IELTS General Writing Task 1 formal Topics/Questions 2025

Want to improve your IELTS score? Get instant feedback and learn from your mistakes!

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
There was an advert inviting applications for a certain job in the local newspaper. Write to Human Resource Department. In your letter, describe the job you are applying for and your relevant work experience. In your letter • say about the job position you are applying for • describe your experience • describe how your current job and the one you are applying for is a good match

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 it Explain how you feel about it As for more information about it

formal
Think of one your favorite teachers. Write a note to him or her asking for a recommendation for you to get into a school or program where you are applying. Think of a place where you would like to work. Write a letter to the company, asking for a part-time job. Write about a place that you would like to visit one day.

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: • Introduce yourself • Explain what the problems is • Suggest solutions to the problem You do not need to write any addresses

formal
A reporter complained about a new TV program that you like. Write a letter to the newspaper editor.– Describe your point of view. Say what you like about the show and why. Ask the newspaper to take some action.

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

formal
You recently attended a meeting at a hotel. When you return home, you found you had left some important papers at the hotel. Write a letter to the manager of the hotel. -Explain the problem. -Say why the documents are important. -Suggest a solution.

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

formal
You recently stayed in a hotel in another city. When you got home you discovered that you had left something of value in the room. Write a letter to the hotel. In your letter • describe the item that you left behind and say where you left it • ask the hotel to arrange to send it to you • suggest a way to pay for the postage

formal
You have been teaching English in Vietnam. Your contract with the university is to terminate and you want to continue teaching in Ho Chi Minh City. Write to a university to seek a position. In your letter: - Introduce yourself - Explain what experience and special skills you have - Explain why you are interested in the job

formal
Write a letter to the building manager. In your latter, -describe the noisy behavior of your neighbor, -expain how it is affecting you, -suggest a solution to this problem.

formal
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

formal
You bought a TV a week ago but when you got home you discovered it did not work properly. You called customer service to report the problem but you have not yet received any help. Write a letter to the company and in your letter: *introduce yourself *explain the problem *and state what action you would like from the company: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
Q. You recently bought a piece of sports equipment from an online store. When you first used the piece of sports equipment, you found a problem with it. Write a letter to the manager, 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?

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
There is a problem with the changing room in your gym. You reported it several times, but it was not resolved. Write a letter to the gym manager. In your letter • Describe the problem. • Explain what the gym’s response was when you reported the problem. • Say what you would like the manager to do about the problem. Write at least 200 words to express your ideas clearly by using various structures and vocabularies.

formal
You have seen an advertisement in an English newspaper for a job working in the City Museum shop during the holidays. Write a letter to the director of the Museum

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

formal
You have an appointment with your bank manager, but you cannot attend the meeting. You are writing to him to make another appointment. In your letter • Apologize for any inconvenience • Explain why you cannot attend this meeting • Make an appointment for another meeting Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ....,

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
Write a letter to invite a famous person to give a speech at a meeting in your youth club. In your letter, you should: -introduce your club -explain why you want to invite him/her -tell him/her about the arrangement for the meeting

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 You do NOT need to write any addresses.

formal
Last week, you lost your luggage while traveling on holiday. Luckily, you have travel insurance. Write a letterto the manager of your insurance company. In your letter: Describe the characteristics of what you lost Explain how you lost it. Tell the insurance company what you need from them

formal
You recently did a short cookery course the cookery school has ask for your feedback on this course Write a letter to the course director at cookery school in your letter Describe what you enjoyed about the course Sahi how much cooking you have done since the course Suggest another cookery course you like the school to offer

formal
You are applying for a job. As well as attaching a CV, you need to write a cover letter explaining your reasons for choosing this particular job at this particular company, and why you would be a good hire. Things to include are: – Possible qualifications or reasons for you to be hired – Your energy and enthusiasm for the job – Your past experience in a similar position.

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 You do NOT need to write your own address. Begin your letter as:

formal
You know what a building company Is planning to build new houses in immediate proximity to your house. Write a letter to the manager of the company.

formal
A local newspaper is looking for a part-time writer.. Write a letter to the editor of the newspaper explaining -why you are interested in the role -What topics you would write about -Write your opinion about the newspaper

formal
The organizer of the annual festival is going to organize a festival in your place. Write a letter to the organizer giving feedback for last year and suggestions for this year. In your letter, you should: give your feedback for the last festival tell him/her what you can do for the new festival suggestions about the new festival.

