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 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 your letter •Describe the meeting •Explain the problems with the service •Suggest what the meeting organiser should do

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Write a letter of complaint to a company outlining a problem you had while visiting one of their stores. In your letter include: 􀈈􀀃 what the problem was 􀈈􀀃 why this problem has upset you 􀈈􀀃 what you want to happen as a result of your letter

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Your workplace does not have a car park, causing some problems. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter •describe the problems; •explain what benefits a car park would bring to the company; •suggest a solution for the car park problem.

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

formal
You live in a university hostel which you share with another student. However, your roommate creates a lot of problems for you, and you find it very difficult to live with him/her. Write a letter to the accommodation officer at the university. In the letter, • explain the situation • describe your problems and why it is difficult to work • state what kind of changes you would prefer

formal
You travelled to another city on business last week, and there was a problem with your hotel room. Write to the hotel manager. In your letter… •Tell the manager about the problems you had •Explain to them how you feel about what happened •Let them know what actions you would like them to take. 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 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.

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You have recently moved to a new neighbourhood and would like to join a sports centre there. You have found a private sports club. 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.

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ou 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 employees about the new employee’s conduct Say how you expect the HR manager to address the situation.

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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

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 is about  Explain how the book influenced you  Say whether this book would be likely to influence people.

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
You have recently left something in a train, write a letter to the manager of lost and found department and specify. • When you lost it • Describe the object you have left • Tell the manager what you want them to do with it

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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: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
You travelled by a long distance bus recently and your suitcase was damaged. Write a letter to the bus company. In your letter • Inform the bus company of when and to where you travelled • Describe your suitcase and what happened to it • Explain why the company should pay for a new suitcase

formal
You had a good meal at a local restaurant with your family. Write a letter to the newspaper to give the feedback: • Where the restaurant located • What you had for the meal • Why do you recommend this restaurant to othe

formal
You live in a room in college which you share with another student. However, there are many problems with this arrangement and you find it very difficult to study/work. Write a letter to the accommodation officer at the college. In the letter: describe the situation explain your problems and why it is difficult to study/work say what kind of accommodation you would prefer You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

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

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ou are not satisfied with the changing rooms in a sports centre that you visit. Write a letter to the manager. - What the problem is - How you feel about the problem - What steps you want the manager to take

formal
You recently stayed at a hotel during your holiday, but you were dissatisfied with the service. Write a letter to the hotel manager. In your letter: explain the problem you experienced describe how it affected your stay say what action you would like the hotel to take

formal
T1 you recently bought a new magazine. the editor of the magazine asked the readers to give their opinions about it. write a letter to the editor.in your letter -explain why you chose to buy this magazine - say what you particularly like and dislike about it -suggest what improvements you would like the editor to make write at least 150 words do not write any address Begin with Dear Sir or Madam

formal
You have heard that there is a part-time job available in a nearby shop. Write a letter to the shop's manager, applying for the job. specify what job you are applying for write about your experience and skills and why you should get an interview ask about the hours required for the job and give your preferred hours You should write at least 150 words.

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

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Write a formal letter to your school director in which you suggest starting an Ancient Civilisations Club

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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

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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
There have been several comp,laints about the reception area where visitors to your company arrive. Your manager has asked you to suggest how the reception area could be improved. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter • describe the complaints that have been made • say why the reception area is important • suggest how the reception area could be #comp #laints #reception #area #visitors #company #manager #complaints

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An international company is offering a temporary job for work experience, write a letter to apply for that job. You need to explain where did you find this information why you want to apply this job what qualification you have what position you want to apply

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You and your family are moving to another country for work, and you are looking to buy a house there. Write a letter to a property agent. In your letter: •        Introduce yourself and your family •        Describe the type of accommodation that you hope to find •        Give your preference for the location of the accommodation Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: To Whom it May Concern,

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

formal
You work for a small company. You need to arrange for some time off work. Write a letter to your employer. In your letter: > explain why you want to take time off work > give details of how long you will be away > suggest how you will make up for the lost time ​Write at least 150 words.

