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 live near a record shop that sells music, movies, and books. Write a letter to the shop asking if they have a few different items you are looking for. – Ask what the prices are and if they can be orders – Ask when they would arrive and if you can have them held in advance

formal
Write a letter to the manager of your insurance company. -Describe the item you lost -How you lost it -What you would like the insurance company to do for you.

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 have recently learned about a piece of equipment that would help you at your workplace. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter, describe the equipment explain how it might be useful at your workplace offer help in purchasing it Write at least 150 words.

formal
You have just read an article in an international travel magazine which contained some information about your town that is incorrect. Write a letter to the editor of the magazine. In your letter: correct the information in the article explain why it is important for the magazine to give correct information suggest what the magazine should do about this situation Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

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

formal
Last Friday you flew from New York to Paris. When you arrived home, you discovered that you had left your cabin bag on the plate. Write a letter to the airline. In your letter: •Where and when you lost your bag •What your bag looks like •What its content were

formal
There have been several complaints about the reception area where visitors to your company arrive. Your mannager has asked you to suggest how the reception area could be improved. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter - describe the complaints that have been made - say why the reception area is important - suggest how the reception area could be improved

formal
You are going to an English Speaking country for some months. Write a letter to the rental agency. In your letter. 1. the type of house you want 2. facilities you require 3. for how long you need the accomodation

formal
There is a problem in the road outside your house. Write a letter to your local councilor. In your letter, introduce yourself, explain what the problem is, and tell the councilors what you would like to be done.

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You saw an online post of an important English academy looking for teachers to help underprivileged foreigner students. Write a letter of application to the company. In your letter: • Introduce yourself • Explain why you are suitable for the job. • Provide details of your past work experience. Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
ou 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 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 x describe the problem with the equipment x explain what happened when you phoned the shop x say what you would like the manager to do

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
There are plans to build a new factory in parkland near where you live. Write a letter to the local council. In your letter give reasons why you are against the plans explain why the parkland should stay suggest what action the council should take Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
you ordered a book online for exam preparation. It has been some time since you purchased it and you still have not received your book. Write a letter to the e-commerce company about that. 1. Describe your order 2. Explain the importance 3. Say what you want the company to do for you

formal
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 play sports (e.g. football) for a local team. You recently heard that a player in your team is in a hospital. Write a let 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
An old car was left on the street near your street several weeks ago. The car is now causing a problem for residents. Write a letter to the Council. In your letter: Describe the car Outline the problems it is causing Tell the Council what you want them to do about it You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Councilor,

formal
You saw an advert in the newspaper asking for volunteers to help run a charity event. Write a letter of application to the organisers. In your letter:  Explain why you are interest in helping  Give details suitable past experience  Suggest ways you might help with the event

formal
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 the museum." Write a letter to the museum director to apply for the voluntary/unpaid work.

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

formal
You have lost an item of value on a train. Write a letter to the railway company. In your letter •describe the item •explain where and when you left it • say what action you would like the company to take Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

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 do not 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 - Offer to give a guided tour of your town to the writer of the article

formal
Question: you are due to start a new job next week but you will not be able to because you have some problems. writ a letter to your employer. in your letter --explain your situation --describe your problems --tell him/her when you think you can start

formal
Last week you bought a new laptop computer but it isn’t working properly. You are not satisfied with the level of service you have received from the company. Write a letter to the company you bought the laptop from. In your letter give details of what the problem is. complain about the customer service you have received. tell the company what action you want them to take.

formal
You recently attended a conference and found it very useful. Now, you want to thank the organizer. Write a letter to the organizer. In your letter: Express your appreciation for the conference. Highlight a specific part of the conference that was particularly helpful. Suggest improvements for future conferences.

formal
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 You do NOT need to write any address.

