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 notice a local restaurant offering a part time job Write a letter to the restaurant’s manager. In your letter •Explain that you would like to apply for this job •Give some details of relevant experience that you have •specify the date and time that would suit for you You should You don’t write any address

formal
ou have a problem with a recently hired employee in your workplace. Write a letter to the HR manager. In your letter: Describe the problem the new employee has caused Explain how other employees about the new employee’s conduct Say how you expect the HR manager to address the situation.

formal
RWrite a letter to your manager to request setting up a cafeteria for the staff. In your letter, you should tell: what you heard about the inconvenience from the staff how you feel about it what suggestions you have.

formal
You lost an item while travelling on a bus. An employee of the bus company assisted you in recovering your lost item. Write a letter to the company manager to thank the employee. In youro letter, - Describe what you lost and how the employee helped you find it - Say how you felt after recovering it - Explain why it was important to you

formal
You are invited to an event in other country. You need time off from your job. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter: • Explain the reason for the leave you need; • Give details about the length of the leave; • Give details how you are going to compensate your absence.

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 participants liked about the hotel - Explain why they were unhappy about the food - Suggest what the manager should do to improve the food in future

formal
You recently 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
A problem has occurred on the road outside your house. Write a letter to the local councilor. In your letter -Introduce yourself -Explain the problem - -State what action you would like him to take

formal
You work at home and have a problem with a piece of equipement 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 equipement . explain how this problem affecting to your work. .say what you want the shop or company to do.

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

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

formal
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
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.

formal
You have just started a course in a college which has no sports facilities of its own. Write a letter to the manager of the nearest private sports club. In your letter introduce yourself say why you are interested in this sports club ask some questions about the club e.g. facilities, members, costs

formal
A museum near your home is looking for people to do part-time voluntaryl unpaid work. You would like to do some voluntarylunpaid work at the museum. Write a letter to the museum director to apply for the voluntarylunpaid 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 recently started commuting to work by bicycle and discovered that there is a problem with bicycle parking near the building where you work. Write a letter to the building manager. In your letter, •explain the reason for using a  bicycle to commute •mention what problems you have encountered with parking •what you recommend to solve the problems

formal
Your local newspaper published an advertisement asking people to offer time for local environmental initiatives in your area. Write a letter to the project manager to offer your help. In your letter: Describe a local volunteer project that you are passionate about Explain what you would like to do to help Suggest how to gather more support for the cause Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

formal
There have been some problems with the bus servicing, especially its reliability, in your area over the last two weeks. Write a letter to the manager of the bus company, in your letter: Describe what the problems are Explain how these problems are affecting you Suggest what you would like the company to do

formal
You have lost an item of value on a train. Write a letter to the railway company. In your letter • describe the item • explain where and when you left it • say what action you would like the company to tak

formal
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

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
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 centre ts important for the local community describe the possible effects on local people if the centre closes

formal
. 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

formal
You bought a new color TV set in a shopping mall, but it is in poor quality. Write a letter to the store manager. In your letter Introduce yourself Explain what is wrong with the TV set Say what action you would like him to take

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 compsny which supplied the equipment

formal
You recently stayed in a hotel on a business trip. You later discovered that you had left somethings behind at the hotel. Write a letter to the manager of the hotel. In you letter - Give details of your stay at the hotel - Describe the things you left - Say what you want the manager to do

formal
There is a group of people in your community that needs help. Write a letter to your company director and say – Describe this group. – What kind of help do they need? – How will this group and the community benefit from it?

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 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. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam

formal
You should spend 20 minutes on this task. You have heard that a developer plans to build a shopping center near your home. Write a letter to the council in your letter. - Say how you heard about the plan. - Explain how you feel about it. - Ask for more information about it.

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
a museum near your home is looking for people to do part-time voluntary/unpiad work. You would like to do some voluntary/unpaid work at the museum. Write a letter to the museum director to apply for the voluntary/unpaid work.

formal
ou work for an international company. You have seen an advertisement for 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.

formal
You and some friends ate a meal at a reataurant to celebrate a special occasion, and you were very pleased with the food and services. 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 services.

formal
You recently heard about some new jobs at a local department store. You would like to work there. Write a letter to 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 bought a piece of sports emunrent from an online store. When You first used the piece of sports equipment, you found a problem with it. Write a letter to the manager of the online store. In your letter describe the problem with the piece of sports equipment • • • say what happened because of the problem explain what you would like the company to do

formal
Your have just read an article in a national newspaper which claims that town centers in your country all look very similar to each other. You don't fully agree with this opinion. Write a letter to the editor of the newspaper. In your letter •say which points in the article you agree with •explain ways in which your town center is different from most other town centers. • offer to give a guided tour of your town to the writer of the article.

