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 have been facing a lot of issues at work lately. Write a letter to your Reporting Manager informing him about this. In your letter: • Explain what / who is affecting your work and people's attitude towards you • What your expectations are from this work/office • How / what your manager can do to help you with these problems You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

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Scenario: You recently purchased a product that turned out to be faulty. Write a letter to the store manager, complaining about the issue and requesting a replacement or refund.

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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
You enjoyed a holiday organized by a tour company. Write a letter to the manager and praise the tour guide who accompanied you on the journey. In your letter – Give the details of your holiday – Explain what the tour guide did that was special and helpful – Suggest how the manager may reward the tour guide.

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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

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You have just started a course in a college which has no sports facilities of its own. 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
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

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You forgot an item of clothing at the hotel where you stayed recently. Write a letter to the hotel manager and include the following: – When did you stay and in what room? – Describe the item you left behind. – What would you like the manager to do about it?

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You have bought a new computer but when you got home you found it had some problems. You returned the computer and spoke to the company representative two weeks ago, but the computer has not been fixed yet. Write a letter to the company. In your letter: explain what the problem with the computer is explain what the representative told you about it tell them what you would like to be done about the situation. Write at least 150 words.

formal
1.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 osay why you are writing and how you feel o explain what happened o tell them what you would like them to do.

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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

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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 teh manager of the online store. 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
You have seen a course advertised online that you think would help you perform better at work. The course will take place during the week, so you will need to take time off work. Write a letter to your manager. In the letter say what the course is explain why you want to do the course and how it will be beneficial to the company suggest how your work can be covered while you attend the course.

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Write a letter to apologise on particualr job you agreed to take during summer vacation due to some unforeseen circumstances. - Explain the Situation - An apology - Express that you would be interested in the position next summer.

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You live in a room in a college where you share it with another student. You find it very difficult to study and work there because your roommate always has friends visiting. He/she has parties in the room and sometimes borrows your things without asking you. Write a letter to the Accommodation Officer at the college and ask for a new room next term. You would prefer a single room and explain your reasons.

formal
You need to take leave from your work for almost a month for some personal reasons. Write a letter to your Manager. In your letter: • Explain the reason for your leave & the length of your leave. • Explain how you intend to deliver the task that was given to you recently and has to be turned in in a week’s time. • Explain how & who will look after your work while you are away. Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows:

formal
You have moved to another city but your bank has your old address and continues to send all communication there. Write a letter to your bank branch. In the letter, mention: •Where have you moved? •What problem are you facing regarding the bank’s communication? •What you want them to do regarding old communication already sent to the wrong address.

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
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

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
Writing task 1 (a letter) Your local council is closing the children’s playground in your locality as not many children visit the park. Write a letter to the council requesting not to close it. Include the following in your letter: – How important is the playground for children? – Why don’t children go to the playground? – What can be done to bring children back to the park?

formal
You work for a company and have recently decided to leave your current employment. Write a letter to your employer. In your letter explain why you are writing explain why you have decided to leave the company tell your employer what you plan to do after leaving your present employment

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n 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
Two weeks ago you bought a radio from a local branch of a well-known chain of shops. It did not work properly. The shop took it back and said they would repair it. You have waited a week and it is still not ready. Write a letter to the shop. In your letter say what has happened and how you feel ask them to explain why there has been a delay ask them to repair the radio very quickly or to supply you with a new radio 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 are working for a company. You need to take some time off work and want to adk 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

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You want to complain about the service you received in the hotel you stayed in while attending a recent meeting Write a letter to the person who organised the meeting. In your letter, *Describe the meeting *Explain the problems the service *Suggest what the meeting organizer should do

formal
On a recent holiday, you lost a valubale 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 to do

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You are due to start a new job next week but you will not be able to because you have some problems. Write a letter to your new employer. In your letter • explain your situation • describe your problems • tell him/her when you think you can start. You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write your own address.

formal
You missed an international 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 your flight Explain how missing your flight impacted you Clearly state what you would like the airline to do You do NOT need to write any addresses.

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You have an appointment with the bank and now you realized that you can't make it for that. Write a letter to the manager.

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You have decided to change your profession and want to resign from your current job. Write a letter to the manager. In your letter: • Tell him about your decision and its reasons; • Explain what you have learnt from your current job and how you feel about leaving it; • Ask for a letter of reference. Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ....,

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
Informing an Airline. Last Tuesday you flew from New York to Paris. When you arrived home, you discovered that you had left your cabin bag on the plane. Write a letter to the airline. In your letter, you should explain: •where and when you lost your bag •what your bag looks like •what its contents were Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir / Madam You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

formal
The system used for rubbish/garbage collection in your local area is not working properly. This is causing problems for you and your neighbours. Write a letter to the local council. In your letter > Describe how the rubbish collection system is not working properly >explain how this is affecting you and your neighbours >suggest what should be done about the problem

