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 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 work for an international company, and would like to spend six months working in its head office in another country. Write a letter to your manager. In your latter •Explain why you want to work in the company’s head office for six months •Say how your work could be done while you are away •Ask for his/her help in arranging it
formal
You work for an international company, and would like to spend six months working in its head office in another countryz. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter - explain why you want to work in the company's head office for six months - say how your work could be done while you are away - ask for his/her help in arranging it
formal
Write a letter to the manager of the supermarket. In your letter 1. say who you are 2.give details about the accident 3. suggest how the supermarket could prevent similar accidents.
formal
You have seen an advertisement in an English newspaper for a job working in the City Museum shop during the holidays. You decide to apply for the job. Write a letter to the Director of the Museum. In your letter, •Introduce yourself •Explain what experience and special skills you have •Explain why you are interested in the job You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows – Dear Sir/Madam,
formal
Your local newspaper published an advertisement asking people to offer time for local environmental initiatives in your area. Write a letter to the project manager to offer your help. In your letter: -Describe a local volunteer project that you are passionate about -Explain what you would like to do to help -Suggest how to gather more support for the cause Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,
formal
country all look very similar to each other you don't fully agree with this opinion. write a letter to the editor of the newspaper. In your letter say which points in the article you agree with explain ways in which your town center is different from most other town centers Offered to give a guided tour of your town to the writer of the article
formal
Write a letter to your manager asking for permission to give a presentation. In your letter: describe what type of presentation you have in mind what topics it would cover and how long it would take who should participate in the presentation and where should it be conducted You do NOT need to write any address.
formal
You are working in an international company, write a letter to inform your manager about your resignation. In your letter, you should: •thank the company for the opportunity that you joined it •tell the reason for your resignation •confirm the time you are leaving
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
formal
RWrite 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
You are going to holiday, and you would like a hire a car. One of your parties is in wheelchair. Write a letter to car hire company. In your letter •Explain the reason you need car. •Describe the type of car you needed. •Ask what the price is and what it includes
formal
recently you applyed for a course in collage, and your course have been aprooved,and you can join becouse of some reason, write a letter to principal in your latter. whis is the course reason why you can not join ask for some future date for join
formal
You are living in a University residence, and you have a problem with the high levels of noise from a new campus restaurant which is open until midnight. Write a letter to the governor of the University. In your letter, • complain about the situation • say why this is a problem • and propose ways to reduce the noise
formal
You have been invited to attend an interview for a place studying a course in a college. Unfortunately, because of a previous appointment, you cannot come at the time they wish. Write a letter to the admissions tutor: •explain your position •apologies and offer to come on another day or later the same day. •ask how long the interview will be and whether there will be any tests during it. You do NOT need to write your own address. You should write at least 150 words.
formal
You have just received a letter from an overseas university saying that your IELTS band score of 6 is too low for admission to any of its Master's courses (You need 6.5) Write a letter to the admissions officer. In your letter Introduce yourself Enquire about any alternative ways of gaining entrance
formal
Your local newspaper published an advertisement asking people to offer time for local environmental initiatives in your area. Write a letter to the project manager to offer your help. In your letter: Describe a local volunteer project that you are passionate about Explain what you would like to do to help Suggest how to gather more support for the cause Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.
formal
You are unhappy with a service you received at a restaurant. Write a letter to the restaurant manager. In your letter: - Describe the situation. - Explain why you were unhappy. - Suggest what you would like the manager to do.
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
In your school, one of your friends has been feeling down and demotivated. You take it as your responsibility to cheer him/her up and do this via a Birthday party invitation. Write to your classmates and talk about organizing the party. Please include • the reason behind the party • the location of the party • discuss any other arrangements You should write between 150-200 words.
formal
You booked a tour package for your family through a travel agent. You had enjoyed the tour very much. Write a letter to the travel agent to thank them. In your letter: Mention the tour you took Describe the things about the tour you & your family liked the best Also, suggest any improvements to make things better
formal
You recently visited a theatre and had an accident there. The staff were very helpful. Write a letter to the manager giving good feedback. In your letter, you should tell: – and describe the accident – how the staff helped you – how similar situations could be prevented in the future.
