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 are disappointed with the electricity provision in your local area. Write a letter to your council. - explain the problem; - state how it is affecting local people; - suggest some possible solutions

formal
A museum near 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 you 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 detials of when you would be available for work

formal
You recently purchased a kitchen appliance, but it was delivered late and damaged. Write a letter to the store manager to complain about the issue. In your letter: - describe what item and problems - explain how the late and damaged delivery affected you, - state what you would like the store to do to resolve the problem.

formal
You have been working for a company for more than a few years and 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 have enjoyed working for the company what are your reasons for leaving the company Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
Your office building doesn't have parking available.  Write a letter to the manager. In your letter: Explain the problem  Suggest a solution Say why parking will benefit all employees

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 have been invited to attend an admissions interview for a prestigious college. Unfortunately, you cannot come at the proposed time due to a previous appointment. Write a letter to the admissions tutor and explain your position. In your letter: Introduce yourself and state your interest in the program Apologize and offer to come at a different time

formal
You recently buy a brand new air conditioning from an, but upon receiving it, you noticed some issues with the product service. Write a complaint letter to the customer service department of the retailer, outlining the problem you have encountered and requesting a resolution.

formal
You saw a brochure for a one-week walking tour in the mountains. You're very interested in taking part, but you're not very fit and are worried you wouldn't be able to keep up. Write to the tour operator. In your letter: • Explain why you're interested in the tour. • Ask for information about dates and prices. • Express your concerns about your fitness level.

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 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 are going on a short training course at a collage in Greenmount, 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 accommodation you require say when you will need it

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.

formal
A magzine wants to include contributions from its readers for an arcticle called 'the book that influenced me most' write a letter to the editor of the magzine 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
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
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
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 towns centres offer to give a guided tour of your Town to the writer of the article

formal
You have a bad experince at a restaurent and write a letter to complain to the manager

formal
Write a letter to the airline. In your letter •explain what has happened •describe the bag and its contents •say what you would like them to do about this problem You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows:

formal
You found a problem with the item which you bought it online. Write a letter to the company manager. In your letter, you should: • describe the item • explain what the issue is • suggest what you expect the manager to do

formal
You have been doing some voluntary work to help your local community. However, now you are unable to continue doing this work. Write a letter to the manager of the organization where you have been working. In your letter 1. describe the work you have been doing 2. explain why you can no longer do this work 3. recommend another person who is interested in the work

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 would like a temporary job working in the summer camp which runs sports and outdoor activities for children and young people next summer. Write a letter to the organizers of the summer camp. In your letter: explain what sort of job you would like to do describe your personality say what experience and skills you have

formal
You recently purchased an item of furniture that was faulty. You telephoned the shop about the problem[s] and were asked to put your complaint in writing. Write a letter to the shop. In your letter • explain what the problem[s) is/are • explain if anything was done to improve the situation • say what you would like the shop to do.

formal
You study at a university and often use the university library. The library closes very early in the evening and you are not able to stay there and study. Write a letter to the Manager of the library. In the letter, Describe who you are and the details of your university course Explain the problem at the library Suggest what you think the Manager should do

formal
You have lost your credit card Write a letter to the manager of your bank In the letter explain how you lost the card ask the manger to cancel the old card and to issue you a replacement

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 travelled by a long-distance bus recently and your suitcase was damaged. Write a letter to the bus company. In your letter, inform the bus company of when and to where you travelled describe your suitcase and what happened to it explain why the company should pay for a new suitcase

formal
A restaurant has placed an advertisement for waiters and waitresses in your local newspaper. 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 You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You should write at least 150 words.

formal
Your local council is considering closing a sports and leisure centre that is runs, in order to save money write a letter to the local council.in your letter give detils of how you and your friends or family use the centre explain why the sports and liesure centre is important for the local community describe the possible effects on local peaple if the centre closes

formal
You stayed in a hotel and forgot some of your belongings there. Write to the manager: • Explaining your situation • Describe what you left behind • What do you want them to do about it. Write at least 150 words You do not need to write any addresses Begin your letter as follows Dear….

formal
You recently organised an all-day meeting for your company, which took place in local hotel. In their feeback, 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, 1. say what the participants liked about the hotel 2. explain why they were unhappy about the food 3. suggest what the manager should do to improve the food in future.

