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 bought a new laptop computer and in a few days of purchase discovered amajor flaw, write a letter to the Company In your letter - Intoduce yourself - explain the situation - say what action you would like to company to take.

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ou 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 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
You recently visited the zoological park and had an uncanny experience , as the man died by falling in the tiger enclosure. You were not able to do anything at that point, but wanted to show your concern for the safety of the visitors. Write an email to director of Zoological park in about 150-200 words. Your email should do the following. 1)Give a description of the incident 2)Complain about the short fencing 3)Show your concern for the safety of the visitors.

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You visited a hotel during your holidays, You were greatly impresses. Write a letter to the hotel authorities thanking them for the service and facilities provided to you.

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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 need to take leave from your work for almost a month for some personal reasons. Write a letter to your Manager. In your letter: • Explain the reason for your leave & the length of your leave. • Explain how you intend to deliver the task that was given to you recently and has to be turned in in a week’s time. • Explain how & who will look after your work while you are away. Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows:

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
Write a letter to the charity event Explain the situation

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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 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
Your manager has asked you to arrange a programme for the first day at work of a new employee. You can only be there for the morning Write a letter to your manager. In your letter - Explain why you can only be there for the morning. - ⁠say how you could help the new employee in the morning. - ⁠suggest what the new employee could do in the afternoon.

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You took your family to a nearby restaurant. You were disappointed with the meal and wish to complain to the manager. Write a letter to the manager of the restaurant. In the letter: explain why you were at the restaurant describe the problems write about the action you want the manager to take

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Essay topics: You work for an in the 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. .explainwhat the company could do to help you. . say how the course will be useful for your job.

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Write a letter You recently did a short cookery course. The cookery school has asked for your feedback on this course. •describe what you enjoyed about the course •say how much cooking you've done since the course •suggest another cookery course you'd like the school to offer

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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

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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 in this sports club •ask some questions about the club e.g. facilities, members, costs

formal
You read an article in a newspaper about a city/town. Some of the information in that article is wrong. Write a letter to the newspaper editions. In your letter, you should: describe how you know the city/town tell what the problems are suggest what you want the editor to do.

formal
Last week, you celebrated your birthday with some friends in a restaurant. It was a great success and you and your friends enjoyed yourselves very much. Write a letter to the restaurant. In your letter * mention the food and service * explain that you really enjoyed the atmosphere * suggest any improvements to make things better

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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.

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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 ....,

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 towns centres offer to give a guided tour of your Town to the writer of the article

formal
Your town council has decided to demolish historic building due to lack of funds to renovate. Write a letter to your council man. In your letter, you should say: ● why it is important to preserve historic building ● how the funds could be generated.

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

formal
You were hurt in a minor accident in a supermarket and you wish to make a complaint. Write a ltter to the manager of the supermarket. In your letter: - give details about who you are - give details about the accident - suggest how the supermarket could prevent similar accidents.

formal
You are due to move into a rented apartment next week but you will not be able to due to an unexpected problem. Write a letter to the property manager. In your letter · Explain the situation · Describe your problems · Tell him/her when you think you can move in Write at least 150 words. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Ms. Williams

formal
You have learned from a news article that a real estate company is going to build a shopping centre near your home. However, you think that the shopping centre should not be built there. Write a letter to the city counsellor. In your letter, say how you have learned about the plan explain how it is going to negatively affect the residential area where you live say what you think the city council should do about it

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A problem has occurred on the road outside your house. Write a letter to the local councilor. In your letter -Introduce yourself -Explain the problem -State what action you would like him to take

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Write a letter to a city planning manager about demolition of a historical building in your area and say – Explain why it shouldn’t be demolished. – Suggest a future use for this building. – Recommend a way to raise money for repairs.

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You recently stayed at a hotel 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 complaint.

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A museum near your home is looking for people to do part-time voluntary unpaid work. You would like to do some voluntary/unpaid work at museum. Writing a letter to the museum director to apply for the voluntery/unpaid work. In your letter . explain why you want to do voluntery/unpaid work at the museum . describe some skills and qualities you have that would be usful . give details of when you would be available for work.

formal
You recently bought a jacket online, but when it arrived it was wrong in size and color. Write a letter to the online store. In your letter: 1. Describe the jacket you ordered 2. Explain what was wrong with the item you received 3. Say what you would like the company to do

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 should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Some members of your city council want to prohibit cars on several downtown streets. This will allow pedestrians and bicyclists to use the roads freely. Write a letter to a city council official in your city. In your letter Explain how you heard about the plan Provide some possible effects of this plan Give your opinion about the plan

formal
Young people today spend too much money and time following fashion trends (clothing, tech). To what extent do you agree or disagree? Your child is going on a trip to another country for 3 days. School is looking for some parents who can join the trip and you decided to apply for the same. You are interested in going with trip. Write a letter to the head of the school and include: – Why you want to join the team – What you can do to assist – Queries related to the trip.