formal
Your local public library wants to make improvements to there services & facilities. In order to get ideas from the public, they have asked library users to send them suggestions in writing. Write a letter to librarian in your letter - describe what you like about the library - say what you don't like - make suggessions for improvements
formal
You recently bought some train tickets for a journey a week in advance. When you went to the station to catch the train, you were told you could not use the tickets and the staff were very unhelpful to you. Describe the problem you had with the tickets. Say why you were unhappy with the staff. Suggest what action the train company should take.
formal
A council is closing a childrens playground because it is not being used often by children. Write a letter to the Council Mayor. In your letter explain
formal
your local council has been doing roadworks along the road outside of your house. This has caused a lot of noise and inconvenience. Write a letter to your local councillor to complain. In your letter, Describe what has happened. Say why you are complaining. Explain what you would like your councillor to do.
formal
You are not happy with the course you are doing at college and would like to change to a different course. Write a letter to the Head of Department to change your course. In your letter, explain: - what course you are doing now - why you are not satisfied with that course - what course you would like to change to
formal
Your local council is considering closing a sports and leisure centre 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 centre explain why the sports and leisure centres is importsnt for the local community describe the possible effects on local people if the centre closes
formal
you have recently missed a project deadline which resulted in your company lossing an important client. write a letter to your senior director. in your letter apologise for what happened explain why you missed the dead line tell him her how will you avoid in future.
formal
The news company is going to start a new program on TV about a particular place. Write a letter to offer your suggestions on what the program should be like. In your letter, you should tell: how you know about that place what suggestions you would like to ma why you are offering these suggestions.ke
formal
You study at a college in the city centre. You use public transport to get to the college but the bus service you use has changed. Write a letter to the manager of the bus company. In the letter, -Say who you are and the details of service you use -Explain the problem with the bus service -Suggest what you think the manager shoDuld do
formal
You recently took a plane to a holiday in a foreign city, and on arrival you found that your luaggage was lost. You did not receive your luggage untill the last day of your holiday. Write a letter to the airline. In your letter: 1. complain about the situation. 2. Say why it caused you problem. 3. seek suitable compensation.
formal
You recently organized an all-day meeting for your company, which took place in a local hotel. In their feedback, participants at the meeting said they liked the hotel, but they were unhappy about the food 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 the future.
formal
You recently notice a local restaurant offering a part time job Write a letter to the restaurant’s manager. In your letter • Explain that you would like to apply for this job • Give some details of relevant experience that you have • specify the date and time that would suit for you You should write at least 150 words You don’t write any address
formal
You are soon going to spend three months doing work experience in an organisation. Write a letter to the manager of the organisation where you are going to do work experience. In your letter: Thank the manager for the opportunity to do work experience Explain what you hope to learn from the work experience Ask some questions about the work experience you are going to do
formal
You are not happy with the course you are doing at college and would like to change to a different course.  Write a letter to the Head of Department to change your course. In your letter, explain:  what course you are doing now  why you are not satisfied with that course  what course you would like to change to  Write at least 150 words.
formal
You recently bought a piece of equipment for your kitchen but it didn't work. You phoned the shop but no action was taken. Write a letter to the manager in your letter. Describe the problem with the equipment. Explain what happened when you called the shop. say what you would like the manger to do
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.
formal
You recently ordered an expensive item from a mail order catalogue after you saw it being advertised at a discounted price in the press. The company withdrew the offer after you made the order and charged you at the full price. Write a letter to the company outlining your dissatisfaction with the way you have been treated and the action you want them to take.
formal
You want to attend a training course. Write a letter to the course provider. In your letter: - Describe the course you are interested in. - Explain why you want to attend. - Ask for details about the course duration, fees, and content.
