IELTS General Writing Task 1 formal Topics/Questions 2025

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This section presents a list of common IELTS General Writing Task 1 formal topics. All these topics were added in 2025 by students who took the IELTS recently. Pick a random topic and start practicing and improving your writing skills.

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
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 made reservations for dinner at a very famous and expensive restaurant in town. However, the meal and the service were terrible. The restaurant manager was not available to solve the problem, so you left without a resolution. Write a letter to the restaurant's manager in abot 150-200 words. - state what problems you had with the food you ordered - complain about the service - describe how you want the restaurant to resolve the problem

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

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

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 have bought a new laptop computer and in a few days of purchase discovered a major flaw. Write a letter to the company. In your letter – introduce yourself – explain the situation – say what action you would like to company to take.

formal
Write a letter to the manager of the HR department of a company requesting information about the interview that you attended but still waiting for results. In your letter, •describe the position you applied for •why you think the interview went well •why you need the result of the interview

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 are studying for a qualification, and you would like some 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.

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 recently travelled by train on a long journey and you experienced various problems. Write a letter to the train company’s head office. In your letter, – give the details of your journey, including the date, time and where you sat – explain the problems that happened and express your dissatisfaction – ask about what action will be taken to improve the service

formal
You recently organised an all-day meeting for your company, which took place in a hotel. In their feedback, participants at the meeting said they liked the hotel,but they did not enjoy the food. Write a letter to the manager to explain what the participants liked about the hotel explain why they were unhappy with the food suggest improvements the manager can make to prevent this from happening again

formal
Write a letter to the store manager about the recent accident occured explain -Who are you - explain what happened - provide suggestions so that it doesnt occur in future

formal
You bought a piece of furniture from a store in another town recently. there is a problem with the item you purchased. write a letter to the store manager. in your letter Explain the details of your purchase. Describe the problem that you have with it suggest what can be done about it

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 have done since the course Suggest another cookery course you would like the school to offer.

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 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 You do NOT need to write any addresses.

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

formal
Write a letter to the company from which you bought online product and you are very disappointed with the product and give the detail of the product that you bought and after that you have to give the thing that you want to replace or why you did not like the product and the and what do you expect from that company to give you back?

formal
You would like to work in a different city to be closer to your family . Write a letter to your employer to request a transfer to another office. Explain why you would like to moveRequest that your employer place you in a specific city. Request that it be completed by a certain date.

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 to the company. In your letter • Describe the benefits of sponsoring the sport team • Summaries the benefits of paying for the concerts • Say how you think the company should spend the money

formal
You own an old item that you think is valuable and you would like to sell it. Write a letter to the owner of an antiques shop. In your letter: explain how you found the shop describe the item you would like to sell say how much you would like to sell it for

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

formal
You recently stayed in a hotel in another city. When you got home you discovered that you had left something of value in the room. Write a letter to the hotel. In your letter • describe the item that you left behind and say where you left it • ask the hotel to arrange to send it to you • suggest a way to pay for the postage

formal
You and your friends ate a meal at a restaurant to celebrate a special occasion, and you were extremely dissatisfied 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 Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
A Piece of equipment you use at home for your work is causing problems , write a letter to company/shop. Describe the problem, explain how it’s affecting your work and what would you like the company to do. write 150 words.

formal
You and some friends had dinner in a restaurant a few nights ago. The service at the restaurant was terrible and the food was bad. You and two of your friends had severe stomachaches the following day. The food was also overpriced. Write to the manager of the restaurant. In your letter, -explain these problems -give details that you think are relevant -ask the manager to do something about the situation

formal
You forgot a bag at the gym and the gym is close for renovations. Write a letter to the Gym officer and mention the below : Introduce yourself Description of the bag Tell them to who you want to give the bag to Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
You are organising a seminar for your company. Write a letter to the manager of another department inviting them to give a presentation at the seminar. In your letter: • give details of the seminar • invite them to give a presentation and say why you are inviting them • say what the presentation should be about.

formal
You're supposed to move into a rented flat next week, but you won't be able to due to unforeseen problems. Write a letter to the property manager. In your letter 1) Explain the situation 2) Describe your problems 3) Tell him/her when you think you can move in Write at least 150 words.

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 should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Write at least 150 words. You recently went to a restaurant but think you could have left your credit card behind. Write to the restaurant. In your letter •Tell them when you went there •Describe where you think you may have left the credit card •Explain what you would like the restaurant to do You do NOT need to write any addresses.

formal
You were supposed to go on an interview in a few weeks, but you have since found out you cannot go on the date arranged. Write a letter to the potential employer. In your letter •Tell them why you need to move the interview time •Ask to change the interview date • Explain that you are still interested in being interviewed for the job You do NOT need to write any addresses.

