IELTS General Writing Task 1 formal Topics/Questions 2026

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This section presents a list of common IELTS General Writing Task 1 formal topics. All these topics were added in 2026 by students who took the IELTS recently. Pick a random topic and start practicing and improving your writing skills.

formal
You have lost something on a bus and called customer service to get help. You weren't happy with their response. Write a letter to the bus company manager. In your letter, you should: · describe the item you lost · explain why you weren't happy with the customer service · say what action you would like the company to take.

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 You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows:

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 reduce the noise.

formal
Your office building dosen't have parking available. Write a letter to the manager. In your letter: - Explain the problem - Sugget a soultion - Say why parking will benefit all employees

formal
You work for an international company. You enjoy this work but now you want to leave the company. Write a letter to the manager of the company. In your letter - Tell the manager why you want to leave the company - Explain what you have learnt from working at the company - Say why you have enjoyed working for the company

formal
You are studying a short course in another country. Your accommodation was arranged by the course provider. There is a major problem with the accommodation. Write a letter to the course provider: -Say what the problem is -describe the accommodation you thought you were getting -ask the provider to solve the problem

formal
You recently bought a camera while travelling overseas. When you got to your destination you discovered that some important items were missing from the box. Write a letter to the local representative of the company. In your letter give details of the camera and where you bought it explain what has happened say what you want him/her to do about it

formal
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

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
You have been doing some voluntary work to help your local community. However, now you are unable to continue doing the work. Write a letter to the manager of the organisation where you have been working.

formal
You hired a car from a company, while. While you were driving you had a small accident. Write a letter to the company to explain it. In your letter: -- when and where you hired it -- describe how the accident happened -- what kind of action did you take after the accident

formal
Last Friday you flew from New York to Paris. When you arrived home, you discovered that you had left your cabin bag on the plate. Write a letter to the airline. In your letter: •Where and when you lost your bag •What your bag looks like •What its content were

formal
Your local council is considering closing the 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 close.

formal
You recently ate at a restaurant. When you got home, you realized you had left your jacket behind. Write a letter to the restaurant manager. In your letter, • explain how and when you lost your jacket • describe your jacket • say what you would like the manager to do to help you find it

formal
You went to a museum with your elderly friend last week. However, he/she found it difficult to walk around the museum. Write a letter to the manager and say: * Whom did you visit the museum with? * What problems/inconveniences did he/she face? * also, suggest solutions to enhance the museum visit experience for an elderly person.

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

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
A large company in your area has decided to spend a certain amount of money, either to sponsor a local children’s sports team for two years, or to pay for two open-air concerts. It has asked for feedback from the general public. Write a letter fo the company. tn your fetter describe the benefits of sponsoring the sports team summarise the benefits of paying for the concerts say how you think the company should spend the money

formal
You are a student at a language school in New Zealand studying Business English. Part of the course is a summer work placement program. Unfortunately, you have just learnt from the school that this programme has now been cancelled. Write a letter to the School Principal. In your letter: state your reason for writing describe the problem and your concerns explain what you would like the Principal to do

formal
A museum near your house is looking for people to do part-time vountary/unpaid work. you would like to do some voulntary work at the museum. write a letter to the museum director to apply for voluntary work in letter. explain why you want to do voluntary work at 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 organised and old a meeting for your company. Which took place in local hotel. In their feedback, participant 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 managers should do to improve the food in future

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
There is a problem with the changing rooms in the sports center that you visit. You have complained several times but with no success. Write a letter to the manager of the sports center. 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
a magazine wants to include contributions from its readers for an article called the book that influenced me the most" write a letter to the editor of the magazine about the book that influenced you most.

formal
You have just read an article in a national newspaper 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 newspaper. 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 the article.

formal
Government plans to construct an airport in your locality. Write a letter to the authority. - Explain where you came to know about the news. - Describe the negative effects of airport construction. - Ask to consider alternate sits for the airport construction.

formal
write a letter to local community center explain why you want to leave this voluntary work? recommend another person who is intrested in the work?

formal
You celebrated your birthday with some friends last week in a restaurant. It was a great success and you and your friends enjoyed the evening very much. Write a letter to the restaurant to thank them. In your letter – • Mention the food, service and the atmosphere. • Suggest any improvements to make things better.

formal
You should spend about 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 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 lost your student identification card. This has created some problems for you. Write a letter to the director of student services. In your letter -advising them of your situation. -explain how this is affecting you. -request a new card. give me bands and oiginal photo transcript

formal
You recently organised an all-day meeting for your company, which took place ina 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 the future.

formal
You recently had a problem with a product you purchased. Write a letter to the store manager. In your letter: Describe the problem with the product Explain what happened when you tried to return it Say what you would like the manager to do Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

formal
You agreed to take a particular job over the summer, but due to unforeseen circumstances, you can no longer take the position. Write a letter including: – Explaining your situation – An apology – Express that you would be interested in the position next summer

formal
Your company has sent you on a three-month course in another country. The course is coming to an end but you would like to prolong your stay. Write a letter to your manager, in your letter: Describe how the course has benefited you Explain why you would like to delay your return Suggest a date when you would like to come back

formal
You 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
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 (for example diet).

