IELTS General Writing Task 1 formal Topics/Questions 2025

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

formal
You have seen an advertisement for a weekend course to study a foreign language. Write a letter to the institution offering the course. In your letter: ask for details of the course ask if the course teachers are qualified native speakers request that the institution sends you their brochure. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir / Madam,... Write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

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 be suitable for some of your 5.

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 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 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 recently attended a meeting at a hotel. When you returned home, you found you had left some important papers at the hotel. Write a letter to the manager of the hotel. In your letter. •Say where you think you left the papers • Explain why they are so important • Tell the manager what you want him /her to do

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

formal
You recently stayed in a hotel and left an item in the room. Write a letter to the manager of the hotel. In your letter: ● describe the item that you left in the room ● explain where you think the item might be ● suggest how the manager can return the item to you

formal
You recently heard about an international company that you would like to work for. Write a job application letter and say: • How did you hear about the company • What skills and qualification do you have • Why do you want to work there

formal
You want to join a local sports club but you would like some more information before joining. write a letter to the manager of the sport club. In your letter, say how you found out about this sport club, give details of an activity you want to do, ask some questions about the club.

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

formal
You have recently ordered an item through 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. Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
You live in a room in colege which you share with another student. However, there are many problems with this arrangement and you find I verydifficult to work. Write a letter to the accommodation officer at your college. In your letter Describe the situation Explain the problem an why is it difficult to work Say what knd of accommodation you would prefer

formal
You have recently moved to another city but your bank has your old address and continues to send all the communication there. Write a letter to your bank Branch. In this letter mention: -Where you have moved? -What problem are you facing regarding the bank's communication? -What do you want them to do regarding old communication already sent to the wrong address

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

formal
You 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.

formal
The local library is hiring a new staff member, and you are interested in applying for the position. Write a letter to the library manager to apply for this job

formal
You have just read an article in a national newspaper which claims that town centres in your country all look very similer 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 centers is different from most other town centers Offer to give a guided tour of our town to the writer of the article

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 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 Write at least 150 words.

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

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

formal
Write a letter to the council in your town suggesting ways to make the town more accessible

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 latter • 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
you went to see a good film but you could not enjoy it because of some problems in the cinema. Write a letter to the cinema manager. You should tell When you watched the film What problem you experienced in the cinema What the manager should do 150 words

formal
You normally go shopping in the area where you live. However, you think some of the facilities for shoppers could be improved. Write a letter to your local newspaper. In your letter: say in general what you like about shopping in your area say what is wrong with the facilities suggest how they can be improved

formal
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 • describe what the problems are • explain how these problems are affecting you • suggest what you would like the company to do Write at least 150 words.

formal
Your workplace does not have a parking area for cars and it causing some problems. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter, you should: describe the problems explain why they should solve the problems and give your suggestion on how to solve the problems.

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

formal
You recently 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 recently bought a new Television online,However when it arrived you found that it had a problem.You called the customer services,but were not satisfied with the responce. Write a letter to the company ,In your letter. Introduce yourself Explain the situation. Explain what you want the company to do.

formal
There have been some problems with public transport in your area recently. Write a letter to the manager of the transport company. In your letter: Describe the problems Explain how these problems are affecting the public Suggest some changes that could be made Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

formal
The system used for rubbish/garbage 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 • Describe how the rubbish collection system is not working properly • Explain how this is affecting you and your neighbors • Suggest what should be done about the problem

formal
Recently, you saw an article in the newspaper/journal about a city or town. you know andsome of the information in the article was incorrect. write a letter to the editor regarding this: How you know about this city/town What information was incorrect what the editor should do about this.

formal
Recently you noticed that the waste (garbage) disposal in your area is creating problems. Write a letter complaining about the situation to the environment officer. * The time of waste pickup. * What is the problem with the waste. * Suggest solution to the problem.

