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
Your local council is considering closing a sports and leisure centre that it runs, in order to save money. Write a letter to the local council. In your letter give details of how you and your friends or family use the centre explain why the sports and leisure centres is importsnt for the local community describe the possible effects on local people if the centre closes

formal
You have lot an item of value on a train. Write a letter to the raiway company.

formal
You live in a room in college which you share with anohter student. However, there are many problems with this arrangement and you find it very difficult to work. Write a letter to the accomodation officer at the college. I 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 own an old item that you think is valuable and would like to sell. Write a letter to the owner of an antique's shop. In your letter: • explain how you found the shop • describe the item that you would like to sell say how much you would like to sell the item for Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses

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

formal
You have recently bought a Telephone with answer machine from an online shop. The web page said that the answer machine shows you a list of who left a message so you can choose which to play first. But after taking it home you find out that only the most recent call is kept in the calls list. Write an e-mail letter to the store manager. In your e-mail: • say who you are • explain the problem • say what action you would like the store to take

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

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Your local college is organizing an event on International Student’s Day. Write a letter to the organizer and say: •What topics would you like them to cover? •Why would it be interesting for students? •Ask questions about the arrangement

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

formal
There have been some problems with the bus service, especially its reliability, in your area over the last two weeks. 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 Write at least 150 words.

formal
A magazine wants to include contributions from its readers for an article called ‘The book that influenced me most’. Write a letter to the editor of the magazine about the book that influenced you most. In your letter 1)Describe what this book was about 2)Explain how this book influenced you 3)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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2. You received a letter from a friend who asked for a recommendation letter from you for the job that he/she is applying for. Write a letter to the manager: – Explain how well you know this person – Describe how this person work – Why you think this person is suitable for the job.

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You want to book a hotel that one of your friends recommended to you for a family holiday at the seaside. Write a letter to the hotel manager to make arrangements. In your letter, explain what accommodation you require and when you want to stay ask what will be included in the price enquire about activities and places of interest near the hotel

formal
Write a letter to an airline manager regarding your bad experience on a recent flight. Pease say Where and when did you fly? – What happened on the flight? – Give a suggestion how this issue could be resolved or prevented.

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Your have heard that a developer plans to build a shopping centre near your home. Write a letter to the council. In your letter · say how you heard about the plan · explain how you feel about it · ask for more information about it

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You agreed to take a particular job over the summer, but due to unforeseen circumstances, you can no longer take the position. Write a letter including: – Explaining your situation – An apology – Express that you would be interested in the position next summer

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You would like to rent a commercial space for a shop you want to start in a newly built shopping complex. You have decided to write to the market authority about it. Write a letter to the market authority. In your letter, inform what type of space you want to rent say what type of shop you are planning to start ask for the availability and cost of the shop

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

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

formal
a magazine wants to include contributions from its readers for an article called ‘The book that influenced me most'. Write a letter to the editor of the magazine about the book that influenced you most. In your letter -describe what this book was about -explain how this book influenced you -say whether this book would be likely to influence to the others

formal
IELTS Letter Writing / GT Writing Task 1: You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You work for an international company. You have seen an advertisement for a training course which will be useful for your job. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter, describe the training course you want to do explain what the company could do to help you say how the course will be useful for your job Write at least 150 words.

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

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 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

formal
You have bought a washing machine. First you found that the machine did not work properly, and you had it changed. Then you found that the new one seriously entangled the clothes. Write to the manager of the company to complain about it. In your letter: - State your reason for writing, - Describe the problems, - Ask the provider to solve the problem

formal
You and some friends ate a meal at a restaurant to celebrate a special occasions, and you were very pleased with the food and service. 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
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.

formal
Some construction work is being done on the street where you live for the last couple of days. The noise from the work is loud and it disturbs you. Write a letter to your local council complaining about the noise. In your letter, introduce yourself explain how the noise is causing problems to you suggest solutions to the problem You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
You recently went on holiday with your family to an island resort . Upon your return home, you discovered that you had forgotten a very valuable item there. Write a letter to the hotel manager to inform him/her of your problem. In the letter, you should: Describe the item Say why it is important that you get the item back Tell the manager what you would like him/her to do.

formal
A restaurant has placed an advertisement for waiters and waitresses in your local newspaper. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Write a letter to the restaurant, applying for the job. In your letter: explain what you are currently doing describe your suitability for this area of work say when you can attend an interview.