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.
formal
You experienced an incident on public transport that caused you distress. Write a letter to the manager of the public transport company. In your letter ▪ describe the incident ▪ explain how this incident affected you ▪ suggest what could be done about it
formal
You recently bought a product, but you are not satisfied with it. Write a letter to the company that made the product. In your letter: •Describe the product you bought •Explain why you are not satisfied with it •Suggest what the company should do to fix the problem
formal
You live near a public school. The school has asked residents to help with the maintenance of school buildings and play areas. Write a letter to the principal. In your letter explain why you would like to help tell them how you can help let them know when you are available.
formal
ou 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 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 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 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
Recently you noticed that the waste (garbage) disposal in your area is creating problems. Write a letter complaining about the situation to the environment officer. * The time of waste pickup. * What is the problem with the waste. * Suggest solution to the problem.
formal
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
You are living in a University residence, and you have a problem with the high levels of noise from a new campus restaurant which is open late at night. Write a letter to the governor of the University. In your letter, •Complain about the situation . •Say why this is a problem •And propose ways to reduce the noise
formal
You 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 have seen an advertisement in an English newspaper for a job working in the City Museum shop during the holidays. You decide to apply for the job. Write a letter to the Director of the Museum. In your letter, • Introduce yourself • Explain what experience and special skills you have • Explain why you are interested in the job Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows – Dear Sir/Madam,
formal
You live in a room in college which you share with another student. However, there are many problems with this arrangement and you find it very difficult to work. Write a letter to the accomodation officer at the college. In your letter * describe the situation *explain your problems and why it is difficult to work *say what kind of accomodation you would prefer You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,
formal
you live near a public school. the school has asked local residents to help with the maintenance of school buildings and play area. Write a letter to the principal. in your letter, -explain why you would like to help -tell them how you can help -let them know when you are available
formal
You ride a bicycle to work, but there is a problem with the parking. Write a letter to the building manager to provide bicycle parking. In your letter, you should: why you ride a bicycle to work what the problem is with the parking what your suggestions are.
formal
You have recently visited a city on vacation and stayed in a hotel. Write a letter to the manager about your stay. In your letter: - Give details of your stay - What were the high & low points of the hotel - What are your suggestions; recommendations and / or complaints about the hotel Write at least 150 words.
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 reason for the celebration * say what was good about the food and saervice
formal
The system used for rubbish/garbage collection in your local area is not working properly. This is causing problems for you and your neighbors. Write a letter to the local council. In your letter • Describe how the rubbish collection system is not working properly • Explain how this is affecting you and your neighbors • Suggest what should be done about the problem
formal
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
You were hurt in a minor accident in a supermarket and you wish to make a complaint. Write a letter 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 should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You recently attended a conference and you would like to give a presentation about the information you gained by attending the conference. Write a letter to your manager asking for permission to give a presentation. In your letter: describe what type of presentation you have in mind what topics it would cover and how long it would take who should participate in the presentation and where should it be conducted You do NOT need to write any address. You should write at least 150 words.
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 voluntary/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 You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,
formal
Write a letter to your favourite restaurant. Include the following: · Your reason for writing · What you like about the restaurant · Suggestions for improvement
formal
You recently received a letter from your bank that you should have received a new credit card. Unfortunately, the card was not in the letter. Write a letter to your bank manager. In your letter . Explain what has happened . Suggest the credit card should be cancelled for security reasons . Ask when a new credit card can be sent to you
formal
You work for a small company. Your manager has asked you to organise a party for your colleagues at a local restaurant. Write a letter to the manager of the restaurant. In your letter: explain the reason for the party give details about the date, time and the number of people attending ask about the menu, the cost and how to make the booking
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
You work for an international company. You enjoy this work but now you want to leave the company. Write a letter to the manager of the company. In your letter - Tell the manager why you want to leave the company - Explain what you have learnt from working at the company - Say why you have enjoyed working for the company
formal
You recently bought a magazine, and its manager asked the readers for their opinions. Write a letter to the manager. In the letter, you should say: •give a reason why you chose this magazine; •explain what you like and dislike about it; •say what improvement you hope to see in the future.
formal
you recently travelled on the local bus service in your town. You think the driver drove badly and was rude to the passengers. Write a letter to the manager of the local bus service. In your letter introduce yourself and say when the incident happened describe what you saw and heard say what you would like the bus company to do about it You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,
formal
You 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
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
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 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
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 have moved to another city but your bank has your old address and continues to send all communication there. Write a letter to your bank branch. In the letter, mention: •Where have you moved? • What problem are you facing regarding the bank’s communication? • What you want them to do regarding old communication already sent to the wrong address.
