IELTS General Writing Task 1 formal Topics/Questions 2026

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

formal
You have lost something on a bus and called the 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

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*you saw a brochure for a one week walking tour in the mountains. You're very interested in taking part, but you're not fit and are worried you wouldn't be able to keep up. Write to the tour* *operator. In your letter* *1. Explain why you're interested in the tour.* *2. Ask for information about dates and prices* *3. Express your concerns about your fitness level.*

formal
You and some friends ate a meal at restaurant to celebrate a special occasion , and you very pleased with the food and services . Write a letter to the restaurant manager .

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?

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 have bought some clothing online and are not satisfied with your purchase. Write a letter to the company that you bought the clothing from. In your email -give details of the purchase -describe the problem -explain why you need a replacement urgently

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
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

formal
you recently travelled a airline due to some business. you did not has a goodexperience. write a letter to the airline

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You recently attended a series of English lessons in a language school. However, you were unhappy with the teaching quality. Write a letter to the director of the school. In your letter: •explain why you chose to study English at the school •describe the problems you had with the lessons • suggest how the classes could be improved

formal
On a recent holiday, you lost a valuable item. Fortunately, you have a travel insurance to cover the cost of anything lost. Write a letter to the manager of your insurance company. In your letter: 1)describe the lost item. 2)Explain how you lost it 3)Tell the insurance company what you would like them to do

formal
You recently notice a local restaurant offering a part time job Write a letter to the restaurant’s manager. In your letter •Explain that you would like to apply for this job •Give some details of relevant experience that you have •specify the date and time that would suit for you You should You don’t write any address

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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
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: Dear…

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You recently purchased a faulty product from an online store. Write a letter to the store manager outlining the issue and requesting a refund or replacement.

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You recently bought an expensive electronic product from a store, and found that the product does not work properly. Write a letter to the store manager. In your letter, Complain about the problem Propose action for the store to take Request confirmation that this is agreed Begin your letter 'Dear' Do not write any addresses

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You have bought some clothing online and are not satisfied with your purchase Write a letter to the company that you bought the company from. In you email Give details of he purchase describe the problem explain why you need a replacemnet urgently

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Your city council is planning to pull down one of the historic buildings in your town because they do not have funds to renovate it. As a citizen, you do not want it to happen. Write a letter to the city council. In your letter, say what the importance of this historic building is mention why it should be renovated rather than pull down suggest a plan to raise funds and maintain the building in the future

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You saw an online post of an important English academy looking for teachers to help underprivileged foreigner students. Write a letter of application to the company. In your letter: • Introduce yourself • Explain why you are suitable for the job. • Provide details of your past work experience. 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 broke your leg and your colleagues from work sent you get well cards and presents. Write a letter to them and say Write a letter to your manager. In your letter - Thanks them for supporting you - Describe how you spend your time - Explain about your recovery process

formal
You rented a car from a company and while you were driving on holiday, you had a small accident. You will have to write a letter to inform the company and in your letter.- Explain when and from where you rented it -Describe how the accident happened what kind of action did you take after the accident.

formal
“ You are looking for a part-time job. Write a letter to an employment agency. In your letter: introduce yourself explain what sort of job you would like and say what experience and skills you have

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

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You will have to undergo a minor surgical procedure and you will not be able to do your job in full. Write to your manager – Explain about the operation. – Say what part of the job you will not be able to do. – Suggest a solution to this situation.

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You work for an international company. You have seen an advertisement for a training course which will be useful for your job. Write a letter to your manager. In the letter: •describe the training course you want to do •explain what the company could do to help you •say how the course will be useful for the job

formal
You saw an advertisement for a tennis course in England but you have some problems and can’t stay for the whole course. Write a letter to the course director. In your letter, explain your interest in the course describe your problems find out whether a refund is possible if you leave early 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 have heard that a developer plans to build a shopping centre near your home. Write a letter to the council. In your letter say how you heard about the plan explain how you feel about it ask for more information about it

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You took your family to a nearby restaurant. You were disappointed with the meal and wish to complain to the manager. Write a letter to the manager of the restaurant. In the letter: explain why you were at the restaurant describe the problems write about the action you want the manager to take You do NOT need to write your own address. Begin your letter as: Dear Sir or Madam, You should write at least 150 words.

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
Task 1.3 You have recently flown to another country on a business trip. You were satisfied with the flight, but didn’t like services at the airport. Write a letter to the airport manager and say Give your flight details Why were you disappointed? Suggest some improvements to the airport services Write at least 150 words.

