IELTS General Writing Task 1 formal Topics/Questions 2024
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This section presents a list of common IELTS General Writing Task 1 formal topics. All these topics were added in 2024 by students who took the IELTS recently. Pick a random topic and start practicing and improving your writing skills.
formal
A magazine wants to include contributions from its readers for an article called 'The book that influenced me most'.
Write a letter to the editor of the magazine about the book that influenced you most. In your letter
• describe what this book was about
• explain how this book influenced you
• say whether this book would be likely to influence other people
formal
You have recently bought some furniture. It was broken when you received it. Write a complaint letter to the store manager and say
– What and when did you buy?
– Why was it broken?
– Suggest how the problem could be solved
formal
You have lost your student identification card. This has created some problems for you.
Write a letter to the director of student services. In your letter
advise them of your situation
explain how this is affecting you
request a new card
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
You should write at least 150 words.
formal
On a recent holiday you lost a valueable item. Fortunately you have travel insurance to cover the cost of anything lost.
Write a lettr to the manager of your insurance company. In your letter
formal
You are working at home and have a problem with be shap equipment that you use for your job at a letter to the shop or company which applied the equipment in your letter describe the problem with equipment explain how this problem affecting you say what you want the shop or company to do
formal
You are a member of an organisation which meets regularly at a particular restaurant. The most recent meal you had there was not satisfactory.
Write a letter to the manager of the restaurant. In your letter
explain why you are writing
describe what went wrong with the meal and service
suggest what the manager should do to ensure that you and your group return to the restaurant
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
formal
You have read a magazine article that mentioned a place you are familiar with. There was a mistake in the article. Write a letter to the editor of the magazine and say:
What the error was
Explain that you are familiar with the place
Why it is important to correct the error
formal
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
A road near your home is damaged. Write a letter to the council of your town/city to complain about it. In your letter
– Tell them who are you and where you live
– Explain the nature of your complaint
– Say what you would like them to do about it
formal
You have just read an article in a national newspaper claiming that town centres in your country all look very similar. 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 do you agree with?
explain ways your town centre differs from most other town centres
offer to give a guided tour of your town to the article’s writer.
formal
~2020-01-07: Task 1
You ride a bicycle to work, but there is a problem with the parking. Write a letter to the building manger 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 suggest are.
formal
Imagine wants to include contributions from its readers for an article called "the book that influenced me most".
Write a letter to the editor of the magazine about the book that influenced you most. In your letter, describe what this book was about, explain how this book influenced you, say whether this book would be likely to influence other people.
formal
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 have just returned from a conference and want to give a presentation to your colleagues.Write a letter to your manager about this.Include
What the conference was about
your plans for the presentation
its impact on your company
formal
There is a problem with the changing rooms in the sports centre that you visit. You have complained several times but with no success.
Write a letter to the manager of the sports centre. In your letter,
•describe what the problem with the changing rooms is
•say what happened the last time you complained
•explain what you want the manager to do
formal
You have a full-time job and you are also doing a part-time evening course.
You now find that you cannot continue the course.
Write a letter to your teachers. In your letter
-describe the situation
-explain why you cannot continue at this time
-say what action you would like to take
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear ................. ,
formal
Your local council is considering closing a sports and leisure 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 of the centre closes
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
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 addresses.
formal
You participated in a public event organized at a local park. Write a letter to the event organizer.
In your letter
tell them some feedback about the event;
explain what you particularly enjoyed;
give some suggestions for improvement.
formal
You recently moved house and you used a removal Company to help you move your belongings. However, some of your things were damaged in the move. Write a letter to the manager of the removal company. In your letter,
•Give details of the move
• Describe the damage
• Say what you would like the manager to do.
formal
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 actions you want the company to take
formal
You have heard that the local authority is planning to build a shopping mall in the centre of your town. You do not agree with this decision because there are already a lot of shops.
Write a letter to the planning department. In your letter
-say why you are writing
-give reasons for your objections
-explain what you think would be a better alternativear
formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
You have just read an article in a national newspapaer which claims that town centres in your country all look very similar to each other. You don’t fully agree with this opinion.
• Write a letter to the editor of the newspapaer. In your letter
• Say which points in the article you agree with
• Explain ways in which your town centre is different from most other town centres
• Offer to give a guided tour of your town to the writer of article.
