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
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 manage� should do to improve the food in future

formal
You recently organized a party for your company at a hotel. Write a letter to the hotel manager. In your letter. -describe the party and how it went -explain why you were pleased with the hotel service. -suggest some improvements that the hotel could make

formal
You work at home and have a probelm 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 just read an article in an inernational travel magazie which contained some information about your town that is incorrect. Write a letter to the editor of magazie. 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 large companyin your area has decided to spend amount of money,either to sponsor a local children's sports team for two years or to pay for two open-air concerts.It has asked for feed back general public. write a letter to the company .in your letter -describe the benefits of sponsoring the sports team -summerise the benefits of paying for the concert. -say how you think to send the the money

formal
A local school is requesting ideas for renovations. Write to them and include Problems they have now Suggestions to change How they could make these changes

formal
ou have been invited to attend an interview for a place on a course of study at a college. Unfortunately, because of a previous appointment, you cannot go to the interview at the time they wish. Write a letter to the admissions tutor. In your letter explain why you cannot keep the appointment apologise and offer to arrange a new appointment ask how long the interview will be, and whether there will be any tests during it You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
Write a letter to the school to apply to be a volunteer. In the letter: – Introduce yourself and give details of your children who attend the school – Explain why you are interested in the position – Talk about any relevant experience that you have with children

formal
Write a letter to the HR manager for permission to work from home for the next six months. In your letter, mention why you are writing explain why you would like to work from home say how this can benefit you and the company

formal
You are a manager of a restaurant that has received a letter of compliant about poor service from a member of your staff. Write a letter of apology to the person who has complained. In your letter . say how sorry you are that the person has had a poor experience . explain what action has been taken against the staff member . offer a free meal for four people at the restaurant as a gesture of goodwill

formal
You have just started a course in a college which has no sports facilities  of its own.Write a letter to the manager of the nearest private sports club.In your letter. •introduce yourself •say why you are interested this sports club •ask some questions about the club facilities, members,costs

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

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

formal
The system used for rubbish/garbage collection in your area isn’t working properly. This is causing problems for you and your neighbours. Write a letter to the local council. In your letter a. Describe how the rubbish collection system is not working properly b. Explain how this is affecting you and your neighbors c. Suggest what should be done about the problem

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

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

formal
Write a letter to a company asking for a refund for something you bought from them online. In your letter include: what you bought what the problem is why you want a refund write 150 words atleast in 20 minutes.

formal
You are interested in applying for a scholarship program to study at a foreign university. Write a letter to inquire about the course. In your letter: &Explain which course you are interested in. &Say what you know about the university. &Explain why you should receive the scholarship.

formal
You have just started a course in a college which has no sports facilities of its own. Write a letter to the manager of the nearest private sports club. In your letter: • Introduce yourself • Say why you are interested in this club • Ask some questions about the club ,facilities, members, costs.

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

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

formal
You recently made a journey by train. When you got on the train, you realised you had left a bag on the platform. Write a letter to the station manager. In your letter •give details of where and when you left the bag •describe the bag and its contents •suggest how you could get the bag back

formal
You are studying for a qualification, and you would like some 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
!"ou work (or an internation,1 company, and wou[d like to spend six months working in its h,ad office in anoth,r cour,try. Write a letter to your manager. In your fetter • explain why yoq want tp wcfrk in· the company�s head office for six months • say how your work coulcfc be done while you are away • ask for hisllJer help in ijrranging it

formal
1. You are attending a course at an evening school. Write a letter to the director of the school with a complaint about the course. In your letter, you should: – Describe the course you are taking. – Explain what you don’t like about the course. – Give your opinion about what should be done about it.

formal
Your employer has recently allowed some employees to work remotely from home. You would also like to work from home. Write a letter to the HR manager for permission to work from home for the next six months. In your letter, mention why you are writing explain why you would like to work from home say how this can benefit you and the company Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

formal
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 You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
Recently you issued a cheque to someone, but when that person presented the cheque to the bank, it was returned with these words ‘Returned for lack of sufficient funds”. You are sure that there is sufficient balance in your account. -Write a letter to the bank manager. In your letter, -give him particulars about your cheque -tell him that the cheque has bounced for no valid reason -request him to look into the matter

formal
Your local council is considering closing the kindergarten which is located in your district. Write a letter to the local council. In your letter: • Give details how you and your neighbors use the kindergarten; • Explain what consequences will be for the all people nearby; • Ask to change their decision. Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ....,

formal
You were hurt in a minor accident in a supermarket and you wish to make a complaint. Write a ltter to the manager of the supermarket. In your letter: - give details about who you are - give details about the accident - suggest how the supermarket could prevent similar accidents.

formal
You recently attended a meeting at a hotel. When you returned home, you found you had left some important papers at the hotel. Write a letter to the manager of the hotel. In your letter ●say where you think you left the papers ●explain why they are so important ●tell the manager what you want him/her to do

formal
You accidentally left an important item while checking out of a hotel. Please write a letter to the hotel manager and ask him/her to send the item back to you. In your letter provide the details of your stay; describe the item you left behind; tell the hotel manager how to return it to you.