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An organization has given an advertisement for a part-time job for local children. Write a letter to the administrator of the organization. In your letter Introduce yourself Why you think you are suitable for the job State when you will be able to join that job

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You were recently disrespected by one of the employees at your local supermarket. Write a letter to the supermarket manager. In your letter • tell why you were speaking with the employee • describe the employee's rude behavior • explain what you'd like the manager to do

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APPLICATION LETTER TOPIC . You recently noticed a local restaurant that was offering a part-time job. Write a letter to the restaurant’s manager. In your letter, – explain that you would like to apply for the job – give some details of any relevant experience that you have – specify the days and times that would suit you

formal
You 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. You should spend about 20 minutes on thi

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You recently sent some documents by post, but they did not arrive at the destination. Write a letter to the post office manager. In your letter, •give details of the situation •describe the documents • say what action you want the post office to take

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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.

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

formal
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

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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:

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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
Your workplace does not have a car park, causing some problems. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter •describe the problems; •explain what benefits a car park would bring to the company; •suggest a solution for the car park problem.

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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

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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

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You recently travelled abroad and had some issues at airport. Write a letter to airport manger provide The flight details What the problem was What suggestions you could give

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You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 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 leavingexplain what type of rooms you would like, and ask how much the weekend will costask about activities and places of interest near the hotel

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You have seen an advertisement for a weekend job as a local tour guide showing visitors around your city Write a letter of application to the tourism office In the letter give your reasons for wanting the job explain why

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You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. A large company in your area has decided to spend a certain amount of money, either to sponsor a local children’s sports team for two years, or to pay for two open-air concerts. It has asked for feedback from the general public. Write a letter to the company. In your letter, describe the benefits of sponsoring the sports team summarise the benefits of paying for the concerts say how you think the company should spend the money You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam, Write at least 150 words.

formal
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

formal
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 would like a temporary job working in the summer camp which runs sports and outdoor activities for children and young people next summer. Write a letter to the organizers of the summer camp. In your letter: explain what sort of job you would like to do describe your personality say what experience and skills you have

formal
You 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
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 travelled by plane last week and your suitcase was lost. You have still heard nothing from the airline company. Write to the airline and - Explain what happened. - Describe your suitcase and tell them what was in it. - Find out what they are going to do about it.

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.

formal
You recently had something delivered to your home. You now realise the person who delivered it damaged something in your home while they were delivering the item. Write a letter to the manager of the delivery company. In your letter: •Give details of the delivery •Describe what was damaged •Say what you would like the manager to do

formal
you are not satisfied with the changing rooms in the sports center that you visit .write a letter to the manager. what the problem is how feel about the problem what steps you want the manager to take

formal
You share your room with another student in the college hostel. You find it very difficult to study there because he or she always has parties and friends visiting. Write a letter to the hostel warden complaining about your displeasure with the room-mate.

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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

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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 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
Writing task 1 (a letter) Your local council is closing the children’s playground in your locality as not many children visit the park. Write a letter to the council requesting not to close it. Include the following in your letter: – How important is the playground for children? – Why don’t children go to the playground? – What can be done to bring children back to the park?

formal
You bought a piece of furniture from a store in another town recently. There is a problem with the item you bought. Write a letter to the store manager. In your letter,

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 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 Task 1 (general)

formal
You rent a four-bedroom house which you share with two other students. However, there are several problems with this house that need fixing. You also find it expensive and would like to find another student to share the spare bedroom. Write a letter to the estate agency. In the letter: - Explain your situation -Describe the problem with the house -Say what would you like to happen

formal
You have recently bought a Telephone with answer machine from an online shop. The web page said that the answer machine shows you a list of who left a message so you can choose which to play first. But after taking it home you find out that only the most recent call is kept in the calls list. Write an e-mail letter to the store manager. In your e-mail: •say who you are •explain the problem •say what action you would like the store to take You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write your own address.