Write at least 150 words
formal
You recently purchased an item from a local store, but you are not satisfies with your purchase. Write a letter to the manager of the store. In your letter
•Describe the item you bought and why you need it
•explain why you are not happy with it
•say what you would like the manager to do
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Sir or Madam,
formal
One of your friends wants to apply for a job at a summer school camp as a sports trainer. Write a letter to the camp manager to recommend your friend.
In your letter:
• say well you know your friend
• describe the qualification and experience that your friend has
• explain why your friend would be suitable for this job.
formal
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...,
formal
You were going to start a job next month, but you will not be able to.
Write a letter to your future employer. In your letter
explain the situation
describe your problem(s)
tell him/her when you can start work
formal
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
There have been several comp,laints about the reception area where visitors to 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
#comp
#laints
#reception
#area
#visitors
#company
#manager
#complaints
formal
You have seen an advertisement for a 'weekend work' in a hotel in the town where you are staying. You have worked in a hotel before and think that the job would be suitable for you. Now you want to apply for the job.
Write a letter to the hotel manager expressing your interest. In your letter,
introduce yourself
explain why you think you would be suitable for the job
ask what work you would be expected to do
You should write at least 150 words.
formal
You have recently moved to a new neighbourhood and would like to join a sports centre there. You have found a private sports club.
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 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
Last week, you celebrated your birthday with some friends in a restaurant. It was a great success and you and your friends enjoyed yourselves very much.
Write a letter to the restaurant. In your letter
mention the food and service
explain that you really enjoyed the atmosphere
suggest any improvements to make things better
formal
You have been working for a company for some time, and other rival companies are willing to
employ you with a higher salary for all the practical experience you have gained.
Write a letter to your company manager and in your letter
• Explain the situation
• Say what you would like the manager to do (increase the salary etc.)
• Say what action you would take in case the manager fails to meet your demands
Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.
formal
You need to take leave from your work of over one month for personal reasons.
Write a letter to your manager. In your letter:
explain the reason for the leave and the length of leave you need
explain how you will keep up-to-date while you’re away
suggest how your work could be covered while you are away
Write at least 150 words
You do NOT need to write any addresses
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear....,
formal
Your local council has decided to close the only park in your town and build a car park in its place. You believe this will have a bad effect on the people who live and work in the town.
Write a letter to the mayor. In your letter
introduce yourself
explain why you think the decision is wrong
say what you think the council should do instead
formal
Write a letter to a company to ask about having them develop a website for your business. In your letter:
– Give a brief description of the business
– Explain what you’d like to be there on the website
– Provide some ideas on use of images on the web site.
formal
Write a letter to the Information Officer at the TAPE Information Office asking for information about the Tertiary Preparation Certificate.
Describe your educational background and your reasons for wanting to do the course.
You should write at least 80 words.
Allow yourself 15 minutes for this task.
formal
Your children go to a local school that requires volunteers to accompany school science trips
Write a letter to the school to apply to be a volunteer. In the letter:
- Introduce yourself and give details of your children who attend the school
- Explain why you are interested in the position
- Talk about any relevant experience that you have with children
formal
Write a letter to a hotel manager in another city for an upcoming 2 days business trip for you and your colleagues. In your letter you should tell
- Introduce yourself and colleagues
- give information about the business meeting
- tell other requests you might have
formal
You own an old item that you think is valuable and would like to sell. Write a letter to the owner of an antiques shop.
In your letter
• explain how you found the shop
• describe the item that you would like to sell
• say how much you would like to sell the item for
formal
You work for a company. You have seen someinfornation online about a training course that would be useful for your work.
Write a letter to your manager. In the letter:
Give details of the course
Say how the course would be useful
Explain how the company could help you to do this course.
formal
You have a full-time job and are also doing a part-time evening course. You now find that you cannot continue the course.
Write a letter to the course tutor. In your letter,
describe the situation
explain why you cannot continue at this time
say what action you would like to take
formal
TASK-1
You have recently noticed that your work 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 adress this issue
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 have seen an advertisement for a part time job welcoming visitors to your town.
Write to the recruiters. In your letter
•Explain why you want the job
• Describe why you would be a good person for the role
• Describe any relevant experience you may have
formal
You have seen an advertisement of a valudable equipment. Write a letter to your manager and ask to buy that product to be used in your company. Include the following in your letter:
- What the equipment is
- How it can be useful for the company
- Describe the procedure for buying the equipment
formal
You are visiting another town next month for a short break. Write a letter to the tourist information center. In your letter
•Tell them how long you are staying
•Ask for some suggestions for what to do
• Find out if any local events happening at that time
formal
Write a letter to the local council about plans to close a children's playground in your area in your letter, you should: -say why children are not using the playground -Explain how important the playground is for the local community -Suggest how the playground could be improved
formal
You recently sent some documents by post, but they did not arrive. Write a letter to the post manager. In your letter.
