IELTS General Writing Task 1 formal Topics/Questions 2026

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 2026 by students who took the IELTS recently. Pick a random topic and start practicing and improving your writing skills.

formal
You have seen a job advertised in the newspaper. You want to apply for the job. Write a letter to the manager of the company. In your letter
formal
you went to see a good film but you could not enjoy it because of some problems in the cinema. Write a letter to the cinema manager. You should tell When you watched the film What problem you experienced in the cinema What the manager should do 150 words
formal
1.You recently took a trip with a taxi company. The driver behaved in an unacceptable way and you had a lot of problems. You complained to the company but no one has replied to your complaint. Write a letter to the taxi company. In your letter osay why you are writing and how you feel o explain what happened o tell them what you would like them to do.
formal
Write a letter to the restaurant, applying for the job. In your letter: • explain what you are currently doing • describe your suitability for this area of work • say when you can attend an interview
formal
You missed an appointment for an immigration interview recently because of circumstances out of your control. Write to the immigration office. In your letter • Introduce yourself • Apologies for missing your appointment • Explain what happened • Request a new apartment
formal
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. • Say what you would like the bank to do to fix the problem. You do not need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows:
formal
You have taken a cruise on a holiday and have been disappointed with the experience. Write a letter to the cruise provider. In your letter, say: what went wrong how you felt about it what do you want to be done about it
formal
A TV company is going to make a new program about a place near your home. Write a letter to the head of the production company. In your letter explain how you found out about the TV program say how you know the place where they plan to film suggest some information about the place that could be included in the TV program
formal
Write a letter to the local council. The system used for rubbish/garbage collection in your local area is not working properly. This is causing problems for you and your neighbours. In your letter • describe how the rubbish collection system is not working properly • explain how this is affecting you and your neighbours • suggest what should be done about the problem
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
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
formal
You organised a 90th birthday party in a hotel for a relative. Many elderly guests attended this party which of grand success. Write a letter to thank the hotel manager. In your letter, Give details of party the reasons why party was successful Mention a staff member who helped you a lot
formal
You are about to start social meetings in a particular area where people from different nationalities can take part. Write a letter to the editor of a local newspaper requesting him to publish information about this:- - What activities you have planned - When the first meeting takes place and where
formal
You recently saw an advertisement in a newspaper seeking volunteers to do unpaid work with local children. You are interested in this work. Write a letter to the head of the organisation. In your letter – express your interest – ask for details of the work that needs to be done – let them know when you are available.
formal
You have recently returned from an afternoon at your public library, and noticed various negative aspects that could be improved upon. Write a letter to the manager of the public library. In your letter: Describe the poor experience you had Include ideas for what the library should change Explain why you feel the library needs alteration Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.
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
formal
You have decided to leave your job. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter: explain why you are leaving give notice thank your manager for their support
formal
You have just read an article in a national newspaper which claim 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 point in the articles 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 recently went on a business trip to another country and you faced an issue at the airport. Write a letter to the airport management and include ● what the details of your flight were. ● what the problem at the airport was. ● some suggestions for improvement.
formal
You have just come back from a holiday overseas. When you arrived back, you discovered that the airline had lost your suitcase. Write to the Customer Relations department of the airline. In the letter,  explain the situation  describe the suitcase and its contents  say what you want the airline to do  Write at least 150 words.  You do NOT need to write any addresses.
formal
The system used for rubbish/garbage collection in your local are is not working properly. This is causing problems you and your neighbours. Write a letter to the local council. In your letter •Describe how the rubbish collection system is not working properly •Explain how this is affecting you and your neighbours • Suggest what should be done about the problem
formal
At an event you attended recently, you met an employee of a company you would like to work at. You talked to her and she suggested that you should contact her if you needed any help with your job application. Write a letter to this employee. In your letter: • remind her how you met and ask for some help • tell her what kind of job you are interested in • ask her about the company’s job application process
formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Last week, you celebrated your birthday with some friends in a restaurant. It was a great success and you and your friends enjoyed yourselves very much. Write a letter to the restaurant. In your letter mention the food and service explain that you really enjoyed the atmosphere suggest any improvements to make things better 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
You have seen an advertisement in a local newspaper about a new sports center that is opening soon. Write a letter to the manager. In your letter: Express your interest in the sports center. Ask for more information about the facilities. Inquire about membership fees and any discounts available.
formal
Your local newspaper published 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 that affects you • Explain what you would like to do to help • Suggest how the problem could be avoided in future.
