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 stayed in a hotel and was not satisfied with service. Write a letter to manager. - why you chose this hotel - what problems did you face - tell the manager what to do

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
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 organizer of annual festival which is going to organize in your place. Give feedback for last year, mention what you can do and ask some question about festival

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 Ÿ say which points in the article you agree with Ÿ explain ways in which your town centre is different from most other town centres Ÿ offer to give a guided tour of your town to the writer of the article

formal
You need to take some time off of work to go on holiday. Write a letter to your direct manager. In your letter: Ask for time off and explain why Provide the dates and times for which you will be unavailable to work Describe what you will do to prepare or make up for your absence Write at least 150 words. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Ms. Snyder,

formal
You recently travelled on the local bus service in your town. You think the driver drove badly and was rude to the passengers. Write a letter to the manager of the local bus service. In your letter introduce yourself and •say when the incident happened • describe what you saw and heard • say what you would like the bus company to do about it You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You have been invited to attend an interview for a place studying a course in a college. Unfortunately, because of a previous appointment, you cannot come at the time they wish. Write a letter to the admissions tutor: explain your position apologise and offer to come on another day or later the same day. ask how long the interview will be and whether there will be any tests during it. You do NOT need to write your own address. You should write at least 150 words.

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

formal
Your family is going to celebrate an occassion and your child needs a day off from school. Write a letter to the head master of the school. What the occassion is? Why it is importnat that your child attends the celebration? How your child is going to make up for the missed lessons.

formal
You have just read an article in a national newspaper which cleans the 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 are agree with. * explain ways in which your town center is different from most other town centers. * offer to give a guided tour of your town to the writer of the article. Write not less than 150 words

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
2. You received a letter from a friend who asked for a recommendation letter from you for the job that he/she is applying for. Write a letter to the manager: – Explain how well you know this person – Describe how this person work – Why you think this person is suitable for the job.

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You recently bought a camera while travelling overseas. When you got to your destination you discovered that some important items were missing from the box. Write a letter to the local representative of the company. In your letter give details of the camera and where you bought it explain what has happened say what you want him/her to do about it Write at least 150 words.

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

formal
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 are organising a trip to Paris, France for a group of students from England. Write to the manager of the Youth Hostel Association in Paris. In your letter, explain when you want to visit Paris how long you will stay how many students are in your party, and what accommodation you will require

formal
You recently booked a table at a popular restaurant to celebrate a special occasion, but the experience did not meet your expectations. Write a letter to the restaurant manager. In your letter: •Describe the problems you faced with the service or food •Explain how the situation affected your celebration •Suggest how the restaurant could make it up to you Dear Manager,

formal
You have just finished a trip booked from a travel agency, but you are not satisfied with it Write a letter to the travel agent in your letter, you should say: - why you felt so unhappy - what happened - make some recommendations about what the travel agent should do about it.

formal
2.You recently discovered that there are plans to build a new airport in your area and you are not happy with it. Write a letter to the local authority. In your letter, o Say how you found out about the plans o Explain what problems your neighbourhood will face o Suggest some possible solutions to those problems.

formal
You want to join a new gym in your neighbourhood. Write a letter to the gym manager. In your letter ask what types of membership are available, and what the prices are ask what activities are available ask what the joining procedure is You should You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
IELTS Letter Writing / GT Writing Task 1: You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You work for an international company. You have seen an 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 for your job Write at least 150 words.

formal
You coach an amateur football team. Write a letter to a local school requesting permission to use their facilities and explaining why your team cannot find facilities and explaining why your team cannot find facilities elsewhere. Suggest how this may be arranged so that your team’s training will not interfere with the school’s activities.

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
you have some documents that you need to be translated into another language as soon as possible. Write a letter to a translation agency. In your letter · say what the documents are · explain why you need them to be translated · ask for the documents to be translated urgently

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

formal
Your company is going to give a special training course for staff. Your manager has asked you to find out if the local conference centre has the right facilities to hold this course. Write a letter to the manager of the conference centre. In your letter: ● Give details about the course ● Describe what equipment you will need for the course ● Ask some further questions about the facilities at the conference centre

formal
You work for an international company, and would like to spend six months working in its head office in another country. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter: •explain why you want to work in the company’s head office for six months •say how your work could be done while you are away • ask for his/her help in arranging it

formal
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 a guided tour of your town to the writer of the article

formal
: You work for an international company and would like to spend six months working in its head office in another company Write a letter to your manager. In your letter: - Explain why you want to work in the company’s head office for six months - Say how your work could be done while you are away - Ask for his/her help in arranging it

formal
You bought an electronic device, and it is not working properly. Write a letter to the manager. - Describe the product you bought - Tell me what you do to resolve the problem - Tell the manager what you want

formal
You live with a roommate at university but you have trouble studying because of a problem related to your roommate. Write a letter to an administrator at your university and include: Who you are The problem What you suggest they do

formal
You are moving to a new country ,write a letter to the accommodation agency to rent a house In your letter describe Yourself and your family Which area you would like to live in And what facilities you need in the house.

