IELTS General Writing Task 1 formal Topics/Questions 2025

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This section presents a list of common IELTS General Writing Task 1 formal topics. All these topics were added in 2025 by students who took the IELTS recently. Pick a random topic and start practicing and improving your writing skills.

formal
You recently took a train journey but you left an important item on the train. You phoned the train company to report it but you were not pleased with the response. Write a letter to the manager of the train company. In your letter • describe the item you left on the train • say why you were not pleased with the train company's response to your phone call • explain what you want the manager to do about it

formal
Write a letter of complaint to a store where you purchased a faulty new refrigerator. In your letter explain the following: where and when you purchased the refrigerator what is wrong with it what action you would like the store to take You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ..........,

formal
You have bought a new laptop computer and in a few days of purchase discovered a major flaw. Write a letter to the company. In your letter – introduce yourself – explain the situation – say what action you would like to company to take.

formal
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

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

formal
You 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

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
The local Council in your city has no funds for repairs and maintanenance of old buildings. It has decided to demolish a historical building to build a software company. Write a letter to the head of Council. In your letter: *explain why the building is important *suggest how the building can be used to benefit the local community *suggest a solution to finance the repairs.

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 recently bought a piece of sports equipment from an online store. When you first used the piece pf equipment, you found a problem with it. Write a letter to the manager of the online store. In your letter : describe the problem with the piece of sports equipment. say what happened because of the problem. explain what you would like the company to do. Begin your letter as follows : Dear Sir or Madam,

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

formal
Write a letter to company which supplies 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 live in a room in college which you share with another student. However, threre 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 visited post office for sending a packet. There was a long queue and you had to wait long for your turn, Write a letter to Post Master for the same. In your letter, • describe what happened • express your suggestions • say what expectations you have from the postmaster

formal
your local council has been doing roadworks along the road outside of your house. This has caused a lot of noise and inconvenience. Write a letter to your local councillor to complain. In your letter, Describe what has happened. Say why you are complaining. Explain what you would like your councillor to do.

formal
You would like a job working in the summer camp which runs sports and outdoor activities for children and young people. Write a letter to the organisers of the summer camp. In your letter: describe your personality say what relevant experience and skills you have explain what sort of work you would like to do.

formal
You work for a large corporation. You want to apply for one month's leave owing to illness .Write to your manager requesting leave for the same In your letter Introduce yourself • describe about your illness • Infrom the manager how you intend to manage your job assignments in your absence.

formal
Writing Task 1 you have bought some clothing onllne and are not s atisfied 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 Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
(Livia) You have a problem with a recently hired employee in your workplace. Write a letter to the HR manager. In your letter – Describe the problem the new employee has caused – Explain how other colleagues feel about the new employee’s conduct – Say how you expect the manager to address the situation.

formal
A museum is near your home looking for people to do part time unpaid work. You would like to do some unpaid work at the museum Write a letter to the museum director to apply.

formal
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
last year you attended an intensive English course at the Darwin College of English . Your new employer has asked you to provide copies of your reports and assignments as quickly as possible . Write a letter to the principal of the college and request him to send the copies of the required documents As you have lost the ori documents.

formal
You recently stayed in a hotel in a large city. The weather was very unusual for the time of year and the heating / cooling system in the hotel was quite inadequate. Write a letter to the manager of the hotel. In your letter: give details of what went wrong explain what you had to do to overcome the problem at the time say what action you would like the manager to take You do NOT need to write your own address.

formal
You live near a public school. The school has asked residents to help with the maintenance of school buildings and play areas. 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.

formal
You have just read an article in a national newspaper which claims that town centres in your country all look very similiar to each other. You dont 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 centres offer to give a guided tour of your town to the writer of the article

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

formal
Write a letter to your local newspaper. In your letter Explain where you live Describe the problem Give reasons why you do not want this development

formal
You recently ordered an item of clothing through a store's website. When you received it, you discovered that it was not the same item that you had ordered. Write a letter to the store manager. In your letter, • describe the item you ordered • explain what was wrong with the item you received • say what you would like the manager to do

formal
Your city has approved a weekly market in your area but you are dissatisfied with this decision. Write a Letter to your city council. In this letter write Why you are writing Explain problems caused by this Suggest a solution/Alternative

formal
You recently stayed at a hotel and you had a great time. Write a letter to the hotel. In your letter thank the manager and his staff give some particular examples of why you enjoyed your stay at the hotel so much explain that you have written a review of the hotel on a popular website for tourists

formal
Your local library wants to improve its services and facilities. Write a letter to the library. In your letter you should: explain who you are make your suggestions and explain how this would make the library better.

formal
You recently purchased a kitchen appliance, but it was delivered late and damaged. Write a letter to the store manager to complain about the issue. In your letter: - describe what item and problems - explain how the late and damaged delivery affected you, - state what you would like the store to do to resolve the problem.

formal
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

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

formal
You have recently ordered an item from the internet, but are not happy with the purchase. Write to the company. In your letter •Describe what you purchased •Explain why you are not happy with the purchase • Tell them what you would like them to do about the situation

formal
You read in a newspaper that a company is going to renovate some school buildings in your local area that are in a poor condition. You would like to offeryour help. Write a letter to the charity paying for renovation. In your renovation -explain why you want to help with the renovations. -suggest what you can do to help -say when are you available to start work.

