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
Recently you purchased two items from an online store, but wrong products were delivered. Write a letter asking the company to manage the issue. In your letter, ● describe the items ● explain what the issue was ● state how you want them to address this situation

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You are living in a University residence, and you have a problem with the high levels of noise from a new campus restaurant which is open late at night. Write a letter to the governor of the University. In your letter, Complain about the situation Say why this is a problem And propose ways to reduce the noise Begin your letter ‘Dear --------’ Do not write any addresses

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You are organising a trip to Paris, France for a group of students from England. Write to the manager of the Youth Hostel Association in Paris. In your letter, explain when you want to visit Paris how long you will stay how many students are in your party, and what accommodation you will require

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Imagine wants to include contributions from its readers for an article called "the book that influenced me most". Write a letter to the editor of the magazine about the book that influenced you most. In your letter, describe what this book was about, explain how this book influenced you, say whether this book would be likely to influence other people.

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

formal
You recently visited a local restaurant with your family and had a very good meal. Write a letter to the editor of a local newspaper. In your letter ● explain where the restaurant is ● describe what you ate in the restaurant ● say why you would recommend the restaurant to others

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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 study. 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 study • say what kind of accommodation you would prefer

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Write a letter to the company to ask for information about the holiday packages they offer. In your letter: •say where and when you would like to go •include details about the kind of holiday you would like to take •say what kind of information you would like to receive You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

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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

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

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You have just finished a language course provided by your company and want another. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter you should say: - why you liked the course - why you need more - and say where and when the course should take place

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A work colleague (or student friend) has applied for a new job, and he/she asked you to write a reference letter to the new employer. Write a letter to the employer to recommend your colleague/friend. In your letter * state your reason for writing and say how you know the applicant * describe your colleague/friend's relevant qualifications and skills * and explain why you are recommending this person for the job.

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A magazine wants to include contributions from its readers for an article called the book that influenced me most. Write a letter to the editor of the magazine about the book that influenced you most. In your letter •Describe what this book was about •Explain how this book influenced you •Say whether this book would be likely to influence other people Write at least 150 words. You do not need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

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In your letter: Tell the manager your decision and the reason Describe what you have learnt in your current job Ask the manager to write to you a reference letter. You have decided to leave your current job even though you enjoy it . Write a letter to inform your manager of your decision.

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You ordered a book online for exam preparation. It has been some time since you ordered it and you still have not received your book. Write a letter to the e-commerce company about this. • Describe your purchase order of this book • Explain the importance of the book • Say what you want the company to do for you

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You have just read an article in a national newspaper which claims that town centers in your country all look very similar to each other. You don’t fully agree with this opinion. Write a letter to the editor of the newspaper. In your letter •say which points in the article you agree with •explain ways in which your town center is different from most other town centers •offer to give a guided tour of your town to the writer of the article

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You 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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The local council is about to destroy children playground in your area because it is under use. write a letter and tell them: why it is not well used what can be done so more people can use it.

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The system used for rubbish / garbage collection in your local area is not working properly. This is causing problems for you and your neibhours. 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 neigbours suggest what should be done about the problems

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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 ...........,

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You have seen an advertisement for an evening course to study a foreign language. Write a letter to the institution offering the course. In your letter, – ask for details of the course – ask if the course teachers are qualified native speakers – request that the institution sends you their brochure You should write at least 150 words.

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write a letter to local community center explain why you want to leave this voluntary work? recommend another person who is intrested in the work?

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You have just an article in a national newspaper which claims that town centres in your country all look very similar to each other you don't fully agree with this opinion Write a letter to the editor of the newspaper in your letter say which points in the article you about explain ways in which year Town Centre is different from most other towns centres offer to give a guided tour of your Town Centre to the writer of the article

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You have been doing some voluntary work to help your local community. However, now you are unable to continue doing this work. Write a letter to the manager of the organization where you have been working. In your letter >describe the work you have been doing >explain why you can no longer do this work > recommend another person who is interested in the work

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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.

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Write a letter to your local council about the state of the sport club facilities and request more facilities suitable for people of your age. - Describe your sport club facilities. - What facilities are required? - Explain why people of your age need these facilities.

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Your local council is considering closing a sports and leisure center 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 center *explain why the sports leisure center is important for the local community •describe the possible effects on local people if the center closes

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You currently work full-time in a company but would like to change to working part-time. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter explain why you would like to change to working part-time work say what times and days of the week would suit you best suggest how your work could be covered or completed if you work part-time

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Write a letter to the manager of the supermarket. In your letter 1. say who you are 2.give details about the accident 3. suggest how the supermarket could prevent similar accidents.