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You recently visited a local gym and were unhappy with the cleanliness and maintenance of the facilities. Write a letter to the manager of the gym. In your letter: •Explain the problems you noticed •Describe how these problems affected your experience •Suggest what could be done to improve the situation

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Write a letter to the organiser of an annual festival that you attended last year. Include Feedback about last year An offer to volunteer Questions about the festival

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You have recently booked a trip abroad with a travel agency; however, plans have changed, and you cannot go to that trip. Write a letter to your travel agent. - Give details of your trip. - Explain why you can’t go on this trip. Tell the agency what you want to do about the booking

formal
You work for an international company, and you 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 her/his help in arranging

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A local company has initiated a huge construction project near your house. Write a letter to your local council. In your letter: • Introduce yourself; • Explain that the works disturb you and your neighbors; • Suggest solutions to the problem.

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Amuseum, near your home is looking for people to do part time voluntary unpaid . You would like to do some voluntary unpaid work at the museum. Write a letter to the amuseum director to apply for the voluntary unpaid work in your letter • explain why you want to do the voluntary unpaid work at the museum • describe some skills and qualities you have to would be useful • Give details of when you would be available for work

formal
There is a problem with the changing rooms in the sports centre that you visit. You have complained several times but with no success. Write a letter to the manager of the sports centre. In your letter: • describe what the problem with the changing rooms is • say what happened the last times you complained • explain what you want the manager to do.

formal
You have just returned from a holiday. You are unhappy with the quality of the hotel you stayed in and want to complain to the travel agency that arranged the holiday. Write a letter to the manager of the travel agency. In your letter, -say about the holiday and where you stayed -mention why you are unhappy about the hotel where you stayed -say what yo would like the travel agency to do

formal
An art gallery in your town is looking for volunteers to work in the gallery at the weekends. You would like to do some work in the art gallery in your free time.Write a letter to the art gallery. In your letterexplain why you would like to do unpaid work in the gallerysay what type of unpaid work you could dogive details about when you will be available for this work

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You are not happy with the course you are doing at collage and would like to change to a different course. Write a letter to the collage director requesting to change your course. You should include details about: •what course are you doing now •why you are not satisfied with that course •what course you would like to change

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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 shop manager. In your letter: • describe the problem with the equipment • explain what happened when you phoned the shop • say what you would like the manager to do Task 1 (general)

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You live near a recreation ground. A local school brings pupils to the recreation ground to do sports, such as football and cricket, but recently this caused some problems. Write to the head of the school. -explain why you enjoy living by the recreation ground -describe the recent problems -and say what you think the school should 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 him/her to do

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

formal
You and your neighbours have noticed that the rubbish collection services where you live have recently been quite bad. Write a letter to your local council. In your letter, – explain what you have recently experienced – explain what the neighbours have recently experienced – ask what action will be taken to improve the service

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You’ve just returned from a disastrous holiday! It was not as described by the agent and you experienced serious problems. Write a letter of complaint to the agent. In your letter - remind the agent about the holiday - explain to them what happened - ask for compensation

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ou work at home and have a problem with a piece of quipment 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

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Write a letter to a financial organization that gives money to students who would like to take a part-time course. Mention - qualifications and work experience - details about the course - how this course will help you

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A restaurant has placed an advertisement for waiters and waitresses in your local newspaper. Write a letter to the restaurant, applying for the job. In your letter: explain what you are currently doing

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

formal
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 work for an international company, and would like to spend six moths 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 would like to spend six months working in its head office in another company 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
ou should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 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. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ..., You should write at least 150 words.

formal
You have a complaint about the hotel you stayed at while attending a meeting that was booked by the organizer of a company meeting. Write a letter to the organizer of the meeting and include: -Details about the meeting - The problem you face - What should be done

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You and your family are planning to spend a weekend at a seaside hotel. Write a letter to the hotel for making the arrangement. In your letter say, - when you will be arriving and leaving - what type of rooms you would like and ask how much the weekend will cost - inquire about activities and places of interest near the hotel Write at least 150 words.

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 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 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 a company. You have seen someinfornation online about a training course that would be useful for your work. Write a letter to your manager. In the letter: Give details of the course Say how the course would be useful Explain how the company could help you to do this course.

formal
You have ordered a product on website and received a different product. Write a letter to the company.In your letter Describe the product you ordered. Explain why you aren't satisfied with the product you received. Let them know what actions you expect them to take

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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

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The sports center that you regularly visit has a problem with some of its equipment. Write a letter to the center manager. In your letter •tell them about the problem; •describe how it has affected you; •explain why it should be fixed soon.

