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 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
You are planning a holiday and want to find out about the kinds of holiday packages that can be arranged by a local company. Write a letter to the company to ask for information about their offers. In your letter: say where and when you would like to go include details about the kind of holiday you would like to take. Say what kind of information you would like to receive.

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
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
Write a letter to your manager about your work from last year. What you did. What you think you could improve? A training request.

formal
You are planning a 2 day work training outside your city next month.write a letter to the manager of the hotel regarding accommodation arrangement for your visit.in your letter Introduce yourself and your company. Ask Availability of their rooms. Tell him/her that your every arrangement and needs.

formal
You bought a piece of furniture from a store in another town recently. there is a problem with the item you purchased. write a letter to the store manager. in your letter Explain the details of your purchase. Describe the problem that you have with it suggest what can be done about it

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 work for a small company. You need to arrange for some time off work. Write a letter to your employer. In your letter: explain why you want to take time off work give details of how long you will be away suggest how you will make up for the lost time ​ You do NOT need to write any addresses

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

formal
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,

formal
There have been several complain about the reception area where visitors to your company arrive.Your manager has asked you to suggest how the reception area could be improved. Write a letter to your manager.In your letter •describe the complaints that have been made •say why the reception area is important •suggest how the reception area could be improved

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 food in future

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

formal
Two weeks ago you bought a radio from a local branch of a well-known chain of shops. It did not work properly. The shop took it back and said they would repair it. You have waited a week and it is still not ready. Write a letter to the shop. In your letter say what has happened and how you feel ask them to explain why there has been a delay ask them to repair the radio very quickly or to supply you with a new radio 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 should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You are due to give a presentation at work at the end of this week, but you are unwell and would like to postpone the presentation. Write a letter to your manager. In the letter, Describe the presentation Explain why you cannot deliver the presentation on the scheduled day Request a different date for your presentation You do NOT need to write any addresses. write at least 150 words Begin your letter as follows: Dear...,

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

formal
You saw a brochure for a one-week walking tour in the mountains. You're very interested in taking part, but you're not very fit and are worried you wouldn't be able to keep up. Write to the tour operator. In your letter:

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 your letter, » explain why you were at the restaurant » describe the problems » write about the action you want the manager to take

formal
The road in front of your house got damaged a long ago and nothing has been done about it. Write a letter to the municipal authority complaining about the damaged road. In your letter: · introduce yourself · explain the condition of the road · and suggest what they should do

formal
You work for an international company. You have seen a 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 to your job

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task: Your internet connection has recently been slow and unreliable. 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 You do not need to write any addresses Write at least 150 words.

formal
You have just read an article in an international travel magazine which contained some information about your town that is incorrect. Write a letter to the editor of the magazine. In your letter - correct the information in the article - explain whey it is important for the magazine to give correct information - suggest what the magazine should do about this situation

formal
Write a letter to the airline. In your letter •explain what has happened •describe the bag and its contents •say what you would like them to do about this problem You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows:

formal
You want to start your own small business. Write a letter to a bank requesting information about obtaining a business loan to finance your new company. In your letter, include the following information: - what kind of business you want to start - how much money you need - the length of time over which you would expect to repay the money Write at least 150 words.

formal
Write a letter to the transport officer about a problem with the system in your area please say Describe the situation you are facing  why do you consider considerate a problem? What changes would you like to recommend?

formal
You recently bought a toy from a company online. When the toy was delivered, you found some problems with it. Write a letter to the company manager. In your letter: -Describe the toy -Explain the problems with it -Tell the manager what you would like her/him to do

formal
You came to know about a piece of equipment that would help you at your workplace. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter – describe the equipment – explain how it might be useful at your workplace – offer help in purchasing it

formal
You have seen an advertisement in the local newspaper for swimming lessons at your community sports centre. You want to find out more about the lessons. Write a letter to the manger of the sports centre. .Describe how well you can swim at the moment . Explain why you want to learn to swim better . Enquire about the time and cost of the swimming lessons

formal
An old care left on the street near your apartment block several weeks ago. You telephoned the local Council to get them take it away, but nothing has been done about it. The car is now causing a problem for residents. Write a letter to the council, in your letter • Describe the car • Outline the problems it is causing • Tell the Council what you want them 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 Write at least 150 words.