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Although you have never studied computing, you have always been interested ill computers - you buy magazines about them, and youlJave taug/lt yourself many skills 011 your computer at home. You have jllst read about a computer course tlwt really interests you, but it is only for people who have shtdied computing at college or uuiversity. Write a letter to tlte Enrolment Officer asking if you can enrol, explaining your circumstances and asking if he/she will make a special exception for you. You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write your own address. Begin you r letter as follows: Dear SirIMadam ,

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, facilities, membership, costs etc.

formal
You and your family have just come back from a holiday staying in a rented accommodation overlooking the sea. The apartment was very unsatisfactory. Write a letter of complaint to the manager of the agency from which you rented the apartment. In your letter: give details of the things that were unsatisfactory explain the reactions of the members of your family ask the manager what he/she is going to do about the situation.

formal
You want to rent out a small apartment to a family, and you have decided to advertise it. Write a letter to the editor of a local newspaper asking to advertise your ad on the front page of the newspaper. In your letter, give details of the ad that you want to publish mention that you want the ad to be published on the front page say how you would like to pay for the advertisement

formal
You have recently visited a local school in your community. It needs people who can help renovate the building and also help with some activities. Write a letter to the principal of the school and say – How would you be able to help? – When and why would you do it? – Who will help you to do it?

formal
You have seen a course advertised online that you think would help you perform better at work. The course will take place during the week, so you will need to take time off work. Write a letter to your manager. In the letter say what the course is explain why you want to do the course and how it will be beneficial to the company suggest how your work can be covered while you attend the course.

formal
Your employer is considering ways to adjust work hours and reduce them overall. You have been asked to provide suggestions on how to implement this change. Write a letter to your employer. In your letter: – Explain why you think reducing work hours is a good idea. – Suggest how the work hours could be reduced. – Describe how these changes could benefit the company.

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
You read an advertisement about in the local newspapers about a discount sale at a particular shop. However, when you meet to buy the goods you wanted, you found the sale had ended. Write to the shop manager. In your letter, -inform him/her where and when you went to the shop -what you felt when you came to know that the sale had ended -demand compensation for the goods you wanted to buy

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You recently attended a meeting at a hotel. When you returned home, you found you had left some important papers at the hotel. Write a letter to the manager of the hotel. In your letter • say where you think you left the papers • explain why they are so important • tell the manager what you want him/her to do Write at least 150 words.

formal
You saw an advertisement for a tennis course in England but you have some problems and can’t stay for the whole course. Write a letter to the course director. In your letter, explain your interest in the course describe your problems find out whether a refund is possible if you leave early 

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

Dear Sir or Madam,

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

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 rent a four-bedroom house which you share with two other students. However, there are several problems with this house that need fixing. You also find it expensive and would like to find another student to share the spare bedroom. Write a letter to the estate agency. In the letter: - Explain your situation -Describe the problem with the house -Say what would you like to happen

formal
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 recently travelled on the local bus service in your town. You think the driver drove badly and was rude to the passengers. Write a letter to the manager of the local bus service. In your letter - introduce yourself and say when the incident happened - describe what you saw and heard - say what you would like the bus company to do about it You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam, You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

formal
You are planning a tour with your family to a tourist destination. Write a letter to a hotel manager asking about the availability of accommodation for the days you will be here and also tell him what type of room you prefer.

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You are planning a holiday and want to find out about the kinds of holiday packages that can be arranged by a local company. Write a letter to the company to ask for information about the holiday packages they offer. In your letter: • say where and when you would like to go • include details about the kind of holiday you would like to take • say what kind of information you would like to receive Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
You experienced a problem while visiting a store in your neighborhood. Write a letter to the manager of the store. In your letter: Describe the problem Explain why this problem has upset you State what you want to happen as a result of your letter Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

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 just started a course in a college which has no sports facilities of its own. – statement/situation. Write a letter to the manager of the nearest private sports club. In your letter: •introduce yourself, •say why you are interested in this sports club •ask some questions about the club e.g. facilities, members, costs

formal
Every year your company organize a sports event for a local community but this year they can’t do it. Write a letter to your local newspaper about this. In your letter : Express your feelings about missing the sports event. : Tell them about your plan for next year. : Explain how this sports event is useful.

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 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 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
Your car insurance company has told you that they are going to increase the amount you have to pay in insurance for your car each month. You are not happy about this. Write a letter to your insurance company. In your letter explain: - Why you are writing to them - why you think the insurance shold not be increased - What you want them to do

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

formal
Your company introduced a work uniform that you are mostly happy with, except for one thing. Write a letter to your manager and include the following: – What do you like about the uniform? – What don’t you like about the uniform? – Make suggestions how to improve the uniform.