Give details of the situation
Describe the documents
Say what action you want the post office to take.
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
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
formal
Your local college is organizing an event on International Student’s Day.
Write a letter to the organizer and say:
•What topics would you like them to cover?
•Why would it be interesting for students?
•Ask questions about the arrangement
formal
You are interested in applying for a scholarship program to study at a foreign university.
Write a letter to inquire about the course. In your letter:
•explain which course you are interested in
•say what you know about the university
• explain why you should receive the scholarship
formal
Write a letter to the restaurant, applying for the job. In your letter:
•explain what you are currently doing
•describe your suitability for this area of work
• say when you can attend an interview
formal
A local newspaper is organising an award ceremony for local people who make a significant contribution to the community.
Write a letter to the editor to recommend someone you know for an award. In your letter:
• say who the person is
• describe something they have done to benefit the local community
• explain why you think they deserve to be given an award.
formal
You recently stayed at a hotel during a business trip. However, you were not satisfied with the service you received.
Write a letter to the hotel manager explaining the issues. In your letter:
• Describe the problems you faced.
• Explain how these issues affected your stay.
• Suggest what you would like the hotel to do.
formal
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 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
formal
You are planning to go and study English at a school overseas.You would like some information about their courses.Write a letter to the school.In your letter
Ask about the school
Say what kind of accommodation you want
Mention any special requests you have
formal
Recently you issued a cheque to someone, but when that person presented the cheque to the bank, it was returned with these words ‘Returned for lack of sufficient funds”. You are sure that there is sufficient balance in your account.
-Write a letter to the bank manager. In your letter,
-give him particulars about your cheque
-tell him that the cheque has bounced for no valid reason
-request him to look into the matter
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 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 have lost your student identification card. This has created some problems for you.
Write a letter to the director of student services. In your letter
advise them of your situation
explain how this is affecting you
request a new card
formal
You recently saw an advertisement about a business conference that can be helpful for your work. Write a letter to your manager asking permission to attend the conference.
- What is the conference about?
- How did you know about the conference?
- Explain to him/her why it is important that you attend this conference.
You should write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any address.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear ......,
formal
You are looking for a part time job. Write a letter to a employment agency.
IN your letter :
-introduce your self
-explain what sort of job you would like
-say what experience and skill you have
formal
You live with a roommate at university but you have trouble studying because of a problem related to your roommate. Write a letter to an administrator at your university and include:
•Who you are
•The problem
•What you suggest they do
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 expect from them.
formal
You recently went on a business trip and stayed an a hotel.On getting home,you realize you left some things at the hotel.Write a letter to the hotel manager.
Details of your stay
The items you left behind
What you want the manager to do
formal
Your child is going on a trip to another country for a week. The school authority is looking for some parents who can join the trip. You are interested in going with the children. Write a letter to the head of the school. In your letter, say why you want to join the team mention what you can do to assist also ask questions related to the trip
formal
The local newspaper is holding a "best neighbor in the area" competition. Write a letter to the newspaper to recommend your neighbor for this competition. In your letter, Introduce yourself Say whom you are recommending Explain why this neighbor should be the winner of this competition
formal
The system used for rubbish/garbage collection in your local area is not working properly. This is causing problems for you and your neighbours. Write a letter to the local council. In your letter:
Describe how the rubbish collection system is not working properly
Explain how this is affecting you and your neighbours
Suggest what should be done about the problem
formal
You recently moved house and you used a removal Company to help you move your belongings. However, some of your things were damaged in the move. Write a letter to the manager of the removal company. In your letter,
• Give details of the move
• Describe the damage
• Say what you would like the manager to do.
formal
You have been offered a place at a university and wish to find suitable accommodation. Write a
letter to the accommodation officer including the following information:
the type of accommodation you wish to find
some details about yourself
any special requirements you may have
and any other relevant information.
formal
There have been several complaints about the reception area where visitors to the company arrive. The manager has asked for suggestions on how the reception area could be improved
Please write a letter to our manager. In the letter
• Describe the complaints
• Say why the reception area is important
• Suggest how the reception area could be improved
formal
You are not satisfied with many problems and with the changing room in a Sports Centre that you visit. Write a letter to the Sports Centre manager.