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
Work is being done on the street where you live. The noise is disturbing you. Write a letter of complaint to your local council. In your letter, A) Introduce yourself B) Explain what the problem is C) Suggest solutions

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 have lost an item of value on a train. Write a letter to the railway company. In your letter •describe the item •explain where and when you left it •say what action you would like the company to take You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows

formal
You have recently experienced irregularities with one of your bank accounts. You requested help from customer service, but have not received any response yet. Write a complain letter to the bank manager. In your letter: • Explain what the issue was • Provide the date of request and how it was done • Ask for a solution to your request. Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
You live near a public school. The school asked local residents to help maintain the school building and playground. Write a letter to the principal. In your letter: -Explain why you would like to help -Tell them how you can help -Let them know when you are available

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You work for a company and have recently found a training course that you think would be useful for you and your colleagues. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter: describe the training course you found explain why it would be useful for the company suggest how the company could implement it

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

formal
You work for an international company, and would like to spend six moths working in its head office in another country. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter *Explain why you want to work in the company's head office for six months *Say how your work could be done while you are away *Ask for his/her help in arranging it

formal
You are a customer at a restaurant and recently had a very disappointing experience. Write a letter to the restaurant manager. In your letter: Explain what happened. Describe why you were not satisfied. Suggest what the restaurant should do to improve.

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You recently moved to a different city and are looking for a place to stay.Write to a real estate agent and: explain why you want to move. mention what location would you prefer. describe the accommodation type that you need.

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You recently returned from oversea by air and left a valuable item on the plane. Write a letter to the airline manager. In your letter .Describe the item you left behind .Say why it is important to you .Explain what you would like the airline manager to do

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 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
A magazine wants to include contributions from its readers for an article called “The book that influenced me most”. Write a letter to the editor of the magazine about the book that influenced you most. In your letter. -Describe what this book was about -Explain how this book influenced you -Say whether this book would be likely to influence other people

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

formal
You recently sent your computer to be repaired at a shop. However, you are not satisfied with the repair. Write a letter to the manager of the shop. In your letter describe why your computer needed to be repaired explain why you are not happy with the service say what you would like the shop manager to do

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

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You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Write at least 150 words. You have seen an advertisement for a part time job welcoming visitors to your town. Write to the recruiters. In your letter •Explain why you want the job •Describe why you would be a good person for the role •Describe any relevant experience you may have You do NOT need to write any addresses.

formal
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

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
You are going on a month training programme to the UK and know that the head of the course would like one of the participants to be the social events’ organizer. Write a letter to the Training Organiser expressing your interest in the role requesting more information about it explaining what experience you have

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
Your 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 the job. In your letter: • explain why you are interested in working at the library • describe your relevant qualifications and experience • ask about the next steps in the hiring process

formal
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 Offered to give a guided tour of your town to the writer of the article

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You have received a letter from your bank, asking you to acknowledge receipt of a new bank card. However, the card was missing from the envelope. Write a letter to the bank's head office. In your letter: explain why you are writing express concern about the missing card ask them what they intend to do

formal
. You learned a piece of news from your friend regarding a part-time job at a new international company near your house. Write a letter to that company. In your letter, you should: • explain why you need that job • give the details what you can do for the company • Suggest the time that you can work.

formal
When travelling back home on the train last week you lost your wallet. The wallet contains some valuable things. In your letter, write to the Station Manager: say when and where you left your wallet describe the wallet and what was in it say how you will collect the wallet

formal
You work for an international company. You have seen an advertisement for a training course which will be useful for your job. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter, - describe the training course you want to do - explain what the company could do to help you - say how the course will be useful for your job Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
You recently bought an item online. When it was delivered you found that the item did not work correctly. Write a letter to the manager of the company. In your letter, • Describe the item and the problem with it • Explain why the item is important for you • Say what you want the manager to do You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
You have been looking for a job and have seen a job advertisement for a part-time position. Write a letter to the employer. In your letter explain why you need the job; describe your skills and qualifications; say what days you are available.

