IELTS General Writing Task 1 formal Topics/Questions 2025

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This section presents a list of common IELTS General Writing Task 1 formal topics. All these topics were added in 2025 by students who took the IELTS recently. Pick a random topic and start practicing and improving your writing skills.

formal
Write a letter to the local council about the problem of the road near your house Explain where you live Describe the problem Explain when you want him to do

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*Question* You wanted to buy a book from a book store but could not find the book in your city. You want to know if you can get it from the same book store in another city. Write a letter to the manager of the book store. * Explainthe details of the book * Why you need the book * How you would pay for it

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“ You are looking for a part-time job. Write a letter to an employment agency. In your letter: introduce yourself explain what sort of job you would like and say what experience and skills you have

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You were recently impressed by a staff member at a supermarket. Write a letter to the manager of the supermarket. In your letter: • Describe the situation • Explain how you were helped • State what you are going to do as a result of this good experience

formal
You work in an office and have recently been experiencing a health problem. You think that the problem started because of the working conditions in the office. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter Describe the health problem. Explain why you think it was cause by conditions in the office. Suggest what the manager should do to improve the working conditions in the office.

formal
There was an advert inviting applications for a certain job in the local newspaper. Write to Human Resource Department. In your letter, describe the job you are applying for and your relevant work experience. In your letter • say about the job position you are applying for • describe your experience • describe how your current job and the one you are applying for is a good match

formal
You live in a room in colege which you share with another student. However, there are many problems with this arrangement and you find I verydifficult to work. Write a letter to the accommodation officer at your college. In your letter Describe the situation Explain the problem an why is it difficult to work Say what knd of accommodation you would prefer

formal
You saw an advert in the newspaper asking for volunteers to help run a chartiy event Write a letter of application to the organizers. In your letter: Explain why you are interested in helpin Give details of suitable past experience suggest ways you might help with the event.

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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

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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 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
Your next-door neighbour likes to listen to music late at night. Because of the loud music, you often lose sleep. Write a letter to the building manager. In your letter describe the situation explain the problems it is causing you offer at least one solution

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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. Begin your letter as follows: Dear...,

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Write a letter to the organiser of an annual festival that you attended last year. Include Feedback about last year An offer to volunteer Questions about the festival

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

formal
Write a letter to the publisher in a newspaper, asking to advertise a meeting of people from different countries you are organizing. Explain where, when and why

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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 and your family are planning to spend a weekend at a seaside hotel. Write a letter to the hotel, making the arrangements. In your letter tell them when you will be arriving and leaving explain what type of rooms you would like, and ask how much the weekend will cost ask about activities and places of interest near the hotel You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses

formal
A museum near your house 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 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.

formal
You have recently moved to a different location where you experience frequent electricity breakdown. Write a letter to the electricity board. In your letter, describe the situation, tell what problems you are facing due to this, explain what you want the board to do

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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 apologise 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
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 Write at least 150 words.

formal
You have recently purchased a piece of furniture, but you noticed a problem when it was delivered to you. Write a letter to the store manager and say what the problem is, how it must happened in your opinion, what you suggest the manager should do to resolve the problem

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You have heard that a developer plans to build a shopping centre near your home. Write a letter to the council in your letter Say how you heard about it Explain how you feel about it As for more information about it

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You have a complaint about the hotel you stayed at while attending a meeting that was booked by the organiser of a company meeting. Write a letter to the organiser of the meeting and include •Details about the meeting •The problem you face •What should be done

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You live in an English speaking country and you want to do some voluntary, unpaid work in a developing country. Write a letter to a company called Cultural Expeditions, which organizes such trips. In your letter: Explain why you want to do the voluntary work. State what your skills and experience are. Indicate where you would like to volunteer and for how long. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir / Madam You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

formal
You use the local swimming pool often and during one of your visit you have encountered a problem. Write a letter to the manager and say – What the problem was and when it happened – What the swimming pool staff have done about it – Suggest your own solution to the problem.

formal
You are going to another country to study. You would like to do a part-time job while your are studying, so you want to ask a friend who lives there for some help. Write a letter to this fiend. In your letter: -give details of your study plans -explain why you want to get a part-time job -suggest how your friend could help you find a job

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

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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

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Practice 1: You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 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 write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any ad

formal
You recently traveled by plane from London to Sydney. Write a letter to the airline company about your experience. In your letter: • Describe the purpose of your trip and when you traveled. • Explain what you liked about the flight and the airline's service. • Mention any areas where you feel improvements could be made. • Provide suggestions or recommendations for enhancing the overall travel experience. Write at least 150 words.