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 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 of the hotel. In your letter: •say what the participants liked about the hotel •explain why they were unhappy about the food •suggest what the manager should do to improve the food in future Write at least 150 words.

formal
You 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 newspaper had an advertisement asking people to help with environment projects in your area. Write a letter to the project manager to offer your help. In your letter: describe a local environmental issue in your area explain how you can help suggest how the problem could be avoided in future.

formal
Your local council is considering closing a sports and leisure center that it runs, in order to save money. Write a letter to local council. In the letter give details of how you and your friends use the center. explain why the sports and leisure center is important for the local community. describe the possible effects on local people if the center closes. write 150 words.

formal
You recently ordered something online. When the delivery came it was not complete. Write a letter to the company. In your letter: - Explain what you ordered and what was missing from your delivery - Explain the importance of this delivery - Ask for a replacement item to be sent

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You have been asked to organise a special dinner to celebrate your company’s achievements this year. Write a letter to the restaurant you have chosen. In your letter say : * why you want to come to the restaurant and when * how many people will attend the dinner * what special requirements you have

formal
You have recently bought some furniture. It was broken when you received it. Write a complaint letter to the store manager and say – What and when did you buy? – Why was it broken? – Suggest how the problem could be solved

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You recently bought an electronic device from a store, but it is not working properly. Write a letter to the store manager. In your letter: Describe the problem with the device. Explain what you have done to try to resolve the issue. State what you would like the manager to do.

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 what are the problems you are facing what part of the service would you like to change

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

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You recently bought a product, but you are not satisfied with it. Write a letter to the company that made the product. In your letter: •Describe the product you bought •Explain why you are not satisfied with it •Suggest what the company should do to fix the problem

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A large company in your area has decided to spend a certain amount of money. either to sponsor a child 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 concert •Say how you think the company should spend the money.

formal
One of your friends wants to apply for a job at a summer school camp as a sports trainer. Write a letter to the camp manager to recommend your friend. In your letter •say how well you know your friend •describe the qualifications and experience that your friend has •explain why your friend would be suitable for this job.

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 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
“ You are looking for a part-time job. Write a letter to an employment agency. In your letter: introduce yourself explain what sort of job you would like and say what experience and skills you have

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Your car insurance company has told you that they are going to increase the amount you have to pay in insurance for your car each month. You are not happy about this. Write a letter to your insurance company. In your letter explain: - Why you are writing to them - why you think the insurance shold not be increased - What you want them to do

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 Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

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

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.

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An Australian company offers money to foreign students to study in Australia. Write a letter to the company: -introduce yourself -say what you want to study -how the money will help you

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You have organised on 19th birthday party for your relative and invited elderly gas. It was a successful party. Write a letter to the hotel Manager, to provide the feedback: in your letter, you should tell: - when the party took place - why it was successful - thanks for staff member who was really helpful.

formal
You recently took a long-distance bus trip and were dissatisfied with the service. Write a letter of complaint to the bus company. In your letter: Describe the specific problems you encountered Explain how these problems affected your experience Say what you would like the company to do to make up for the issues Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

formal
You have forgotten an important thing or document in a taxi on your recent trip. Write a letter to the taxi company manager and say Give details of your journey. Describe the importance of what you left in that taxi. What do you expect the taxi company manager to do?

formal
You recently used a taxi and left some important documents there. Write a letter to the taxi manager and say: – Describe what you left and where it happened. – Why are these papers important? – What would you like the manager to do about it?

formal
Your local council is considering closing a sports and leisure centre that is runs, in order to save money write a letter to the local council.in your letter give detils of how you and your friends or family use the centre explain why the sports and liesure centre is important for the local community describe the possible effects on local peaple if the centre closes

formal
You recently bought an electronic item from a store, but it stopped working within a few days. Write a letter to the store manager. In your letter: •Describe the item •Explain the problem •Say what you would like the manager to do

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.

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You have been doing some voluntary work to help your local community. However, now you are unable to continue doing this work. Write a letter to the manager of the organization where you have been working. In your letter 1. describe the work you have been doing 2. explain why you can no longer do this work 3. recommend another person who is interested in the work

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

formal
Write a letter to your local council to tell him that the road in front of your house is damaged. In your letter include a.Tell him your name and where you are living b.Describe the problem c.Tell him what you want him to do for you

formal
You are planning a business trip to another city. Write a letter to the manager of a local hotel to make arrangements for your stay. In your letter: Introduce yourself and your company Provide the details of your stay (dates, type of room, etc.) Explain any special requests you have Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

formal
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. why you are going to this country what kind of accommodation you want when you will arrive

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 have recently booked a trip abroad with a travel agency; however, plans have changed, and you cannot go to that trip. Write a letter to your travel agent. - Give details of your trip. - Explain why you can’t go on this trip. Tell the agency what you want to do about the booking

formal
Write a letter to the Manager to complain about the problems that you met on the flight recently. In your letter you should: - 1. give details of flight 2. What were the issues with the flight. 3. What you want the manager to do about it.

