IELTS General Writing Task 1 formal Topics/Questions 2026

Want to improve your IELTS score? Get instant feedback and learn from your mistakes!

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
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 time you complained ● Explain what you want the manager to do

formal
You regularly attend meetings where many people who belong to different countries take part. You have met people of a large number of countriesand have had a wide experience of them. Write a letter to the editor of a local newspaper. In your letter · Why you attend such meetings · What activities are being done in such meetings · How this information can be useful to the people of your country

formal
You travelled by a long distance bus recently and your suitcase was damaged. Write a letter to the bus company. In your letter •Inform the bus company of when and to where you travelled •Describe your suitcase and what happened to it •Explain why the company should pay for a new suitcase

formal
You are planning to go and study English at a school overseas. You would like some information about their courses. Write a letter to the school. In your letter Ask about the school Say what kind of accommodation you want Mention any special request you have (for example diet).

formal
A large companyin your area has decided to spend amount of money,either to sponsor a local children's sports team for two years or to pay for two open-air concerts.It has asked for feed back general public. write a letter to the company .in your letter -describe the benefits of sponsoring the sports team -summerise the benefits of paying for the concert. -say how you think to send the the money

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You have bought a new camera but when you got 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 You should write at least 150 words.

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 read an article in a newspaper about a city/town. Some of the information in that article is wrong. Write a letter to the newspaper editions. In your letter, you should: describe how you know the city/town tell what the problems are suggest what you want the editor to do.

formal
you recently ordered something online. When the the delivery cam it was not complete Write a letter to the company. In your letter: explain what you ordered and what was missing from your delivery explain the importance of this delivery ask for a replacement item to be sen

formal
You are resident of a community and found a gold chain. Write a letter to the manager to find the owner.

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
2019-12-07: Task 1 You went on a trip and found that the guide was really helpful. Write a letter to the tour company manager. In your letter, you should: • describe the tour • tell what you liked about the tour guide • recommend manager ways/methods to appreciate the tour guide

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

formal
One of your penfriends wants to improve their English at a language school. They have never studied at a language school before and have asked for your advice on how to choose a good one. write a letter to your penfriend, Advise them about the following; the teaching method,the number of students in class and the number of hours per week. write 150 words in 20 minutes.

formal
You ordered a new cheque book from your bank two weeks ago but you have received nothing. Write a letter to the manager complaining about the bad service. Say when and how you ordered the cheque book. Ask how much longer you will have to wait and ask the manager what action he will take over this matter. You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write your own address. Begin your letter as follows:

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 Regional Passport Office for the same. In your letter • introduce yourself • describe what happened and how you are at loss • s say what you wantthe officer to do

formal
You have recently learned about an opening for an internship at a local company that you are interested in. Write a letter to the director of the company. In your letter, ● introduce yourself ● explain how you learned about the internship ● explain why you would be suitable for the internship

formal
You recently purchased an item from an online store, but when it arrived, it was damaged. Write a letter to the company. In your letter: describe the item you ordered explain what the problem is say what you would like the company to do

formal
You recently bought a product from a store, but it does not work properly. Write a letter to the store manager. In your letter: •Explain what you bought and when •Describe the problem •Ask for a solution (refund/replacement) 👉 Target: 150–180 words 👉 Type: Formal Letter

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

formal
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 were hurt in a minor accident inside a supermarket, and you wish you 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. Write at least 150 words. You do Not need to write any addresses.

formal
Your company has sent you on a three-month course in another country. The course is coming to an end but you would like to prolong your stay. Write a letter to your manager, in your letter: Describe how the course has benefited you Explain why you would like to delay your return Suggest a date when you would like to come back

formal
You saw a column in the newspaper about you childhood friend. You would like to contact him or her. Write a letter to the editor of this newspaper asking for details about your friend. Inculde, Why do you want to contact him or her How the editor can contact you

formal
A museum near your home is looking for people to do part-time voluntary/unpaid work. You would like to do some voluntary/unpaid work at the museum. Write a letter to the museum director to apply for the voluntary/unpaid work. In you letter explain why you want to do voluntary/unpaid work at the museum Describe some skills and qualities you have that would be useful Give detials of when you would be available for work

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

formal
Write a letter to town manager to know about the leisure activities you can explore in the town you are planning to move in. In your letter- • Why did you plan to move there? • What activities you like? • And ask him/ her for details about the activities.

formal
Write a letter to the manager of the bus 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 You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ...........,

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
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 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 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 your left it •Say what action you would like the company to take

formal
You are Dimitar Borisov/Elena Borisova. You do not feel your school is doing enough to give the students access to and knowledge of computers. Write a formal letter to your head teacher, Mr Page, suggesting ways to improve access to IT resources in your school. In your letter: • suggest the formation of a lunchtime and/or after-school computer club; • propose ways to improve the facilities available (e.g. replacing old and outdated equipment, etc.); • outline the potential benefits of these changes. Start and finish the letter in an appropriate way.