formal
You would like to rent a car for a holiday. Write to the car rental agency. In your letter • Explain what type of car you would like • Give details of when you would like the car • Request more information about the cost

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You have seen an advertisement for a weekend course to study a foreign language. Write a letter to the institution offering the course. In your letter: - ask for details of the course - ask if the course teachers are qualified native speakers - request that the institution sends you their brochure. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir / Madam,...

formal
You have recently learned about an opening for an internship at a local company that you interested in Write a letter Introduce yourself From where you came to know about Describe why you are perfect for this

formal
You have a complaint about the hotel you stayed at while attending a meeting that was booked by the organiser of a company meeting. Write a letter to the organiser of the meeting and include Details about the meeting The problem you faced What should be done

formal
You have some library books that you are unable to return as a member of your family in another city has fallen sick and you have hand to go and look after them. Write a letter to the library. In you letter, you should: Formal letter explaining the situation - my gramother suffering from cancer apologize for the inconvenience called - apologising and say what you are going to do - My friend will deliver to tou next day

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 do not want this development Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows:

formal
You recently purchased a product from an online store and are unsatisfied about its quality. Now, you want to avail refund for the product but are unaware of the company’s return and refund policy. Write a letter to the customer relationship officer requesting information about the refund policy and in your letter, write: • Why you are writing • Why you are seeking refund • When you want refund

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 the service.

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

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You are a teacher at a secondary school (high school). You have been asked to arrange a visit to a local museum or tourist attraction for some of your students. Write a letter to the manager of the museum or tourist attraction. In your letter you should: say who you are and which school you teach at? say why the school would like the students to visit the museum/attraction? ask about educational facilities or information that the museum/attraction can provide?

formal
You recently ordered something online. When the delivery came it was not complete. Write a letter to the company. In your letter: - Explain what you ordered and what was missing from your delivery - Explain the importance of this delivery - Ask for a replacement item to be sent

formal
You have seen an advertisement for an evening course to study a foreign language. Write a letter to the institution offering the course. In your letter, – ask for details of the course – ask if the course teachers are qualified native speakers – request that the institution sends you their brochure You should write at least 150 words.

formal
You are doing an evening course. Write a letter to the principal of your school and explain that the course that you are taking is slightly different in the way it is delivered from what the school offered. In your letter – provide the details of the course. – explain what the problem is – give some suggestions to fix the problem

formal
You have discovered a lot of rubbish in a lake near where you live. In the past, the lake had always been clean. Write a letter to the local council. In the letter: · describe the type of rubbish that you saw in the lake · explain where you think the waste has come from · suggest what the council should do about the problem

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

formal
Your local library is hiring a new staff member, and you are interested in applying for the position. Write a letter to the library manager to apply for the job. •explain why you are interested in working at the library • describe your relevant qualifications and experience ask about the next steps in the hiring process Check the essay for

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 tell the councilor what you would like to be done

formal
A museum newr 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 voluntary/unpaid work at the museum describe some skills and qualities you have that would be useful give details of when you woule be available for work Write at least 150words. You do not need to write any addresses.

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

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For the past year you have been a member of a local club. Now want to discontinue your membership. Write a letter to the club secretary. In your letter:

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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.

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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
Our local hospital has advertised people to do unpaid work helping at the hospital. You would like to do some work at the hospital in your free time. Write a letter to the hospital. In your letter •explain why you would like to do unpaid work at the hospital • say what type of unpaid work you would be able to do • give details of when you would be available for this work

formal
You want to complain about the service you received in the hotel you stayed in while attending a recent meeting . Write a letter to the person who organised the meeting . In your letter •Describe the meeting •Explain the problems with the service •Suggest what the meeting organiser should do

formal
You work at home and have a problem with a piece of equipment that you use for your job. Write a letter to the shop or company which supplied the equipment. In your letter, describe the problem with the equipment explain how this problem is affecting your work say what you want the shop or company to do

formal
You recently moved to a new city and want to join a local gym. Write a letter to the gym manager. In your letter: Introduce yourself and explain why you are interested in joining the gym. Ask about the facilities and membership options. Inquire about any classes or personal training sessions available.

formal
You have recently noticed that your computer is getting too slow and out-of-date. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter:- - explain the problems with your computer - give some examples of how this has affected your work - make some suggestions for what can be done to help address this issue.

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 like 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 managers should do to improve the food in the future

formal
There is a problem in your street. Write a letter to the local town council explaining who you are, what the problem is and what you hope will be done about it.

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 full time job and also doing part time evening course, You now find that you can not continue the course. Write a letter to your tutor. -Describe the situation. -Explain why you can not continue at this time. -Say what action you would like to take.

