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
The system used for rubbish/garbage collection in your area isn’t working properly. This is causing problems for you and your neighbours. Write a letter to the local council. In your letter a. Describe how the rubbish collection system is not working properly b. Explain how this is affecting you and your neighbors c. Suggest what should be done about the problem

formal
You would like to buy some electrical goods at a shop in a town which is far from your home.Write a letter to the manager of the shop. In your letter: say which electrical goods you want ask questions about the cost of the goods and how to pay explain how you will collect the goods

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
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.

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You are going on a month training program 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 Begin your letter as follows:

formal
You would like to buy some electrical goods at a shop in a town which is far from your home.Write a letter to the manager of the shop. In your letter: say which electrical goods you want ask questions about the cost of the goods and how to pay explain how you will collect the goo

formal
You are applying for a job and need a letter of reference from someone who knew you when you were at school. Write a letter to one of your old teachers asking for a reference. In your letter: say what job you have applied for explain why you want this job suggest what information the teacher should include

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 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 lost an item while traveling on a bus. An employee of the bus company assisted you in recovering your lost item. Write a letter to the company manager to thank the employee. In your letter •describe what you lost and why it was important to you •how the employee helped you find it •and explain how you felt after recovering it.

formal
write a letter to your manager to request setting up cafeteria for staffs. how you feel about it what you heard about inconvenience what suggestion you can give

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

formal
You work for an international company. You have seen an advertisement for a training course which will be useful for your job. •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

formal
You recently organized a party for your company at a hotel. Write a letter to the hotel manager. In your letter. -describe the party and how it went -explain why you were pleased with the hotel service. -suggest some improvements that the hotel could make

formal
You have recently booked a trip abroad with a travel agency; however, plans have changed, and you cannot go to that trip. Write a letter to your travel agent. - Give details of your trip. - Explain why you can’t go on this trip. Tell the agency what you want to do about the booking

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

formal
Write a letter to a financial organization that gives money to students who would like to take part-time course. Mention - Qualification and work experience -Details abut the course -How this course will help you

formal
You have a suggestion for a park nearby where you live. Write a letter to your city’s council. In your letter include: •what your suggestion is •why you think this suggestion will improve the park •when you would like to see this suggestion in action

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You have just received a credit card statement from your bank. The statement lists a number of expensive purchases that you are sure you did not make. Write a letter to the bank manager. In the letter: • Introduce yourself. • Explain that you did not buy the items listed. – I am on vacation • Say what you would like the bank to do to fix the problem.- investigate the case/send revised credit card statemen

formal
You want to join a local club or organization. Write a letter to the club secretary. In your letter: - Introduce yourself and explain why you are interested. - Ask about membership requirements. - Enquire about the next meeting or event.

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 requests you have (for example diet).

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

formal
A magzine wants to include contributions from its readers for an arcticle called 'the book that influenced me most' write a letter to the editor of the magzine 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. write at least 150 words.

formal
You have received a bill from a mobile phone (or cell phone) company for international call charges relating to a time when you did not use your phone for international calls. Write a letter to the company, complaining about this giving your reasons asking for the bill to be changed Begin your letter ‘Dear --------’ Do not write any addresses Write at least 150 words

formal
The oficce you work in does not have any cafeteria for staff. Write a letter your manager to request setting up a cafeteria for the staff.

formal
Your local council has advertised for volunteers to teach on a basic English programme for refugees. You would like to do some work for this programme in your free time. Write a letter to the programme coordinator. In your letter explain why you would like to do unpaid work on this programme describe why you are a suitable candidate say when you are available to teach. Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses Begin your letter as follows: Dear...

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. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

formal
You recently bought a piece of sports equipment from an online store. When you first used the piece of sports equipment, you found a problem with it. Write a letter to the manager of the online store. In your letter. Describe the problem with the piece of sports equipment Say what happened because of the problem Explain what you would like the company to d

formal
You would like to rent a car for a holiday. Write to the car rental agency. In your letter •Explain what type of car you would like •Give details of when you would like the car • Request more information about the cost You do NOT need to write any addresses.

formal
You use the local swimming pool often, and during one of your visits, you have encountered a problem. Write a letter to the manager. In your letter: Describe what the problem was Tell what the swimming staff have done about it Suggest your own solution to the problem

formal
When you received a device ordered online you discovered that it was damaged. Write a letter to the company. In your letter: • Explain what you ordered and the problem with it; • Tell how important is this purchase to you; • Ask for solutions of the problem. Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ....,

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

formal
You learned the news from your friend regarding a part-time job at a new international company near your house. Write a letter to the manager of the company. In your letter, you should: explain why you need that job give details of what you can do for the company suggest the time that you can work.

formal
Every year, someone in the company where you work is chosen as best employee. Your manager has asked staff members to make suggestions about who should be chosen this year. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter • Identify a colleague who you think should be best employee • Explain what the job of this colleague involve. • Give reasons why the colleague should be chosen as best employee.