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 the problems you are facing which parts of the service you would like to change

formal
You recently bought a jacket online, but when it arrived it was wrong in size and color. Write a letter to the online store. In your letter: 1. Describe the jacket you ordered 2. Explain what was wrong with the item you received 3. Say what you would like the company to do

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
You need to borrow some money to pay for something you need for your work or studies. Write a letter to your bank to ask for a loan. In your letter introduce yourself and ask for a loan say why you need the money explain how you plan to pay the money back

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 the book was about explain •how this book influenced you •say whether this book would be likely to influence other people

formal
vou left a jacket behind at a restaurant you went to recently. write a letter to the restaurant manager. In your letter о describe the jacket explain when you visited the restaurant and where you were sitting say want you want the manager to do.

formal
Write a letter to the company that sold you the item. In the letter: give details about the order you made explain what was wrong with the item tell the company what you want them to do about it Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear 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 Task 1 (general)

formal
You recently purchased a faulty product from an online store. Write a letter to the store manager outlining the issue and requesting a refund or replacement.

formal
You are a student at a language school in New Zealand studying Business English. Part of the course is a summer work placement program. Unfortunately, you have just learnt from the school that this programme has now been cancelled. Write a letter to the School Principal. In your letter: state your reason for writing describe the problem and your concerns explain what you would like the Principal to do

formal
You recently organized an all-day meeting for your company, which took place in a local hotel. In their feedback, participants at the meeting said that they liked the hotel, but they were unhappy about the food that was served for lunch. Write a letter to the manager. 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
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
Write a letter to a manager of the taxi company to complain about the problem with the taxi service used by you. - when and where you used the taxi service - describe A problem you faced - what you expect from the manager to do

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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
On a recent holiday, you lost a valuable item. Fortunately, you have travel insurance to cover the cost of anything lost. Write a letter to the manager of your insurance company. In your letter ● describe the item you lost ● explain how you lost it ● tell the insurance company what you would like them to do. Begin your letter as follows:

formal
You recently organised an all-day meeting for your company, which took place in a local hotel. In their feedback, participants at the meetings said that they loked 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 the future

formal
You had an appointment with the bank and now you realized that you can't make it for that .write a letter to the manager -Give details about your appointment and dates. -Explain the reason why you cannot make it. -Ask for other dates.

formal
You recently heard about some new jobs at a local department store. You would like to work there. Write a letter to store manager of the department store. In your letter - Explain how you heard about the job - Describe the kind of job you would like to have - Give details of your experience and qualifications Dear Sir or Madam,

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

formal
You have 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
The road in front of your house got damaged a long ago and nothing has been done about it. Write a letter to the municipal authority complaining about the damaged road. In your letter: introduce yourself explain the condition of the road and suggest what they should do

formal
You're supposed to move into a rented flat next week, but you won't be able to due to unforeseen problems. Write a letter to the property manager. In your letter 1) Explain the situation 2) Describe your problems 3) Tell him/her when you think you can move in Write at least 150 words.

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 recently bought some train tickets for a journey a week in advance. When you went to the station to catch the train, you were told you could not use the tickets and the staff were very unhelpful to you. Write a letter to the train company. In your letter: Describe the problem you had with the tickets Say why were unhappy with the staff Suggest what action the train company should take

formal
You recently discovered that there are plans to build a new airport in your area and you are not happy with it. Write a letter to the local authority. In your letter,– Say how you found out about the plans– Explain what problems your neighborhood will face – Suggest some possible solutions to those problem

formal
You recently visited a theatre and had an accident there. The staff were very helpful. Write a letter to the manager giving good feedback. In your letter, you should tell: – and describe the accident – how the staff helped you – how similar situations could be prevented in the future.

formal
You recently discovered that there are plans to build a new airport in your area and you are not happy with it. Write a letter to the local authority. In your letter, Say how you found out about the plans Explain what problems your neighborhood will face Suggest some possible solutions to those problems.