formal
You borrowed some books from your school or college library. Unfortunately you have to go away to visit a sick relative and cannot return the books in time. Write a letter to the library. Explain what has happened and tell them what you want to do about it. You should You do NOT need to write your own address.

formal
You bought a TV a week ago but when you got home you discovered it did not work properly. You called customer service to report the problem but you have not yet received any help. Write a letter to the company and in your letter: *introduce yourself *explain the problem *and state what action you would like from the company: Dear Sir or Madam,

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

formal
You have recently visited a building which is of historical importance and came to know that it's in bad condition. Write a letter to local newspaper office. Which building it is? What are the problems? What do you expect them to do?

formal
you are a member of a sports centre and you have noticed a problem which has not been fixed for some time. Write a letter to the manager of the gym. In your letter •tell the manager about the problem •explain how this issue is affecting your experience at the gym •tell the manager what you would like to happen

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
You recently went to see a good play at a theatre, but you did not enjoy it because of some problems in the theatre. Write a letter to the manager of the theatre. In your letter: say which play you saw and when describe the problems you experienced in the theatre suggest what the manager should do

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 launch. 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 Write at least 150 words.

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

formal
Your car is hired by a company and while you were driving on holiday, you had a small accident. You will have to write a report to the company to explain it.. Write a letter to the company. In your letter, you need to explain the following: when and where you hired the car describe how the accident happened what kind of action you took after the accident

formal
You have learned about an international job that is available within the company you currently work for and you want to apply. Write a letter to the hiring manager. In your letter Say why you are applying for this international position Describe the job you are currently doing for the company Tell him/her why you think you will be good at the job Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam

formal
For the past year you have been a member of a local club. Now you want to end your membership. Write a letter to the club secretary. In your letter: state what type of membership you have and how you have paid for this give details of how you have benefited from the club explain why you want to leave

formal
Write a letter to the local council about plans to close a children's playground in your area. In your letter, you should: 1) Say why children are not using the playground. 2) Explain how important the playground is for the local community. 3)Suggest how the playground could be improved.

formal
You have lost your student ID Card. This has created some problems for you. Write a letter to the director of student service. Write: Advise them of your situation; Explain how this is affecting you; Request a new card

formal
You are planning to go and study English at a school overseas. You would like some information about their courses. Write a letter to the school. In your letter Ask about the school Say what kind of accommodation you want Mention any special request you have (for example diet).

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,

formal
Your local council is considering closing a sports and leisure center 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 center •explain why the sports leisure center is important for the local community •describe the possible effects on local people if the center closes

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

formal
The organizer of the annual festival is going to organize a festival in your place. Write a letter to the organizer giving feedback for last year and suggestions for this year. In your letter, you should: give your feedback for the last festival tell him/her what you can do for the new festival suggestions about the new festival.

formal
Write a letter of complaint to a company outlining a problem you had while visiting one of their stores. In your letter include: 􀈈􀀃 what the problem was 􀈈􀀃 why this problem has upset you 􀈈􀀃 what you want to happen as a result of your letter

formal
You and some friends had dinner in a restaurant a few nights ago. The service at the restaurant was terrible and the food was bad. You and two of your friends had severe stomachaches the following day. The food was also overpriced. Write to the manager of the restaurant. In your letter, -explain these problems -give details that you think are relevant -ask the manager to do something about the situation

formal
You visited a hotel last week and left some items behind. Write a letter to the manager stating 1. Details of your stay 2. How important the items are to you 3. How you would want the items to the sent to you

formal
You have missed some important papers accidently in a taxi. Write a letter to the manager of the Taxi Company. In your letter: Give the details of your journey Explain why those papers are important for you Suggest what can the manager do

formal
What are not satisfied with the changing rooms in a sports center that you visit. Write a letter to the sports center manager. In your letter: -Explain the problem. -Say how you feel about this problem. - Say what steps you would like the manager to take.

formal
You work for the Angus Hotel Group. There is a new position opening in your department. Write to your manager and apply for the job. In the letter, -Describe who you are and current role -Explain why you would like to apply for the new position -Suggest how the manager can assist with your application

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

formal
You missed an appointment for an immigration interview recently because of circumstances out of your control. Write to the immigration office. In your letter • Introduce yourself • Apologies for missing your appointment • Explain what happened • Request a new apartment

formal
You are doing a three-months' course at a training institute. You have recently been offered a full-time job at a company and you can not continue the course. Write a letter to the course instructor. In the letter: •explain why you cannot continue the course •describe the job you have been offered •and ask if they have an evening course that you can continue

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 foocl in future

formal
Write a letter to the council about the new sports and fitness facilities

formal
WRITING TASK 1 You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 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 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 had some items shipped to you from overseas. Upon receiving the shipment you found that some things were damaged in transit. Write a letter to the manager of the shipping company. In your letter - Provide the details of your shipment - Describe the damage - Say what action you want the company to take.