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 him /her to do

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 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 your 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 your job Write at least 150 words.

formal
A company offers a temporary job with no salary, but it helps you to gain some work experience. Write a letter to the manager of the company. In your letter, -introduce your previous work experience -tell the manager which department you want to work -describe what expectation you have from the job

formal
You have seen a Tourist Board welcoming nominations for a ‘Best City/Town Award’. Nominate your home city/town. Write a letter to the tourist board. In your letter •nominate your town/city and refer to its location •explain what is special about your city/town •say how winning an award would change your city/town

formal
You have completed the course and received a certificate, but you lost it on the way back. Write a letter to the Principal of the college. In your letter, you should tell: how you lost the certificate why you need it what you expect the principal to d

formal
A large company in your area has decided to spend a certain amount of money, either to sponsor a local children 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: 1) describe the benefits of sponsoring the sports team. 2) summarize the benefits of paying for the concerts. 3) saying how you think the company should spend that money.

formal
You are going on a short training course at a college in Greenmount, Northern Ireland. You need somewhere to live while you are there. Write a letter to the accommodation officer at the college. In your letter, explain your situation describe the accommodation you require say when you will need it

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

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

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
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 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. Write at least 150 words.

formal
write a letter to your manager to request setting up cafeteria for staffs. how you feel about it what you heard about inconvenience what suggestion you can give

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You are interested in attending a training course abroad but require financial support to do so. Write a letter to the education department requesting financial assistance. ▪️Introduce yourself ▪️Describe the training course and how it would benefit your work ▪️Explain why you need financial assist ance.

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

formal
You are going on a short training course at a college in Greeemount, Northern Ireland. You need somewhere to live while you are there. Write a letter to the accommodation officer at the college. In your letter -explain your situation -describe the accomodation you require -say when you will need it

formal
Question: you are due to start a new job next week but you will not be able to because you have some problems. writ a letter to your employer. in your letter --explain your situation --describe your problems --tell him/her when you think you can start

formal
You had traveled by air and had an unpleasant flight. Write a letter to the airline company Manager about the following: - Describe the flight - Explain what was the problem -Ask how this issue can be solved

formal
You would like a job working in a summer camp which runs sports and outdoor activities for children and young people. Write a letter to the organiser of the summer camp. In your letter: describe your personality say what relevant experience and skills you have explain what sort of work you would like 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 :  Explain the importance of paper.  Tell them where you think you have forgotten them  Suggest a solution.

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You recently attended a conference and you would like to give a presentation about the information you gained by attending the conference. Write a letter to your manager asking for permission to give a presentation. In your letter: describe what type of presentation you have in mind what topics it would cover and how long it would take who should participate in the presentation and where should it be conducted You do NOT need to write any address. You should write at least 150 words.

formal
You want to complain about the service you received in the hotel you stayed in while attending a recent meeting. Write a letter to the person who organised the meeting in you letter 1) Describe the meeting 2) Explain the problems with the service 3) suggest what the meeting organiser should do

formal
You read an article in a news paper about a city . Some of the information in that article is wrong. Write a letter to the newspaper editions.

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You and your family are planning to spend a weekend at a seaside hotel. Write a letter to the hotel making the arrangements. Let them know • when you will be arriving and leaving, • what type of rooms you would like • and ask them how much the weekend will cost • also enquire about activities and places of interest near the hotel. You should write at least 150 words.

formal
1. You are leaving your current job for some reasons and you would like to recommend one of your friends to your manager. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter - say why you resign - what are the duties of your current job - why your friend is suitable for this job

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
An old car was left on the street near your street several weeks ago. The car is now causing a problem for residents. Write a letter to the Council. In your letter: - Describe the car; - Outline the problems it is causing; -Tell the Council what you want them to do about it. Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Councilor,

formal
Write a letter to the local council about plans to close a children's playground in your area in your letter, you should: -say why children are not using the playground -Explain how important the playground is for the local community -Suggest how the playground could be improved

formal
You recently organised an all- day meeting for your company, which took place in a local hotel. In their feedback, participants at the meeting said that they liked the hotel, but they were unhappy about the food that was served for lunch. Write a letter to the manager of the hotel. In your letter, - Say what the participants liked about the hotel - Explain why they were unhappy about the food - Suggest what the manager should do to improve the food in future

formal
There have been several comp,laints 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 #comp #laints #reception #area #visitors #company #manager #complaints

formal
You have reserved a holiday apartment in the city for your elderly parents and want to confirm the arrangements. Write a letter to the rental agency. In your letter: confirm the date and time of your parents' arrival explain the special needs that they have, as an elderly couple say how you will organise your parents' arrival and departure.

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

formal
You work in an office and have recently been experiencing a health problem. You think that the problem started because of the working conditions in the office. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter Describe the health problem. Explain why you think it was cause by conditions in the office. Suggest what the manager should do to improve the working conditions in the office.

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
You are bothered by the amount of trash in your local park.Write a letter to the head of the city park department .In your letter: • Describe the problem with the trash • Explain why it is a problem • Say what you think the city should do.

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