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

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 normally go shopping in the area where you live. However, you think some of the facilities for shoppers could be improved. Write a letter to your local newspaper. In your letter: say in general what you like about shopping in your area say what is wrong with the facilities suggest how they can be improved

formal
You are coming home late night and detained by police Department for a routine check(patrol). The officer on duty behaved with you rudely. Escalte the complaint to police Commissioner about this incident. In your letter Introduce yourself describe what happened say what you want police Commissinoer to do for you.

formal
You missed an international flight due to a problem at the airport. Write a letter to the airline. In your letter:  Describe what happened that caused you to miss your flight  Explain how missing your flight impacted you  Clearly state what you would like the airline to do Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
You recently bought a laptop from an online store, but when it arrived, it had several problems. Write a letter to the customer service team of the store. In your letter: describe the issues with the laptop explain how these problems are affecting your work or daily life say what you would like the company to do about it

formal
You bought a TV a week ago but when you got home you discovered it did not work properly. You called customer service to report the problem but you have not yet received any help. Write a letter to the company and in your letter: introduce yourself explain the problem and state what action you would like from the company

formal
The system used for rubbish/garbage collection in your local are 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 recently enjoyed a meal at an expensive restaurant, and you were impressed with the good service you received. Write a letter to the restaurant manager. In your letter: •Explain the circumstances of your visit to the restaurant. •Describe the service you received. •Say what you would like the manger to do.

formal
You have just read an article in a national newspaper which claims that town centres in your country all look very similer to each other . You don’t’ fully agree with this opinion. Write a letter to the editor of the newspaper . In your letter Say which points in the article you agree with Explain ways in which your town centers is different from most other town centers Offer to give a guided tour of our town to the writer of the article

formal
Recently, your position in the company has changed, and accordingly, you are required to write a letter to ask for some corresponding training programs that contains the following information: • What was your last position? • What qualities does your new position require? • How does the training help you in your new position?

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

formal
You recently took a part-time job working for a local company. After a few weeks, you realised there were some problems with the job. Write a letter to the manager of the company. In your letter explain why you took the job describe the problems that you experienced suggest what could be done about them

formal
You are living in a University residence, and you have a problem with the high levels of noise from a new campus restaurant which is open late at night. Write a letter to the governor of the University. In your letter, -Complain about the situation -Say why this is a problem -And propose ways to reduce the noise

formal
You recently enjoyed a meal at an expensive restaurant, and you were impressed with the good service you received. Write a letter to the restaurant manager. In your letter • explain the circumstances of your visit to the restaurant • describe the service you received • say what you would like the manager to do Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
You are living overseas and have just come across an article about your country in a magazine where some of the information is incorrect. Write a letter to the editor. Explaining what the incorrect information is say how the editor could change it Suggest another topic about your country that they could write about

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 You do NOT need to write any addresses.

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Some members of your city council want to prohibit cars on several downtown streets. This will allow pedestrians and bicyclists to use the roads freely. Write a letter to a city council official in your city. In your letter Explain how you heard about the plan Provide some possible effects of this plan Give your opinion about the plan

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

formal
A restaurant has placed an advertisement for waiters and waitresses in locals newspaper. Write a letter to the restaurant, applying for the job. In your letter Explain what you are currently sowing Describe your suitability for this area of work Say when you can attend an interview

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

formal
you and some friends ate a meal at a resturant to celebrte a special ocaasion , and you were very pleased with the food and service. write a letter to the resturant manager , in you letter give a detail of your visit to the resturant explain the reason for the celebration say what was good about the food and service

formal
You are a member of an International Students' club. The club is organising an event to celebrate popular food from around the world. Write a letter to the event organiser, Luis. In your letter, offer to make a popular dish from your country describe what this dish is explain why it should be included in the event

formal
The course director of your previous college has invited you to attend a party for new students, and he has also asked you to give a talk about studying overseas. You have an important examination on the same day so you cannot attend the party. Write a letter to the director to apologize and to explain why you cannot attend the event. Suggest another date when you could give Your talk.

formal
You have an appointment with the bank and now you realized that you can't make it for that. Write a letter to the manager.

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 and some friends ate a meal at restaurant to celebrate a special occasion, and you were very pleased with the food and services. Write a letter to the restaurant manager. I n 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 services

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 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 bought a new HD television last week. At first it seemed to work perfectly but after a few hours a line appeared across the TV and the sound seemed a little strange. You cannot take the TV back to the shop so you decide to write to them. Write a letter of complaint to the shop. In your letter • give them the background information • describe the problem • ask them to resolve the issue

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 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
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
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
You have heard that a developer plans to build a shopping centre near your home. Write a letter to the town council. In your letter, do the following: say how you heard about the plan explain how you feel about it ask for more information about it. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
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

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