doing now •why you are not satisfied with that course •what course you would like to change

formal
A magzine wants to include contributions from its readers for an arcticle called 'the book that influenced me most' write a letter to the editor of the magzine 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.

formal
You are going on a month training programme to the UK and know that the head of the course would like one of the participants to be the social events’ organiser. Write a letter to the Training Organiser •expressing your interest in the role •requesting more information about it •explaining what experience you have

formal
You travelled abroad and faced problems at airport. Write an letter to the airport manager and provide -your flight details -what is problem -suggest some improvements you want to see

formal
You recently organised an all-day meeting for your company, which took place in a hotel. In their feedback, participants at the meeting said they liked the hotel,but they did not enjoy the food. Write a letter to the manager to explain what the participants liked about the hotel explain why they were unhappy with the food suggest improvements the manager can make to prevent this from happening again

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 the letter, • explain your problems and why it is difficult to work

formal
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,

formal
You work (or an international company, and would like to spend six months working in its head office in anothor 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 or her help in arranging it

formal
A local school is requesting ideas for renovations. Write to them and include Problems they have now Suggestions to change How they could make these changes

formal
You recently did a short 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've done since the course suggest another cookery course you'd like the school to offer You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

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
You are a member of organisation which meets regularly at a particular restaurant. The most recent meal you had there was not satisfactory, and you were very disappointed with the quality of the food and the behaviour of the staff· Write a letter to the manager of the restaurant. Explain what was wrong with the meal and the service, and suggest what he/she should do to ensure that you and your group return to the restaurant. You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write your own address. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir /Madam,

formal
You are interested in applying for a scholarship program to study at a foreign university. Write a letter to inquire about the course. In your letter: •explain which course you are interested in •say what you know about the university • explain why you should receive the scholarship

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

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
The local newspaper is holding a "best neighbor in the area" competition. Write a letter to the newspaper to recommend your neighbor for this competition. In your letter, Introduce yourself Say whom you are recommending Explain why this neighbor should be the winner of this competition

formal
You are organizing a seminar for your company. Write a letter to the manager of another department inviting them to give a presentation at the seminar. In your letter, • give details of the seminar • invite them to give a presentation and say why you are inviting them • say what the presentation should be about You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task

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 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 local authorities by requesting additional sports facilities for your age in your area. Mention about the current sports 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
You have just read an article in a national newspaper which claims that Darwin centres in your country or look very similar to each other. You do not 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 Over to give a guided tour of your town to the writer of the article

formal
A museum near your home is looking for people to do part-time voluntaryl unpaid work. You would like to do some voluntarylunpaid work at the museum. Write a letter to the museum director to apply for the voluntarylunpaid 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 are a student at a language school in New Zealand studying Business English. Part of the course is a summer work placement program. Unfortunately, you have just learnt from the school that this programme has now been cancelled. Write a letter to the School Principal. In your letter: state your reason for writing describe the problem and your concerns explain what you would like the Principal to do

formal
Write a letter to the restaurant manager. In your letter: •Give details of the food and services you ordered •Describe the problems that occurred •Explain what you want the restaurant to do

formal
Write a letter to the company that sold you the item. In the letter: give details about the order you made explain what was wrong with the item tell the company what you want them to do about it Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows:

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

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 recently attended a conference and would like to give a presentation to your colleagues about it. Write a letter to your manager and include: • The topic of the conference •Why you want to present about it •When it could be done

formal
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 are planning a 2-day work training outside your city next month. Write a letter to the manager of the hotel regarding accommodation arrangement for your visit. In your letter, you should tell: introduce yourself and your company ask availability of their rooms tell him/her that your every arrangement and needs

formal
A company has asked your local council to open a factory in the area where you live. You and your neighbours feel that this is not a great idea. write a letter to the local council. In your letter, you should: • state what problems this might cause • explain how it will affect you and others • suggest what you want the council to do.

formal
The sports center that you regularly visit has a problem with some of its equipment. Write a letter to the center manager. In your letter •tell them about the problem; •describe how it has affected you; •explain why it should be fixed soon.

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
Write a letter to a hotel manager in another city to ask about a 2 day business trip for yourself and your colleagues. Include An introduction to your office Information about the business trip Other requests

formal
You have just read an article in a national newspapaer 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 newspapaer. 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 article.

formal
Work is being done on the street where you live. The noise is disturbing you. Write a letter of complaint to your local council. In your letter: introduce yourself explain what the problem is suggest solutions to the problem

formal
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

formal
Your have heard that a developer plans to build a shopping centre near your home. Write a letter to the council. In your letter · say how you heard about the plan · explain how you feel about it · ask for more information about it

formal
You recently purchased a mobile phone online, but it has several defects and does not meet your expectations. Write a letter of complaint to the customer service department of the online store. In the letter • describe the product you purchased and mention the specific defects • explain the inconvenience and disappointment caused by the defective product • request a refund or replacement for the faulty mobile phone

