IELTS General Writing Task 1 formal Topics/Questions 2026

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

formal
You have 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 option. Write a letter to the editorof 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
Write a letter to your internet service provider to complain. In the letter: – Describe the problem and why you are unhappy – Arrange for an engineer to visit your home – Request a reduction in your bill
formal
Your car is hired by a company and while you were driving on holiday, you had a small accident. You will have to write a report to the company to explain it.. Write a letter to the company. In your letter, you need to explain the following: when and where you hired the car describe how the accident happened what kind of action you took after the accident
formal
You are working for a company. You need to take some time off work and want to ask your boss about this. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter: explain why you want to take time off work and how long you need explain how you will keep up-to-date while you are away suggest how your work could be covered while you are away
formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 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. You should write at least 150 words.
formal
You have lost your student identification card. This has created some problems for you. Write a letter to the director of student services. In your letter advise them of your situation explain how this is affecting you request a new card
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 letter 􀁸 Explain what has happened 􀁸 Request a refund 􀁸 Ask whether you will be able to return at a later date
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 servic
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. In your letter • describe the complaints that have been made • say why the reception area is important • suggest how the reception area could be improved
formal
You recently read an article in a newspaper about your childhood friend with whom you have lost contact for a long time. Write a letter to the editor. In your letter: •Say which edition and when did the article appear •Explain why you lost contact with your friend •Say how you want them to help you to get back in touch Write at least 150 words
formal
You are a member of a sports club located in an old building. The manager asked you to suggest some improvements to the building. Write a letter to your manager and say Why the club is important to you? What improvements should be made in the building and How these changes would benefits the members?
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
Your local public library wants to make improvements to their services and facilities. In order to get ideas from the public, they have asked library users to send them suggestions in writing. Write a letter to the librarian. In your letter • describe what you like about the library • say what you don’t like • make suggestions for improvements
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 recently sent some documents by post, but they did not arrive at the destination. Write a letter to the post office manager. In your letter, •give details of the situation • describe the documents • say what action you want the post office to take
formal
A council is closing a youth’s recreational centre because it is not being used often by the youths. Write a letter to the Council Mayor. In your letter: • Explain why youths rarely use it. • Write on the importance of the playground. • Suggest ways to increase use by youths.
formal
You learned a piece of news from a friend regarding a part time job in an international company near your house. Write a letter to the company Why you need this job What can you do for thecompany What time can you give
formal
Your recently bought something from a company on the internet. However, the company sent the wrong product and this caused a problem. Write a letter to the manmanger of the company. In your letter: - say what you ordered. - describe what the company sent you and the problem this caused. - explain what you want the mamanger to do
formal
You are studying for an exam, and you would like some time off work to complete it. Write a letter to your immediate 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. State how this qualification helps your job or company.
formal
You have decided to leave your current job even though you enjoy it. Write a letter to inform your manager of your decision. In your letter -tell the manager about your decision and the reason for it. -describe what you learned in your current job. -and ask the manager to write a reference letter to help you with future employment.
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 read an advertisement about in the local newspapers about a discount sale at a particular shop. However, when you meet to buy the goods you wanted, you found the sale had ended. Write to the shop manager. In your letter, -inform him/her where and when you went to the shop -what you felt when you came to know that the sale had ended -demand compensation for the goods you wanted to buy
formal
You 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 recently stayed at a hotel and you had a great time. Write a letter to the hotel. In your letter thank the manager and his staff give some particular examples of why you enjoyed your stay at the hotel so much explain that you have written a review of the hotel on a popular website for tourists
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 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 work for an international company, and would like to spend six months working in its headoffice in another country. Write a letter to your manager in your letter 1.Explain why you want to work in the company's head office for six months 2. Say how your work could be done while you are away. 3. Ask for his/her help in arranging it.
formal
Write a letter of application to the orchestra. In the letter: - Introduce yourself and your instrument of choice - Explain how your credentials make you a good candidate - Express your enthusiasm for music
formal
Your local newspaper is offering an award for people who have helped the community. Write a letter to the newspaper editor. In your letter suggest someone you think should receive the award describe what the person does to help the community suggest an award that would be appropriate for this person 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 should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 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 You should write at least 150 words.