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 you 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 recently attended a training course for your work. Your employer has asked you for your feedback on the training course. Write a letter to your employer. In your letter: •Remind your employer what the course was about, •Explain why the course was useful to you in your work, •Suggest why the course may not be suitable for some of your other colleagues. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ……………., You get 20 minutes to complete this task.

formal
You recently attended a job interview, but you have not received any feedback yet. Write a letter to the Human Resources manager. In your letter: – Introduce yourself and mention the position you applied for – Explain why you believe the interview went well – Request an update on the result and explain why you need it promptly. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

formal
you are unhappy about a plan to make your local airport bigger and increase the number of flights. You live near the airport. Write a letter to your local newspaper. In your letter Explain where you live Describe the problem Give reasons why you don’t want this development.

formal
You have an extra room in your apartment and would like to rent it out to a student. Write a letter to the university council officer. In your letter: - describe your apartment and the facilities available - mention why you want to rent out the room - say what kind of tenant you would prefer

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You have a full-time job and you are also doing a part-time evening course. You now find that you cannot continue the course. Write a letter to your teachers. In your letter * describe the situation * explain why you cannot continue at this time * say what action you would like to take You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ................. , You should write at least 150 words.

formal
You bought a laptop while you were travelling abroad. When you reached your native country you realised that some items were missing from the box. Write a letter to the representative of the company. In your letter, give details of the laptop and from where you bought it explain what has happened say what you want him/her to do about it

formal
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 problem the new employee has caused. Explain how other employees bout the new employee's conduct. Say how you expect the HR manager to adress the situation.

formal
You recently stayed at a hotel and were dissatisfied with the service you received. Write a letter to the hotel manager, explaining the situation and expressing your dissatisfaction. In your letter, you should: • Describe the problem and the details of your stay. • Explain how it affected your experience. • Suggest possible solutions or actions that you would like the manager to take. Write at least 150 words.

formal
You have lot an item of value on a train. Write a letter to the raiway company.

formal
Write a letter to your a property estate agency

formal
You saw a brochure for a one-week walking tour in the mountains. You're very interested in taking part, but you're not very fit and are worried you wouldn't be able to keep up. Write to the tour operator. In your letter: • Explain why you're interested in the tour. • Ask for information about dates and prices. • Express your concerns about your fitness level. You do not need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam, You should write at least 150 words.

formal
You are looking for a part-time job over the holiday period. In your local paper, you have seen an advertisement for a position in a bookshop. Write a letter of application to the shop owner. In your letter ⚫ say why you are writing ⚫ say why you feel you are suitable for the position say when you can attend an interview 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 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
You have bought some clothing online and are not satisfied with your purchase. Write a letter to the company that you bought the clothing from. In your email -Give detail of the purchase -Describe the problem -Explain why you need a replacement urgently.

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

formal
On a recent holiday, you lost a valubale item. Fortunately, you have travel insurance to cover the cost of anything lost. Write a letter to the manager of your insurance company, in your letter - Describe the item you lost - Explain how you lost it -Tell the insurance company what you would like to do

formal
You are Dimitar Borisov/Elena Borisova. You do not feel your school is doing enough to give the students access to and knowledge of computers. Write a formal letter to your head teacher, Mr Page, suggesting ways to improve access to IT resources in your school. In your letter: • suggest the formation of a lunchtime and/or after-school computer club; • propose ways to improve the facilities available (e.g. replacing old and outdated equipment, etc.); • outline the potential benefits of these changes. Start and finish the letter in an appropriate way.

formal
There are not enough recycling bins in your neighborhood. Write a letter to your local council to install more recycling bins. In your letter: - explain the situation; - state its importance to the environment; - ask for more recycling bins.

formal
There is a problem with the changing rooms in the sports centre that you visit. You have complained several times but with no success. Write a letter to the manager of the sports centre. In your letter, •describe what the problem with the changing rooms is •say what happened the last time you complained •explain what you want the manager to do

formal
You have been working in a company for three years, but now wish to leaving job. Write a letter to the manager of the company. In your letter- * What have you learned while working for the company? * Did you enjoyed working there? * What are you reasons for leaving the job?

