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
Your family is going to celebrate an occassion and your child needs a day off from school. Write a letter to the head master of the school. What the occassion is? Why it is importnat that your child attends the celebration? How your child is going to make up for the missed lessons.
formal
Last week you were on a flight to London. Unfortunately, when you left the plane, you left a bag. 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 content and say what you would like them to do about it.
formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 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.
formal
Write a letter to a hotel manager in another city for an upcoming 2 days business trip for you and your colleagues. In your letter you should tell - Introduce yourself and colleagues - give information about the business meeting - tell other requests you might have
formal
You 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
Write a letter You recently did a short cookery course. The cookery school has asked for your feedback on this course. •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
Two weeks ago you bought a radio from a local branch of a well-known chain of shops. It did not work properly. The shop took it back and said they would repair it. You have waited a week and it is still not ready. Write a letter to the shop. In your letter Say what has happened and how you feel Ask them to explain why there has been a delay Ask them to repair the radio very quickly or to supply you with a new radio
formal
An organization has given an advertisement for a part-time job for local children. Write a letter to the administrator of the organization. In your letter Introduce yourself Why you think you are suitable for the job State when you will be able to join that job
formal
You hired a car company, while. While you were driving you had a small accident. Write a letter to the company to explain it. When and where you hired it Describe how the accident happened What kind of action did you take after the accident
formal
You recently attended a training course organised by your company. You found the course useful, but you think it could be improved. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter: describe the training course you attended explain how the course has helped you suggest some improvements for future training courses
formal
Your local newspaper would like to have a new regular weekly feature on a subject of interest for readers. Readers are being encouraged to make suggestions sent in an e-mail to the newspaper. Write a letter to the newspaper. In your letter: Suggest a topic that you think would be popular. Say why it would be of interest Explain why it is more relevant/interesting than other topics
formal
A council is closing a childrens playground because it is not being used often by children. Write a letter to the Council Mayor. In your letter explain
formal
You are planning a trip for you and a group of friends to a resort in a foreinn country. Write a letter to the manager of the resort requesting more information. Your letter should include When you hope to be staying at the resort Ask for suggestions on activities to do Ask for advice on places to eat for both vegetarian and family friendly places
formal
Write a letter to your manager for a 3-day leave to attend a training course. In your letter -what is the course about -how this course will be helpful to your work -suggest how your work could be covered while you are away
formal
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 do voluntary/unpaid work at the museum Describe some skills and qualities that would be useful Give some details of when would you be available for work
formal
You were absent from an important event held by the company you work for. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter: Apologize for your absence and explain the reasoning. Explain why you had to be at the other event. Explain what you will do to catch up.
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 have bought a new laptop computer and in a few days of purchase discovered amajor flaw, write a letter to the Company In your letter - Intoduce yourself - explain the situation - say what action you would like to company to take.
formal
your local council has been doing roadworks along the road outside of your house. This has caused a lot of noise and inconvenience. Write a letter to your local councillor to complain. In your letter, Describe what has happened. Say why you are complaining. Explain what you would like your councillor to do.
formal
You have seen an advertisement for a 'weekend work' in a hotel in the town where you are staying. You have worked in a hotel before and think that the job would be suitable for you. Now you want to apply for the job. Write a letter to the hotel manager expressing your interest. In your letter, introduce yourself explain why you think you would be suitable for the job ask what work you would be expected to do You should write at least 150 words.
formal
Write at least 150 words. You would like to rent a car for a holiday. Write to the car rental agency. In your letter •Explain what type of car you would like •Give details of when you would like the car •Request more information about the cost
formal
You work a part-time job in a company, and the company posted an advert seeking a person for a full-time position. Write a letter to your manager requesting to apply for the advertised position. In your letter say – Why do you want to apply? – What are your future goals? – Why would it be beneficial for the company?