formal
Write a letter to your manager for a 3-day leave to attend a training course. In your letter -what is the course about -how this course will be helpful to your work -suggest how your work could be covered while you are away

formal
You 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 you would like the travel agency to do

formal
You saw an advert for the post of finance manager at the vacancy board. You want to apply for the same job. But, you have been late for applying for the same. Write a letter along with your resume to your prospective employer. In your letter • introduce yourself • talkaboutyourskills • reasonsforyourdelay

formal
A large company in your area has decided to spend a certain amount of money, either to sponsor a local children’s sports team for two years, or to pay for two open-air concerts. It has asked for feedback from the general public. -write a letter to the company. In your letter • Describe the benefits of sponsoring the sport team • Summaries the benefits of paying for the concerts • Say how you think the company should spend the money

formal
You recently moved to a new city and want to join a local gym. Write a letter to the gym manager. In your letter: Introduce yourself and explain why you are interested in joining the gym. Ask about the facilities and membership options. Inquire about any classes or personal training sessions available.

formal
WRITING TASK 1 You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 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 stayed at a hotel last week. After you got home, you realized that you had left your watch behind. Write a letter to the hotel manager. In your letter - Explain what happened to your watch - Describe your watch - Ask the manager to help you find it

formal
Write a letter to the company to complain about the poor service you received from its employees. 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

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

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

formal
You visit a cafe every day. Write a letter to the manager of the cafe. In your letter Say what you like about the cafe - peacefull environemnt, as well as the coffee, welcoming employees and the interior Suggest an improvement to the cafe - An addtional barista as well as counter, and add some games Explain the benefits of your suggestion - increase efficiency + customer's will spend more time cafe which will increase cafe's revenue.

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

formal
Your next-door neighbors like to listen to music late at night. Because of the loud music, you often lose sleep. Write a letter to the building manager. In your letter -describe the situation -explain the problems it is causing you -offer at least one solution

formal
The local library is hiring a new staff member, and you are interested in applying for the position. Write a letter to the library manager to apply for this job

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. Begin your letter as follows

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
(SOFIA) The government is looking to demolish an old historic building in the City Centre. Write a letter to them expressing your dissatisfaction with this plan. In your letter – Say why the building is important – Suggest solutions to preserve the building – Explain the benefits of keeping the building to the city and its residents.

formal
Recently, your position in the company has changed, and accordingly, you are required to write a letter to ask for some corresponding training programs that contains the following information: • What was your last position? • What qualities does your new position require? • How does the training help you in your new position? You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows:

formal
You normally go shopping in the area where you live. However, you think some of the facilities for shoppers could be improved. Write a letter to your local newspaper. In your letter: say in general what you like about shopping in your area say what is wrong with the facilities suggest how they can be improved

formal
Your local public library wants to make improvements to there services & facilities. In order to get ideas from the public, they have asked library users to send them suggestions in writing. Write a letter to librarian in your letter - describe what you like about the library - say what you don't like - make suggessions for improvements

formal
your child is going on a school trip abroad for three days and the headmaster of the school has asked anyparents if they would like to come along to assist.you would like to go . write a letter to the headmaster. say why you woud like to go? Suggest what you could do to help during the trip? ask some further questions about the trip?

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

formal
You should spend 20 minutes on this task. You have decided to leave your current employer. Write a letter to the employer telling why you are leaving the job. In your letter – explain why you have decided to leave the company. tell your employer what you have decided to do after leaving the job.

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
A large company in your area has decided to spend a certain amount of money, either to sponsor a local children's sport team for two years, or two pay for two open-air concerts. It has asked for feedback from the general public. Write a letter to the company. In your letter describe the benefits of sponsoring the sport team. Summaries the benefits of paying for the concerts. And say how you think the company should spend the money.

formal
For the past year you have been a member of a local club. Now you want to end your membership. Write a letter to the club secretary. In your letter: state what type of membership you have and how you have paid for this give details of how you have benefited from the club explain why you want to leave

formal
You have seen an advertisement in an English newspaper for a job working in the City Museum shop during the holidays. You decide to apply for the job. Write a letter to the Director of the Museum. In your letter, • Introduce yourself • Explain what experience and special skills you have • Explain why you are interested in the job Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows – Dear Sir/Madam,

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

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

formal
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 summarize the benefits of paying for the concerts say how you think the company should spend the money

formal
You recently attended a conference and would like to give a presentation to your colleagues about it. Write a letter to your manager and include: • The topic of the conference •Why you want to present about it •When it could be done

formal
You recently attended a meeting at a hotel. When you returned home, you found you had left some important papers at 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 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.

formal
Write a letter to the manager of your insurance company. -Describe the item you lost -How you lost it -What you would like the insurance company to do for you.