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Write a letter to the company. In your letter: introduce yourself explain what sort of job you would like to do and say what experience and skills you have

formal
Writing task 1 general training -You have bought some clothing online and are not satisfied with your purchase Write letter to the company that you bought the clothing from.In your email -give details of the purchase Describe the problem -explain why you need a replacement urgently

formal
You are being sent on a one month work assignment in San Francisco, California. You need a place to stay while you are there. Write a letter to the Maury Samson real estate agency. In your letter: •Explain the situation •Describe the kind of accommodation you would like •Provide the dates you will need it

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In newspaper, local hospital advertised for people to do unpaid work in the hospital Write a letter Why do you want to do unpaid work Which kind of work do you want When you can join the hospital

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.

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Write a letter to your manager requesting leave. In your letter • explain the reason for the leave request • provide the dates you will be absent • offer to help with work arrangements during your absence You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr……… ,

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The course director of your previous college has invited you to attend a party for new students, and he has also asked you to give a talk about studying overseas. You have an important examination on the same day so you cannot attend the party. Write a letter to the director to apologize and to explain why you cannot attend the event. Suggest another date when you could give Your talk.

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

formal
You 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
Your child is going on a trip to a nature reserve organized bye by a local youth club. The club leader is looking for parents to travel with Group and you would like to go. Write a letter to the leader of the youth club. In your letter- say why you want to go on the trip Describe what you could do to help during the trip Ask for more details about the trip Begin your letter as follows: Dear .... You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

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2.You recently discovered that there are plans to build a new airport in your area and you are not happy with it. Write a letter to the local authority. In your letter, oSay how you found out about the plans oExplain what problems your neighbourhood will face oSuggest some possible solutions to those problems.

formal
A TV company is going to make a new program about a place near your home. Write a letter to the head of the production company. In your letter explain how you found out about the TV program say how you know the place where they plan to film suggest some information about the place that could be included in the TV program

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

formal
You 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 You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir/Madam, I'm writing to you regarding my lost identification card

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You stayed at a hotel recently and forgot your clothes there. Write a letter to the hotel manager and say – When and where did you stay? – Describe your clothes. – What would you like the manager to do about it? Answer

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

formal
you recently enrolled in a cookery course. The cookery school has asked for your feedback on this course. Write a letter to the course head at the cookering school. In you 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 should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 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 You do NOT need to write your own address. Begin your letter as: Dear Sir or Madam, You should write at least 150 words.

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 hotel

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

formal
You 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 were unhappy with the staff Suggest what action the train company should take

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. People in your area are having problems with their internet connection. Write a letter to the company which provides the connection. In your letter, describe the problems explain how it is affecting people say what the company should do to help Write at least 150 words.

formal
You have seen an advertisement in a newspaper for a job in the city post office during your holidays. You decide to apply for the job. Write a letter to the director of the post office. In your letter, • introduce yourself • explain what experience and special skills you have • explain why you are interested in the job

formal
Write a letter to the manager of your local bus service. They have recently made some changes to the bus services which created inconveniences for you. In your letter, explain: what are the changes what are the problems you are facing what part of the service would you like to change

formal
Your local newspaper published an advertisement asking people to offer time for local environmental initiatives in your area. Write a letter to the project manager to offer your help. In your letter: * Describe a local volunteer project that you are passionate about * Explain what you would like to do to help * Suggest how to gather more support for the cause

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

formal
You and your family are planning to spend a weekend at a seaside hotel. Write a letter to the hotel, making the arrangements. In your letter •tell them when you will be arriving and leaving • explain what type of rooms you would like, and ask how much the weekend will cost • ask about activities and places of interest near the hotel

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You and your family are planning to spend a weekend at a seaside hotel. Write a letter to the hotel, making the arrangements. In your letter tell them when you will be arriving and leaving explain what type of rooms you would like, and ask how much the weekend will cost ask about activities and places of interest near the hotel 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
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

formal
Write a letter to the local council about the problem of the road near your house Explain where you live Describe the problem Explain when you want him to do

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

formal
You have just read an article in a national newspaper which claim 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 point in the articles 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
You have just read an article in an inernational travel magazie which contained some information about your town that is incorrect. Write a letter to the editor of magazie. 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
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
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 bought furniture from a store. When you received, there were some damages. Write a letter to the concerned store manager. In your letter, you should: •Give information about the furniture. •Explain the damage •Ask the manager to solve your issue.