formal
Your child’s school is planning a field trip outside the country for 3 days and is asking for parents to come along. Write a letter Asking about the trip Explaining why you want to join Explain how you can help out

formal
You have purchased some goods from a company and the goods were supposed to be delived within three days of purchase. Seven days have already gone and you have not received the products yet. Write a letter to a company manager with whom you arranged the delivery of goods. In your letter: inform him/her what itmes you have purchased ask the reason for the delay in delivery suggest what can be done about this matter

formal
Write a letter to a manufacturer to ask them to arrange the production of a new item for you. Please say – What item do you need? – Why do you need it?

formal
You have bought some clothing online and are not satisfied with your purchase Write a letter to the company that you bought the company from. In you email Give details of he purchase describe the problem explain why you need a replacemnet urgently

formal
The school library is seeking applicants for a job over summer break. Write a letter to the library’s manager, in your letter include: – A brief introduction of yourself – Your experience and relevant skills – Why you want the job

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
ou missed an international flight due to a problem at the airport. Write a letter to the airline. In your letter: Describe what happened that caused you to miss your flight Explain how missing your flight impacted you Clearly state what you would like the airline to do Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

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

formal
The company you work has decided to close the cafeteria, as the staff is not using it much. You are not happy with the decision. Write a letter to the director Give reason of low use How it will affect the staff Suggest ways to improve it

formal
Your company sent you to complete a course in another country. You have lost the certificate received at the end of the course. Write a letter to the principal of the college where you took the course. In your letter, you should tell: how you lost the certificate why you need it now what you want the principal to do.

formal
You are soon going to spend three months doing work experience in an organisation. Write a letter to the manager of the organisation where you are going to do work experience. In your letter, thank the manager for the opportunity to work experience explain what you hope to learn from the work experience ask some questions about the work experience you are going to do 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
You recently stayed at a hotel during a business trip. However, you were not satisfied with the service you received. Write a letter to the hotel manager explaining the issues. In your letter: • Describe the problems you faced. • Explain how these issues affected your stay. • Suggest what you would like the hotel to do.

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Write at least 150 words. You have just returned from holiday and were not satisfied with your trip. Write to the travel agency. In your letter •Say where / when you went on holiday •Explain why you are not satisfied with your holiday •Tell them what you would like them to do

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Write at least 150 words. You were supposed to go on an interview in a few weeks, but you have since found out you cannot go on the date arranged. Write a letter to the potential employer. In your letter •Tell them why you need to move the interview time •Ask to change the interview date •Explain that you are still interested in being interviewed for the job

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 planning to study abroad. Write a letter of inquiry. - Ask for the terms of admission into that university - Ask for the possibility of getting a scholarship You do NOT need to write any addresses.

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
Letter to a Cinema Manager Write a letter to the manager of a cinema (movie theatre) about a jacket you have left behind after a film. In your letter: Describe the jacket Describe where you were seated Explain what you want to be done

formal
The school library is seeking applicants for a job over summer break. Write a letter to the library’s manager, in your letter include: - A brief introduction of yourself - Your experience and relevant skills - Why you want the job Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

formal
You applied for a new passport, and it got delayed. Due to this delay, you missed your (study) intake. You are very disappointed over this delay. Write a letter to Regional Passport Office for the same. In your letter • introduce yourself • describe what happened and how you are at loss • s say what you wantthe officer to do

formal
One of your penfriends wants to improve their English at a language school. They have never studied at a language school before and have asked for your advice on how to choose a good one. write a letter to your penfriend, Advise them about the following; the teaching method,the number of students in class and the number of hours per week. write 150 words

formal
You rent a house through an agency. The heating system has stopped working. You phoned the agency a week ago but it still has not been repaired. write a letter to agency. Explain the situation and tell them what you want them to do about it.

