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
Your local newspaper is offering an award for people who have helped the community. Write a letter to the newspaper editor. In your letter suggest someone you think should receive the award describe what the person does to help the community suggest an award that would be appropriate for this person

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

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

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Write a letter to a hotel manager about booking a private room for family party. Explaining What kind of party is it? What do you need in the room? And ask for food and prices?

formal
ASSGNMENT 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: 1. Describe what the problems are 2. Explain how these problems are affecting you 3. Suggest what you would like the company to do

formal
You recently went on a business trip to another country and you faced an issue at the airport. Write a letter to the airport management and include ● what the details of your flight were. ● what the problem at the airport was. ● some suggestions for improvement. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
You have a full-time job and you are also doing a part-time evening course. You now find that you cannot continue the course. Write a letter to your teachers

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Write a letter to your manager complaining about parking situation at work. In your letter, you should: describe the problems are explain why should solve the problems suggest how to solve the problems.

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You saw an advertisement on the website of the local council. They ask for volunteers to help with organization of charity events. Write a letter to the local council. In your letter: • Tell that you are willing to help; • Suggest ways you might help with the events; • Give details about your availability. Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ....,

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You live in a room in college which you share with another student. However, there are many problems with this arrangement and you find it very difficult to study/work. Write a letter to the accommodation officer at the college. In the letter:

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You found the Lost item at the park and want to return. Write a letter to the park manager Describe the item Say where and when you found it Ask how to return it to the owner

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You are working for a company. You need to take some time off work and want to ask your manager about this. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter, •explain why you want to take time off work •give details of the amount of time you need •suggest how your work could be covered while you are away

formal
[3:51 PM, 10/20/2019] mooh: difficult to meet up with the minimum attendan… [3:51 PM, 10/20/2019] mooh: You have a full-time job and you are also doing a part-time evening course. You now find that you cannot continue the course. Write a letter to your teachers. In your letter describe the situation explain why you cannot continue at this time say what action you would like to take You do NOT need to write any addresses

formal
You travelled by a long distance bus recently and your suitcase was damaged. Write a letter to the bus company. In your letter •Inform the bus company of when and to where you travelled •Describe your suitcase and what happened to it • Explain why the company should pay for a new suitcase

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

formal
Your local council is considering closing a sports and leisure centre that it runs, in order to save money. Write a letter to the local council. In your letter, give details of how you and your friends or family use the centre explain why the sports and leisure centre is important for the local community describe the possible effects on local people if the centre closes You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write your own addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
Government plans to construct an airport in your locality. Write a letter to the authority. - Explain where you came to know about the news. - Describe the negative effects of airport construction. - Ask to consider alternate sits for the airport construction.

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You recently took an IELTS test and there were some problems that you believe affected your score. Write a letter to the British Council or IDP. In your letter: explain what happened say if other candidates were affected and explain what you would like the BC/IDP to do

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

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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 plan; -Explain why the parkland should stay; -Suggest what action the council should take;

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Write a letter to the restaurant, applying for the job. In your letter: •explain what you are currently doing •describe your suitability for this area of work •say when you can attend an interview

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You had a problem while staying at a hotel and the receptionist was very helpful. Write a letter to the manager of the hotel. In your letter, – describe the problem that you had – explain how the receptionist helped you – suggest ways to prevent the problem from happening again.

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You and your family are planning to spend a weekend at a seaside hotel . Write a letter to the hotel making the arrangement. Let them know when you will be arriving and leaving, what type of rooms you would like, and ask them how much the weekend will cost. Also enquire about activities and places of interest near the hotel .

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 

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

Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
your local council is considering closing a sport and leisure center that it runs in order to save money write a letter to the city council

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You have lost an item of value on a train. Write a letter to the railway company. In your letter: •describe the item •explain where and when you left it •say what action you would like the company to take You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
You recently attended a meeting at a hotel. When you returned home, you found you had left some important papers at the hotel. ady fo Write a letter to the manager of the hotel. In your letter • say where you think you left the papers • explain why they are so important • tell the manager what you want him/her to do

formal
You recently bought an item online. When it was delivered you found that the item did not work correctly. Write a letter to the manager of the company. In your letter, • Describe the item and the problem with it • Explain why the item is important for you • Say what you want the manager to do You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
You recently organised an all-day meeting for your company, which took place ina 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 manager should do to improve the food in the future.