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 experienced an incident on public transport that caused you distress. Write a letter to the managed of the public transport company. In your letter Describe the incident Explain how this incident affected you Suggest what could be done about it

formal
Your city has approved a weekly market in your area but you are dissatisfied with this decision. Write a Letter to your city council. In this letter write Why you are writing Explain problems caused by this Suggest a solution/Alternative

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You have bought a new camera but when you got home it home you found it had some problems. You returned the camera and spoke to the company representative a week ago but the camera has still not been repaired. Write a letter to the company. In your letter: • introduce yourself • explain the situation • say what action you would like the company to take.

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 have recently missed a project deadline which resulted in your company losing an important client. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter • apologies for what happened • explain why you missed the deadline • tell him/her how you will avoid this situation in future.

formal
You recently organized a party for your company at a hotel. Write a letter to the hotel manager. In your letter. -describe the party and how it went -explain why you were pleased with the hotel service. -suggest some improvements that the hotel could make

formal
You recently took a trip with a taxi company. The driver behaved in an unacceptable way and you had a lot of problems. You complained to the company but no one has replied to your complaint. Write a letter to the taxi company. In your letter say why you are writing and how you feel explain what happened tell them what you would like them to do

formal
You recently bought a piece of equipment for your kitchen but it did not work. You pho0ned the shop but no action was taken. Write a letter to the shop manager. In your letter ● describe the problem with the equipment ● explain what happened when you phoned the ● say what you would like 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 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 should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 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 Write at least 150 words

formal
You are applying for a job and need a letter of reference from someone who knew you when you were at college. 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

formal
You recently bought something from a TV home shopping channel. The product that was delivered does not have the same specifications / functions as the one advertised on TV. Write a letter to the TV channel. In your letter; Say why and when you bought the item Say what is the difference / what is wrong with it Say what action you would like them to take

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You took your family to a nearby restaurant. You were disappointed with the meal and wish to complain to the manager. Write a letter to the manager of the restaurant. In the letter: explain why you were at the restaurant describe the problems write about the action you want the manager to take You do NOT need to write your own address.

formal
You booked a tour package for your family through a travel agent. You had enjoyed the tour very much. Write a letter to the travel agent to thank them. In your letter: Mention the tour you took Describe the things about the tour you & your family liked the best Also, suggest any improvements to make things better

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

formal
You work at home and have a problem with a piece of equipment that you use for your job. Write a letter to the shop or company which supplied the equipment. In your letter ●describe the problem with the equipment ●explain how this problem is affecting your work ●say what you want the shop or company to do

formal
You use the local swimming pool often, and during one of your visits, you have encountered a problem. Write a letter to the manager. In your letter: Describe what the problem was Tell what the swimming staff have done about it Suggest your own solution to the problem

formal
You recently took a plane to a holiday in a foreign city, and on arrival you found that your luggage was lost. You did not receive your luggage until the last day of your holiday. Write to the airline, •complaining about this situation •saying why it caused you problems •seeking suitable compensation Begin your letter ‘Dear --------’ Do not write any addresses

formal
You have read an article in a newspaper that contains incorrect information about your town/city. Write a letter to the editor of the newspaper to inform them about the mistake. In your letter - Describe your knowledge of the city. - Explain what information was incorrect in your opinion. - Suggest how the editor could fix this error.

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

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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
Write a letter to the manager of your local bus service. They have recently made some changes to the bus services which created inconveniences for you. In your letter, explain: what are the changes the problems you are facing which parts of the service you would like to change

formal
There have been some problems with the Internet service, especially its reliability, in your area over the last two weeks. Write a letter to the manager of the Internet company. In your letter • describe what the problems are • explain how these problems are affecting you • suggest what you would like the company to do

formal
You need to take a leave from work. Write a letter to your manager asking for leave. In your letter: - Explain why you need the leave. - State how long you will be away. - Assure that your work will be covered in your absence.

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 recently attended a meeting at a hotel. When you return home, you found you had left some important papers at the hotel. Write a letter to the manager of the hotel. In your letter Say where you left the paper Explain why they are so important Tell the manager what you want him/her to do

formal
Task 1 You have seen an advertisement for part-time job at a restaurant and want to apply for it. Write a letter to the manager. In your letter: -describe your experience -tell him why you are interested in the job -say why you think you would be suitable for the job

formal
You have just rented an unfurnished flat and a friend has told you that the opportunity to shop in the shopping center has cheap second-hand furniture. Write to the shop owner describing what you need and asking whether they have these items and what they cost

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 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 Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
You are looking for a part time Job in a sports centre.write a letter to the manager of the sports centre.in your letter Introduce yourself Explain what experience and special skills you have Tell him/her when you think you could start

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