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 colleagues feel about the new employee's conduct say how you expect the manager to address the situation.
formal
You have recently bought a Telephone with answer machine from an online shop. The web page said that the answer machine shows you a list of who left a message so you can choose which to play first. But after taking it home you find out that only the most recent call is kept in the calls list. Write an e-mail letter to the store manager. In your e-mail: • say who you are • explain the problem • say what action you would like the store to take
formal
There have been several complaints about the reception area where visitors to the company arrive. The manager has asked for suggestions on how the reception area could be improved Please write a letter to our manager. In the letter • Describe the complaints • Say why the reception area is important • Suggest how the reception area could be improved
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. Write at least 150 words.
formal
You were hurt in a minor accident inside a supermarket, and you wish to complain to the supermarket. Write a letter to the manager of the supermarket. In your letter -say who you are -give details about the accident -suggest how the supermarket could prevent similar accidents
formal
Write a letter to a manager whose company is constructing their new office next to your apartment. • Introduce yourself • Describe problems you are facing because of this • Suggest solutions
formal
You have moved to another city but your bank has your old address and continues to send all the communication there. Write a letter to your bank branch. In this letter: - Where have you moved to? - What problem are you facing regarding the bank's communication? What you want them to do regarding the old communication already sent to the wrong address?
formal
You have seen an advertisement for a weekend course to study a foreign language. Write a letter to the institution offering the course. In your letter: ask for details of the course ask if the course teachers are qualified native speakers request that the institution sends you their brochure. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir / Madam,...
formal
Write a letter to the manager of the conference centre. In your letter • Give some details about the training course • Describe what kind of equipment you will need for the course • Ask some questions about the facilities at the conference centr
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
You recently discovered plans to build a new airport in your area and are unhappy with it. Write a letter to the local authority. In your letter •say how you found out about the plans •explain what problems your neighborhood will face •suggest some possible solutions to those problems.
formal
You applied for a new passport, and it got delayed. Due to this delay, you missed your (study) intake. You are very disappointed over this delay. Write a letter to the Regional Passport Office for the same. In your letter ● introduce yourself ● describe what happened and how you are at loss ● say what you want the officer to do
formal
You recently sent some documents by post, but they did not arrive at the destination. Write a letter to the post office manager. In your letter, •give details of the situation •describe the documents •say what action you want the post office to take
formal
You coach an amateur football team. Write a letter to a local school requesting permission to use their facilities and explaining why your team cannot find facilities and explaining why your team cannot find facilities elsewhere. Suggest how this may be arranged so that your team’s training will not interfere with the school’s activities.
formal
Your local council is considering closing a sports and leisure center that it runs, in order to save money. Write a letter to local council. In the letter give details of how you and your friends use the center. explain why the sports and leisure center is important for the local community. describe the possible effects on local people if the center closes. write 150 words.
formal
you are looking for a full time job. write a letter to an employent agency. introduce yourself explain what sort of job you would like say what experience and skills you hav
formal
You work for a small company. Your manager has asked you to arrange a party in a restaurant for everyone from your workplace. Write a letter to the owner of the restayrant, in the letter: give the reason for the party and details of when you would like to go to the restaurant describe what food the group will require say how many people will attend and ask how much it will cost
formal
You were going to start a job next month, but you will not be able to. Write a letter to your future employer. In your letter explain the situation describe your problem(s) tell him/her when you can start work
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 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. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,
formal
You recently sent a valuable parcel through a courier company, but it has not arrived at its destination. Write a letter to the courier company. In your letter:     •    Give details of the parcel and when you sent it.     •    Explain the importance of the parcel's contents.     •    Suggest what action you would like the company to take.
formal
Last week, you celebrated your birthday with some friends in a restaurant. It was a great success and you and your friends enjoyed yourselves very much. Write a letter to the restaurant. In your letter •mention the food and service •explain that you really enjoyed the atmosphere •suggest any improvements to make things better
formal
You sent some documents by post recently, but they did not arrive. Write a letter to the post manager. In your letter -Give details of the situation -Describe the documents -Say what action you want tobe taken.