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You found a lost item at the park and want to return it. Write a letter to the park manager. Bullet points: Describe the item Say where and when you found it Ask how to return it to the owner

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The local council has some funds to invest in the neighborhood. They have asked for suggestions from the public. Write a letter to the local council. In your letter • thank them for considering the public’s opinion • explain ways in which the funds can be utilised • offer some ways in which you can contribute to the council

formal
You use the local swimming pool often and during one of your visit you have encountered a problem. Write a letter to the manager and say – What the problem was and when it happened – What the swimming pool staff have done about it – Suggest your own solution to the problem.

formal
You have recently left something in a train, write a letter to the manager of lost and found department and specify. • When you lost it? – travelling from Banff to ---- • Describe the object you have left- Camera, canon, black • Tell the manager what you want them to do with it- find it and send it back

formal
Your workplace does not have a carpark, and it is causing some problems. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter Describe the problems this is causing Explain what benefits a car park would bring to the company Suggest a solution for the car park problem

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You recently bought an electronic device from a store, but it does not work properly. When you tried to return it, the store refused to accept the return. Write a letter to the store manager. In your letter: Explain what the problem with the device is. Describe what happened when you tried to return it. *Say what you would like the manager to do.

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
Write a letter to the local council about the problem of the road near your house Explain where you live Describe the problem Explain when you want him to do

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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 stayed at a hotel last week. After you got home, you realized that you had left your watch behind. Write a letter to the hotel manager and explain what happened. Describe the watch and ask them to help you find it.

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Write a letter to your manager. In your letter, suggest a suitable date and time for the party recommend a place discuss the food and entertainment options that should be available Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr/Mrs ...........,

formal
You work for an international company and you need some time off to attend a family celebration. Write a letter to the company’s manager. In your letter: give details of the celebration explain the reason why you need time off suggest a way to have your work done during that time.

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you work for an international company, and would like to spend six months working in it's 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're away . ask for his/her help in arranging it

formal
On a recent holiday you lost a valueable item. Fortunately you have travel insurance to cover the cost of anything lost. Write a lettr to the manager of your insurance company. In your letter

formal
You bought a new HD television last week. At first it seemed to work perfectly but after a few hours a line appeared across the TV and the sound seemed a little strange. You cannot take the TV back to the shop so you decide to write to them. Write a letter of complaint to the shop. In your letter • give them the background information • describe the problem • ask them to resolve the issue

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

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 -why you want to work in 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
Topic 3. You paid for a holiday overseas, but the holiday was very disappointing. Write a letter to the travel company. In your letter  explain which holiday you went on  describe why the holiday was disappointing  tell the company what you want them to do

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

formal
You recently made a journy by train. When you got on the train, you realiesd you had left a bag on the platform. Right a letter to the station manager . In your letter: give details of where and when you left the bag. describe the bag and its content suggest how you get the bag back

formal
You are soon going to spend three months doing work experience in an organisation. Write a letter to the manager of the organisation where you are going to do work experience. In your letter •thank the manager for the opportunity to do work experience •explain what you hope to learn from the work experience •ask some questions about the work experience you are going to do You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam

formal
You have just read an article Oman international travel magazine which contained some information about your town is incorrect. Write a letter to the editor f 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

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

formal
Your local council is considering closing a sports and leisure center that it runs, in order to save money. Write a letter to local council. In the letter give details of how you and your friends use the center. explain why the sports and leisure center is important for the local community. describe the possible effects on local people if the center closes. write 150 words.

formal
On a recent holiday, you lost a valubale 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 you would like to do

formal
Write a letter to the director of student services. In your letter advise them of your situation explain how this is affecting you request a new card

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
Although you have never studied computing, you have always been interested ill computers - you buy magazines about them, and you have taught yourself many skills your computer at home. You have just read about a computer course that really interests you, but it is only for people who have studied computing at college or university. Write a letter to the 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 your letter as follows: Dear Sir/Madam,

formal
You recently helped your company organise an event at a hotel. Write a letter to the hotel manager. In your letter: – Provide details about the event – Mention what you particularly liked about the hotel – Suggest areas for improvement.

formal
You recently visited a local restaurant with your family and had a very good meal. Write a letter to the editor of a local newspaper. In your letter ● explain where the restaurant is ● describe what you ate in the restaurant ● say why you would recommend the restaurant to others

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 Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr/Ms __________

formal
Some people prefer to work hard to earn more but have no free time while others want to have a free time but earn less Discuss both these views and give your opinion

formal
IELTS FORMAL LETTER 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 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 bought a laptop from an online store, but when it arrived, it had several problems. Write a letter to the customer service team of the store. In your letter: describe the issues with the laptop explain how these problems are affecting your work or daily life say what you would like the company to do about it

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 mnager. 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
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. You should You do NOT need to write your own address.