formal
A road near your home is damaged. Write a letter to the council of your town/city to complain about it. In your letter – Tell them who are you and where you live – Explain the nature of your complaint – Say what you would like them 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 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 took a train journey but you left an important item on the train. You phoned the train company to report it but you were not pleased with the response. Write a letter to the manager of the train company. In your letter • describe the item you left on the train • say why you were not pleased with the train company's response to your phone call • explain what you want the manager to do about it
formal
You are Dimitar Borisov/Elena Borisova. Write a formal letter to your school director in which you suggest starting an Ancient Civilisations Club.
formal
Write a letter to the manager of a hotel where you stayed and left two things. Give details of your stay Why those 2 things ar important How he can return
formal
You work for a small company. Your manager has asked you to arrange a party in a restaurant for everyone from your workplace. Write a letter to the owner of the restayrant, in the letter: give the reason for the party and details of when you would like to go to the restaurant describe what food the group will require say how many people will attend and ask how much it will cost
formal
The local council has some funds to invest in the neighborhood. They have asked for suggestions from the public. Write a letter to the local council. In your letter • thank them for considering the public’s opinion • explain ways in which the funds can be utilised • offer some ways in which you can contribute to the council
formal
You came to know about a piece of equipment that would help you at your workplace. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter
formal
You were hurt in a minor accident inside a supermarket, and you wish to complain to the supermarket. Write a letter to the manager of the supermarket. In your letter, say who are you give details about the accident suggest how the supermarket could prevent similar accidents
formal
The system used for rubbish/garbage collection in your local area is not working properly. This is causing problems for you and your neighbours. Write a letter to the local council. In your letter • describe how the rubbish collection system is not working properly • explain how this is affecting you and your neighbours • suggest what should be done about the problem
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
formal
You were absent from an important event held by the company you work for. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter: Apologize for your absence and explain the reasoning. Explain why you had to be at the other event. Explain what you will do to catch up.
formal
You recently bought a piece of sports emunrent 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 of the online store. In your letter describe the problem with the piece of sports equipment • • • say what happened because of the problem explain what you would like the company to do
formal
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
formal
You are just back from a long journey and you met an airline hostess who was rude to you on the plane. Write a letter to the manager and in the letter, you should mention: • Why did you write this letter? • What did this hostess do to you? • What is your expectation?
formal
You have seen an advertisement in the local newspaper for swimming lessons at your community sports centre. You want to find out more about these lessons. Write a letter to the manager of the sports centre. In the letter ● describe how well you can swim at the moment ● explain why you want to learn to swim better ● enquire about the time and cost of the swimming lessons
formal
You have 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
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 sports club ask some questions about the club e.g. facilities, members, costs
formal
You are visiting another town next month for a short break. Write a letter to the tourist information center. In your letter •Tell them how long you are staying •Ask for some suggestions for what to do •Find out if any local events happening at that time
formal
Recently, your position in the company has changed, and accordingly, you are required to write a letter to ask for some corresponding training programs that contains the following information: • What was your last position? • What qualities does your new position require? • How does the training help you in your new position? You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows:
formal
You recently did a cookery course. The cookery school has asked for your feedback on this course. Write a letter to the course director at the cookery school. In your letter Describe what you enjoyed about the course Say how much cooking you have done since the course Suggest another cooker course you would like the school to offer
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
You have moved to another city but your bank has your old address and continues to send all communication there. Write a letter to your bank branch. In the letter, mention: Where have you moved to? What problem are you facing regarding the bank’s communication? What you want them to do regarding old communication already sent to the wrong address?
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
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 are applying for a job and need a letter of reference from someone who knew you when you were at school. Write a letter to one of your old teachers asking for a reference. In your letter: say what job you have applied for explain why you want this job suggest what information the teacher should include
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 Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any address. Begin your letter as follows: Dear __________
formal
You have decided to leave your current job even though 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
Semi-Formal Letter Prompt: "You recently attended a workshop and would like to thank the organizer. Write a letter to the organizer. In your letter, you should: 1.Express your gratitude for the workshop. 2.Describe what you learned or found valuable. 3.Suggest how the workshop could be improved."
formal
You rented a car from Car Rental Company. The air conditioner has stopped working. You phoned the company a week ago but it still has not been repaired. Write a letter to the company. In your letter – introduce yourself – explain the situation – say what action you would like the company to take
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 I •suggest what action the train company should take
formal
You have moved to another city but your bank has your old address and continues to send all the communication there. Write a letter to your bank branch. In this letter: - Where have you moved to? - What problem are you facing regarding the bank's communication? What you want them to do regarding the old communication already sent to the wrong address?