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 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
Write a letter to the admission tutor. In your letter explain your position apologise and offer to come on another day or later the same day also ask how long the interview will be, and whether there will be any tests during it You should write at least 150 words.
formal
You are looking for part-time employment. Write a letter to an employment agency. In your letter: • give details about your professional experience and qualifications • explain what type of work you are looking for • say how they can contact you and when you would be available to start work.
formal
Your Local Travel Agent Recommended A Place To Visit And You Are Now Having A Good Time There. Write A Letter To Your Travel Agent And Tell Them The Following: – What You Have Been Doing – What You Hope To Do Before The End Of Your Holiday – Say Why You Like This Place
formal
You were unhappy about a meal in a restaurant. write a letter to the manager, tell him why you chose his restaurant, explain why you were not happy about the service and tell him what to do.
formal
Write a letter to the HR manager for permission to work from home for the next six months. In your letter, •mention why you are writing •explain why you would like to work from home •say how this can benefit you and the company
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 study/work. Write a letter to the accommodation officer at the college. In the letter: describe the situation explain your problems and why it is difficult to study/work say what kind of accommodation you would prefer
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
Write a Letter to a hotel manager for bad services during stay.
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
YouYou have recently purchased a piece of furniture, but you noticed a problem when it was delivered to you. Write a letter to the store manager and say what the problem is, how it must happened in your opinion, what you suggest the manager should do to resolve the problem.
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 until midnight. 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 Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.
formal
You and your friends ate a meal at a restaurant to celebrate a special occasion, and you were extremely disssatisfied with the experience. Write a letter to the restaurant manager. In your letter: Explain the reason for the celebration• Give details of your visit to the restaurant• Say what you would like the restaurant to do•
formal
your local council is considering closing a sport and leisure center that it runs in order to save money write a letter to the city council
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
Write a letter to the manager of a hotel where you stayed and left two things. Give details of your stay Why those 2 things ar important How he can return
formal
You stayed at a hotel to attend a company meeting and you were dissatisfied with your stay. Write a letter to the meeting organiser. In your letter – Provide the details of your meeting – Explain what you were dissatisfied with – Suggest what the hotel should do to resolve the issue.
formal
Last week, you visited a local supermarket and you got saticfactory service. Write a letter to the supermarket manager to thank. In your letter: - introduce yourself; - say why you are satisfied; - say thank you and write about your future visits.
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 Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows
formal
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
Your local newspaper wants to reward people who have contributed a lot to the community. Write a letter to the newspaper. In your letter: suggest someone who deserves the reward mention what they have done to help the community say what reward you would like to give this person Write about 150 words. You do not need to write addresses. Begin your letter as follows:
formal
You live in a room in college which you share with another student. However there are many problems with this arrangement and you find it very difficult to work. Write a letter to accommodation office at the college. In the letter, •Describe the situation •Explain your problem and why it is difficult to work •Say what kind of accommodation you would prefer.
formal
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 attended a training course for your work. Your employer has asked you for your feedback on the training course. Write a letter to your employer In your letter • remind your employer what the course was about • explain why the course was useful to you in your work • suggest why the course may be suitable for some of your 5.
formal
Write a letter to a transport office about a problem with the transportation system in your area. •Describe the situation you are facing •Why do you consider it a problem •What change you would like to recommend.
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 You should You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,
formal
You have recently missed a project deadline which resulted in your company losing an important client. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter: o apologize for what happened o explain why you missed the deadline o tell him/her how you will avoid this situation in future.
formal
You need to take some time off of work to go on holiday. Write a letter to your direct manager. In your letter: Ask for time off and explain why Provide the dates and times for which you will be unavailable to work Describe what you will do to prepare or make up for your absence Write at least 150 words. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Ms. Snyder,
formal
You recently ordered some books online. However, you have not received them as yet. This has created a lot of inconvenience for you, especially as you are doing some research for which you need the books immediately. Write a letter to the authority in-charge to convey your dissatisfaction about the delay. In the letter, ● describe the situation ● explain why you are dissatisfied ● say what you want him/her to do
formal
You recently had furniture delivered to your home, but during the delivery the workers caused some damage to your property. Write a letter to the manager of the delivery company. In your letter: explain what was delivered and when describe the damage that was caused say what you would like the company to do about it
formal
You recently ordered an item online, but there is a problem with it. Write a letter to the company. In your letter: Describe the item you ordered Explain the problem Say what you would like the company to do
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 have seen an advertisement for an evening course to study a foreign language. write a letter to the institution offering the course. In you letter, Ask for details of the course Ask if the course teachers are qualified native speakers Request that the institution sends you their brochure.