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

formal
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
You ordered a mobile phone online. When it arrived, it was the wrong model. Write a letter to the company. In your letter: Describe the order you placed Explain what was wrong with the product State what you would like the company to do

formal
You are due to start a new job next week but you will not be able to because you have some problems. Write a letter to your new employer. In your letter ▪️Explain your situation ▪️Describe your problems ▪️Tell him/her when you think you can start

formal
You are a library. A new resident has inquired about becoming a member of your library. In your letter: • welcome them and introduce the library • provide information about membership requirements the library facilities • write about the opening hours and borrowing policies of the library

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

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 you neighbours - suggest what should be done about the problem You do NOT need to write any addresses Begin your letter as follows Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
You ordered an item from an online store and it has arrived damaged Write a letter to the retailer to complain. In the letter: - Explain why you are unhappy - Request a refund - Make arrangements to return the damaged item

formal
You and some friends ate meal at the restaurants to celebrate a special occasion, and you were very pleased with the food and services. Write a letter to the restaurant manager. Give details of your visit to the restaurant Explain the reason for the celebration Say what was the good about the food and services.

formal
You have bought a new mobile phone and in a few days of purchase, it has stopped working. You have spoken to the company representative a week ago but it 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 recently purchased a product online, but when it arrived, it was damaged or not working properly. Write a letter to the customer service department of the company. In your letter: •Explain what product you bought and when •Describe the problems with the product •Say what action you would like the company to take

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 employer. 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. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ……………., You get 20 minutes to complete this task.

formal
Question: you are due to start a new job next week but you will not be able to because you have some problems. writ a letter to your employer. in your letter --explain your situation --describe your problems --tell him/her when you think you can start

formal
You are going to take a short holiday in Singapore and you want to rent a holiday apartment while you are there. Write to the tourist information office. In your letter: -Explain what you need. - Say when you plan to be there. - Ask for information about prices.

formal
You need to take a leave from work. Write a letter to your manager asking for leave. In your letter: - Explain why you need the leave. - State how long you will be away. - Assure that your work will be covered in your absence.

formal
You would like to rent a car for a holiday. Write to the car rental agency. In your letter •Explain what type of car you would like • Give details of when you would like the car • Request more information about the cost

formal
You have just read an article in a national newspaper which claims that town centers in your country all look very similar to each other. you don't fully agree with this opinion. Write a letter to the editor of the newspaper. In your letter .Say which points in the article you agree with .Explain ways in which your town center is different from most other town centers .Offer to give guided tour of your twon to the writer of the articleI have recently

formal
Write a letter to the hotel. In your letter thank the manager and his staff give some particular examples of why you enjoyed your stay at the hotel so much explain that you have written a review of the hotel on a popular website for tourists

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 influenced you most. In your letter *describe what this book was about *explain how this book influenced you *say whether this book would be likely to influence other people

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

formal
You have seen an advertisement in a newspaper for a job in the city post office during your holidays. You decide to apply for the job. Write a letter to the director of the post office. In your letter, • introduce yourself • explain what experience and special skills you have • explain why you are interested in the job

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
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
You are Dimitar Borisov/Elena Borisova. You stayed at a holiday resort recommended by your travel agent. However, you did not enjoy your stay due to a number of difficulties. Write a formal letter complaining about the service the hotel offers.

formal
You recently ordered a small item online but when it arrived it was unusable. Write a letter to the company that sold you the item. In the letter: give details about the order you made explain what was wrong with the item tell the company what you want them to do about it Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam

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

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You have just read an article in an international travel magazine which contained some information about your town that is incorrect. Write a letter to the editor of the magazine. In your letter: correct the information in the article explain why it is important for the magazine to give correct information suggest what the magazine should do about this situation Write at least 150 words

formal
You forgot a bag at the gym and the gym is close for renovations. Write a letter to the Gym officer and mention the below : Introduce yourself Description of the bag Tell them to who you want to give the bag to Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 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 summarise the benefits of paying for the concerts say how you think the company should spend the money You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam, 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 are desirous of improving the state of your local area for the youth. Write a letter to the editor of a community magazine with ideas for how this could be done. In your letter, write how the number of leisure facilities available can be increased explain how these would benefit the area suggest some possible ways by which young people can be involved

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

formal
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 should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Write at least 150 words. You have seen an advertisement for a part time job welcoming visitors to your town. Write to the recruiters. In your letter •Explain why you want the job •Describe why you would be a good person for the role •Describe any relevant experience you may have You do NOT need to write any addresses.

formal
A magazine wants to include contributions 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?