formal
You have been looking for a job and have seen a job advertisement for a part-time position. Write a letter to the employer. In your letter explain why you need the job; describe your skills and qualifications; say what days you are available.
formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic You will move to a new city for work. You know some people who live there. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter: - Ask them for help finding accommodation - Tell them where you would like to live - Tell them the type of place you are looking for
formal
You travelled to another city on business last week, and there was a problem with your hotel room. Write to the hotel manager. In your letter… •Tell the manager about the problems you had •Explain to them how you feel about what happened •Let them know what actions you would like them to take. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,
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
Write a letter to the manager of the sports club. In your letter, introduce yourself say why are you interested in this sports club ask some questions about the club e.g facilities, membership, costs etc.
formal
You are organizing a staff training day at a local conference centre. Write a letter to the manager of the conference centre. In your letter: Describe the purpose of the training day Explain what you will need for the day Ask about availability and cost
formal
You have 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
You have seen an advertisement in a local newspaper about a new sports center that is opening soon. Write a letter to the manager. In your letter: Express your interest in the sports center. Ask for more information about the facilities. Inquire about membership fees and any discounts available.
formal
Write a letter to the bus company. In your letter, inform the bus company of when and to where you travelled describe your suitcase and what happened to it explain why the company should pay for a new suitcase
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 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
You recently bought an expensive electronic product from a store, and found that the product does not work properly. Write a letter to the store manager. In your letter: Complain about the problem Propose action for the store to take Request confirmation that this is agreed
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
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
You and your friend arranged a program at a restaurant and all of you went there to have a meal. You were satisfied with the food and service of the restaurant Write a letter to the manager of the restaurant. In you letter *Mention what kind of program it was. *Describe the environment of the restaurant. *Describe what you like about the food and the service.
formal
Write a letter to the manager of your local bus service. They have recently made some changes to the bus services which created inconveniences for you. In your letter, explain: •what are the changes •what are the problems you are facing •what part of the service would you like to change You get 20 minutes to complete this task.
formal
You have moved to another city but your bank has your old address and continues to send all communication there. Write a letter to your bank branch. In the letter, mention: Where have you moved to? What problem are you facing regarding the bank’s communication? What you want them to do regarding old communication already sent to the wrong address?
formal
You recently bought an expensive electronic product from a store and found that the product does not work properly. Write a letter to store manager. In your letter, Complain about the problem Propose action for the store to take.
formal
You recently attended a professional training course that you found highly beneficial for your career growth. Write a letter to your manager, requesting the company to arrange a similar training course for your colleagues. In your letter, you should: - Explain the training course you attended and its benefits - Suggest why it would be helpful for your colleagues - Provide details on how the company can arrange this training course
formal
You recently organised an all-day meeting for your company, which took place in a local hotel. In their feedback, participants athe meeting said that they liked the hotel, but they were unhappy about the food that was served for lunch Write a letter to the manager of the hotel. In your letter: say what the participants liked about the hotel explain why they were unhappy about the food suggest what the manager should do to improve the food in future
formal
You recently stayed at a hotel and left a valuable item in your room. You have tried calling the hotel, but you have not received a helpful response.Write a letter to the hotel manager. In your letter:Explain the details of your stay and what item you left behind.Describe what happened when you tried to contact the hotel by phone.State what action you want the manager to take.
formal
2.You recently discovered that there are plans to build a new airport in your area and you are not happy with it. Write a letter to the local authority. In your letter, oSay how you found out about the plans oExplain what problems your neighbourhood will face oSuggest some possible solutions to those problems.
formal
Arranging Accommodation You are being sent on a one month work assignment in San Francisco, California. You need a place to stay while you are there. Write a letter to the Maury Samson Real Estate Agency. In your letter: explain the situation describe the kind of accommodation you would like provide the dates you will need it Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr Samson, You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
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 just started a course at a college that does not have its own sports facilities. Write a letter to the manager of the nearest private sports club. .Introduce yourself .Tell me why you are interested in this sports club .ask some questions about the club, e.g. objects, members, costs Begin with: Dear Sir or Madam
formal
Write a letter to the department of education to provide financial assistance for a short training course that you want to do in some foreign countries In your letter,you should tell: •What course you want to take •Why you want to take the course •How financial assistance can help you
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