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

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, and say whether this book would be likely to influence other people.

formal
You have recently ordered an item through 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
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 attended a conference and would like to give a presentation to your colleagues about it. Write a letter to your manager and include: The topic of the conference Why you want to present about it When it could be done #conference #presentation #colleagues

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Write a letter to your direct manager. In your letter: Ask for time off and explain why Provide the dates and times for which you will be unavailable to work Describes what you will do to prepare or make up for your absence

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You recently had some items shipped to you from overseas. Upon receiving the shipment you found that some things were damaged in transit. Write a letter to the manager of the shipping company. In your letter - Provide the details of your shipment - Describe the damage - Say what action you want the company to take.

formal
You live close to a restaurant and have recently been disturbed by the noise coming from the restaurant in the evenings. Write a letter to owner of the restaurant. In your letter. 1. explain why you find the noise disturbing 2. suggest a way to solve the problem, 3. explain what you will do If the problem is not solved.

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
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 a hotel manager in another city for an upcoming 2-day business trip for you and your colleagues. Introduce yourself and colleagues (financial service, product focus on insurance and mutual fund, proficient in engligh and madarin) Give information about the business meeting ( market outlook, new insurance product introduction, case study) Tell other requests you might have ( wifi, projector , microphone, basic refreshment-tea, briskit , coffee machine)

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

formal
You are going on a short training course at a college in Sydney, Australia. You need somewhere to live while you are there. Write a letter to the accommodation officer at the college. In your letter: explain your situation describe the accommodation you require say when you will need it

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

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
The road in front of your house got damaged a long ago and nothing has been done about it. Write a letter to the municipal authority complaining about the damaged road. In your letter: · introduce yourself · explain the condition of the road · and suggest what they should do

formal
Write a complaint letter to the airline manager regarding the behaviour of one of staff members on your. flight .In your letter Give full details of your flight Say what the problem with the staff member was What would you like the manager to do regarding this matter

formal
You were unhappy about a meal in a restaurant. write a letter to the manager, tell him why you chose his restaurant, explain why you were not happy about the service and tell him what to do.

formal
You are going to take a short holiday in Singapore and you want to rent a holiday apartment while you are there. Write to the tourist information office. In your letter: -Explain what you need. -Say when you plan to be there. -Ask for information about prices.

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You have organized 90th birthday of your relative and invited elderly guests also. It was a successful party. Write a letter to the hotel manager to provide the feedback. In your letter you should tell When the party was Why it was successful Thank for a staff member who was really helpful

formal
You and your neighbours have noticed that the rubbish collection services where you live have recently been quite bad. Write a letter to your local council. In your letter, – explain what you have recently experienced – explain what the neighbours have recently experienced – ask what action will be taken to improve the service

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
You recently heard about some new jobs at a local department store. You would like to work there. Write a letter to the store manager of the department store. In your letter, ● explain how you heard about the job. ● describe the kind of job you would like to have ● give details of your experience and qualifications

formal
You recently organised an all day meeting for your company, which took place in a local hotel. In their feedback, participants at the meeting said that they liked the hotel, but they were unhappy about the food that was served for lunch. Write a letter to the manager of the hotel. In your letter Say what the participant liked about the hotel. Explain why they were unhappy about the hotel. Suggest what the manager should do to improve the food in future.

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

formal
You 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
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 centre is important for the local community describe the possible effects on local people if the centre closes You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write your own addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
You recently discovered plans to build a new airport in your area and are unhappy with it. Write a letter to the local authority. In your letter •say how you found out about the plans •explain what problems your neighborhood will face •suggest some possible solutions to those problems.

formal
A local company is looking for people to do part-time work. You would like to work at the company in summer. Write a letter to the company manager. In your letter:•explain why you want to work there•say why you think you would be suitable for this work•give details of when you would be free to workWrite at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

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

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 details of the purchase -describe the problem -explain why you need a replacement urgently

formal
There have been several complaints about the reception area where visitors fo your company arrive. Your manager 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
Write a letter to an airline manager to find out about something you forgot on the plane during your travel. in your letter 1. Give details about the flight 2. Describe the item you forgot 3. explain why it is important that you get it back

formal
A magazine wants to include contributions from its reader 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
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
Your work in a company has come changes and you need to take a training course. Write a letter to your manager. In the letter, you should: What you have done about your work last year What you could have done better What kind of training you want to take next year?

formal
Your child is going on a trip to a nature reserve organised by a local youth club. The club leader is looking for parents to travel with the group and you will like to go. Write a letter to the leader of the youth club. In your letter Say why you want to go on the trip Describe what you could do to help during the trip

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