formal
You recently ate at a local restaurant with your family and want to write to the local newspaper to tell them About the restaurant What you ate Why you would / would not recommend this restaurant

formal
Write a letter of complaint about a proposal to build a new road through your local park

formal
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 the museum. Write a letter to the museum director to apply for the voluntary/unpaid work. In your letter - explain why you want to do volunary/unpaid 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
An international company is offering a temporary job for work experience, write a letter to apply for that job. You need to explain where did you find this information why you want to apply this job what qualification you have what position you want to apply

formal
You have ordered a product on a website and received a different product. Write a letter to the company. In your letter 1. Describe the product you ordered 2. Explain why you aren’t satisfied with the product you received 3. Let them know what actions you expect them to take

formal
You recently transferred money into your bank account through online banking but the money was not credited to your account. Write a letter to your bank manager. In your letter, introduce yourself describe the situation tell what you want him to do

formal
Write a letter to the company from who you purchased an item from which you are disappointed write about the product and why you are disappointed and what are you expect from

formal
You have bought an item of clothing at an online store. However, when the item arrived it was the wrong size and colour. Write a letter to the customer service manager of the company. In your letter • describe the problem • say how you feel about this • say what you want the manager to do.

formal
You recently stayed in a hotel in a large city. The weather was very unusual for the time of year and the heating / cooling system in the hotel was quite inadequate. Write a letter to the manager of the hotel. In your letter: give details of what went wrong explain what you had to do to overcome the problem at the time say what action you would like the manager to take

formal
On a recent holiday, you lost a valuable item. Fortunately, you have insurance to cover the cost of anything lost. write a letter to the manager of your insurance company. In this letter Describe the item you lost. explain how you lost it. tell the insurance company what you would like them to do?

formal
You have recently seen an advertisement in a local newspaper for a part-time job at a pharmacy. Write a letter to the hiring manager to apply for the position. In your letter: Introduce yourself and explain why you are writing. Describe your qualifications and experience relevant to the job. Request further details about the job and the application process.

formal
last year you attended an intensive English course at the Darwin College of English . Your new employer has asked you to provide copies of your reports and assignments as quickly as possible . Write a letter to the principal of the college and request him to send the copies of the required documents As you have lost the ori documents.

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 differrent from most other town centres offer to give a guided tour your town to the writer of the article. Write at least 150 words.

formal
You recently used a taxi and left some important documents there. Write a letter to the taxi manager and say: – Describe what you left and where it happened. – Why are these papers important? – What would you like the manager to do about it?

formal
You are working at home and have a problem with be shap equipment that you use for your job at a letter to the shop or company which applied the equipment in your letter describe the problem with equipment explain how this problem affecting you say what you want the shop or company to do

formal
You recently learned that the local council has decided to demolish a particular building in your area. You disagree with this decision and believe the building benefits the community. Write a letter to the local councilor. In your letter •explain what you find valuable about the building. •Suggest what improvements could be made to the building. •Describe how retaining the building could benefit the community as a whole.

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.

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Write at least 150 words. You have seen a job advertised in the newspaper. You want to apply for the job. Write a letter to the manager of the company. In your letter • provide information about yourself • give details of your previous work experience • say why the company should consider you for the job You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear …,

formal
Write to the company. In your letter •Describe what you purchased •Explain why you are not happy with the purchase •Tell them what you would like them to do about the situation

formal
Question: 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
You are a student at a language school in New Zealand studying Business English. Part of the course is a summer work placement programme. Unfortunately, you have just learnt from the school that this programme has now been cancelled. Write a letter to the School Principal. In your letter: state your reason for writing describe the problem and your concerns explain what you would like the Principal to do.

formal
Write a letter to your manager asking for a training course, which you would like to attend. In your letter explain What the course is, Why it is required for your job How you will manage work while doing the course.

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
You have bought some clothing online and are not satisfied with your purchase. Write a letter to the company that you have bought the clothing from. In your letter: Give details of the purchase Describe the problem Explain why you need a replacement urgently

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 some mone

formal
You feel the evening programs on a local television station are uninteresting. Write a letter to the manager of the television station. In your letter * explain why you do not like the current programs * describe what kind of programs you would like to see instead * explain why these programs would be better

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

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You have lost your student identification card. This has created some problems for you. Write a letter to the director of student services. In your letter advise them of your situation explain how this is affecting you request a new card

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