In your letter
Explain the problem
Say how you feel about this problem
What steps you would like manager to take.
formal
Your workplace does not have a parking area for cars and it causing some problems. Write a letter to your manager.
In your letter, you should:
describe the problems
explain why they should solve the problems
and give your suggestion on how to solve the problems.
formal
One of your colleagues is leaving for a new job, and your manager has asked you to arrange a farewell party for him/her.
Write a letter to your manager. In your letter,
suggest a suitable date and time for the party
recommend a place
discuss the food and entertainment options that should be available
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses
formal
You have purchased a product on a website and received a different product. Write a letter to the company. In your letter
– Describe the product you ordered
– Explain why you aren’t satisfied with the product you received
– Let them know what actions you expect them to take
formal
A museum near your home is looking for people to do unpaid work. You would like to do some voluntery work at the museum.
write a letter to the museum director to apply for the volunteer work in your letter
explain why ou want to do voluntary work at the museum
describe some skills and qualities you have that would be useful
give details of when you would be available for work
formal
You 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
Your local newspaper is offering an award for people who have helped the community. Write a letter to the newspaper editor. In your letter
suggest someone you think should receive the award
describe what the person does to help the community
suggest an award that would be appropriate for this person
You should write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Sir or Madam,
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
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 on how you have benefited from the club, explain why you want to leave.
formal
You work from home and the equipement you use for your job is faulty. Write a letter to the company.
* explianing the problem.
* how it has affected your work.
* what you want them to do.
formal
A magazine wants to include contribution 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 have just started a course in a college which has no sports facilities of its own. Write a letter to the meneger of the nearest private sports club. In your letter
× introduce yourself
× say why you are interested in this sports club
× ask some questions about the club e.g. facilities, members, costs
formal
Write a letter to the airline. In your letter:
* Describe what happened that caused you to miss your flight
* Explain how missing your flight impacted you
* Clearly state what you would like the airline to do
formal
You learnt about new software and planning to buy it. Write to company seeking more information about the software you want to buy. In your letter-
* Inform the seller about the exact product that you want to buy
*Introduce yourself
*Say what expectations you have from the product
formal
You and your family are planning to spend a weekend at a seaside hotel. Write a letter to the hotel for making the arrangements. In your letter
mention when you will be arriving and leaving,
mention what type of rooms you would like and the price charged during the weekend
also inquire about activities and places of interest near the hotel.
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 accommodation office at the college. In the letter, •Describe the situation •Explain your problem and why it is difficult to work •Say what kind of accommodation you would prefer.
formal
Write a letter to the hotel making the arrangements. Let them know when you will be arriving and leaving, what type of rooms you would like, and ask them how much the weekend will cost. Also enquire about activities and places of interest near the hotel.
formal
You are a student who wants to apply to the Green Pines College. You are experiencing financial problems at the moment.
Write a letter to the Principal of the College explaining your situation and
ask for information on scholarships or other means of financial help available.
Dear Sir/Madam,
formal
The office building where you work doesn't have any parking spaces available for employees. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter
-explain the problem
- suggest a solution
- say how on-site or nearby parking would benefit employees.
formal
There is a problem with the changing rooms in the sports centre that you visit. You have complained several times but with no success.
Write a letter to the manager of the sports centre. In your letter:
• describe what the problem with the changing rooms is
• say what happened the last times you complained
• explain what you want the manager to do.
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 are enrolled in a study abroad course in another country. Your accommodation was arranged by the course provider, and there is a major problem with the accommodation.
Write a letter to the course provider. In your letter:
Introduce yourself and describe the problem
Describe the accommodation you thought you were getting
Ask the provider to solve the problem
Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Mr. Gazeley
formal
1.You recently took a trip with a taxi company. The driver behaved in an unacceptable way and you had a lot of problems. You complained to the company but no one has replied to your complaint. Write a letter to the taxi company. In your letter
osay why you are writing and how you feel
o explain what happened
o tell them what you would like them to do.
formal
Writing Task 1:
You wish to apply for a new training programme that is sponsored by your company.
Write a letter to your manager:
• Explaining about the training program
• Explaining why it is important to your work
• Requesting him for approving your time off
Start your letter with Dear Sir/Madam,
formal
2. You received a letter from a friend who asked for a recommendation letter from you for the job that he/she is applying for.
Write a letter to the manager:
– Explain how well you know this person
– Describe how this person work
– Why you think this person is suitable for the job.
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