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 You do NOT need to write your own address. Begin your letter as: Dear Sir or Madam, You should write at least 150 words.

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You have recently applied for a course at a college. However, you have not received a confirmation yet. Write a letter to the admissions office. In your letter: Provide details of your application Explain why you need the confirmation Ask for the timeframe in which you can expect a response Write at least 150 words.

formal
You have finished a course. Write a letter to the course organizer to give your feedback. In your letter include: - the details of the course, - what you enjoyed during the course, - any suggestions you would have.

formal
You have just received an invitation to an art exhibition. You would like more details about the event before you decide to go. Write a letter to the organiser asking for more details. In your letter • thank them for the invitation • ask what kind of art will be on display and the size of each section • ask if any of the artists will be present

formal
Write a letter to your manager to request setting up a cafeteria for the staff. In your letter, you should tell: what you heard about the inconvenience from the staff how you feel about it what suggestions you have

formal
Your local newspaper published an advertisement asking people to help with environment projects in your area. Write a letter to the project manager to offer your help. In your letter -describe a local environmental issue that affects you. -explain what you would like to do to help. -and suggest how the problem could be avoided in future.

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You have just received a credit card statement from your bank. The statement lists a number of expensive purchases that you are sure you did not make. Write a letter to the bank manager. In the letter: • Introduce yourself. • Explain that you did not buy the items listed. – I am on vacation • Say what you would like the bank to do to fix the problem.- investigate the case/send revised credit card statemen

formal
You would like to apply for a full-time position at an international airport. Write to the human resource department and say. -What job you are interested in -Explain what you are currently doing - Why do you think you are best candidate for the job

formal
You are looking for a part-time job at a golf club. Write a letter to the manager of the golf club. In your letter, introduce yourself explain what experience and special skills you have tell him/her when you could start

formal
You forgot an item of clothing at the hotel where you stayed recently. Write a letter to the hotel manager and include the following: – When did you stay and in what room? – Describe the item you left behind. – What would you like the manager to do about it?

formal
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

formal
Your are living in a university residence, and you have a problem with the high levels  of Boise a letter campus restaurant Wich is open until midnight Write a letter to the governor of The University.In your letter

formal
You celebrated your birthday with some friends last week in a restaurant. It was a great success and you and your friends enjoyed the evening very much. Write a letter to the restaurant to thank them. In your letter – • Mention the food, service and the atmosphere. • Suggest any improvements to make things better.

formal
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 You do NOT need to write your own address. Begin your letter as: Dear Sir or Madam, You should write at least 150 words.

formal
You have recently taken a two day course .write to give your feedback to the course organiser and say Guve details of the course What did like or dislike about it Suggest more improvement to the course

formal
You recently bought a children’s toy online but when it arrived it was damaged. Write a letter to the manager of the toy shop. In your letter: • describe what the problem with the toy is • suggest how the damage may have happened • say what you would like the manager to do

formal
Write a letter to your insurance company. In your letter explain Why you are writing to them Why you think the insurance should not be increased What you want them to do Write at least 150 words

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 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 your arrival/departure date •explain your accommodation needs •ask for information about getting to and from the college

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 you letter •Correct the information in the acritical •Explain whey it is important for the magazine to view the correct information •Suggest what the magazine should do about this situation.

formal
Write a request letter to the mnager of the sports club in order to participate

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

formal
There is a problem related with the changing room of your gym in your community. You reported it several times, but it was not solved. Write a letter to the manager. In your letter, you should: • describe the problem • what they said while reporting the problem • what you want the manager to do.

formal
You bought a TV a week ago but when you got home you discovered it was not working properly. You called customer service to report the problem but you have not received any help. Write a letter to the company and in your letter 1. Introduce yourself 2. Explain the problem 3. State what action you would like from the company

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 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. You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

formal
15. You’re interested in a music course that you saw on an advertisement. Write a letter to the club. In your letter, you should: - explain why you’re interested - request more information about the course - talk about your past experiences.

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 the 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 former employer to ask him/her for a reference letter to give to your new employer. In your letter – Remind him/her about what you were doing in the company. – Tell him/her about the responsibilities in your new job. – Ask him/her for a reference letter.

formal
At an event you attended recently, you met an employee of a company you would like to work at. You talked to her and she suggested that you should contact her if you needed any help with your job application. Write a letter to this employee. In your letter: 1. remind her how you met and ask for some help 2. tell her what kind of job you are interested in 3. ask her about the company's job application process

formal
You are watching television and saw a program being shown early in the morning that contained a lot of violence. You believe the program is unsuitable for that time of day. Write a letter to the manager of the television station. In your letter :- Give reason for writing. Explain what you think the problem is with the program. Say what you would like the station manager to do.