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

formal
You stayed at hotel last week. After you reached home, you realized you forgot your watch at your hotel room. Write a letter to Hotel Manager, explaining what happened. Describe tha watch, say why it is important to you and ask him to help you find it.

formal
Our local hospital has advertised people to do unpaid work helping at the hospital. You would like to do some work at the hospital in your free time. Write a letter to the hospital. In your letter •explain why you would like to do unpaid work at the hospital •say what type of unpaid work you would be able to do • give details of when you would be available for this work

formal
Write a letter to the council about the new sports and fitness facilities

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 have recently moved to a new neighbourhood and would like to join a sports centre there. You have found a private sports club. Write a letter to the manager of the sports club. In your letter, •introduce yourself •say why are you interested in this sports club • ask some questions about the club e.g facilities, membership, costs etc.

formal
You work in a shop and have noticed that many customers complain that the shop closes too early. You think that the shop should stay open until later. Write a letter to the shop manager, in your letter 1. Describe the complaints that have been made 2. Explain why it is important that the shop should stay open until later 3. suggest how the opening hours should be changed Write at least 150 words. You do not need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear_________________,

formal
You live in a room in colege which you share with another student. However, there are many problems with this arrangement and you find I verydifficult to work. Write a letter to the accommodation officer at your college. In your letter Describe the situation Explain the problem an why is it difficult to work Say what knd of accommodation you would prefer

formal
You recently flew with an airline and had a problem with the food on the plane. Write a letter to the air company. In your letter give the details of the flight explain what the problem with the food was say what you would like the air company to 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. 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
Write a letter to the manager of a hotel where you stayed and left two important things. - Give details of your stay - Why those two things are important - How he cab return the things to you

formal
You would like to join the local orchestra. 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
You work for a small company. You need to arrange for some time off work. Write a letter to your employer. In your letter: explain why you want to take time off work give details of how long you will be away suggest how you will make up for the lost time ​ You do NOT need to write any addresses

formal
You have heard that a developer plans to build a shopping center 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 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. Begin your letter as follows: ● Dear Sir or Madam, Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
You should spend 20 minutes on this task. You have heard that a developer plans to build a shopping center 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
ou have a full-time job and you are also doing a part-time evening course. You now find that you cannot continue the course. Write a letter to your teachers. In your letter describe the situation explain why you cannot continue at this time say what action you would like to take

formal
Some people become famous in their early age. Is it bad or good? Discuss and give your opinion. Write a letter to your manager to request setting up a cafeteria for the staffs. In your letter, you should tell: what you heard about the inconvenience from the staffs how you feel about it what suggestion you can give

formal
You are going to spend three months doing work experience in an organization. Write a letter to the manager of the organization where you are going to do work experience. In your letter: •Thank the manager for the opportunity to do work experience, •Explain what you hope to learn from the work experience, •Ask some questions about the work experience you are going to do, You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam, You get 20 minutes to complete this task.

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. – I am on vacation • Say what you would like the bank to do to fix the problem.- investigate the case/send revised credit card statemen

formal
On a recent holiday, you lost a valuable item. Fortunately you have travel insurance to cover the cost of the lost item. Write a letter to the insurance manager. 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
You recently bought an electronic device from a store, but it is not working properly. Write a letter to the store manager. In your letter: Describe the problem with the device. Explain what you have done to try to resolve the issue. State what you would like the manager to do.

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

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

formal
You 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
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. & Summaries the benefits of paying for the concerts. & Say how you think the company should spend the money.

formal
You found a problem with the item which you bought it online. Write a letter to the company manager. In your letter, you should: •describe the item •explain what the issue is •suggest what you expect the manager to do

formal
You are going to have a family party in a private room in a hotel. Write a letter to the hotel manager and say : Why you need to use this private room What you need them to provide for the party inquire about the price of the food you are ordering.

formal
You have recently had dinner at an expensive restaurant and you were not satisfied with the food or service. You have decided to write a letter to the manager to complain about: •the table you were seated at •the long delays and unavailability of some items •the lack of concern by staff members regarding your problems

formal
On a recent holiday you lost a valueable item. Fortunately you have travel insurance to cover the cost of anything lost. Write a letter to the manager of your insurance company.

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You are renting a flat from an agency. Your contract was for one year but you need to leave the flat two months early. Write a letter to the agency. In your letter * introduce yourself * ask to leave the flat before the contract finishes * explain why you need to break the contract.

formal
Your child's school is going for a trip out of the country for 3 days and parent is allowed to join the group. Write a letter to school. In your letter, you should: •ask questions about the trip •tell them why you want to join the group •explain how you can help.

🚀 Prepare for IELTS writing section today!
  • Unlimited Task 1 & Task 2 checks
    Practice with essays, charts, and letters.
  • Personalized suggestions & mistake analysis
    Spot every mistake and boost your score.
  • Topic ideas & vocabulary helpers
    Expand your ideas and use the right words.
  • Progress tracking
    Watch your writing improve with every practice.