formal
Write a letter to your manager because you want to spend six months at the head office of your company in another country. in the letter explain why you want to do this say hor your work could be done while you are away ask for his/her help in arranging it

formal
You play sports (e.g. football) for a local team. You recently heard that a player in your team is in a hospital. Write a letter to your teammate. In your letter • • • say how you feel about the news ask about the treatment in the hospital suggest some ways of cheering him/her up

formal
You borrowed some books frome your school or college library. Unfortunatly 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 happend and tell them what you want to do about it . You should write at least 150 words.

formal
You started in your present job two years ago. You now feel it is important for your career development to move to a different department in the same company. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter, say what you have learned in your present job suggest how the company would benefit from moving you to a different department explain why you do not wish to leave the company Write at least 150 words.

formal
you work from home and you a problem with a piece of equipment that you use for your job write a letter to the shop that supplied the equipment to you.

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You have decided to leave your current job even though you enjoy it. Write a letter to inform your manager of your decision. In your letter -tell the manager about your decision and the reason for it. -describe what you learned in your current job. -and ask the manager to write a reference letter to help you with future employment.

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

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Your family is going to celebrate an occasion and your sister needs a day off from school. Write a letter to the headmaster of the school

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Your manager has asked you to arrange a party for a colleague leaving the company. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter •suggest a suitable date and time for the party •recommend a venue •propose the food and entertainment options that should be available.

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You have just started a course in a college which has not 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 in this sports club Ask some questions about the club Example- facilities, members, costs

formal
You recently noticed a local restaurant that was offering a part-time job. Write a letter to the restaurant’s manager. In your letter, – explain that you would like to apply for the job – give some details of any relevant experience that you have – specify the days and times that would suit you

formal
You have just 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 about explain ways in which year Town Centre is different from most other towns centres offer to give a guided tour of your Town Centre to the writer of the article

formal
You have seen a course advertised online that you think would help you perform better at work. The course will take place during the week, so you will need to take time off work. Write a letter to your manager. In the letter say what the course is explain why you want to do the course and how it will be beneficial to the company suggest how your work can be covered while you attend the course.

formal
The office you work in does not have any cafeteria for staff. Write a letter to your manager to request setting up a cafeteria for the staff. [F]  In your letter, you should mention  what you heard about the inconvenience from the staff  how you feel about it  what suggestions you have about setting up a cafeteria

formal
Write a letter to the company to ask for information about the holiday packages they offer. In your letter: •say where and when you would like to go •include details about the kind of holiday you would like to take •say what kind of information you would like to receive You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

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

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You will have to undergo a minor surgical procedure and you will not be able to do your job in full. Write to your manager – Explain about the operation. – Say what part of the job you will not be able to do. – Suggest a solution to this situation.

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You have been offered a scholarship for obtaining a distance Master's degree through distance learning at a prestigious university. One of the requirements is to take a test on site once a month. Write a letter to your current employer.In your letter: • Share the news. • Explain how this will be helpful. • Ask for permission to be absent. Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear …………..,

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

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

formal
There is construction taking place near your home and the noise is disturbing you. Write a letter to your local council. In the letter, Describe the construction Explain why the construction is a problem for you Say what you would like them to do about it

formal
In addition to your full-time job, you are taking a 15-hour Computer Science course. You now find that you cannot continue with the course. Write a letter to the course tutor. In your letter: -Describe your schedule and situation -Explain why you cannot continue the course -Say what action you would like to take Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows, Dear Ms. Franklin,

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 site for airport construction No less than 150 words

formal
You rented a car from a company and while you were driving on holiday, you had a small accident. You will have to write a letter to inform the company and in your letter.- Explain when and from where you rented it -Describe how the accident happened what kind of action did you take after the accident.

formal
Your manager has asked you to arrange a party for a colleague leaving the company. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter suggest a suitable date and time for the party recommend a venue propose the food and entertainment options that should be available.

formal
You saw an advertisement for a tennis course in England but you have one or two problems and can not stay the whole course. Write a letter to your course director. In your letter, explain your interest in the course, describe your problems and find out if a refund is possible.

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You recently discovered that there are plans to construct a new block of flats in your local area. Write a letter to the local authority. In your letter: ·  explain how you know about the plans ·  describe the negative effects this will have on your neighbourhood ·  suggest a possible solution to the problem

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