formal
A museum near your home is looking for people to do part-time voluntaryl unpaid work.you would like to do some voluntaryl unpaid work at the museum. write a letter to the museum director to apply for the voluntaryl unpaid work. in your letter explain why you want to do voluntaryl unpaid work at the museum describe some skills and qualities you have that would be usful give detail of when you would be available for work

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
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 should spend about 20 minutes on this task. People in your area are having problems with their internet connection. Write a letter to the company which provides the connection. In your letter, describe the problems explain how it is affecting people say what the company should do to help Write at least 150 words.

formal
You want to rent out a small apartment to a family, and you have decided to advertise it. Write a letter to the editor of a local newspaper asking to advertise your ad on the front page of the newspaper. In your letter, give details of the ad that you want to publish mention that you want the ad to be published on the front page say how you would like to pay for the advertisement

formal
You are moving to a new city for work and want to rent a house there. Write a letter to a property rental agency. In your letter: - explain why you are moving to the new city - describe the type of house you would like to rent - ask for information about available properties and rental prices

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
You have some library books that you are unable to return as a member of your family in another city has fallen sick and you have hand to go and look after them. Write a letter to the library. In you letter, you should: Formal letter explaining the situation - my gramother suffering from cancer apologize for the inconvenience called - apologising and say what you are going to do - My friend will deliver to tou next day

formal
Last week, you celebrated your birthday with some friends in a restaurant. It was a great success and you and your friends enjoyed yourselves very much. Write a letter to the restaurant. In your letter mention the food and service explain that you really enjoyed the atmosphere suggest any improvements to make things better You should You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

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

formal
A magazine wants to include contributions from its reader 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

formal
You recently had a problem with a product you purchased. Write a letter to the store manager. In your letter: Describe the problem with the product Explain what happened when you tried to return it Say what you would like the manager to do Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

formal
You have just read an article in an international travel magazine which conatined some information about your town that is incorrect. Write a letter to the editor of the magazine. In your letter - correct the information in the article -explain wy it is important for the magazine to give correct information -suggest what the magazine should do about this situation

formal
Train service in your area is reduced. Write a letter to your train company - explain how it affects you - describe the situation - tell the train company what you would like them to do

formal
Write a letter to apologise on particualr job you agreed to take during summer vacation due to some unforeseen circumstances. - Explain the Situation - An apology - Express that you would be interested in the position next summer.

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
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 - summarise the benefits of paying for the concerts - say how you think the company should spend some mone

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

formal
you missed international flight due to a problem at the airport write a letter to the airline. in your letter: describe what happend that caused you to miss your flight explain how missing your flight impacted you clearly start what you would like the airline to do write at least 150 words. you do not need to write any adress

formal
Write a letter to a book store manager who is living in another city. Ask him/her to make available a book you are interested

formal
You have recently learned about an opening for an internship at a local company that you are interested in. Write a letter to the director of the company. In your letter, ● introduce yourself ● explain how you learned about the internship ● explain why you would be suitable for the internship

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 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 -offer to give a guided tour of your town to the writer of the article

formal
you live near a public school. the school has asked local residents to help with the maintenance of school buildings and play area. Write a letter to the principal. in your letter, -explain why you would like to help -tell them how you can help -let them know when you are available

formal
Write a letter to the course director. The cookery school has asked for your feedback on this course.

formal
You recently bought something from a TV home shopping channel. The product that was delivered does not have the same specifications / functions as the one advertised on TV. Write a letter to the TV channel. In your letter; Say why and when you bought the item Say what is the difference / what is wrong with it Say what action you would like them to take

formal
There is a problem in the road outside your house. Write a letter to your local councilor. In your letter, introduce yourself, explain what the problem is, and tell the councilors what you would like to be done.

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

formal
You live in a house opposite a park. Every day a man brings large dogs to the park and lets them run free. Write a letter to your local council complaining about the danger. In your letter - say where the park is, - say how often this happens - give a description of the man and the dogs.

formal
In newspaper, local hospital advertised for people to do unpaid work in the hospital Write a letter Why do you want to do unpaid work Which kind of work do you want When you can join the hospital

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 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 recently stayed at a hotel and you had a great time. Write a letter to the hotel. In your letter thank the manager and his staff give some particular examples of why you enjoyed your stay at the hotel so much explain that you have written a review of the hotel on a popular website for tourists You should You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
Last week, you lost your luggage while traveling on holiday. Luckily, you have travel insurance. Write a letter to the manager of your insurance company. In your letter: Describe the characteristics of what you lost Explain how you lost it Tell the insurance company what you need from them Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

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