formal
Write a letter to your favourite restaurant. Include the following: – Your reason for writing – What you like about the restaurant – Suggestions for improvement. Write at least 150 words.

formal
Write a letter to the editor of the magazine about the book that influenced you most. In your letter, describe what this book was about explain how this book influenced you say whether this book would be likely to influence other people

formal
Write a letter of complaint about a proposal to build a new road through your local park

formal
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.

formal
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.

formal
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

formal
The English Department has decided to hold a speech contest in late December, but your classmates find that it is too near the final examination. Write to the Dean of the department. In your letter: - Introduce yourself, - Explain the problem, - Suggest a change of the time.

formal
You have been invited to a networking conference for your field of work. Write a letter to your immediate manager. In your letter: · Describe the invitation you received and why it is important to you · Explain why the conference would be beneficial for you and the company · Ask for the company for time off to attend and to cover some of the travel costs

formal
You work for a company and have recently decided to leave your current employment. Write a letter to your employer. In your letter explain why you are writing explain why you have decided to leave the company When you are going to leave

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
Your local council is considering a sports and leisure centre that it runs, in order to save money. Write a letter to the local council

formal
your local council is considering closing a sports and laser centre that it runs in order to save money. write a letter to the council: - give details of have you and your friends or family use the centre - explain why the sports and laser centre is important for the local community - describe the possible effects on local people if the centre closes.

formal
For the past year you have been a member of a local club. Now you want to discontinue 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 • You should write at least 150 words. • Allow yourself 15 minutes for this task. • You do NOT need to write your own address.

formal
A museum near your home is looking for people to do part-time voluntaryl unpaid work. You would like to do some voluntary/unpaid work at the museum. Write a letter to the museum director to apply for the voluntary/unpaid work. In 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
Instructions
Read the question below and write a letter.
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
Write at least 150 words. You are looking for a part-time job at a golf club.
Write a letter to the manager of the golf club.
In your letter, introduce yourself
explain what experience and special skills you have
tell him/her when you could start

formal
You have decided to leave your current job eventhough you enjoy it. Write a letter to inform your manager of your decision. In your letter tell the manager about your decision and the reason for it describe what you learnt in your current job and ask the manager to write a reference letter to help you with future employment

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

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
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You have just received a credit card statement from your bank. The statement lists a number of expensive purchases that you are sure you did not make. Write a letter to the bank manager. In the letter: • Introduce yourself. • Explain that you did not buy the items listed. – I am on vacation • Say what you would like the bank to do to fix the problem.- investigate the case/send revised credit card stateme

formal
You bought a TV a week ago but when you got home you discovered it was not working properly. You called customer service to report the problem but you have not received any help. Write a letter to the company and in your letter 1. Introduce yourself 2. Explain the problem 3. State what action you would like from the company

formal
write a letter to a organizer of annual festival which is going to organize in your place. Give feedback for last year, mention what you can do and ask some question about festival

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 were

formal
Your local hospital has advertised for people to do unpaid work helping at the hospitsal. 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 a complaint about the hotel you stayed at while attending a meeting that was booked by the organizer of a company meeting. Write a letter to the organizer of the meeting and include: -Details about the meeting -The problem you face -What should be done

formal
Your company sent you to complete a course in another country. You have lost the certificate received at the end of the course. Write a letter to the principal of the college where you took the course. In your letter, you should tell: how you lost the certificate why you need it now what you want the principal to do.

formal
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

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

formal
You recently attended a conference and thought one of the speakers was particularly good. Write a letter to the event organizer. In your letter: Tell them which conference you attended Explain which speaker you particularly enjoyed and why Suggest inviting them to future events

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

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You are going on a month training program 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 Organizer. In your letter • expressing your interest in the role • requesting more information about it • explaining what experience you have Begin your letter as follows:

formal
Write a letter to your manager. In the letter, Describe the presentation Explain why you cannot deliver the presentation on the scheduled day Request a different date for your presentation You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear...,

formal
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

formal
You ware 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 manger. 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 You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ..................,

formal
You made a reservation at a hotel for you and your colleagues to stay during a business trip, but you need to make some changes to your booking. Write a letter to the hotel manager. In your letter – Give details of your booking – Explain what changes you need to make – Ask for some special arrangements to be made for your business meetings

formal
You are temporarily moving to a new city for your job. You will be there for three months, and you would like to rent some accommodation for your stay. Write to an accommodation rental office. In your letter •Tell them how long you are staying •Describe the type of accommodation you would like •Explain what facilities you will need nearby You do NOT need to write any addresses.

formal
You have recently visited a local school in your community. It needs people who can help renovate the building and also help with some activities. Write a letter to the principal of the school and say – How would you be able to help? – When and why would you do it? – Who will help you to do it?

