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
Ameuseum near your home is looking for perople to do parttime volantary work . your would like to do some voluntary work at museum.Write a letter to the museum director to apply for the voluntary work in your letter , explain why you wannt to so voluntary work and describe some skills and qualities you have that can be useful and details of when you would be available for work

formal
One of your friends wants to apply for a job at a summer school camp as a sports trainer. Write a letter to the camp manager to recommend your friend. In your letter •say how well you know your friend •describe the qualifications and experience that your friend has •explain why your friend would be suitable for this job.

formal
You recently ordered an item that was advertised as having a discount from the normal price, but you have found that when you paid, you did not get the discount. Write to the company. In your letter •Explain that you did not get the discount •Tell them where you saw the discount advertised •Tell them what you would like them to do about the situation

formal
You recently travelled to New York and you were completely dissatisfied with the hotel service you stayed at. Write a letter to the hotel manager, in your letter: • introduce yourself • mention the problems you had at the hotel during your stay • say what action you need the hotel manager to take

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 railway company. In your letter: describe the bag and its contents explain where and when you lost the bag say what you would like the company to do

formal
Mrs Barrett,An english speaking woman who lives in your town, has advertised for someone to help her in her home for a few hours in a day next summer.Write a letter to mirs Barrett suggest how could you help her in her work. say why you like to do this job. when you will and not be will avaible.

formal
You recently stayed at a hotel for a conference. Write a letter to the hotel manager. In your letter: Give details about your stay Explain what you liked and what you didn't like about the hotel Make suggestions for improvement Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

formal
You have a full-time job and are also doing a part-time evening course. You know find that you cannot continue the course. Write the letter to the course tutor. In your letter: -Describe your situation -Explain why you cannot continue at this time -Say what action you would like to do

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, facilities, membership, costs etc.

formal
You have seen an advertisement in the local newspaper for swimming lessons at your community sports centre. You want to find out more about these lessons. Write a letter to the manager of the sports centre. In the letter ● describe how well you can swim at the moment ● explain why you want to learn to swim better ● enquire about the time and cost of the swimming lessons

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Write at least 150 words. You recently ordered an item that was advertised as having a discount from the normal price, but you have found that when you paid, you did not get the discount. Write to the company. In your letter •Explain that you did not get the discount •Tell them where you saw the discount advertised •Tell them what you would like them to do about the situation You do NOT need to write any addresses.

formal
Question: In addition to your full-time job, you are taking a 15-hour Computer Science course. You now find that you cannot continue with the course. Write a letter to the course tutor. In your letter: Describe your schedule and situation Explain why you cannot continue the course Say what action you would like to take Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Ms. Franklin,

formal
You and your relatives 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.

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: oapologize for what happened o explain why you missed the deadline o tell him/her how you will avoid this situation in future.

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 would you like them to do

formal
You visited a hotel last week and left some items behind. Write a letter to the manager stating 1. Details of your stay 2. How important the items are to you 3. How you would want the items to the sent to you

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 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 Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear……………………,

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 been working as a Manager in a private company for the last two years with no salary raise. Write a letter to your manager to request a pay equity in your salary as compared to other managers in your department. In your letter, explain why you are writing why you think you deserve a salary raise say what you want your manager to do for you

formal
You recently read an article in the newspaper about someone whom you know personally but have not heard from in a long time. You found that some of the information published was incorrect. Write a letter to editor to inform him about it. In your letter, ● state what the article is about ● mention the error(s) ● describe what you expect from the editor You do NOT need to write any address. Begin your letter as follows: Dear .....................,.

formal
You have had a back account for a few years. Recently you received a letter from the bank stating that your account is $240 overdrawn and that you will be charged $70 which will be taken directly from your account. You know that this information is incorrect. Write a letter to the bank. Explain what has happened and say what you would like them to do about it.

formal
There have been several complaints about the receiption area where visitors to your company arrive. Your manager has asked you to suggest how the receiption 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 receiption area could be improved

formal
You have recently visited a sports centre and discovered some problems including the poor condition of a changing room there. You had complained about it earlier, but still no action has been taken. Write a letter to the facility manager about it. In your letter, ● describe the problems ● include details of your complaint ● say what actions you would like them to take

formal
Your local council is considering closing a sports and leisure centre to save money. Write a letter to your council. In your letter -Give details on how you and your family use the centre. -explain why the centre is important for the local community. -describe the potential effects on local people if the centre closes.