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 are currently attending a course which is not the same as per the description in the admission brochure. Write a letter to the headmaster. In your letter, state which course you are enrolled in provide details about the noted differences suggest what actions would you like him to take Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear .....................,

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

formal
You are watching television and saw a program being shown early in the morning that contained a lot of violence. You believe the program is unsuitable for that time of day. Write a letter to the manager of the television station. In your letter :- Give reason for writing. Explain what you think the problem is with the program. Say what you would like the station manager to do.

formal
You work for international company and you need time off to attent a family celebration.Write a letter to company's manager.In your letter: Give details of celebration Explain why you need time off Suggest a way to have your work done during that time.

formal
You are going on a short training course at a college in Greeemount, Northern Ireland. 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 accomodation you require -say when you will need it

formal
Write a letter to your a property estate agency

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 company which supplied the equipment. In your letter Describe the problem with the equipment explain what impact this has one your work say what you want the shop to do

formal
You have been working for a company for more than a few years, and now have decided to leave the company.Write a letter to your company manager saying that you want to leave the company.In your letter explain What you have learned while working for the company Whether you enjoyed working there Why are you leaving

formal
You recently learned that the local council has decided to demolish a particular building in your area. You disagree with this decision and believe the building benefits the community. Write a letter to the local councilor. In your letter •explain what you find valuable about the building. •Suggest what improvements could be made to the building. •Describe how retaining the building could benefit the community as a whole.

formal
You live in an English-speaking country and you want to so some voluntary, unpaid work in a developing country. Write a letter to a company called Cultural Expeditions, which organizes such trips. In your letter: - Indicate where you would like to volunteer and for how long. - Explian why you want to do the voluntary work. - State what your skilld and experience are.

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 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 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 the service *Suggest what the meeting organizer should do

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

formal
You experienced an incident on public transport that caused you distress. Write a letter to the manager of the public transport company. In your letter ▪ describe the incident ▪ explain how this incident affected you ▪ suggest what could be done about it

formal
You are part of a group of musicians who meet on Tuesday and Friday evenings to practise in the community hall. You have been told, however, that it is no longer possible for the group to use the hall. Write a letter to the manager. In the letter:

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

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 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 You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
You 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 service. -suggest some improvements that the hotel could make

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 Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 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 Write at least 150 words

formal
Your local council is considering closing a sports and leisure center that it runs, in order to save money. Write a letter to local council. In the letter give details of how you and your friends use the center. explain why the sports and leisure center is important for the local community. describe the possible effects on local people if the center closes. write 150 words.

formal
The local council has decided to build a block of flats on the park opposite the place where you are living Write a letter to the editor of the local newspaper protesting this development of a beautiful and necessary green space in your town Make suggestions for what people can of should do to stop the development.

formal
You work for an international company. You have seen a 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 to your job

formal
You live near a recreation ground. A local school brings pupils to the recreation ground to do sports, such as football and cricket, but recently this caused some problems. Write to the head of the school. -explain why you enjoy living by the recreation ground -describe the recent problems -and say what you think the school should do.

formal
You recently stayed at a hotel, but there were several problems during your stay. Write a letter to the hotel manager. In your letter: •Explain when you stayed at the hotel •Describe what problems you experienced •Say what action you would like the hotel to take

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You took your family to a nearby restaurant. You were disappointed with the meal and wish to complain to the manager. Write a letter to the manager of the restaurant. In the letter: explain why you were at the restaurant describe the problems write about the action you want the manager to take

formal
last year you attended an intensive English course at the Darwin College of English . Your new employer has asked you to provide copies of your reports and assignments as quickly as possible . Write a letter to the principal of the college and request him to send the copies of the required documents As you have lost the ori documents.

formal
The system used for rubbish / garbage collection in your local area is not working properly. This is causing problems for you and your neibhours. 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 neigbours suggest what should be done about the problems

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
TASK-1 Every year your company organizes 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 plans for next year – Explain how this sports event is useful.