formal
At an event you attended recently, you met an employee of a company you would like to work at. You talked to her and she suggested that you should contact her if you needed any help with your job application. Write a letter to this employee. In your letter: • remind her how you met and ask for some help • tell her what kind of job you are interested in • ask her about the company’s job application process

formal
You are enrolled in a study abroad course in another country. Your accommodation was arranged by the course provider, and there is a major problem with the accommodation. Write a letter to the course provider. In your letter: Introduce yourself and describe the problem Describe the accommodation you thought you were getting Ask the provider to solve the problem Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr. Gazeley

formal
You have recently been in a sports centre and noticed some issues in the changing rooms. Write a letter of complaint to the manager of the centre and say – What was the problem? – Explain why it is bothering you. – Suggest a possible solution.

formal
You are about to start social meetings in a particular area where people from different nationalities can take part. Write a letter to the editor of a local newspaper requesting him to publish information about this:- - What activities you have planned - When the first meeting takes place and where

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T1 you recently bought a new magazine. the editor of the magazine asked the readers to give their opinions about it. write a letter to the editor.in your letter -explain why you chose to buy this magazine - say what you particularly like and dislike about it -suggest what improvements you would like the editor to make write at least 150 words do not write any address Begin with Dear Sir or Madam

formal
You have been doing some voluntary work to help your local community. However, now you are unable to continue doing this work. Write a letter to the manager of the organization where you have been working. In your letter 1. describe the work you have been doing 2. explain why you can no longer do this work 3. recommend another person who is interested in the work

formal
You want to book a hotel that one of your friends recommended to you for a family holiday at the seaside. Write a letter to the hotel manager to make arrangements. In your letter, explain what accommodation you require and when you want to stay ask what will be included in the price enquire about activities and places of interest near the hotel

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

formal
You 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 manager should do to improve the food in future

formal
You have seen an advertisement in an English newspaper for a job working in the City Museum shop during the holidays. Write a letter to the director of the Museum

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You have seen an advertisement looking for volunteers to teach English overseas. Write to the recruitment office. In your letter •Tell them where you saw the advertisement •Explain why you would like to go •Describe the skills that you have that you think would help.

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

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You recently bought a piece of sports equipment from an online store. When you first used the piece of sports equipment, you found a problem with it. Write a letter to the manager of the online store. In your letter • describe the problem with the piece of sports equipment • say what happened because of the problem •explain what you would like the company to do.

formal
You often visit a local music studio to practice singing and record audio. Recently, you received an email from the studio manager. Write a short letter to the manager In your letter: Say how you feel about the closure Suggest what the studio should do during the closure

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You recently stayed at a hotel and were disappointed with the service you received. Write a letter to the hotel manager. In your letter: explain why you were at the hotel describe the problems you faced say what you would like the manager to do

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

formal
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

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You recently hired a restaurant to host an office party at work, but there were several problems with the food and service. 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
You are part of a group of musicians who meet on Tuesday and Friday evenings to practise in the community hall. You have been told, however, that it is no longer possible for the group to use the hall. Write a letter to the manager. In the letter:

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: - 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

formal
You stayed in a hotel and was not satisfaid wiyh the service. Write a letter to the hotel manager Why you chose thi hotel What problems did you face Tell the manager what to do

formal
You have just started a course in a college which has no sports facilities  of its own.Write a letter to the manager of the nearest private sports club.In your letter. •introduce yourself •say why you are interested this sports club •ask some questions about the club facilities, members,costs

formal
You recently bought a new television when you unpacked it ae home you found that it was damaged. Write a letter to the manager of the shop where you bought the tv in your letter. _give details of ref tv and when you bought it _ explain about the damage

formal
On a recent holiday you lost a valueable item. Fortunately you have travel insurance to cover the cost of anything lost. Write a letter to the manager of your insurance company.

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 recently travelled by train on a long journey and you experienced various problems. Write a letter to the train company’s head office. In your letter, – give the details of your journey, including the date, time and where you sat – explain the problems that happened and express your dissatisfaction – ask about what action will be taken to improve the service

formal
You stayed at a hotel last week. After you got home, you realized that you had left your watch behind. Write a letter to the hotel manager. In your letter - Explain what happened to your watch - Describe your watch - Ask the manager to help you find it

formal
You work at home and you have a problem with a piece of equipment your purchased for your job. Write a letter to company which supplied the equipment.

formal
Recently, your position in the company has changed, and accordingly, you are required to write a letter to ask for some corresponding training programs that contains the following information: • What was your last position? • What qualities does your new position require? • How does the training help you in your new position?

formal
Mrs Barrett,An english speaking woman who lives in your town, has advertised for someone to help her in her home for a few hours in a day next summer.Write a letter to mirs Barrett --suggest how could you help her in her work. --say why you like to do this job. --when you will and not be will avaible. Dont need to write the adress.

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

formal
You are 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.

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