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 your reasons for leaving the job

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

formal
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 have just read an article in an international travel magazine which contained some information about your town that is incorrect. Write a letter to the editor of the magazine. In your letter correct the information in the article explain why it is important for the magazine to give correct information suggest what the magazine should do about this situation

formal
You recently 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 bought a TV a week ago but when you got home it did not work properly. You calledcustomer service to report the problem but you have not yet received any help. Write a letter to the company.

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 would like to buy some electrical goods at a shop in a nearby town. Write a letter to the shop and - ask if they have the things you want or whether they will be able to order them. - --- Ask what the prices are and - how long they will be able to hold the goods for you.

formal
You know that a building company is planning to build new houses in immediate proximity to your house. Write a letter to the manager of the company. In your letter – Say how you found out about their plan – Describe how you feel about it – Explain what you hope that they do about it

formal
You have recently had dinner at an expensive restaurant and you were not satisfied with the food or service. You have decided to write a letter to the manager to complain about: •the table you were seated at •the long delays and unavailability of some items •the lack of concern by staff members regarding your problems

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. In your letter, say: what the conference is about how you know about the conference explain to him/her why it is important that you attend this conference

formal
You and your neighbours have noticed that the rubbish collection services where you live have recently been quite bad. Write a letter to your local council. In your letter, – explain what you have recently experienced – explain what the neighbours have recently experienced – ask what action will be taken to improve the service You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir / Madam,

formal
You recently went shopping at the local supermarket. When you got home and noticed your bill, you found that you had been charged for items you did not purchase. Write a letter to the supermarket manager explaining what has happened. Tell the manager you are not able to collect the refund and suggest a refund method and say what do you want him to do

formal
You and your family are moving to another country for work, and you are looking to buy a house there. Write a letter to a property agent. In your letter: Introduce yourself and your family Describe the type of accommodation that you hope to find Give your preference for the location of the accommodation Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

formal
You are moving to a new country ,write a letter to the accommodation agency to rent a house In your letter describe Yourself and your family Which area you would like to live in And what facilities you need in the house.

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You have just received a credit card statement from your bank. The statement lists a number of expensive purchases that you are sure you did not make. Write a letter to the bank manager. In the letter: • Introduce yourself. • Explain that you did not buy the items listed. – I am on vacation • Say what you would like the bank to do to fix the problem.- investigate the case/send revised credit card statemen

formal
You recently saw an advertisement in a newspaper seeking volunteers to do unpaid work with local children. You are interested in this work. Write a letter to the head of the organization. In your letter – express your interest – ask for details of the work that needs to be done – let them know when you are available.

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 head about the plan -explain how you feel about it -ask for mor information about it

formal
You would like to be work in a different city to be closer to your family. Write a letter to your employer to request a transfer to another office. In the letter: - Explain why you would like to move - Request that your employer place you in a specific city - Request that it be completed by a certain date Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

formal
You have received a bill from a mobile phone (or cell phone) company for international call charges relating to a time when you did not use your phone for international calls. Write a letter to the company, complaining about this giving your reasons asking for the bill to be changed

formal
You Have Just Enrolled in A 12-week English Class but Have Found that You Have a Family Problem and You Will Have to Return Home. Write to The School. in Your LetterAcademic writing help Explain What Has Happened. Request a Refund. Ask Whether You Will Be Able to Return at A Later Date.

formal
Your child is going on a trip to another country for 3 days. School is looking for some parents who can join the trip and you decided to apply for the same. You are interested in going with trip. Write a letter to the head of the school and include: – Why you want to join the team – What you can do to assist – Queries related to the trip.

formal
There is a public park near where you live. You have heard that the local council wants to sell this park. Write a letter to a local newspaper. In your letter • Introduce yourself • Describe the importance of the park • Say what action you will take if the council continues with this plan

formal
You will go to a foreign country to stay there for one year, and you need a place to live in. You have decided to write to an agency for accommodation. Write a letter to the agency to get information about accommodation. why you are going to this country what kind of accommodation you want when you will arrive

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 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
An old car was left on the street near your apartment block several weeks ago. You telephoned the local council to get them to take it away, but nothing has been done about it. The car is now causing a problem for residents. Write a letter 1. Describe the car 2. outline the problems it is causing 3. tell the council what you want them to do

formal
You have recently returned from an afternoon at your public library, and noticed various negative aspects that could be improved upon. Write a letter to the manager of the public library. In your letter: •Describe the poor experience you had •Include ideas for what the library should change •Explain why you feel the library needs alteration Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: To Whom This May Concern,

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 you work could be done while you are away -ask for his-her help in arranging it

formal
A local college wants people with a job to come and talk to students about what it is like to work. You would like to come forward and talk to the students about your job. Write a letter to the principal of the college. In your letter, • explain what you would like to talk about • say why students would be interested in your job • suggest a possible date and time for the talk

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 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 your letter, » explain why you were at the restaurant » describe the problems » write about the action you want the manager to take

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

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 recently bought an electronic device from a store, but it is not working properly. Write a letter to the store manager. In your letter: Describe the problem with the device. Explain what you have done to try to resolve the issue. State what you would like the manager to do.