formal
You are soon going to spend three months doing work experience in an organization. Write a letter to the manager of the organization where you are going to work experience. In your letter, -thank the manager for the opportunity to do work experience -explain what you hope to learn from the work experience -ask some questions about the work experience you are ging to do Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
You are due to move into a rented apartment next week but you will not be able to due to an unexpected problem. Write a letter to the property manager. In your letter Explain the situation Describe your problems Tell him/her when you think you can move in

formal
The hotel were you and your family spent the weekend did not offer the service they had promised. Write a letter to the manager. In your letter: • Introduce yourself. • Explain the problem. • State what action you would like from the hotel. 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 received a letter from your bank, asking you to acknowledge receipt of a new bank card. However, the card was missing from the envelope. Write a letter to the bank's head office. In your letter: - explain why you are writing - express concern about the missing card - ask them what they intend to do

formal
There have been some problems with the public transport you use to commute daily. Write a letter to the manager of the public transport company. In your letter: describe the problems explain how these problems are affecting you and others suggest what could be done about it 

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
You are attending an evening course at a college. Write a letter to the administrator of the college. 1. What do you like about the course? 2. What are some areas of improvement? 3. What is your suggestion?

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
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
You recently used a taxi and left some important documents there. Write a letter to the taxi manager and say: – Describe what you left and where it happened. – Why are these papers important? – What would you like the manager to do about it? Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

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 want to book a hotel that one of your friends recommended to you for a family holiday at the seaside. Write a letter to the hotel manager to make arrangements. In your letter, ➡️explain what accommodation you require and when you want to stay ➡️ask what will be included in the price ➡️enquire about activities and places of interest near the hotelDear Hotel Manager,

formal
You would like to apply for a full-time position at an international airport. Write to the human resource department and say. -What job you are interested in -Explain what you are currently doing - Why do you think you are best candidate for the job

formal
Write a letter to the cinema manager to inform him/her that you have lost your bag in the cinema. In your letter you should: Tell exactly what happened and when - Explain where you think you left the bag - Ask the manager to help find your bag

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 work for an international company and you need some time off to attend a family celebration. Write a letter to the company’s manager. In your letter:  give details of the celebration  explain the reason why you need time off  suggest a way to have your work done during that time

formal
You are looking for a full-time job. Write a letter to an employment agency. In your letter: • introduce yourself • explain what sort of job you would like • say what experience and skills you have Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir/Madam

formal
You recently hired a restaurant to host an office party at work, but there were several problems with the food and service. Write a letter to the restaurant manager. In your letter: Give details of the food and services you ordered Describe the problems that occurred Explain what you want the restaurant to do

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

formal
The school library is seeking applicants for a job over summer break. Write a letter to the library's manager, in your letter include: -A brief introduction of yourself -Your experience and relevant skills. -Why you want the job

formal
A museum near your home is looking for people to do part-time work. You would like to do some part-time work at the museum. Write a letter to the museum director to apply for the part-time work. In your letter Explain why you want to do part-time work at the museum describe some skills and qualities you have that would be useful give details of when you would be avialable for work

formal
You are organising a trip to the Snowy Mountains in New South Wales for a group of students from Perth in Western Australia. Write to the manager of Student Hostel Services. In your letter, explain: when you want to visit the Snowy Mountains how long you will stay how many students are in your group and what accommodation you will require

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 our letter: Describe what this book was about Explain how this book influenced you Sa whether this book would be likely to influence other people

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 are working for a company. You need to take some time off work and want to ask your manager about this. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter -explain why you want to take time off work -give details of the amount of time you need -suggest how your work could be covered while you are away

formal
You have bought an item but when you got it home, you found it had some problems. You returned the item and spoke to the company representative a week ago but the item has still not been repaired/fixed. Write a letter to the company manager. In your letter: Introduce yourself Explain the situation Say what action you would like the company to take.

formal
You work from home and the equipement you use for your job is faulty. Write a letter to the company. * explianing the problem. * how it has affected your work. * what you want them to do.

formal
You recently did a short coockery course. The coockery school has asked for your feedback on this course. Write a letter to the course director at rhe coockery school. In your letter describe what you enjoyed about the course say how much cooking you have done since the course suggest another coockery course you would like the school to offer

formal
There have been several complaints about the reception area where visitors to your company arrive. Your manager has asked you to suggest how the reception area could be improved. Write a letter to your manager. describe the complaints that have been made say why the reception area is important suggest how the reception area could be improved Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

formal
You have heard that a developer plans to build a shopping centre in your city. Write a letter to the city council, In your letter Explain how you heard about the plan. Describe why you do not think it's a good idea. Suggest some alternative solutions

formal
One of your penfriends wants to improve their English at a language school. They have never studied at a language school before and have asked for your advice on how to choose a good one. write a letter to your penfriend, Advise them about the following; the teaching method,the number of students in class and the number of hours per week. write 150 words

formal
Writing Task1 Letter You believe that your local library needs some improvements. Wriye a letter manager to suggest changes In your letter: Explain why you think the library needsbimprovements Suggest what changes should be made Invite the manager to discuss your suggestions in more detail

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 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 the letter • Say what the participants liked about the hotel • Explain why they were unhappy about the food • Suggest what the manger should do to improve the food in future

formal
The local school would like residents in the area to help maintain the school buildings and the grounds. Write to the school principal. In your letter, say why you want to help explain what help you can offer state when you are available

formal
You recently spent a night in a hotel and had to put up with a great deal of noise very early in the morning because of a faulty central heating system. The manager promised to contact you regarding compensation but you still haven't heard from him. Write a letter to the hotel. In the letter describe the problem at the hotel explain what the manager had said at the time say what you want the manager to do

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

formal
You recently stayed in a hotel in a large city. The weather was very unusual for the time of year and the heating / cooling system in the hotel was quite inadequate. Write a letter to the manager of the hotel. In your letter: give details of what went wrong explain what you had to do to overcome the problem at the time say what action you would like the manager to take You do NOT need to write your own address.