formal
You would like to work for a company or organisation in a foreign country. Write a letter to an employment agency. In your letter: • Describe the kind of job you would like to do • Explain which country or part of the world you would like to work in • Tell them why you are interested in working in another country

formal
You hired a car from a company, while. While you were driving you had a small accident. Write a letter to the company to explain it. In your letter: •when and where you hired it •describe how the accident happened •what kind of action did you take after the accident

formal
Your company is going to give a special training course for staff. Your manager has asked you to find out if the local conference centre has the right facilities to hold this course. Write a letter to the manager of the conference centre. In your letter: ● Give details about the course ● Describe what equipment you will need for the course ● Ask some further questions about the facilities at the conference centre

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 recently read about a volunteer opportunity overseas. Write a letter to the head of the organisation. In your letter: discuss what you know about the programme · explain why you are interested in the opportunity describe what skills you would bring to the position ( 195 )

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

formal
You are in a hospital with a broken leg. Your colleagues have sent you get well soon greeting cards and gifts. Write a letter to them and include: Thank them for everything Explain how you spend time in the hospital Inform them about your recovery process

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

formal
You are not satisfied with a product you purchased. Write a letter to the store manager. In your letter: - Describe the product and the problem. - Explain what you want the store to do. - Say what you will do if the issue is not resolved.

formal
you recently organised an all- day meeting for your compagny, which took place in a local hotel. In their feedback, participant at the meeting said that they liked the hotel, but they were un happy 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
You want to start your own small business. Write a letter to a bank requesting information about obtaining a business loan to finance your new company. In your letter, include the following information: 1) what kind of business you want to start 2) how much money you need 3)the length of time over which you would expect to repay the money. You do NOT need to write any addresses

formal
You want to join a new gym in your neighbourhood. Write a letter to the gym manager. In your letter ask what types of membership are available, and what the prices are ask what activities are available ask what the joining procedure is You should You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
You are planning to study abroad. Write a letter of inquiry. - ask for the terms of admission into that university - ask for the possibility of getting a scholarship

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

formal
1. You are planning a 2-day work training outside your city next month. Write a letter to the manager of the hotel regarding the accommodation arrangements for your visit. In your letter, you should: • introduce yourself and your company • ask the availability of their rooms • tell him / her your every arrangement and needs.

formal
You have recently bought some furniture. It was broken when you received it. Write a complaint letter to the store manager and say – What and when did you buy? – Why was it broken? – Suggest how the problem could be solved

formal
Write a letter to the director of your company to recommend a group in your local community which deserves help. In your letter, you should tell: why you suggest helping this group how your company can help this group what the benefits your company will in return for.

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

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
You have heard that there is a part-time job available in a nearby shop. Write a letter to the shop's manager, applying for the job. specify what job you are applying for write about your experience and skills and why you should get an interview ask about the hours required for the job and give your preferred hours You should write at least 150 words.

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
you live in a room in college. there is a problem in the bathroom that you would like it to be repaired. write a letter to the accommodation officer at the college. in the letter describe the problem explain how the situation affects you suggest a time when repairman could visit

formal
You borrowed some books from your school or college library. Unfortunately you have to go away to visit a sick relative and cannot return the books in time. Write a letter to the library. Explain what has happened and tell them what you want to do about it. You should You do NOT need to write your own address.

formal
You use public transport and have been facing issues. Write a letter to the public transport authorities. In your letter include: Why public transport is important to you What problem you face Suggest what can be done to improve public transport

formal
You were recently helped by an employee at the airport, write to the airport authority. in your letter -describe the problem -Talk about how you were helped -Suggest how to reward the employee

formal
You have been have problems concerning your neighbour's trash lately. Write a letter to the city enviromental officer. In you letter derscribe the situation, explain how this problem is affecting you, suggest how the officer could help you with the problem.