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

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

formal
Your car is hired from a company and while you are driving on holiday, you have a small accident. Your will have to write a letter to the company to explain it. You need to explain the following: -when and where you hired it -describe how the accident happened -And what kind of action you took after the accident.

formal
Making a complaint You recently bought a new piece of equipment for your home but it did not work. You phoned the store but still no action has been taken. Write a letter to the store manager. In your letter: - describe what equipment you bought - explain the problem with the new equipment - say what would you like the manager to do

formal
You have recently bought some camping equipment but it was faulty. You phoned the shop but no action has been taken. Write a letter to the shop maneger. In your letter, -Describe the problem with the equipment -Explain what happened when you phoned the shop -Say what you would like the maneger to do

formal
You recently received a message from your local council about changes to a public park in your area. 📌 Write a letter to the manager of the park. In your letter: say how you feel about the changes describe any problems these changes may cause suggest what improvements you would like to see

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

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
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 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 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
You recently travelled to New York and you were completely dissatisfied with the hotel service you stayed at. Write a letter to the hotel manager, in your letter: • introduce yourself • mention the problems you had at the hotel during your stay • say what action you need the hotel manager to take

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

formal
Write a letter to the service provider. In your letter: •Explain what the appointment was and when it was scheduled •Describe what mistake occurred that caused you to miss it •Say what you would like the service provider to do

formal
You recently returned from overseas by air and left a valuable item on the plane. Write a letter to the airline manager. In your letter: Describe the item you left behind say why it is important to you, explain what you would like the airline manager to do

formal
You recently saw an advertisement in a newspaper seeking volunteers to do unpaid work with local children. You are interested in this work. Write a letter to the head of the organisation. In your letter • express your interest • ask for details of the work that needs to be done • let them know when you are available.

formal
A large company in your area has decided to spend a certain amount of money, either to sponsor a local children's sports team for two years or to pay for two open-air concerts. It has asked for feedback from the general public. Write a letter to the company. In your letter: • describe the benefits of sponsoring the sports team • summarise the benefits of paying for the concerts • say how you think the company should spend the money

formal
A museum near your home is looking for people to do unpaid work. You would like to do some voluntery work at the museum. write a letter to the museum director to apply for the volunteer work in your letter explain why ou want to do voluntary work at the museum describe some skills and qualities you have that would be useful give details of when you would be available for work

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 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 are bored in your current job but you enjoy working for your company. You think you would be happier if you moved to a different department in the same company. Write a letter to your employer. In the letter ask to be moved to a position in another department explain how you feel about your current position and your career say why you think changing your job would be good for you and the company

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

formal
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 you letter - introduce yourself - say why you are interested in this sports club - ask some questions about the club eg. facilities, members, costs.

formal
You recently stayed at a hotel and had a bad experience. Write a letter to the hotel manager. In your letter: Explain the issues you faced Describe how they affected you Suggest what the hotel should do to improve

formal
One of your friends wants to apply for a job at a summer school camp as a sports trainer. Write a letter to the camp manager to recommend your friend. In your letter: osay how well you know your friend odescribe the qualifications and experience that your friend has oExplain why your friend would be suitable for this job.

formal
A large company in your area has decided to spend a certain amount of money, either to sponsor a local children’s sports team for two years, or to pay for two open-air concerts. It has asked for feedback from the general public. Write a letter to the company. In your letter •Describe the benefits of sponsoring the sports team •Summarise the benefits of paying for the concerts •Say how you think the company should spend the money

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

formal
On a recent holiday, you lost a valuable item. Fortunately, you have a travel insurance to cover the cost of anything lost. Write a letter to the manager of your insurance company. In your letter: 1)describe the lost item. 2)Explain how you lost it 3)Tell the insurance company what you would like them to do

formal
You have just read an article in a national newspaper which claims that town centres in your country all look very similar to each other. You don't fully agree with this opinion. Write a letter to the editor of the newspaper. In your letter • say which points in the article you agree with • explain ways in which your town centre is different from most other town centres . 。 Offer to give a guided tour of your town to the writer of the article Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

formal
You live in an area where the local council has made some changes to regulations. You believe these changes are not good for residents. Write a letter to a councillor. In your letter: Introduce yourself. Describe the problem. Say what you think the council should do about the situation.

formal
Your company has sent you on a three-month course in another country. The course is coming to an end, but you would like to prolong your stay. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter -describe how the course benefited you -explain why you would like to delay your return -suggest a date when you would like to come back.

formal
The local newspaper is holding a "best neighbor in the area" competition. Write a letter to the newspaper to recommend your neighbor for this competition. In your letter, Introduce yourself Say whom you are recommending Explain why this neighbor should be the winner of this competition

formal
You recently changed jobs, and you want to tell a person who you used to work with about your change of job. Write a letter to that person. In your letter: • describe your new job • explain whether you think it was a good idea to change jobs • suggest that you meet again soon.

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 participant liked about the hotel. * Explain why they were unhappy about the hotel. * Suggest what the manager should do to improve the food in futures.

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