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 recently took part in a training course. The organiser of the course has asked you for some feedback. Write a letter to the organiser of the course. In your letter: • give details of the course you took part in • say what you found useful on the course • suggest ways the course could be improved You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear......

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 accommodation officer at the college. In the letter:  describe the situation  explain your problems and why it is difficult to work  say what kind of accommodation you would prefer

formal
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 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 magazie. 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

formal
You recently bought a second-hand car from a company that sells used cars, but the car developed some problems. You have phoned, left messages and sent emails, but you have not heard anything from the company that sold you the car. Write a letter to the manager. In your letter explain the problems you have had in contacting the company, and explain your dissatisfaction describe the problems with the car tell the manager what you want him to do

formal
For the past seven days, you were late for work due to some unavoidable issues at home. Write a letter to your manager explaining why you were late for work for several days. In your letter, explain why you were late for the last seven days apologise for the delay assure your manager that you will be on time from now on

formal
You 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 - correction 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

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 has benefited you Explain why you would like to delay your return Suggest a date when you would like to come back

formal
You recently visited a local restaurant with your family and had a very good meal. Write a letter to the editor of a local newspaper. In your letter ● explain where the restaurant is ● describe what you ate in the restaurant ● say why you would recommend the restaurant to others

formal
Writing Task 1 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 details of the purchase -> Describe the problem -> Explain why you need a replacement urgently 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 a complaint about the hotel you stayed at while attending a meeting that was booked by the organizer of a company meeting. Write a letter to the organizer of the meeting and include: -Details about the meeting -The problem you face - What should be done

formal
Write a letter to a tour agency and say Where did you see this advertisement? Explain why are you suitable for this job. Suggest how to improve your local area to attract more tourists.

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 recently purchased a piece of equipment for your kitchen but it did not work properly. Write a letter to the store manager. In your letter: Describe the problem with the equipment. Explain how this issue has affected you. State what you would like the store to do about it.

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You are due to give a presentation at work at the end of this week, but you are unwell and would like to postpone the presentation. Write a letter to your manager. In the letter, Describe the presentation Explain why you cannot deliver the presentation on the scheduled day Request a different date for your presentation You do NOT need to write any addresses. write at least 150 words Begin your letter as follows: Dear...,

formal
You have recently ordered an item from the internet, but are not happy with the purchase. 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
Some construction work is being done on the street where you live for the last couple of days. The noise from the work is loud and it disturbs you. Write a letter to your local council complaining about the noise. In your letter, introduce yourself explain how the noise is causing problems to you suggest solutions to the problem You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

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 would like to work in a different city to be closer to your family . Write a letter to your employer to request a transfer to another office. Explain why you would like to moveRequest that your employer place you in a specific city. Request that it be completed by a certain date.

formal
Your internet connection has been slow and intermittent Write a letter to your internet service provider to complain about. In the letter: – Describe the problem and why you are unhappy – Arrange for an engineer to visit your home – Request a reduction in your bill

formal
You have heard about plans to build new apartments in a public park near your home. You want to give your opinion about this. Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper. In your letter  Explain how you learnt about these plans  Say what you think of the park  Give our opinion on the plans

formal
You have recently ordered an item from the internet, but are not happy with the purchase. 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
A building campany is planning to build new house on some land near you live and has asked the people to give their comments. write a letter to the manger of the building company and say how you heard about the plan of the building company - give ypur opinion of the plan -say what you hope the building company will do

formal
You work for an international company. You have seen 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 You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam

formal
2019-12-07: Task 1 You went on a trip and found that the guide was really helpful. Write a letter to the tour company manager. In your letter, you should: • describe the tour • tell what you liked about the tour guide • recommend manager ways/methods to appreciate the tour guide

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

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

formal
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. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

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

formal
Write a letter to the transport officer about a problem with transport system in your area. Explain in letter . -describe the situation you are facing -why you consider it a problem -what changes you like to recommend

formal
Write a letter to a hotel manager about booking a private room for family party. Explaining What kind of party is it? What do you need in the room? And ask for food and prices?

formal
You recently had your computer fixed at a local computer store, however, you are not pleased with the service you received. Write a letter to the store manager. In the letter:  describe the situation  explain why you are dissatisfied  say what you want the manager to do Write at least 150 words.

formal
Write a letter to the company that sold you the item. In the letter: give details about the order you made explain what was wrong with the item tell the company what you want them to do about it Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
Write a letter to your local council to tell him that the road in front of your house is damaged. In your letter include a.Tell him your name and where you are living b.Describe the problem c.Tell him what you want him to do for you

formal
Writing Task 1 you have bought some clothing onllne and are not s atisfied with your purchase. Write a letter to the company that you bought the clothing from. In your email -> give details of the purchase -> describe the problem -> explain why you need a replacement urgently 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 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 date and times that would suit you

formal
You recently stayed in a hotel during a business trip. The service was not good and this affected your stay. You want to make a complaint. Write a letter to the hotel manager. In the letter: • Say what was wrong with the service at the hotel • Explain how it affected you during your stay • Suggest what action you would like to the hotel manager to take.