formal
You saw an advert in the newspaper asking for volunteers to help run a chartiy event Write a letter of application to the organizers. In your letter: Explain why you are interested in helpin Give details of suitable past experience suggest ways you might help with the event.
formal
Write a letter to your local council that the street you are living in has become dirty lately.
formal
You are a commuter. One morning on your way to work you suddenly fell ill and lost your consciousness. One gentleman on the same bus sent you to a hospital. Write a letter to the company where the gentleman works to extend your gratefulness. In your letter: - Introduce who you are, - Describe what happened, - Suggest how you would like to thank him.
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,... Write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
formal
You have heard that there is a part-time job available in a nearby shop. Write a letter to the shop's manager, applying for the job. specify what job you are applying for write about your experience and skills and why you should get an interview ask about the hours required for the job and give your preferred hours You should write at least 150 words.
formal
(Livia) You 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 colleagues feel about the new employee’s conduct – Say how you expect the manager to address the situation.
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. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follow
formal
Your children go to a local school that requires volunteers to accompany school science trips Write a letter to the school to apply to be a volunteer. In the letter: - Introduce yourself and give details of your children who attend the school - Explain why you are interested in the position - Talk about any relevant experience that you have with children
formal
You and some friends ate a meal at a restaurant 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 service.
formal
You ordered a piece of furniture online. It was supposed to arrive last week, but it has not been delivered yet. Write a letter to the company. In your letter: •explain what you ordered and when •describe the problem •say what action you want the company to take
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
Informing an Airline. Last Tuesday you flew from New York to Paris. When you arrived home, you discovered that you had left your cabin bag on the plane. Write a letter to the airline. In your letter, you should explain: •where and when you lost your bag •what your bag looks like •what its contents were Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir / Madam You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
formal
You rent a house through an agency. The heating system has stopped working. You phoned the agency a week ago but it still has not been repaired. write a letter to agency. Explain the situation and tell them what you want them to do about it.
formal
Applying for a Job You have decided to apply for a job as a Spanish instructor that was advertised in the April edition of the magazine Teaching Professional. This ad was posted by Mr John Sullivan, director of the Spanish department at The Language Institute of Great Britain in London, England. In your letter to Mr Sullivan: explain why you are writing describe your qualifications and experience explain how they can contact you
formal
You have recently taken a two day course .write to give your feedback to the course organiser and say Guve details of the course What did like or dislike about it Suggest more improvement to the course
formal
Write a letter of complaint to a store where you purchased a faulty new refrigerator. In your letter explain the following: where and when you purchased the refrigerator what is wrong with it what action you would like the store to take 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 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 manage􀀸 should clo to improve the foocl in future
formal
You have recently ordered an item from the internet, but are not happy with the purchase. Write to the company. In your letter •Describe what you purchased •Explain why you are not happy with the purchase • Tell them what you would like them to do about the situation
formal
You are disturbed by the noise coming from a restaurant opened nearby recently. write a letter to the restaurant manager and say 1. what problem do you experience 2. what should the management do about it 3. what you will do if the problem is not resolved
formal
A magazine wants to include contributions from its readers for an article called 'The book that influenced me most’. Write a letter to the editor of the magazine about the book that influenced you most. In your letter, describe what this book was about explain how this book influenced you say whether this book would be likely to influence other people
formal
you recently attended a meeting in a hotel, when you returned home you found out that you left something important at the the hotel write a letter to the manager of the hotel
formal
You recently attended a meeting at a hotel. When you returned home, you found you had left some important papers at the hotel. ady fo Write a letter to the manager of the hotel. In your letter • say where you think you left the papers • explain why they are so important • tell the manager what you want him/her to do
formal
You visit a sports centre regularly, and there is a problem with the changing rooms in it. You have complained about it 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 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
formal
You would like to work for a company or organisation in a foreign country. Write a letter to an employment agency. In your letter: • Describe the kind of job you would like to do • Explain which country or part of the world you would like to work in • Tell them why you are interested in working in another country
formal
You recently organized an all-day meeting for your company, which took place in a local hotel. In their feedback, participants at the meeting said they liked the hotel, but they were unhappy about the food served for lunch. Write a letter to the manager of the hotel. In your letter •Say what the participant liked about the hotel. •Explain why they were unhappy about the hotel. • Suggest what the manager should do to improve the food in the future.