formal
Your company has recently introduced a new work uniform. You are mostly happy with the uniform, but there is one thing that you do not like. Write a letter to your manager. In the letter say what you like about the uniform explain what you don’t you like about the uniform suggest how the uniform can be improved

formal
You were hurt in a minus accident inside a supermarket, and you wish to complain to the supermarket.Write a letter to the manager of the supermarket. In your letter : * Say who you are. * Give details about the accident. * Suggest how the supermarket could prevent a similar accident

formal
You recently bought something from a company on the internet. However, the company sent the wrong product and this caused a problem. Write a letter to the manager of the company, in your letter: Say what you order Describe what the company sent you and the problem this caused Explain what you want the manager to do

formal
You recently attended a meeting at a hotel. When you return home, you found you had left some important papers at the hotel. Write a letter to the manager of the hotel. -Explain the problem. -Say why the documents are important. -Suggest a solution.

formal
You should spend 20 minutes on this task. You have decided to leave your current employer. Write a letter to the employer telling why you are leaving the job. In your letter – explain why you have decided to leave the company. tell your employer what you have decided to do after leaving the job.

formal
Write a letter to your former employer to ask him/her for a reference letter to give to your new employer. In your letter – Remind him/her about what you were doing in the company. – Tell him/her about the responsibilities in your new job. – Ask him/her for a reference letter.

formal
A magazine wants to include contributions from its readers for an article called” The book that influenced me the 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 are a member of a sports centre and you have noticed a problem which has not been fixed for some time. Write a letter to the manager of the gym. In your letter •tell the manager about the problem •explain how this issue is affecting your experience at the gym •tell the manager what you would like to happen

formal
You recently visited a public library in your town and found some facilities were not in good condition. Write a letter to the library manager. In your letter: Describe the problems you found Explain how these problems affected your visit Suggest what the library should do to improve

formal
You have just come back from a holiday overseas. When you arrived back, you discovered that the airline had lost your suitcase. Write to the Customer Relations department of the airline. In your letter • Explain the situation • Describe the suitcase and its contents • Say what you want the airline to do Write at least 150 words.

formal
You have recently made a purchase from the local department store. However, when you arrived home, you found a fault awith it. Write a letter to the manager, say what product is, explain the problem and say what you’d like to be done about it.

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You have bought a new camera but when you got it home you found it had some problems. You returned the camera and spoke to the company representative a week ago but the camera has still not been repaired. Write a letter to the company. In your letter: introduce yourself explain the situation say what action you would like the company to take You should write at least 150 words.

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 in an international company. You need to take some time off work. Write a letter to your employer. In your letter:  explain why you need this time off  give details of when you want this time off  say who can do your work when you are away

formal
You 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 Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear .......................,

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
Question: Write a letter to a company asking for a refund for something you bought from them online. In your letter: Describe the item you bought Outline what the problem is Explain why you want a refund Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

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

formal
Your family is going to celebrate an occasion and your sister needs a day off from school. Write a letter to the headmaster of the school

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

formal
Write a letter of complaint to a company outlining a problem you had while visiting one of their stores. In your letter include: 􀈈􀀃 what the problem was 􀈈􀀃 why this problem has upset you 􀈈􀀃 what you want to happen as a result of your letter

formal
Duration- 20 minutes You missed a flight due to a problem at the airport. Write a letter to the airline. In your letter: • Say when and where the problem happened? • Describe how you missed the flight? • Say what you want the airline to do? Write at least 150 words You do not need to write any addresses Begin your letter as follows Dear….

formal
You own an old item that you think is valuable and would like to sell. Write a letter to the owner of an antique’s 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 are an international student in Australia and want to join a volunteering program to teach foreign languages on the weekend. Write a letter to the language school. In the letter explain why you would like to join the program explain what you can do for the program say what schedule you prefer DO NOT write any address.

formal
Your company has recently introduced a new uniform for the staff. But you have learned that the staff members are not happy about it. Write a letter to your manager about it. In your letter, explain why you think the staffs are not happy with the new uniform what you want the new uniform to be like and give some suggestions to handle the situation 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 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 have been doing some voluntary work to help your local community. However, now you are unable to contiune doing this work. Write a letter to the manager of the organization where you have been working in your letter - describe the work you have been doing - explain why you can no longer do this work - recommend another person who is interest in the work

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

formal
You recently bought a piece of equipment for your kitchen but it did not work. You phoned the shop but no action was taken. Write a letter to the shop manager. In your letter ● describe the problem with the equipment ● explain what happened when you phoned the shop ● say what you would like the manager to do.

formal
You travelled by plane last week and your suitcase was lost. You have still heard nothing from the airline company. Write to the airline and explain what happened. Describe your suitcase and tell them what was in it. Find out what they are goint to do about it.

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

formal
T1 you recently bought a new magazine. the editor of the magazine asked the readers to give their opinions about it. write a letter to the editor.in your letter -explain why you chose to buy this magazine - say what you particularly like and dislike about it -suggest what improvements you would like the editor to make write at least 150 words do not write any address Begin with Dear Sir or Madam

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