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

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

formal
You 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

formal
You child is going on a school trip overseas for week. The Headmaster is looking for parents to join the trip. Write a letter to state that you would like to join it. In your letter: Mention why you would like to join the trip. Ask some general questions about the trip. Mention how you can be helpful

formal
Write a letter to the transport officer about a problem with transportation system in your area please say Describe the situation you are facing Why do you consider it a problem? What changes would you like to recommend?

formal
You are an alumnus (alumna) of a Bluegill University, registered in a volunteer program to conduct informal interviews with prospective students. Recently, an interview 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 possibility to cancel it - propose a convenient time for an interview

formal
You are looking for a full-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 Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir/Madam

formal
You have learned about an international job that is available within the company you currently work for and you want to apply. Write a letter to the hiring manager. In your letter Say why you are applying for this international position Describe the job you are currently doing for the company Tell him/her why you think you will be good at the job Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam

formal
You have just read an article in an international 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

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

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

formal
You have 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 whey it is important for the magazine to give correct information - suggest what the magazine should do about this situation

formal
You have recently used a moving company to move your household items to a new place and they have been damaged in transfer. Write a letter to the company’s manager and say – When and where did it take place? – What is your complaint? – Suggest a reasonable solution.

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’ organiser. Write a letter to the Training Organiser •expressing your interest in the role •requesting more information about it •explaining what experience you have

formal
You would like to rent a car for a holiday. Write to the car rental agency. In your letter •Explain what type of car you would like • Give details of when you would like the car • Request more information about the cost

formal
You bought a new camera, but when you got it home, you noticed that it had some problems. You returned the camera and spoke with the company representative a week ago, but the camera still hasn't been repaired. Write a letter to the company. In your letter: .Introduce yourself .Explain the situation .Tell us how you want the company to act

formal
You have just enrolled in a 12 week English class, but have found that you have a family problem and you will have to return home. Write to the school. In your letter 􀁸 Explain what has happened 􀁸 Request a refund 􀁸 Ask whether you will be able to return at a later date

formal
Your local hospital has advertised for people to do unpaid work for 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 detais of when you would be availble for this work. Write at least 150 words

formal
Write a letter to counsel regarding the issue of waste in the lake

formal
The local government is planning to change the bus timetable. You are not happy about the proposed changes. You have decided to write about it to the editor of a local newspaper. Write a letter to the newspaper. In the letter describe the changes explain how that will affect you say how you would like the service to be improved

formal
You are going to take a short holiday in Singapore and you want to rent a holiday apartment while you are there. Write to the tourist information office. In your letter: • explain what you need • say when you plan to be there • ask for information about prices

formal
You are moving to a new city and need a place to live. Write a letter to a real estate agent in the city. In your letter: explain why you are moving to the city describe the type of accommodation you are looking for mention your budget and any specific requirements you have.

formal
You recently enjoyed a meal at an expensive restaurant, and you were impressed with the good service you received. Write a letter to the restaurant manager. In your letter: •Explain the circumstances of your visit to the restaurant. •Describe the service you received. •Say what you would like the manger to do.

formal
You are planning a tour with your family to a tourist destination. Write a letter to a hotel manager asking about the availability of accommodation for the days you will be here and also tell him what type of room you prefer.

formal
You are Dimitar Borisov/Elena Borisova. Write a formal letter to your school director in which you suggest starting an Ancient Civilisations Club.

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

formal
a magazine wants to include contributions from its readers for an article called the book that influenced me the most" write a letter to the editor of the magazine about the book that influenced you most.

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 Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows

formal
You recently bought a new television when you unpacked it ae home you found that it was damaged. Write a letter to the manager of the shop where you bought the tv in your letter. _give details of ref tv and when you bought it _ explain about the damage

formal
You recently attended a conference and found it very useful. Now, you want to thank the organizer. Write a letter to the organizer. In your letter: Express your appreciation for the conference. Highlight a specific part of the conference that was particularly helpful. Suggest improvements for future conferences.

formal
You recently travelled with a certain airline. Write a letter to the manager about your experience. Please say – Where and when did you travel? – What did you like or dislike? – What can you suggest for improvement?

formal
*Question* You wanted to buy a book from a book store but could not find the book in your city. You want to know if you can get it from the same book store in another city. Write a letter to the manager of the book store. * Explainthe details of the book * Why you need the book * How you would pay for it

formal
You recently took a part-time job working for a local company. After a few weeks, you realised there were some problems with the job. Write a letter to the manager of the company. In your letter explain why you took the job describe the problems that you experienced suggest what could be done about them

formal
One of your colleagues is leaving for a new job, and your manager has asked you to arrange a farewell party for him/her. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter, suggest a suitable date and time for the party recommend a place discuss the food and entertainment options that should be available You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr/Mrs ..................,

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
Last Wednesday you flew from London to Vancouver. When you arrived home, you discovered that you had left your hand luggage 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 wer

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

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