formal
You have an appointment with your bank manager, but you cannot attend the meeting. You are writing to him to make another appointment. In your letter • Apologize for any inconvenience • Explain why you cannot attend this meeting • Make an appointment for another meeting Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ....,
formal
You are interested in applying for a scholarship program to study at a foreign university Write a letter to the international counsellor at the university In your letter ❑ explain which course you are interested in ❑ tell what you know about the university ❑ state why you should receive the scholarship Begin with ‘Dear Sir or Madam,’ Do not write any addresses. Write at least 15O words
formal
You have been experiencing problems with your internet service, such as slow speed or frequent disconnections. Write a letter to the internet service provider to complain about the issue. In your letter: - describe the problems you are facing with the internet service, - explain how these problems are affecting your daily activities, - request immediate action to fix the issue or offer compensation.
formal
You live in a room in college which you share with another student. However, there are many problems with this arrangement, and you find it very difficult to work. Write a letter to the accommodation officer at the college. In the letter, •describe the situation •explain your problems and why it is difficult to work •say what kind of accommodation you would prefer
formal
Q. You recently bought a piece of sports equipment from an online store. When you first used the piece of sports equipment, you found a problem with it. Write a letter to the manager, In your letter describe the problem with the piece of sports equipment say what happened because of the problem explain what you would like the company to do?
formal
There is a group of people in your community that needs help. Write a letter to your company director and say – Describe this group. – What kind of help do they need? – How will this group and the community benefit from it?
formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You have a full-time job and are also doing a part-time evening course. You now find that you cannot continue the course. Write a letter to the course tutor. In your letter, • describe the situation • explain why you cannot continue at this time • say what action you would like to take. You should write at least 150 words.
formal
You have lost an item of value on a train. Write a letter to the railway company. In your letter: •describe the item •explain where and when you left it •say what action you would like the company to take You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,
formal
you 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
Write a letter to a construction company which has the plan for building new houses in your neighbourhood
formal
You work at home a d 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 lettee Describe the problem with the equipment Explain how this problem is affecting your work Say waht you want the shop or compny to do?
formal
You are planning a holiday to Australia. You have been given the name and address of a hotel in the centre of Sydney and would like further information. Write a letter to the hotel. Ask about the availability of the rooms and the hotel's facilities. Find out if the hotel arranges day trips and ask them to send you a brochure. You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write your own address. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir/Madam,
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 letter 􀁸 Explain what has happened 􀁸 Request a refund 􀁸 Ask whether you will be able to return at a later date
formal
You recently booked a table at a popular restaurant to celebrate a special occasion, but the experience did not meet your expectations. Write a letter to the restaurant manager. In your letter: •Describe the problems you faced with the service or food •Explain how the situation affected your celebration •Suggest how the restaurant could make it up to you Dear Manager,
formal
Write a letter declinging the job offer.
formal
The office you work in does not have any cafeteria for staff. Write a letter to your manager to request setting up a cafeteria for the staff. [F]  In your letter, you should mention  what you heard about the inconvenience from the staff  how you feel about it  what suggestions you have about setting up a cafeteria
formal
You recently bought an electronic device online, but when it arrived, it was faulty. Write a letter to the company to complain about the problem. In your letter: describe the problem explain how it has affected you say what you would like the company to do
formal
Your neighbor always plays loud music late at night. Write a letter of complaint to the building manager. Bullet points: Describe the problem Explain how it affects you Ask for a solution
formal
As an overseas employee, write a resignation letter to your employer due to an emergency at home. You should write - the reason for leaving, - date of departure, and things that you loved about your job
formal
A young person is going to spend his first day at the office next month. Write a letter to explain what he should do on his first day. In your letter, you should tell: – what work should be done in the company – what he/she will do on the first day of work – what items/objects he /she needs to take along.
formal
When travelling back home on the train last week you lost your wallet. The wallet contains some valuable things. In your letter, write to the Station Manager: say when and where you left your wallet describe the wallet and what was in it say how you will collect the wallet
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 in a local newspaper about a new sports center that is opening soon. Write a letter to the manager. In your letter: Express your interest in the sports center. Ask for more information about the facilities. Inquire about membership fees and any discounts available.
formal
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
formal
You want to volunteer to help the old people of your community. An organization in your area works for the benefit of old people. Write a letter to the in-charge of that organization explaining - Why do you want to help - How can you help them - When will you be available
formal
You have lost something on a bus and called customer service to get help. You weren't happy with their response. Write a letter to the bus company manager. In your letter, you should: · describe the item you lost · explain why you weren't happy with the customer service · say what action you would like the company to take.