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Last year you attended a presentation skill course at the Sydney College of Australia. Your new employer has asked you to provide copies of your reports and assignments as quickly as possible. Write a letter to the director of the school. In your letter, explain: • who you are and why you are writing • request these documents • ask whether you need to pay any fee for that

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General Training Task 1 You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You recently hired a restaurant to host an office party at work, but there were several problems with the food and service. Write a letter to the restaurant manager. In your letter: Give details of the food and services you ordered Describe the problems that occurred Explain what you want the restaurant to do Write at least 150 words You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam

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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

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Write a letter to a book store manager who is living in another city. Ask him/her to make available a book you are interested

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You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You and your family are planning to spend a weekend at a seaside hotel. Write a letter to the hotel, making the arrangements. In your letter tell them when you will be arriving and leaving explain what type of rooms you would like, and ask how much the weekend will cost ask about activities and places of interest near the hotel You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

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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.

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You have discovered a lot of rubbish in a lake near where you live. In the past, the lake had always been clean. Write a letter to the local council. In the letter: · describe the type of rubbish that you saw in the lake · explain where you think the waste has come from · suggest what the council should do about the problem

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Write a letter to the company to complain about the poor service you received from its employee. In your letter, express why you went to the shop/office how the employees behaved to offend you what you expect the company to do

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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

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You recently discovered that there are plans to construct an airport in your locality. Write a letter to the local authority. In your letter, you should tell: •explain how you knew about the plans •describe the negative effect of the construction on your neighbourhood •suggest a possible solution to the problem.

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

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write a letter to local authorities by requesting additional sports facilities for your age group in your area.

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You ordered a new chequebook 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 chequebook, how much longer you will have to wait, and ask the manager what action he/she will take about this matter.

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You need to take some time off of work to go on holiday. Write a letter to your direct manager. In your letter: Ask for time off and explain why Provide the dates and times for which you will be unavailable to work Describe what you will do to prepare or make up for your absence Write at least 150 words. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Ms. Snyder,

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Last week you were on a flight to London. Unfortunately, when you got off the plane, you left a bag there. You did not remember about the bag until you got to your hotel. Write a letter to the airline. In your letter •explain what has happened •describe the bag and its contents •say what you would like them to do about this problem You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam

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You recently missed a flight. You think this was the airline’s fault. Write a letter to the airline. In your letter, •explain why u believe airline is at fault •describe the impact it had on your journey. •say what you want the airline to do

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You are working in an international company, write a letter to inform your manager about your resignation. In your letter, you should: •thank the company for the opportunity that you joined it •tell the reason for your resignation •confirm the time you are leaving

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Write a Letter to a hotel manager for bad services during stay.

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You recently ordered some books online. However, you have not received them as yet. This has created a lot of inconvenience for you, especially as you are doing some research for which you need the books immediately. Write a letter to the authority in-charge to convey your dissatisfaction about the delay. In the letter, ● describe the situation ● explain why you are dissatisfied ● say what you want him/her to do

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You have written an article for a magazine about the job that you do. Write a letter to your manager and ask for his/her comments regarding the article, which will be published in a famous magazine next month. In this letter, you should say Explain why you have written this article. Give a short description of what you have written. Specify what particular things you want him/her to comment on.

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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 oexplain why you missed the deadline otell him/her how you will avoid this situation in future.

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You have bought some clothing online and are not satisfied with your purchase. Write a letter to the company that you bought the 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 have a problem with the computer at the office which has affected your work Write a letter to your manager and say What problem do you have What difficulties does this create for you What could be done about it.

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

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You recently ordered an expensive item from a mail order catalogue after you saw it being advertised at a discounted price in the press. The company withdrew the offer after you made the order and charged you at the full price. Write a letter to the company outlining your dissatisfaction with the way you have been treated and the action you want them to take.

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 participant liked about the hotel. Explain why they were unhappy about the hotel. Suggest what the manager should do to improve the food in future.

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You are soon going to spend three months doing work experience in an organisation. Write a letter to the manager of the organisation 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

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The company you work has decided to close the cafeteria, as the staff is not using it much. You are not happy with the decision. Write a letter to the director Give reason of low usage How will it affect the staff Suggest ways to improve it

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You recently purchased a mobile phone online, but it has several defects and does not meet your expectations. Write a letter of complaint to the customer service department of the online store. In the letter • describe the product you purchased and mention the specific defects • explain the inconvenience and disappointment caused by the defective product • request a refund or replacement for the faulty mobile phone

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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

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You ordered a book online for exam preparation. It has been some time since you ordered it and still have not received your book. Write a letter to e-commerce company about this.

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You had a problem while staying at a hotel and the receptionist was very helpful. Write a letter to the manager of the hotel. In your letter, – describe the problem that you had – explain how the receptionist helped you – suggest ways to prevent the problem from happening again.