formal
For the past year you have been a member of a local club. Now you want to discontinue your membership. Write a letter to the club secretary. In your letter • state what type of membership you have and how you have paid for this • give details of how you have benefited from the club • explain why you want to leave • You should write at least 150 words. • Allow yourself 15 minutes for this task. • You do NOT need to write your own address.

formal
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.

formal
You have just read read 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 * Example why it is important for the magazine to give correct information * Suggest what the magazine should do about this situation

formal
You have been doing some voluntary work to help your local community. However, now you are unable to continue doing this work. Write a letter to the manager of the organization where you have been working. In your letter: •describe the work you have been doing •explain why you can no longer do this work •recommend another person who is interested in the work

formal
A young person is going to spend his first day at the office next month. Write a letter to explain what he should do on his first day. In your letter, you should tell: – what work should be done in the company – what he/she will do on the first day of work – what items/objects he /she needs to take along.

formal
The system used for rubbish/garbage collection in your local is not working properly. This is causing problems 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
You have just read an article in a national newspaper which cleans the town centres in your country all look very similar to each other. You don't fully agree with this opinion. Write a letter to the editor of the newspaper. In your letter * say which points in the article you are agree with. * explain ways in which your town center is different from most other town centers. * offer to give a guided tour of your town to the writer of the article. Write not less than 150 words

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

formal
1. You are planning a 2-day work training outside your city next month. Write a letter to the manager of the hotel regarding the accommodation arrangements for your visit. In your letter, you should: • introduce yourself and your company • ask the availability of their rooms • tell him / her your every arrangement and needs.

formal
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 them to do.

formal
You recently did a short cookery course. The cookery school asked for your feedback on this course.
Write a letter to the course director at the cookery school.
 • describe what you enjoyed about the course
 : well known instructors, interactive practical assignments, • say how much cooking you’ve done since the course : started to help my mother for cooking, during holidays started small tiffin services for students 
• suggest another cookery course you’d like the school to offer

formal
the system used fir 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 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 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
Your city council is planning to pull down one of the historic buildings in your town because they do not have funds to renovate it. As a citizen, you do not want it to happen. Write a letter to the city council. In your letter, •say what the importance of this historic building is •mention why it should be renovated rather than pull down •suggest a plan to raise funds and maintain the building in the future

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 recently went on a sightseeing tour which you did not enjoy. Write a letter to the manager of the tour company. In your letter: *Explain why you chose that particular tour *Explain what you did not like about the tour *Suggest two ways in which the tour can be improved

formal
Your neighbour is burning garbage in the backyard which is causing you great inconvenience. Write a letter to the head of the municipal council. In your letter, describe the problem mention when the problem began suggest what you think the municipal council should do

formal
You have recently used the services of a moving company. At the new place you found out that some of your items were badly damaged. Write a letter to the company manager including the following: Give details of your move List items that were damaged Say what you expect the manager to do

formal
You have paid for a cricket course at a Sports Club, but due to a medical reason cannot complete the entire course. Write a letter to the course director. In your letter, explain your interest in the course describe your problems find out if a refund is possible

formal
Your local council is considering closing a sports and leisure center that it runs, to save money. Write a letter to the local council. In your latter Gives details of how you and your friends or family 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.

formal
You are studying at a college which has very limited sports and leisure facilities for students. Write a letter to the principal. In your letter, outline the situation propose ways to improve this situation request a meeting to discuss this Begin your letter ‘Dear --------’ Do not write any addresses Write at least 150 words

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

formal
You have just read an article in a national newspaper which clamis 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 point in the article you agree with - explain ways in which your town centre in different from most other town centres. - offer to give a guided tour of your town to the writer of the article.

formal
You recently spent a night in a hotel and had to put up with a great deal of noise very early in the morning because of a faulty central heating system. The manager promised to contact you regarding compensation but you still haven't heard from him. Write a letter to the hotel. In the letter • describe the problem at the hotel • explain what the manager had said at the time •say what you want the manager to do.

formal
You recently read an article in the newspaper about someone whom you know personally but have not heard from in a long time. You found that some of the information published was incorrect. Write a letter to editor to inform him about it. In your letter, ● state what the article is about ● mention the error(s) ● describe what you expect from the editor You do NOT need to write any address. Begin your letter as follows: Dear .....................,.