formal
You are working for a company. You need to take some time off and want to ask your manager about his Write a letter to your manager. In your letter Explain why you want to take time off Give details of the amount of time you need Suggest how your work could be covered while you are away.
formal
You left a jacket behind at a restaurant you went to recently. Write a letter to the restaurant manager. In your letter 1) Describe the jacket 2) explain when you visited the restaurant and where you were sitting 3) Say what you want the manager to do.
formal
You recently attended a meeting at a hotel. When you returned home, you found you had left some important papers at the hotel. Write a letter to the manager of the hotel. In your letter *Say where you think you left the papers *Explain why they are so important *Tell the manager what you want to him/her to do
formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 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. In your letter, say: why you are going to this country what kind of accommodation you want when you will arrive 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 bought a piece of equipment for your kitchen, but it did not work. You phoned the shop, but no action was taken. Write a letter to the manager of the shop. In your letter: • Explain how you feel about their lack of response • Say what you think of their employees • Give your opinion on their quality of service Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any address. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,
formal
You have recently noticed that your work computer is getting too slow and out-of-date. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter -explain the problems with your computer -give some examples of how this has affected your work -make some suggestions for what can be done to help adress this issue
formal
You have been doing some voluntary work to help your local community. However, now you are unabled to continue doing this work. Write a letter to your manager of the organization where you have been working. *describe the work you have been doing *explain why you can no longer do this work * recommend another person choice interested in the work.
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.
formal
You have to travel from on place to another write a letter to the bus director for a Travel Permission l
formal
You have recently moved to a different location where you experience frequent electricity breakdown. Write a letter to the electricity board. In your letter, describe the situation, tell what problems you are facing due to this, explain what you want the board to do
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 You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,
formal
Last week, you lost your luggage while traveling on holiday. Luckily, you have travel insurance. Write letter to the manager of your insurance company. In your letter: - Describe the characteristics of what you lost - Explain how you lost it - Tell the insurance company what you need from them
formal
There have been several complaints about the reception area where visitors to your company arrive. Your mannager has asked you to suggest how the reception area could be improved. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter - describe the complaints that have been made - say why the reception area is important - suggest how the reception area could be improved
formal
One of your friends wants to apply for a job at a summer school as a sports trainer. Write a letter to the camp manager to recommend your friend. In you letter: Say how well you know your friend Describe the qualifications and experience that your friend has Explain why your friend would be suitable for this job.
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 should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You are applying for a job and need a letter of reference from someone who knew you when you were at school. Write a letter to one of your old teachers asking for a reference. In your letter: say what job you have applied for explain why you want this job suggest what information the teacher should include Write at least 150 words. Begin your letter as follows: Dear __________
formal
Write a letter to the publisher in a newspaper, asking to advertise a meeting of people from different countries you are organizing. Explain where, when and why
formal
Practice 1: You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You have a full-time job and are also doing a part-time evening course. You now find that you cannot continue the course. Write a letter to the course tutor. In your letter, •describe the situation •explain why you cannot continue at this time •say what action you would like to take You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any address.
formal
You recently attended a job interview, but you have not received any feedback yet. Write a letter to the Human Resources manager. In your letter: – Introduce yourself and mention the position you applied for – Explain why you believe the interview went well – Request an update on the result and explain why you need it promptly. You do NOT need to write any addresses.
formal
You bought a TV a week ago but when you got home it did not work properly. You called customer service to report the problem but you have not yet received any help. Write a letter to the company.
formal
A museum near your home is looking for people to do part-time voluntaryl unpaid work.you would like to do some voluntaryl unpaid work at the museum. write a letter to the museum director to apply for the voluntaryl unpaid work. in your letter explain why you want to do voluntaryl unpaid work at the museum describe some skills and qualities you have that would be usful give detail of when you would be available for work
formal
You recently bought some train tickets for a journey a week in advance. When you went to the station to catch the train, you were told you could not use the tickets and the staff were very unhelpful to you. Write a letter to the train company. In your letter -describe the problem you had with the tickets -say why you were unhappy with the staff -suggest what action the train company should take Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,
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