formal
YOU HAVE BOUGHT SOME CLOTHING ONLINE AND ARE NOT SATISFIED WITH YOURPURCHASE. WRITE A LETTER TO THE COMPANY THAT YOU BOUGHT THE CLOTHING FROM . IN YOUR EMAIL 'GIVE DETAILS OF THE PURCHASE 'DESCRIBE THE PROBLEM 'EXPLAN WHY YOU NEED A REPLACEMENT URGENTLY
formal
You work at home and have a problem with a piece of equipment that you for your job. Write a letter to the shop or company to witch supplied the equipment. In your letter -describe the problem with the equipment -explain how this problem is affecting your work -say what to want the shop or the company to do
formal
You are studying for a qualification, and you would like some time off work to complete it. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter: Ask for some time off to complete a qualification. Suggest what you will do later at work if you have time off. Say how the qualification helps your job or company. You do NOT need to write any addresses.
formal
US university invites you to make a speech about your country. Write a letter to the university. In your letter: - accept the invitation - make some suggestions - prerequisites for the equipments you will need
formal
You borrowed some books from your school or college library. Unfortunately you have to go away to visit a sick relative and cannot return the books in time. Write a letter to the library. Explain what has happened and tell them what you want to do about it. You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You do NOT need to write your own address.
formal
Write a letter to your manager. In your letter: explain the reason for the leave and the length of leave you need explain how you will keep up-to-date while you’re away suggest how your work could be covered while you are away
formal
The system used for rubbish collection in your local area is not working properly. This is causing problems for you and your neighbours. Write a letter to the local council. In your letter describe how the rubbish collection system is not working properly explain how this is affecting you and your neighbours suggest what should be done about the problem
formal
You recently 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 launch. 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 Write at least 150 words.
formal
You recently returned by plane from an overseas trip. When you reached home, you realised you had left your hand luggage on the plane. Write a letter to the airline. In your letter: say when and where you lost your hand luggage describe the bag and its contents suggest the action you would like the airline to take 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 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
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 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 transport officer about a problem with transport system in your area. Explain in letter . -describe the situation you are facing -why you consider it a problem -what changes you like to recommend
formal
You have recently read an article in the newspaper about someone you know personally. You found that some information is wrong. Write a letter to the editor to inform him about it. In your letter, write: what the article is about what the error is what you expect the editor to do
formal
You work at home and have a problem with a piece of equipment that you use for your job. Write a letter to the shop or the 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
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
You recently attended a conference and you would like to give a presentation about the information you gained by attending the conference. Write a letter to your manager asking for permission to give a presentation. In your letter: describe what type of presentation you have in mind what topics it would cover and how long it would take who should participate in the presentation and where should it be conducted You do NOT need to write any address.
formal
In your school, one of your friends has been feeling down and demotivated. You take it as your responsibility to cheer him/her up and do this via a Birthday party invitation. Write to your classmates and talk about organizing the party. Please include • the reason behind the party • the location of the party • discuss any other arrangements You should write between 150-200 words.
formal
You recently purchased a product that turned out to be faulty. Write a letter to the store manager, complaining about the issue and requesting a replacement or refund.
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