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

formal
You recently did a short 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've done since the course ⦁suggest another cookery course you'd like the school to offer

formal
You saw an advert in the newspaper asking for volunteers to help run a charity event. Write a letter of application to the organisers. In your letter: • Explain why you are interested in helping • Give details suitable past experience • Suggest ways you might help with the event

formal
You and your family are moving to another country for work, and you are looking to buy a house there. Write a letter to a property agent. In your letter: Introduce yourself and your family Describe the type of accommodation that you hope to find Give your preference for the location of the accommodation Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

formal
You recently took a part-time job working for a local company. After a few weeks, you realised there were some problems with the job. Write a letter to the manager of the company. In your letter explain why you took the job describe the problems that you experienced suggest what could be done about them

formal
You have seen an advertisement of a valudable equipment. Write a letter to your manager and ask to buy that product to be used in your company. Include the following in your letter: - What the equipment is - How it can be useful for the company - Describe the procedure for buying the equipment

formal
You have been offered a place at a university and wish to find suitable accommodation. Write a letter to the accommodation officer including the following information: the type of accommodation you wish to find some details about yourself any special requirements you may have and any other relevant information.

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

formal
You made a reservation at a hotel for you and your colleagues to stay during a business trip, but you need to make some changes to your booking. Write a letter to the hotel manager. In your letter – Give details of your booking – Explain what changes you need to make – Ask for some special arrangements to be made for your business meetings

formal
You recently did a short 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've done since the course suggest another cookery course you'd like the school to offe

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 use the local swimming pool often, and during one of your visits, you have encountered a problem. Write a letter to the manager. In your letter: Describe what the problem was Tell what the swimming staff have done about it Suggest your own solution to the problem

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
A museum near your home is looking for people to do part-time voluntary/unpaid work. You would like to do some voluntary work at the museum. Write a letter to the museum director to apply for the voluntary work. In your letter •Explain why you want to do voluntary work at the museum. •Describe some skills and qualities you have that would be useful. •Gives details of when you would be available for work.

formal
You are going to travel to London for about one week and spend two days visiting the London Library. You are studying for a project and want to do some background studies. Write a letter to the head of the library. In your letter explain what your project is about? say what studies you want to do at the library? say what facilities you need to use

formal
You have recently visited a local school in your community. It needs people who can help renovate the building and also help with some activities. Write a letter to the principal of the school and say – How would you be able to help? – When and why would you do it? – Who will help you to do it?

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
One of your friends wants to apply for a job at a summer school as a sports trainer. Write a letter to the camp manager to recommend your friend. In you letter: Say how well you know your friend Describe the qualifications and experience that your friend has Explain why your friend would be suitable for this job.

formal
You live near a recreation ground. A local school brings pupils to the recreation ground to do sports, such as football and cricket, but recently this caused some problems. Write to the head of the school. -explain why you enjoy living by the recreation ground -describe the recent problems -and say what you think the school should do.

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 fit and are worried you wouldn't be able to keep up. Write to the tour* *operator. In your letter* *1. Explain why you're interested in the tour.* *2. Ask for information about dates and prices* *3. Express your concerns about your fitness level.*

formal
You have an extra room in your apartment and would like to rent it out to a student. Write a letter to the university council officer. In your letter: - describe your apartment and the facilities available - mention why you want to rent out the room - say what kind of tenant you would prefer

formal
You recently saw an advertisement in a newspaper seeking volunteers to do unpaid work with local children. You are interested in this work. Write a letter to the head of the organisation. In your letter • express your interest • ask for details of the work that needs to be done • let them know when you are available.

formal
You want to apply for financial support from an organisation that helps students pay for their studies. Write a letter to the organisation. In your letter: – Describe your qualifications and work experience – Give details about the part-time course you plan to take – Explain how this course will help you in the future. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You have heard that a developer plans to build a shopping center near your home. Write a letter to the council. In your letter • say how you heard about the plan • explain how you feel about it • ask for more information about it Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
Write a letter to 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.

formal
You would like a temporary job working in a summer camp which runs sport and outdoor activities for children and young people next summer. Write a letter to the organisers 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
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. Begin your letter as: Dear Sir or Madam, You should write at least 150 words.

formal
You have been working for a company for more than a few years, and now have decided to leave the company.Write a letter to your company manager saying that you want to leave the company.In your letter explain What you have learned while working for the company Whether you enjoyed working there Why are you leaving

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

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 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 Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any address. Begin your letter as follows: Dear __________

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

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 purchase •Describe the problem •Explain why you need a replacement urgently Write at least 150 words. You do not need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

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

formal
You recently did a short 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 fetter 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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