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.

formal
Your local newspaper published an advertisement asking people to offer time for local environmental initiatives in your area. Write a letter to the project manager to offer your help. In your letter: * Describe a local volunteer project that you are passionate about * Explain what you would like to do to help * Suggest how to gather more support for the cause

formal
You recently attended a meeting at a hotel. When you return home, you found you had left some important papers at the hotel. Write a letter to the manager of the hotel. In your letter Say where you left the paper Explain why they are so important Tell the manager what you want him/her to do

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 * a s k s o m e questions about t h e work experience you a r e going to d o

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.

formal
You are organising a local committee meeting. You would like a local MP to attend the meeting to contribute to a discussion about green areas in the community. Write a letter of invitation to the MP's secretary, Mrs Shelton. In your letter -introduce your committee -say why you are having the meeting -invite the MP to attend

formal
You and your neighbours have noticed that the rubbish collection services where you live have recently been quite bad. Write a letter to your local council. In your letter, – explain what you have recently experienced – explain what the neighbours have recently experienced – ask what action will be taken to improve the service You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir / Madam,

formal
You and your family are planning to spend a weekend at a seaside hotel. Write a letter to the hotel, making the arrangements. In your letter •tell them when you will be arriving and leaving •explain what type of rooms you would like, and ask how much the weekend will cost •ask about activities and places of interest near the hotel

formal
Write a letter to your manager for a 3-day leave to attend a training course. In your letter -what is the course about -how this course will be helpful to your work -suggest how your work could be covered while you are away

formal
You recently stayed in a hotel in a large city. The weather was very unusual for the time of year and the heating / cooling system in the hotel was quite inadequate. Write a letter to the manager of the hotel. In your letter: give details of what went wrong explain what you had to do to overcome the problem at the time say what action you would like the manager to take You do NOT need to write your own address.

formal
Write a letter to counsel regarding the issue of waste in the lake

formal
Write a letter to the manager of the Lost and Found department of the railway regarding the luggage you accidentally left on the train. In your letter, give details of your train trip describe the luggage you left on the train say what actions you want him/her to take

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

formal
You are organising a trip to the Snowy Mountains in New South Wales for a group of students from Perth in Western Australia. Write to the manager of Student Hostel Services. In your letter, explain: when you want to visit the Snowy Mountains how long you will stay how many students are in your group and what accommodation you will require

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

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You have been invited to attend an interview for a place on a course of study at a college. Unfortunately, because of a previous appointment, you cannot go to the interview at the time they wish. 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 visited a restaurant to celebrate a special occasion, but you were unhappy with the meal and service you received. Write a letter to the restaurant manager. In your letter:** - **Describe the occasion and why you chose the restaurant.** - **Explain the issues you encountered with the meal and the service.** - **Suggest what you would like the manager to do to address the problem.**

formal
WRITING TASK 1 You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 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 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
Your local council has decided to close the only park in your town and build a car park in its place. You believe this will have a bad effect on the people who live and work in the town. Write a letter to the mayor. In your letter introduce yourself explain why you think the decision is wrong say what you think the council should do instead You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
You 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' organizer. Write a letter to the Training Organizer. In your letter • expressing your interest in the role • requesting more information about it • explaining what experience you have

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 and explain what happened. Describe the watch and ask them to help you find it.

formal
Write a letter to the hotel making the arrangements. 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
Writing Task 1 you have bought some clothing onllne and are not s atisfied with your purchase. Write a letter to the company that you bought the clothing from. In your email -> give details of the purchase -> describe the problem -> explain why you need a replacement urgently Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
Write a letter to a 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
As an international student in Sweden, you have an account with a local bank. The monthly bank transfer you receive from your parents has been delayed this month due to an error at your parents’ bank. Write a letter to your bank. In your letter: •introduce yourself and ask for a loan •say why you need the money •tell how you intend to pay back the money You should 

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

formal
You recently stayed at a hotel and had a very pleasant experience. Write a letter to the hotel manager to thank them for the excellent service. In your letter:  describe when and why you stayed at the hotel,  mention specific things you liked about the service or facilities,  express your appreciation and say you would recommend the hotel to others.

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
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: • Explain why you're interested in the tour. • Ask for information about dates and prices. • Express your concerns about your fitness level. You do not need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows:

formal
You recently bought an item of clothing from shop.you discovered that it had a fall and returned it to the shop for replacement or refund. However, the assistant told you that this was against the stores policy. Write a letter to the store manager, explaining the problem, you have had asked for a refund or exchange on the item.

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

formal
Write a letter to a travel agent expressing your dissatisfaction with their facilities due to a problem you had on a holiday.

formal
Your family is going to move to another town. Write a letter to the Principal of a local school asking if they will accept your son. Describe his academic achievements and scope of interests. You do NOT need to write any address.

formal
You would like a job working in the summer camp which runs sports and outdoor activities for children and young people. Write a letter to the organisers of the summer camp. In your letter, explain what sort of work you would like to do describe your personality say what relevant experience and skills you have Write at least 150 words.