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 would like to buy some electrical goods at a shop in a town which is far from your home.Write a letter to the manager of the shop. In your letter: say which electrical goods you want ask questions about the cost of the goods and how to pay explain how you will collect the goo

formal
Afriend you made while travelling abroad has written to ask you for advice about doing language classes in your area. You know about local language school that might be suitable for him tell your friend about the language school Say why you think the language school would be suitable for him explain how to apply for the language school

formal
Your 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 travelled by plane last week and your suitcase was lost. You have still heard nothing from the airline company. Write to the airline and explain what happened. Describe your suitcase and tell them what was in it. Find out what they are going to do about it. You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

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
Write a letter to the television channel Manager about boring programs during the day time. Tell him about the programs, give suggestions.

formal
You celebrated your birthday with some friends last week in a restaurant. It was a great success and you and your friends enjoyed the evening very much. Write a letter to the restaurant to thank them. In your letter – • Mention the food, service and the atmosphere. • Suggest any improvements to make things better.

formal
You have recently bought an airline ticket from a travel agency and unfortunately you are not able to fly on these dates. Write a letter to the travel agency manager to cancel the ticket. Explain in your letter: What are the flight details Why do you want to cancel it What would you like him/her to do about it

formal
You live in a small university towm.last week.Youdrove to a big city about 2 hours away to buy a new laptop at a good price.I worked on the laptop all week and finished writing a long assignment that is due shortly.however,this week,the laptop doesn't even switch on.Write to the store.In my my letter: °tell the store where you live& what you live happened °explain the problem °state what action you would like the store to help

formal
You recently attended a meeting at a hotel. When you returned home, you found you had left some important papers at the hotel. Write a letter to the manager of the hotel. In your letter :  Explain the importance of paper.  Tell them where you think you have forgotten them  Suggest a solution.

formal
You need to take leave from your work of over one month for personal reasons. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter: explain the reason for the leave and the length of leave you need explain how you will keep up-to-date while you’re away suggest how your work could be covered while you are away Write at least 150 words You do NOT need to write any addresses Begin your letter as follows: Dear....,

formal
IELTS FORMAL LETTER You have been invited to attend an admissions interview for a prestigious college. Unfortunately, you cannot come at the proposed time due to a previous appointment. Write a letter to the admissions tutor and explain your position. In your letter: Introduce yourself and state your interest in the program Apologize and offer to come at a different time Ask how long the interview will be and if you will have to take an exam Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
your company does not have a staff rest area. write a letter to your manager to request an office that can be used as a staff rest area. in the letter -explain the benefits of this action -suggest an office that can be used -what should be done to transform the office into a staff rest are

formal
You work for an international company and need to take some time off work to celebrate a family event. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter ● give details of the family event and why it is important you attend ● say how much time you will need away from the office ● suggest how your work could be covered while you are away

formal
You have recently applied for a course at a college and have been accepted. However, you cannot join the course due to some reasons. Write a letter to the principal of the college. In your letter, which course you have applied for why you cannot join the course ask about the possibility of the course in the future

formal
Write a letter to the publisher in a newspaper, asking to advertise a meeting of people from different countries you are organizing. Explain where, when and why

formal
You have lost your student identification card. This has created some problems for you. Write a letter to the director of student services. In your letter advise them of your situation explain how this is affecting you request a new card

formal
You have just started a course in a college which has no sports facilities of its own. Write a letter to the manager of the nearest private sports club. In you letter - introduce yourself - say why you are interested in this sports club - ask some questions about the club eg. facilities, members, costs.

formal
You have an appointment with the bank and now you realized that you can't make it for that. Write a letter to the manager.

formal
You believe that your local library needs some improvements. Write a letter to the library manager to suggest changes. In your letter: explain why you think the library needs improvements, suggest what changes should be made, invite the manager to discuss your suggestions in more detail.

formal
You recently bought a children’s toy online but when it arrived it was damaged. Write a letter to the manager of the toy shop. In your letter: • describe what the problem with the toy is • suggest how the damage may have happened • say what you would like the manager to do

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

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 letter: give details of the purchase explain the problem explain why you need a replacement urgently You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam..........,

formal
There is a sports stadium near your home where large number of people come to watch games each weekend. This cause you and your neighbours some problems. Write a letter to the local council. In your letter- -explain who you are and where you live -describe the problem -suggest what the local council should do

formal
You have bought a new computer but when you got home you found it had some problems. You returned the computer and spoke to the company representative two weeks ago, but the computer has not been fixed yet. Write a letter to the company. In your letter: explain what the problem with the computer is explain what the representative told you about it tell them what you would like to be done about the situation. Write at least 150 words.

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

formal
You have recently missed a project deadline which resulted in your company losing an important client. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter: oapologize for what happened o explain why you missed the deadline o tell him/her how you will avoid this situation in future.

formal
You recently stayed in a hotel in a large city. The weather was very unusual for the time of the year and the heating or cooling system in the hotel was quite inadequate. Write a letter to the manager of the hotel. In your letter -Give details of what was wrong -Explain what you had to do to overcome the problem at that time -Say what action you would like the manager to take

formal
An old car was left on the street near your apartment block several weeks ago. You telephoned the local council to get them to take it away, but nothing has been done about it. The car is now causing a problem for residents. Write a letter 1. Describe the car 2. outline the problems it is causing 3. tell the council what you want them to do

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