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 comapany which supplied the quipment in your letter 1. Describe the problem with the equipment 2. explain how this problem is affecting you work 3. say what you want the shop or company to do

formal
The system used for rubbish or garbage collection in your local area is nowt working properly. It 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 Explain how this is affecting you and your neighbours Suggest what should be done about the problem

formal
You recently made a journey by train. When you got on the train, you realised you had left a bag on the platform. Write a letter to the station manager. In your letter: • give details of where and when you left the bag • describe the bag and its contents • suggest how you could get the bag back

formal
You and some friends ate a meal at restaurant to celebrate a special occasion, and you were very pleased with the food and services. Write a letter to the restaurant manager. I n your letter •Give details of your visit to the restaurant •Explain the reason for the celebration •Say what was good about the food and the services

formal
You recently went to see a good play at a theatre, but you did not enjoy it because of some problems in the theatre. Write a letter to the manager of the theatre. In your letter: say which play you saw and when describe the problems you experienced in the theatre suggest what the manager should do

formal
Your local council has decided to close the only park in your town and build a car park in its place. You believe this will have a bad effect on the people who live and work in the town. Write a letter to the mayor. In your letter introduce yourself explain why you think the decision is wrong say what you think the council should do instead 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 seen an advertisement in an English newspaper for a job working in the City Museum shop during the holidays. You decide to apply for the job. Write a letter to the Director of the Museum. In your letter, •Introduce yourself •Explain what experience and special skills you have •Explain why you are interested in the job You do NOT need to write any addresses. 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 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
A large company in your area has decided to spend 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 feed back general public. write a letter to the company .in your letter -describe the benefits of sponsoring the sports team -summerise the benefits of paying for the concert. -say how you think to send the money

formal
You missed a flight due to a problem at the airport. Write a letter to the airline. In your letter .Describe what happened that caused you to miss the flight •Explain how missing your flight affected you •Make it clear what you would like the airline to do

formal
Your employer has recently allowed some employees to work remotely from home. You would also like to work from home. 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 No need for address Start with dear Sir/Madam,

formal
You have seen an advertisement in an English newspaper for a job working in the City Museum shop during the holidays. You decide to apply for the job. Write a letter to the director of the Museum. In your letter: •introduce yourself •explain what experience and special skills you have •explain why you are interested in the job

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

formal
The 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 you neighbours - suggest what should be done about the problem You do NOT need to write any addresses Begin your letter as follows Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
You have just rented an unfurnished flat and a friend has told you about a shop that has cheap second-hand furniture. Write to the shop owner. In your letter: describe what you need ask whether they have these items and ask what they cost.

formal
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 employees bout the new employee's conduct say how you expect the HR manager to address the situation

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. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
Write a letter to the restaurant, applying for the job. In your letter: •explain what you are currently doing • describe your suitability for this area of work • say when you can attend an interview

formal
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 latter •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 are organizing an executive event for the company you work for. Write a letter to the person in charge of a venue that you are considering for the event and ask for detailed information regarding dates, services, and costs.

formal
You recently moved house and you used a removal Company to help you move your belongings. However, some of your things were damaged in the move. Write a letter to the manager of the removal company. In your letter, •Give details of the move •Describe the damage •Say what you would like the manager to do.

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

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 are moving to a new city and need a place to live. Write a letter to a real estate agent in the city. In your letter: explain why you are moving to the city describe the type of accommodation you are looking for mention your budget and any specific requirements you have.

formal
You are not happy with the course you are doing at college and would like to change to a different course. Write a letter to the Head of Department to change your course. In your letter, explain: what course you are doing now why you are not satisfied with that course what course you would like to change to Write at least 150 words.

formal
You ordered a new cheque book from your bank two weeks ago, but you have received nothing. Write a letter to the manager complaining about the bad service. Say when and how you ordered the cheque book. Ask how much longer you will have to wait and ask the manager what action he will take over this matter.

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

formal
A large company in your area has decided to spend a certain amounth of money, either to sponsor a local children's sport team for two years, or to pay for open-air concerts. It has asked for feedback from general public. Write a letter to the company. In your letter 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 Write at least 150 words.

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
On a recent holiday, you lost a valuable item. Fortunately, you have travel insurance to cover the cost of anything lost. Write a letter to the manager of your insurance company. In your letter ● describe the item you lost ● explain how you lost it ● tell the insurance company what you would like them to do. Begin your letter as follows:

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