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.

formal
You live near a public school. The school asked residents to help maintain the school building and playground. Write a letter to the principal. Explain why would you like to help. Tell them how you can help. Let them know when you are available.

formal
You have seen an advertisement for a temporary job that involves looking after a house while the owner is travelling abroad. Write a letter to the homeowner. In your letter: – explain why you are interested in the position – describe any relevant experience you have – say when you would be available to take on this role.

formal
You are organizing a seminar for your company. Write a letter to the manager of another department inviting them to give a presentation at the seminar. In your letter, • give details of the seminar • invite them to give a presentation and say why you are inviting them • say what the presentation should be about You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task

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
The local Council in your city has no funds for repairs and maintanenance of old buildings. It has decided to demolish a historical building to build a software company. Write a letter to the head of Council. In your letter: explain why the building is important suggest how the building can be used to benefit the local community suggest a solution to finance the repairs.

formal
You ordered an item from an online store and it has arrived damaged. Write a letter to the retailer to complain. In the letter: – Explain why you are unhappy – Request a refund – Make arrangements to return the damaged item

formal
You have been invited to attend an interview for a place on a course of study at a college. Unfortunately, because of a previous appointment, you cannot go to the interview at the time they wish. Write a letter to the admissions tutor. In your letter explain why you cannot keep the appointment apologise and offer to arrange a new appointment ask how long the interview will be, and whether there will be any tests during it You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
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 influences 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 were hurt in a minor accident inside a supermarket, and you wish to complain to the supermarket. Write a letter to the manager of the supermarket. In your letter -say who you are -give details about the accident -suggest how the supermarket could prevent similar accidents

formal
You have heard about plans to build new apartments in a public park near your home You want to give your opinion about this Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper In your letter Explain how you learnt about these plans Say what you think of the park, give your opinions on the plans

formal
A magazine wants to inculde contributions from its reders for an article called ‘the book that influenced me most’. Write a letter to the editor of the magazine about the book that influenced you most. In your letter Describe what this book was about Explain how this book influenced you say whether this book would be likely to influence other people.

formal
Write a letter to an electronic company requesting information about their latest model of digital camera you have seen advertised. Ask about the following items The price and availability of the new camera The exact size and special functions the set have

formal
You have read an article in a newspaper that contains incorrect information about your town/city. Write a letter to the editor of the newspaper to inform them about the mistake. In your letter - Describe your knowledge of the city. - Explain what information was incorrect in your opinion. - Suggest how the editor could fix this error.

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 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 servd 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 have just enrolled in a 12 week English class, but have found that you have a family problem and you will have to return home. Write to the school. In your letter 􀁸 Explain what has happened 􀁸 Request a refund 􀁸 Ask whether you will be able to return at a later date

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

formal
You recently attended a meeting at e 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

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
ou 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.

formal
You recently purchased a mobile phone online, but it has several defects and does not meet your expectations. Write a letter of complaint to the customer service department of the online store. In the letter • describe the product you purchased and mention the specific defects • explain the inconvenience and disappointment caused by the defective product • request a refund or replacement for the faulty mobile phone

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

formal
you missed international flight due to a problem at the airport write a letter to the airline. in your letter: describe what happend that caused you to miss your flight explain how missing your flight impacted you clearly start what you would like the airline to do write at least 150 words. you do not need to write any adress

formal
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

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 are not satisfied with the service of a restaurant. Write a letter to the manager. 1. Describe the problem 2. Explain how it affected you 3. Suggest what the manager should do.

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

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

formal
You have just returned from a holiday. You are unhappy with the quality of the hotel you stayed in and want to complain to the travel agency that arranged the holiday. Write a letter to the manager of the travel agency. In your letter, •say about the holiday and where you stayed •mention why you are unhappy about the hotel where you stayed •say what you would like the travel agency to do

formal
You recently attended a meeting at a hotel. When you returned home, you found you had left some important papers at the hotel. Write a letter to the manager of the hotel. In your letter. •Say where you think you left the papers • Explain why they are so important • Tell the manager what you want him /her to do

formal
You recently travelled by train on a long journey and you experienced various problems. Write a letter to the train company’s head office. In your letter, – give the details of your journey, including the date, time and where you sat – explain the problems that happened and express your dissatisfaction – ask about what action will be taken to improve the service

formal
There are some problems in the changing room in your sport center. Write a letter to the sport center manager. In your letter, you should: - Describe the problems in the changing room - Explain why the sport center is important for you - Suggest what the manager should do.

formal
On a recent holiday, you lost a valuable item. Fortunately you have travel insurance to cover the cost of anything lost. Write a letter to the manager of the company – describe the item lost – explain how you lost it – tell the insurance company what you would like them to do

formal
You have decided to leave your current job even though you enjoy it. Write a letter to inform your manager of your decision. In your letter: • Tell the manager about your decision and the reason for it • Describe what you learnt in your current job • Ask the manager to write a reference letter to help you with future employment.

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