formal
Write a letter to the manager of the Lost and Found department of the railway regarding the luggage you accidentally left on the train. In your letter, give details of your train trip describe the luggage you left on the train say what actions you want him/her to take

formal
You have learned that a financial organisation in your city gives money as a loan to students who like to take a part-time course. You are interested to do the course and have decided to take a loan. Write a letter to a local financial organisation. In your letter, • give your qualifications and work experience • give details about the course • explain how this course will help you

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
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
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 rented a car from a company and while you were driving on holiday, you had a small accident. You will have to write a letter to inform the company and in your letter.- Explain when and from where you rented it -Describe how the accident happened what kind of action did you take after the accident.

formal
Write a letter to local council regarding the plan of replacement of a library with a supermarket, you need to write the following: -where did you get this information -the disadvantages of having a supermarket instead of a library -importance of having a library

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
You recently attended a meeting at a hotel. When you returned hime, 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 should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Write at least 150 words. You have just returned from holiday and were not satisfied with your trip. Write to the travel agency. In your letter •Say where / when you went on holiday •Explain why you are not satisfied with your holiday •Tell them what you would like them to do You do NOT need to write any addresses.

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

formal
You recently received an invitation for three day training program which should benefit you and the company. Write a letter to your manager and say. Ask To attend this program Describe the program Explain how the will benefit the company

formal
You and your neighbours have noticed that the rubbish collection services where you live have recently been quite bad. Write a letter to your local council. In your letter, – explain what you have recently experienced – explain what the neighbours have recently experienced – ask what action will be taken to improve the service

formal
You are an account holder of a bank. Recently, you have received a letter from the bank stating that your account is $240 overdrawn and that you will be charged $70 which will be taken right from your account. You know that this information is incorrect. Write a letter to the bank. 1. Explain what has happened 2. say what you would like them to do about it

formal
TASK-1 You have recently noticed that your work computer is getting too slow and out-of-date. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter -explain the problems with your computer -give some examples of how this has affected your work -make some suggestions for what can be done to help adress this issue

formal
Write a letter to a translation agency about a report that you need to have translated urgently. Include -The content of your report -Why you need it translated -Why it is urgent

formal
You recently ordered furniture from an online retailer. The delivery and installation experience was very disappointing/ satisfying. Write a Letter to the manager of the online store to complain about/ praise the service. In your Letter: Say what you ordered Explain what happened/ describe the service Tell the manager how you feel

formal
You have recently ordered an item through 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. Dear Sir or Madam,

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 museum - describe some skills and qualities you have that would be useful - give details of when you would be available for work Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
Write a letter to the manager of the sports club. In your letter, introduce yourself say why are you interested in this sports club ask some questions about the club e.g facilities, membership, costs etc.

formal
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

formal
A local annual festival will take place in your area soon. Write a letter to the organiser of the festival. In your letter –Provide feedback on the festival held last year. –Offer some help with organisation of this year’s festival –Inquire about specific details or features of the upcoming festival

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

formal
In newspaper, local hospital advertised for people to do unpaid work in the hospital Write a letter Why do you want to do unpaid work Which kind of work do you want When you can join the hospital

formal
You have seen an advertisement for a weekend course to study a foreign language. Write a letter to the institution offering the course. In your letter: - ask for details of the course - ask if the course teachers are qualified native speakers - request that the institution sends you their brochure. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir / Madam,...

formal
A museum near your home is looking for people to do part-time voluntary unpaid job. Write a letter to the museum director to apply for the job. In your letter • explain why you want to do the voluntary job; • describe some skills and qualities that you have that would be helpful; • give details of when you would be available for work

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 recently missed a flight. You think this was the fault of the airlines. Write a letter to the airline. In your letter - explain why you believe the airline was at fault - describe the impact this had on your journey - say what you want the airline to do. Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin you letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

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

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 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
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

formal
Write a letter to the admission tutor. In your letter explain your position apologise and offer to come on another day or later the same day also ask how long the interview will be, and whether there will be any tests during it You should write at least 150 words.

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

formal
A magazine wants to inculde contributions from its reders for an article called ‘the book that influenced me most’. Write a letter to the editor of the magazine about the book that influenced you most. In your letter Describe what this book was about Explain how this book influenced you say whether this book would be likely to influence other people.

formal
Write a letter to the manager of your insurance company. In your letter 1. Describe the item you lost 2. explain how you lost it 3. tell the insurance company what you would like them to do

formal
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 for an international company, and would like to spend six months working in its head office in another country. Write a letter to your manager. in your letter -Explain why you want to work in 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 recently did a short cookery course. The cookery school has asked for your feedback on this course. Wtire a letter to the course director at the cookery school. In your letter - describe what you enjoyed about the course - say how much cookery you have done since the course - suggest another cookery course you would like the school to offer

formal
What are not satisfied with the changing rooms in a sports center that you visit. Write a letter to the sports center manager. In your letter: -Explain the problem. -Say how you feel about this problem. - Say what steps you would like the manager to take.