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
A magazine wants to inculde contributions from its reders 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 were hurt in a minus accident inside a supermarket, and you wish to complain to the supermarket.Write a letter to the manager of the supermarket. In your letter : * Say who you are. * Give details about the accident. * Suggest how the supermarket could prevent a similar accident

formal
You recently discovered that there are plans to construct an airport in your locality. Write a letter to the local authority. In your letter, you should tell: •explain how you knew about the plans •describe the negative effect of the construction on your neighbourhood •suggest a possible solution to the problem.

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
There is a public park near where you live. You have heard that the local council wants to sell this park. Write a letter to a local newspaper. In your letter • Introduce yourself • Describe the importance of the park • Say what action you will take if the council continues with this plan

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You ordered a new cheque book from your bank two weeks ago but you have received nothing. Write a letter to the manager complaining about the bad service. Say when and how you ordered the cheque book. Ask how much longer you will have to wait and ask the manager what action he will take over this matter. You should write at least 150 words.

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You have bought a new camera but when you got it home you found it had some problems. You returned the camera and spoke to the company representative a week ago but the camera has still not been repaired. Write a letter to the company. In your letter: introduce yourself explain the situation say what action you would like the company to take You should write at least 150 words.

formal
You work for an international company. You want to attend special family celebration during working hours. You need to take time off work for this. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter: Give details of family celebration. Tell your manager how much time time off work you need. Suggest how work can be done while you attend the celebration.

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
You stayed at a hotel to attend a company meeting and you were dissatisfied with your stay. Write a letter to the hotel manager. In your letter – Provide the details of your meeting – Explain what you were dissatisfied with – Suggest what the hotel should do to resolve the issue.

formal
You recently did a short cookery course. The cookery school asked for your feedback on this course.
Write a letter to the course director at the cookery school.
 • describe what you enjoyed about the course
 : well known instructors, interactive practical assignments, • say how much cooking you’ve done since the course : started to help my mother for cooking, during holidays started small tiffin services for students 
• suggest another cookery course you’d like the school to offer

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

formal
You recently heard about some new jobs at a local department store. You would like to work there. Write a letter to the 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

formal
You want to volunteer to help the old people of your community.An organisation in your area works for the benefit of old people.Write a letter to the in-charge of that organisation explaining Why do you want to help How can you help them

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 Offered to give a guided tour of your town to the writer of the article

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
Your office building dosen't have parking available. Write a letter to the manager. In your letter: - Explain the problem - Sugget a soultion - Say why parking will benefit all employees

formal
Your neighbour is burning garbage in the backyard which is causing you great inconvenience. Write a letter to the head of the municipal council. In your letter, describe the problem mention when the problem began suggest what you think the municipal council should do

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 I •suggest what action the train company should take

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

formal
You recently organised an all-day meeting for your company, which took place in a local hotel. In their feedback, participants at the meetings said that they loked 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

formal
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.

formal
You recently saw an advertisement about a business conference that can be helpful for your work. Write a letter to your manager asking permission to attend the conference. - What is the conference about? - How did you know about the conference? - Explain to him/her why it is important that you attend this conference. You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any address. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ......,

formal
You recently bought an expensive electronic product from a store and found that the product does not work properly. Write a letter to store manager. In your letter, Complain about the problem Propose action for the store to take Request conformation that this is agreed

formal
You live in an English speaking country and you want to do some voluntary, unpaid work in a developing country. Write a letter to a company called Cultural Expeditions, which organizes such trips. In your letter: Explain why you want to do the voluntary work. State what your skills and experience are. Indicate where you would like to volunteer and for how long. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir / Madam

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
Write a letter to a local newspaper. In your letter: ointroduce yourself odescribe the importance of the park osay what action you will take if the council continues with its plan

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
For the past year, you have been a member of a local club. Now you want to discontinue your membership. Write a letter to the manager. In your letter- * state what type of membership you have and how much you have paid for it? * explain how you have benefited from the club * give reasons on why you want to leave

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 are going on a short course to a training college abroad. It is a college that you have not been to before write a letter to the accommodation officer. in your letter - give details of your course and arrival/ departure date - ⁠ explain your accommodation needs - ⁠ask for information about getting to from the college

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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