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
Last week you were on a flight to London. Unfortunately, when you got off the plane, you left a bag there. You did not remember about the bag until you got to your hotel. Write a letter to the airline. In your letter •explain what has happened • describe the bag and its contents • say what you would like them to do about this problem

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 have missed some important papers accidently in a taxi. Write a letter to the manager of the Taxi company. In your letter: ⦁ Give the details of your journey ⦁ Explain why those papers are important for you ⦁ Suggest what can the manager do

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

formal
You have read about a scholarship offered by a university and wish to apply. Write a letter to the university and include the following information: the scholarship you wish to apply for some details about yourself your academic suitability for the scholarship and any other relevant information.

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

formal
Your town council has decided to demolish an historic building due to lack of funds to renovate. Write a letter to your counselor . In your letter, you should say: why it is important to preserve the historic building how the funds could be generated.

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 have just read an article in a national newspaper which claims that town centres in your country all look verysimilar 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 articles you agree with, explain ways in which your town centres is different from most other town centres, and offer to give a guided tour of your town to the writer of the article.

formal
Your company recently used a hotel for an important meeting. There was a problem with the facilities in the meeting room. Write a letter to the hotel manager. In your letter- -give details about this meeting, -describe the problem with the meeting room facilities, -say what you want the manager to do?

formal
You are due to start a new job next week but you will not be able to because you have some problems. Write a letter to your new employer. In your letter ▪️Explain your situation ▪️Describe your problems ▪️Tell him/her when you think you can start

formal
You work for a company. You have seen some information 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 do this course.

formal
Write a letter to the company to complain about the poor service you received from its employee. In your letter, express why you went to the shop/office how the employees behaved to offend you what you expect the company to do

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

formal
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 to the others

formal
You recently flew with an airline and had a problem with the food on the plane. Write a letter to the air company. In your letter give the details of the flight explain what the problem with the food was say what you would like the air company to do

formal
You recently did a short 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 have done since the course Suggest another cookery course you'd like the school to offer.

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 going to do about it. You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

formal
PART 1: You read an article in a magazine about your hometown and some of the information was wrong. Write to the editor to correct the article and tell him how unhappy you are.

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 have recently moved into a company accommodation and you are facing some issues at the place. Write a letter to your HR department. In the letter, mention: • A brief description of your accommodation. • What problems are you facing? • What do you expect the company to do about it?

formal
You have just read an article in an international travel magazine which contained some information about your town that is incorrect. Write a letter to the editor of the magazine. In your letter. -Correct the information in the article -Explain why it is important for the magazine to give correct information -Suggest what the magazine should do about this situation

formal
Write a letter to the hotel manager. In your letter: explain when you stayed at the hotel describe the problems you experienced say what you would like the manager to do

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

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
You found the Lost item at the park and want to return. Write a letter to the park manager Describe the item Say where and when you found it Ask how to return it to the owner

formal
You started in your present job two years ago. You now feel it is important for your career development to move to a different department in the same company. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter, say what you have learned in your present job suggest how the company would benefit from moving you to a different department explain why you do not wish to leave the company Write at least 150 words.

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
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You have just received a credit card statement from your bank. The statement lists a number of expensive purchases that you are sure you did not make. Write a letter to the bank manager. In the letter: • Introduce yourself. • Explain that you did not buy the items listed. • Say what you would like the bank to do to fix the problem.

formal
You have just started a course at a college that does not have its own sports facilities. Write a letter to the manager of the nearest private sports club. .Introduce yourself .Tell me why you are interested in this sports club .ask some questions about the club, e.g. objects, members, costs Begin with: Dear Sir or Madam

formal
You recently travelled abroad and had some issues at airport. Write a letter to airport manger provide The flight details What the problem was What suggestions you could give

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

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