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You recently ordered something online. When the delivery came 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 sent

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you recently enrolled in a cookery course. The cookery school has asked for your feedback on this course. Write a letter to the course head at the cookering school. In you letter describe what you enjoyed about the course say how much cooking you've done since the course suggest another cookery course you'd like the school to offer

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

formal
You 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 study/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 study/work say what kind of accommodation you would prefer You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

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ASSGNMENT There have been some problems with the bus servicing, especially its reliability, in your area over the last two weeks. Write a letter to the manager of the bus company, in your letter: 1. Describe what the problems are 2. Explain how these problems are affecting you 3. Suggest what you would like the company to do

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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 manager of the hotel. -Expain the problem -say why the documents are important -suggest a solution

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You have just read an article in a national newspaper which claims that town center's in your country all look similar to each other . You don’t fully agree with this opinion. Write a letter to the editor of the newspaper . In your letter •Say which point in the article you agree with •Explain ways in which your town Centre is different from most other town center’s . •Offer to give a guided tour of your town to the writer of the article

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You have just come back from a long bus trip. You were unhappy with the service. Write a letter of complaint to the bus company stating your reason for writing the letter describing why you are unhappy making suggestions for improvement.

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Write a letter to a hotel manager about booking a private room for family party. Explaining What kind of party is it? What do you need in the room? And ask for food and prices?

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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?

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

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 caused by conditions in the office •suggest what the manager should do to improve the working conditions in the office

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A large company in your area has decided to spend a certain amount of money, either to sponsor a local children's sports team for two years, or to pay for two open-air concerts. It has asked for feedback from the general public. Write a letter to the company. In your letter - describe the benefits of sponsoring the sports team - summarise the benefits of paying for the concerts - say how you think the company should spend the money Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

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You saw an advert in the newspaper asking for volunteers to help run a charity event Write a letter of application to the organizers. In your letter: Explain why you are interested in helping Give details of suitable experience suggest ways you might help with the event.

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You have bought some clothing online and are not satisfied with your purchase. Write a letter to the company that you bought the clothing from. In your email -Give detail of the purchase -Desribe the problem -Explain why you need a replacement urgently.

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Topic 3. You paid for a holiday overseas, but the holiday was very disappointing. Write a letter to the travel company. In your letter  explain which holiday you went on  describe why the holiday was disappointing  tell the company what you want them to do

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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 y ou want the manager to take

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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.

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You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Write at least 150 words. You recently went to a restaurant but think you could have left your credit card behind. Write to the restaurant. In your letter •Tell them when you went there •Describe where you think you may have left the credit card •Explain what you would like the restaurant to do You do NOT need to write any addresses.

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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.

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On a recent holiday, you lost a valuable item. Fortunately, you have insurance to cover the cost of anything lost. write a letter to the manager of your insurance company. In this letter Describe the item you lost. explain how you lost it. tell the insurance company what you would like them to do?

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PART 1: You read an article in a magazine about your hometown and some of the information was wrong. Write to the editor to correct the article and tell him how unhappy you are.

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

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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

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You are due to move into a rented apartment next month but you will not be able to because you have some problems. Write a letter to the course provider. In your letter, explain your situation describe your problems tell him/her when you think you can move in

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

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Your company has recently introduced a new uniform for the staff. But you have learned that the staff members are not happy about it. Write a letter to your manager about it. In your letter, •explain why you think the staffs are not happy with the new uniform • what you want the new uniform to be like • and give some suggestions to handle the situation

formal
Your car is hired by a company and while you were driving on holiday, you had a small accident. You will have to write a report to the company to explain it.. Write a letter to the company. In your letter, you need to explain the following: when and where you hired the car describe how the accident happened what kind of action you took after the accident

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

formal
You 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. Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

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 seen an adverstisement for weekend work in a hotel in the town where you are staying. You have worked in a hotel before and think that the job would be suitable for you. You must apply in writing. Write a letter to the hotel manager expressing your interest. In your letter . Introduce yourself . Explain why you think you would be suitable for the job . ask what work you would be expected to do

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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.

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You stayed at a hotel to attend a company meeting and you were dissatisfied with your stay. Write a letter to the meeting organiser. In your letter – Provide the details of your meeting – Explain what you were dissatisfied with – Suggest what the hotel should do to resolve the issue.

formal
You have visited a store and bought set of china tea cups which later you found broken but store denied to replace it. Write a letter to the manager of the store describing situation. In your letter add following points: •State what problem you had with the purchased item. •Complain about the inability of the sales staff to address the problem. •Describe how you want the store to solve the problem to your satisfaction.

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

formal
ou 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.

formal
You organised a 90th birthday party in a hotel for a relative. Many elderly guests attended this party which of grand success. Write a letter to thank the hotel manager. In your letter, Give details of party the reasons why party was successful Mention a staff member who helped you a lot

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