formal
Write a letter of suggestions to the editor about crime safety

formal
You recently stayed at a hotel during a business trip. However, you were not satisfied with the service you received. Write a letter to the hotel manager explaining the issues. In your letter: • Describe the problems you faced. • Explain how these issues affected your stay. • Suggest what you would like the hotel to do.

formal
Your child’s school has arranged a trip abroad for students. The principal of the school asked some parents to join the trip to help. Write to the school principal and say: Why do you want to join the journey? How could you help during the trip? Ask some questions about the trip.

formal
You and your family are planning to spend a weekend at a seaside hotel . Write a letter to the hotel making the arrangement. 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 .

formal
You have just bought a new mobile phone from a website on the internet. When it was delivered, the phone was faulty. Write a letter to the company. In the letter: introduce yourself explain the situation state what action you want to be taken

formal
You have been invited to attend an interview for a place studying a course at a college. Unfortunately, because of a previous appointment, you cannot come at the time they wish. Write a letter to the admission tutor. In your letter, • explain your position • apologize and offer to come on another day or later the same day • also ask how long the interview will be, and whether there will be any tests during it

formal
recently you applyed for a course in collage, and your course have been aprooved,and you can join becouse of some reason, write a letter to principal in your latter. whis is the course reason why you can not join ask for some future date for join

formal
On a recent holiday you lost a valuable item. Fortunately you have travel insurance to cover the costs 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 woul you like them to do.

formal
You live in a room in college which you share with another student. However, there are many problems with this arrangement, and you find it very difficult to work. Write a letter to the accommodation officer at the college. In the letter, •describe the situation •explain your problems and why it is difficult to work •say what kind of accommodation you would prefer

formal
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 - say what experience and skills you have

formal
A magazine wants to include contribution 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 influences 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 work for an international company, and would like to spend six months working in its headoffice in another country. Write a letter to your manager in your letter 1.Explain why you want to work in the company's head office for six months 2. Say how your work could be done while you are away. 3. Ask for his/her help in arranging it.

formal
You ordered an item from an online store and it has arrived damaged. Write a letter to a retailer to complain in the letter Explain why you are unhappy Request a refund Make arrangement to return the damaged item.

formal
You are a teacher at a secondary school (high school). You have been asked to arrange a visit to a local museum or tourist attraction for some of your students. Write a letter to the manager of the museum or tourist attraction. In your letter you should: say who you are and which school you teach at say why the school would like the students to visit the museum/attraction ask about educational facilities or information that the museum/attraction can provide.

formal
You should spend about 20 mintues on this task. You are an alumnus (alumna) of a Bluegill University, registered in a volunteer program to conduct informal interviews with prospective students. Recently, an entrant has been assigned to you to have an interview. Write a letter to the entrant. In your letter: state your reason for writing briefly describe the interview and inform the entrant of a possibilty to cancel it propose a convenient time for an interview You do NOT need to write any addresses.

formal
ou have been invited to attend an interview for a place on a course of study at a college. Unfortunately, because of a previous appointment, you cannot go to the interview at the time they wish. Write a letter to the admissions tutor. In your letter explain why you cannot keep the appointment apologise and offer to arrange a new appointment ask how long the interview will be, and whether there will be any tests during 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 have lost something on a bus and called customer service to get help. You weren't happy with their response. Write a letter to the bus company manager. In your letter, you should: · describe the item you lost · explain why you weren't happy with the customer service · say what action you would like the company to take.

formal
You have just rented an unfurnished flat and a friend has told you that the opportunity shop is the shopping centre has cheap secondhand furniture. Write to the shop, owner, describing what you need and asking whether they have this items and what they cost.

formal
You were recently impressed by a staff member at a supermarket. Write a letter to the manager of the supermarket. In your letter: •Describe the situation •Explain how you were helped •State what you are going to do as a result of this good experience Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows:

formal
You have seen a job advertised in the newspaper. You want to apply for the job. Write a letter to the manager of the company. In your letter • provide information about yourself • give details of your previous work experience • Say why the company should consider you for the job You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir,

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…

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You are a member of an organisation which meets regularly at a particular restaurant. The most recent meal you had there was not satisfactory. Write a letter to the manager of the restaurant. In your letter explain why you are writing describe what went wrong with the meal and service suggest what the manager should do to ensure that you and your group return to the restaurant You do NOT need to write any addresses

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. Explain the problem. Say why the documents are important. Suggest a solution.