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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 importa nt "' tell the manager what you want him/her to do

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

formal
You have heard that a developer plans to build a shopping centre near your home. Write a letter to the council. In your letter say how you heard about the plan explain how you feel about it ask for more information about it Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
You recently 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.

formal
You and your colleague want to use a company room. Write a letter to your manager and ask for permission. In your letter, you should: explain why you need the room describe which room you need and why tell what changes you’ll need in the room

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You joined a sports club recently and are experiencing some problems. Write to the club manager. In your letter Say why you joined the club Explain about the problems you are experiencing Suggest solutions to fix them

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

formal
An organisation has given an advertisement for part time volunteering job for local children. Write a letter to the administrator of the organisation in your letter introduce yourself Why you think you are suitable for this. Job State when you will be able to join

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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 organisation where you have been working. In your letter: - describe the work yoy have been doing - explain why you can no longer do this work - recommend another person who is interested in the work

formal
You recently bought something from a company on the internet. However, the company sent the wrong product and this caused a problem. Write a letter to the manager of the company, in your letter: Say what you order Describe what the company sent you and the problem this caused Explain what you want the manager to do

formal
You and your family have just come back from a holiday staying in a rented accommodation overlooking the sea. The apartment was very unsatisfactory. Write a letter of complaint to the manager of the agency from which you rented the apartment. In your letter: give details of the things that were unsatisfactory explain the reactions of the members of your family ask the manager what he/she is going to do about the situation. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follow

formal
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 manager of the shop. In your letter: • Explain how you feel about their lack of response • Say what you think of their employees • Give your opinion on their quality of service Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any address. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
Your local hospital has advertised for 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
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  Write at least 150 words

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

formal
You have received uniforms in your company that have to be worn by all employees. You are not satisfied with the uniform because it has some problems. Write a letter to your manager and in your letter consider the following points; Mention to positive points of the uniform. Clarify the problem that you have with the uniform. Suggest a solution for above mentioned problem.

formal
Young people today spend too much money and time following fashion trends (clothing, tech). To what extent do you agree or disagree? Your child is going on a trip to another country for 3 days. School is looking for some parents who can join the trip and you decided to apply for the same. You are interested in going with trip. Write a letter to the head of the school and include: – Why you want to join the team – What you can do to assist – Queries related to the trip.

formal
You 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 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
You ordered a mobile phone online. When it arrived, it was the wrong model. Write a letter to the company. In your letter: Describe the order you placed Explain what was wrong with the product State what you would like the company to do

formal
You have been selected for a training course on computer skills that you cannot attend. WRITE A LETTER TO YOUR EMPLOYER AND SAY Explain how this training course would help you Why won't you be able to attend it Suggest a way to have that training again

formal
A museum near your house 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 voluntary/unpaid work in your 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 details of when you would be available for work.

formal
Your department had been given additional work at a company you work for which is creating problems. Write a letter to your manager. In it - Explain what the additional work is. - What problems are you facing due to extra work - Offer a solution to solve

formal
The office you work in does not have any cafeteria for staff. Write a letter to your manager to request setting up a cafeteria for the staff. In your letter, you should tell,     •    what you heard about the inconvenience from the staff     •    how you feel about it     •    what suggestions you have about setting up a cafeteria     •         •    Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
You stayed at a hotel to attend a company meeting and you were dissatisfied with your stay. Write a letter to the hotel manager. 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 ordered a book online for exam preparation. It has been some time since you purchased it and you still have not received your book. Write a letter to the e-commerce company about that. 1. Describe your order 2. Explain the importance 3. Say what you want the company to do for you

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
A young person is going to spend his first day at the office next month. Write a letter to explain what he should do on his first day. In your letter, you should tell: – what work should be done in the company – what he/she will do on the first day of work – what items/objects he /she needs to take along.

formal
There is a problem in the road outside your house. Write a letter to your local councilor. In your letter -introduce yourself -explain what the problem is -tell the councilor what you would like to be done

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Write a letter to the local authorities for requesting additional sports facilities for your age group in your area. - Mention about the current sport facilities available - What kind of additional sports facilities should be introduced - How the new sports facilities would be a help for the people in your age group

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 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, • explain your problems and why it is difficult to work

formal
Your workplace does not have a parking area for cars, and it is causing some problems. Write a letter to your manager and include the following: – Describe the problems it has caused. – Explain what benefits a parking area would bring to the company. – Suggest a solution.

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

formal
You recently had your computer fixed at a local computer store, however, you are not pleased with the service you received. Write a letter to the store manager. In the letter: •describe the situation • explain why you are dissatisfied • say what you want the manager to do

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 manager. In your letter.

formal
You have just read an article in an international travel magazine which contained some information about your town that is incorrect. Write a letter to the editor of the magazine. In your letter Correct the information in the article Explain why it is important for the magazine to give correct information. Suggest what the magazine should do about this situation. Write at lease 150 words.

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

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