formal
Write a letter to a hotel manager in another city for an upcoming 2-day business trip for you and your colleagues. Introduce yourself and colleagues Give information about the business meeting Tell other requests you might have

formal
You play sports (e.g. football) for a local team. You recently heard that a player in your team is in a hospital. Write a letter to your teammate. In your letter • • • say how you feel about the news ask about the treatment in the hospital suggest some ways of cheering him/her up

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

formal
Write a letter of complaint to a company outlining a problem you had while visiting one of their stores. In your letter include: 􀈈􀀃 what the problem was 􀈈􀀃 why this problem has upset you 􀈈􀀃 what you want to happen as a result of your letter

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

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 a. Describe what the problems are b. Explain how these problems are affecting you c. Suggest what you would like the company to do

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You work for a small company. You need to arrange for some time off work. Write a letter to your employer. In your letter • explain why you want to take time off work • give details of how long you will be away • suggest how you will make up for the lost time Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear……………………,

formal
Write a letter to the retailer to complain. In the letter: – Explain why you are unhappy – Request a refund – Make arrangements to return the damaged item

formal
You recently stayed at a hotel in a foreign country and had a problem with your room. Write a letter to the hotel manager. In your letter: •State when you stayed at the hotel and the room number. •Describe the problem you experienced with your room. •Suggest what you would like the hotel to do to resolve the issue.

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You ordered a new cheque book from your bank two weeks ago but you have received nothing. Write a letter to the manager complaining about the bad service. Say when and how you ordered the cheque book. Ask how much longer you will have to wait and ask the manager what action he will take over this matter. You should write at least 150 words.

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 they liked the hotel, but they were unhappy about the food served for lunch. Write a letter to the manager of the hotel. In your letter •Say what the participant liked about the hotel. • Explain why they were unhappy about the hotel. • Suggest what the manager should do to improve the food in the future.

formal
You are living in a University residence, and you have a problem with the high levels of noise from a new campus restaurant which is open late at night. Write a letter to the governor of the University. In your letter, •Complain about the situation . •Say why this is a problem •And propose ways to reduce the noise

formal
You work for an international company. You want to attend special family celebration during working hours. You need to take time off work for this. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter: Give details of family celebration. Tell your manager how much time time off work you need. Suggest how work can be done while you attend the celebration.

formal
You have heard about plans to build new apartments in a public park near your home You want to give your opinion about this Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper In your letter Explain how you learnt about these plans Say what you think of the park, give your opinions on the plans

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

formal
You 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 the companys hear 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 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
You have bought furniture from a store. When you received, there were some damages. Write a letter to the concerned store manager. In your letter, you should: Give information about the furniture. Explain the damage Ask the manager to solve your issue.

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task: Your internet connection has recently been slow and unreliable. Write a letter to your internet service provider to complain. In the letter: -Describe the problem and why you are unhappy -Arrange for an engineer to visit your home -Request a reduction in your bill You do not need to write any addresses Write at least 150 words.

formal
Write a letter to the restaurant's manager. In your letter, Explain that you would like to apply for the job. Give some details of any relevent experience that you have. specify days and times that would suit you

formal
You read an article in a newspaper about a citUT or town.Some of the information in that article was not correct.Write a letter to the newspaper editions. Describe how you know the city Tell what the problems are Suggest what you want the editor to do

formal
You are looking for a part time Job in a sports centre.write a letter to the manager of the sports centre.in your letter Introduce yourself Explain what experience and special skills you have Tell him/her when you think you could start

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 the company – describe the item lost – explain how you lost it – tell the insurance company what you would like them to do You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
Recently your employer offered some employees to do some work directly from home. Write a letter to your manager requesting the same arrangement. You should say Why do you want to work from home? Why would it be beneficial for the company and yourself? Suggest a suitable arrangement for you to work from home.

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 you were unhappy with the staff suggest what action the train company should take

formal
Mrs Barrett,An english speaking woman who lives in your town, has advertised for someone to help her in her home for a few hours in a day next summer.Write a letter to mirs Barrett suggest how could you help her in her work. say why you like to do this job. when you will and not be will avaible.

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 problem is. - Suggest solutions to the 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 lost an item while travelling on a bus. An employee of the bus company assisted you in recovering your lost item. Write a letter to the company manager to thank the employee. In youro letter, - Describe what you lost and how the employee helped you find it - Say how you felt after recovering it - Explain why it was important to you

formal
you have recently missed a project deadline which resulted in your company lossing an important client. write a letter to your senior director. in your letter apologise for what happened explain why you missed the dead line tell him her how will you avoid in future.

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