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You are studying for a qualification, and you would like some time off work to complete it. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter: Ask for some time off to complete a qualification. Suggest what you will do later at work if you have time off. Say how the qualification helps your job or company.

formal
Write a letter to apologise on the particular job you agreed to take during summer vacation due to some unforeseen circumstances. ● explain the situation ● state your apology ● express that you would be interested in this position next summer.

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 work for an international company. You have seen an advertisement for a training course which will 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

formal
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
Recently your employer offered some employees to do some work directly from home. Write a letter to your manager requesting the same arrangement. You should say Why do you want to work from home? Why would it be beneficial for the company and yourself? Suggest a suitable arrangement for you to work from home.

formal
Duration- 20 minutes You missed a flight due to a problem at the airport. Write a letter to the airline. In your letter: • Say when and where the problem happened? • Describe how you missed the flight? • Say what you want the airline to do? Write at least 150 words You do not need to write any addresses Begin your letter as follows Dear….

formal
Write a letter to the local authorities for requesting additional sport facilities for your age group in your area?

formal
You work in a busy but poorly organised office and you are keen to be promoted. Your employer needs to find a new supervisor for your department. Write a letter to your employer. In the letter: - ask to be considered for this job - explain why you would be a suitable candidate - outline the current problems and the changes you would like to make You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

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 seen an advertisement looking for volunteers to teach English overseas. Write to the recruitment office. In your letter •Tell them where you saw the advertisement •Explain why you would like to go •Describe the skills that you have that you think would help.

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 have read about a scholarship offered by a university and wish to apply. Write a letter to the university and include the following information. ● the scholarship you wish to apply for ● some detail about yourself ● your academic suitability for the scholarship

formal
Practice 1: You have a full-time job and are also doing a part-time evening course. You now find that you cannot continue the course. Write a letter to the course tutor. In your letter, •describe the situation •explain why you cannot continue at this time •say what action you would like to take You should You do NOT need to write any address.

formal
You have recently learned about a piece of equipment that would help you at your workplace. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter, describe the equipment explain how it might be useful at your workplace offer help in purchasing it Write at least 150 words.

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

formal
You accidentally damaged a book borrowed from the library. Write a letter to the librarian. - Apologize for the damage and explain how it happened. - Mention the details of the book (title, author, etc.). - Offer to pay for the damages or replace the book.

formal
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 and describe your suitability for this area of work say when you can attend an interview

formal
You recently started a part-time job in a supermarket. You made a small mistake in your work and you want to tell the manager about this. Write a letter to the manager of the supermarket. In your letter - give details of the small mistake you made. - explain why you made this mistake. - Suggest what you intend to do about this. You do not need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows Dear .....................................,

formal
A magazine wants to include contributions from its reader 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
Write a letter to your local council to tell him that the road in front of your house is damaged. In your letter include a.Tell him your name and where you are living b.Describe the problem c.Tell him what you want him to do for you

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 saw an advertisement in the paper for a property management position at an apartment complex. Write a letter to express your interest. Include •Why you are writing •Your suitability for the role •How you would approach the position

formal
You recently attended a meeting at a hotel. When you returned home you found some important papers are missing. Write a letter to the Manager saying where you left the papers, how important the papers are, waht do you want him/her to do?

formal
You recently had a positive experience at a department store where a staff member was vey helpful to you. Write a letter to the store manager. In your letter, Mention which part of the store you visited Describe how the staff member assisted you Suggest what would you like the manager to do to reward their good services.

formal
Write a letter of complaint to a company outlining a problem you had while visiting one of their stores. In your letter include: 􀈈􀀃 what the problem was 􀈈􀀃 why this problem has upset you 􀈈􀀃 what you want to happen as a result of your letter

formal
The manager of your company Wants to advertise the company on the radio . He/she has asked you to write for a radio station about this . Write a letter to the advertising director of the radio station . In your letter :- 1. Describe your company’s products and/or services . 2. Explain why your company wants to advertise on this radio station . 3. ⁠ ask some questions about advertising on this radio station . (150 words )

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