formal
You sent some documents by post recently, but they did not arrive. Write a letter to the post manager. In your letter - Give details of the situation - Describe the documents - Say what action you want tobe taken.

formal
7.Write a letter to a book store manager who is living in another city. Ask him/her to make available a book that you are interested in. In your letter, you should tell: – What book you are looking for? – Why you need this book? – How you plan to purchase the book?

formal
You rent a four-bedroom house which you share with two other students. However, there are several problems with this house that need fixing. You also find it expensive and would like to find another student to share the spare bedroom. Write a letter to the estate agency. In the letter: Explain your situation Describe the problem with the house Say what would you like to happen

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
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 planning to go and study English at a school overseas. You would like some information about their courses. Write a letter to the school. In your letter Ask about the school Say what kind of accommodation you want Mention any special request you have (for example diet).

formal
Your child's school is going for a trip out of the country for 3 days and parent is allowed to join the group. Write a letter to school. In your letter, you should: • ask questions about the trip • tell them why you want to join the group • explain how you can help.

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 Suggest an improvement to the cafe Explain the benefits of your suggestion

formal
Write a letter to a hotel manager in another city for an upcoming 2 days business trip for you and your colleagues. In your letter you should tell - Introduce yourself and colleagues - give information about the business meeting - tell other requests you might 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 fo the company. tn your fetter describe the benefits of sponsoring the sports team summarise the benefits of paying for the concerts say how you think the company should spend the money

formal
You 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
The office building where you work doesn't have any parking spaces available for employees. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter -explain the problem - suggest a solution - say how on-site or nearby parking would benefit employees.

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

formal
You are applying to get admitted to an educational programme at a university abroad. Specify what you want to study and write a motivation letter, including the following points- • What attracted you to this particular programme, reason for wanting to study- your motivations and ambitions • How your current study is relevant and what your academic achievements are • Why you are suitable- extracurricular activities, hobbies and other experience related to your choice of programme.

formal
You are studying for a qualification, and would like some time off work to complete it. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter, ask for some tome off to complete a qualification, suggest what will you do later at work if you have time off,say how will the qualification helps your job or company.

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

formal
You have 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
A local company is looking for people to do part-time work. You would like to work at the company in summer. Write a letter to the company manager. In your letter:•explain why you want to work there•say why you think you would be suitable for this work•give details of when you would be free to workWrite at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
You are planning a trip for you and a group of friends to a resort in a foreign country. Write a letter to the manager of the resort requesting more information. You letter should include: 1. When you hope to be staying at the resort 2. Ask for suggestions on activities to do 3. Ask for advice on places to eat for both vegetarian and family friendly places.

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

formal
You want to volunteer to help the old people of your community.An organisation in your area works for the benefit of old people.Write a letter to the in-charge of that organisation explaining Why do you want to help How can you help them

formal
You recently bought a camera while travelling overseas. When you got to your destination you discovered that some important items were missing from the box. Write a letter to the local representative of the company. In your letter give details of the camera and where you bought it explain what has happened say what you want him/her to do about it

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

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

formal
You recently organised an all-day meeting for your company, which took place ina 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 managee should do to improve the food in the future.

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You will go to a foreign country to stay there for one year, and you need a place to live in. You have decided to write to an agency for accommodation. Write a letter to the agency to get information about accommodation. In your letter, say: why you are going to this country what kind of accommodation you want when you will arrive 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 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 were hurt in a minor accident inside a supermarket, and you wish you complain to the supermarket. Write a letter to the manager of the supermarket. In your letter -Say who you are -Give details about the accident -Suggest how the supermarket could prevent similar accidents. Write at least 150 words. You do Not need to write any addresses.

formal
As the graduation day draws near, you have to apply for a library card for your graduate thesis. Write a letter to the person in charge of the library. In your letter Explain your situation Inquire about to the required materials and the required procedures Express your thanks

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
Write a letter to the hotel manager to make arrangement for hosting a party for one of your friend's. In your letter  tell the manager about the reason for the party Explain what requirements you have As about the availability of facilities and the menu

🚀 Prepare for IELTS writing section today!
  • Unlimited Task 1 & Task 2 checks
    Practice with essays, charts, and letters.
  • Personalized suggestions & mistake analysis
    Spot every mistake and boost your score.
  • Topic ideas & vocabulary helpers
    Expand your ideas and use the right words.
  • Progress tracking
    Watch your writing improve with every practice.