formal
Write a letter to the local council regarding the plan of replacement of a library with a supermarket; You need to write the following: •Where did you get this information? •The disadvantages of having a supermarket instead of a library •Importance of having a library

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You are currently attending a course which is not the same as per the description in the admission brochure. Write a letter to the headmaster. In your letter, state which course you are enrolled in provide details about the noted differences suggest what actions would you like him to take

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. You do not need to write any addresses.

formal
You saw an advertisement in the paper for a property management position at an apartment complex. Write a letter to express your interest. Include Why you are writing Your suitability for the role How you would approach the position

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
An austrlian company offers money to foreign students to study in Austrlia. Write a letter to the company introduce yourself say what you want to study how the money will help you

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

formal
You are looking for a full-time job, and recently you saw a job opening in an advertisement. Write a letter to the company. In your letter: introduce yourself explain what sort of job you would like to do and say what experience and skills you have

formal
your child is going on a school trip abroad for three days and the headmaster of the school has asked anyparents if they would like to come along to assist.you would like to go . write a letter to the headmaster. say why you woud like to go? Suggest what you could do to help during the trip? ask some further questions about the trip?

formal
1.You recently took a trip with a taxi company. The driver behaved in an unacceptable way and you had a lot of problems. You complained to the company but no one has replied to your complaint. Write a letter to the taxi company. In your letter osay why you are writing and how you feel o explain what happened o tell them what you would like them to do.

formal
You recently sent a valuable parcel through a courier company, but it has not arrived at its destination. Write a letter to the courier company. In your letter:     •    Give details of the parcel and when you sent it.     •    Explain the importance of the parcel's contents.     •    Suggest what action you would like the company to take.

formal
You are living in a University residence, and you have a problem with the high levels of noise from a new campus restaurant which is open late at night. Write a letter to the governor of the University. In your letter, •Complain about the situation . •Say why this is a problem •And propose ways to reduce the noise

formal
You study at a college in the city centre. You use public transport to get to the college but the bus service you use has changed. Write a letter to the manager of the bus company. In the letter, -Say who you are and the details of service you use -Explain the problem with the bus service -Suggest what you think the manager should do

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You have made a reservation in a hotel for a business trip for you and your colleagues. However, you need to make some changes to your booking. Write a letter to the hotel manager. In your letter give details of your current booking explain what changes you need to make and why ask the manager to make some special arrangements for your business meetings Write at least 150 words.

formal
You have recently missed a project deadline which resulted in your company losing an important client. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter apologise for what happened explain why you missed the deadline tell him/her how you will avoid this situation in future.

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 recently bought an item of clothing from a shop. You discovered that it had a fault and returned it to the shop for replacement or refund. However, the assistant told you that this was against the store's policy. Write a letter to the store manager

formal
You recently stayed at a hotel and found the service unsatisfactory. Write a letter to the hotel manager. In your letter: Explain the problem with the service. Describe how this affected your stay. Suggest what you would like the hotel to do as compensation

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
The course director of your previous college has invited you to attend a party for new students, and he has also asked you to give a talk about studying overseas. You have an important examination on the same day so you cannot attend the party. Write a letter to the director to apologize and to explain why you cannot attend the event. Suggest another date when you could give Your talk.

formal
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

formal
You took an elderly member of your family, who was not able to walk properly, to a museum and he/she faced a few problems. Write a letter to the manager of the museum. In your letter, say why you visited the museum describe the problems you faced suggest what can be done to avoid those problems

formal
*you saw a brochure for a one week walking tour in the mountains. You're very interested in taking part, but you're not fit and are worried you wouldn't be able to keep up. Write to the tour* *operator. In your letter* *1. Explain why you're interested in the tour.* *2. Ask for information about dates and prices* *3. Express your concerns about your fitness level.*

formal
You 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 

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

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

formal
You recently sent some documents by post, but they did not arrive. Write a letter to the post manager. In your letter. Give details of the situation Describe the documents Say what action you want the post office to take

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You will go to a foreign country to stay there for one year, and you need a place to live in. You have decided to write to an agency for accommodation. Write a letter to the agency to get information about accommodation. In your letter, say: why you are going to this country what kind of accommodation you want when you will arrive 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 a member of an International Students' club. The club is organizing an event to celebrate popular food from around the world. Write a letter to the event organizer, Luis. In your letter •Offer to make a popular dish from your country •Describe what this dish is •Explain why it should be included in the event

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 want to complain about the service that you received in the hotel you stayed in while attending a recent meeting. Write a letter to the person who organized the meeting. In the letter Describe the meeting Explain the problems with the service Suggest what the meeting organizer should do.

formal
There is a group of people in your community that needs help. Write a letter to your company director and say – Describe this group. – What kind of help do they need? – How will this group and the community benefit from it?

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