formal
You have recently taken a two-day course. Write to the course organiser to give your feedback. In your letter: give details of the course say what you liked or disliked about it suggest some improvements to the course.
formal
You are looking for a full-time job, and recently you saw a job opening in an advertisement. Write a letter to the company. In your letter: introduce yourself explain what sort of job you would like to do and say what experience and skills you have
formal
You borrowed some books frome your school or college library. Unfortunatly you have to go away to visit a sick relative and cannot return the books in time. write a letter to the library. Explain what happend and tell them what you want to do about it . You should write at least 150 words.
formal
Your local library is hiring a new staff member, and you are interested in applying for the position. Write a letter to the library manager to apply for the job. In your letter: • explain why you are interested in working at the library • describe your relevant qualifications and experience • ask about the next steps in the hiring process
formal
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 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 live in an English-speaking country and you want to so some voluntary, unpaid work in a developing country. Write a letter to a company called Cultural Expeditions, which organizes such trips. In your letter: - Indicate where you would like to volunteer and for how long. - Explian why you want to do the voluntary work. - State what your skilld and experience are.
formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 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
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
You have just read an article in an international travel magazine which contained some information about your town that is incorrect. Write a letter to the editor of the magazine. In your letter correct the information in the article explain why it is important for the magazine to give correct information suggest what the magazine should do about this situation15:56/-strong/-heart:>:o:-((:-hĐã nhậnXem trước khi gửiThả Files vào đây để xem lại trước khi gửi
formal
You hired a car from a company, while. While you were driving you had a small accident. Write a letter to the company to explain it. In your letter: -- when and where you hired it -- describe how the accident happened -- what kind of action did you take after the accident
formal
: You work for an international company and would like to spend six months working in its head office in another company Write a letter to your manager. In your letter: - Explain why you want to work in the company’s head office for six months - Say how your work could be done while you are away - Ask for his/her help in arranging it
formal
You recently attended a training course for your work. Your employer has asked you for your feedback on the training course. Write a letter to your employe. In your letter: Remind your employer what the course was about Explain why the course was useful to you in your work Suggest why the course may not be suitable for some of your other colleagues
formal
You work from home and the equipement you use for your job is faulty. Write a letter to the company. * explianing the problem. * how it has affected your work. * what you want them to do.
formal
You brought mobile phone from wallmart store recently it is no longer working properly write a letter to the manager
formal
The office you work in does not have any cafeteria for staff. Write a letter to your manager to request setting up a cafeteria for the staff. In your letter, you should tell, what you heard about the inconvenience from the staff how you feel about it what suggestions you have about setting up a cafeteria
formal
You recently purchased a piece of equipment for your kitchen but it did not work properly. Write a letter to the store manager. In your letter: Describe the problem with the equipment. Explain how this issue has affected you. State what you would like the store to do about it.
formal
You are looking for part-time employment. Write a letter to an employment agency. In your letter: • give details about your professional experience and qualifications • explain what type of work you are looking for • say how they can contact you and when you would be available to start work.
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 to the organizer of an annual festival that you attended last year. Include - Feedback about last year - An offer to volunteer - Questions about the festival
formal
go away to visit a sick relative and cannot return the books in time. Write a letter to the library. Explain what has happened and tell them what you want to do about it.
formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You recently organised an all-day meeting for your company, which took place in a local hotel. In their feedback, participants at the meeting said that they liked the hotel, but they were unhappy about the food that was served for lunch. Write a letter to the manager of the hotel. In your letter: say what the participants liked about the hotel explain why they were unhappy about the food suggest what the manager should do to improve the food in future Write at least 150 words.
formal
There are not enough recycling bins in your neighborhood. Write a letter to your local council to install more recycling bins. In your letter: - explain the situation; - state its importance to the environment; - ask for more recycling bins.
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
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
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 you 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 detials of when you would be available for work
formal
Your next-door neighbour likes to listen to music late at night. Because of the loud music, you often lose sleep. Write a letter to the building manager. In your letter describe the situation explain the problems it is causing you offer at least one solution
formal
You ordered a book online for exam preparation. It has been some time since you ordered it and still have not received your book. Write a letter to e-commerce company about this.
formal
A museum newr 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 voluntary/unpaid work at the museum describe some skills and qualities you have that would be useful give details of when you woule be available for work Write at least 150words. You do not need to write any addresses.
formal
Write a letter to the organiser of an annual festival that you attended last year. Include Feedback about last year An offer to volunteer Questions about the festival
formal
Write at least 150 words. You would like to rent a car for a holiday. Write to the car rental agency. In your letter •Explain what type of car you would like •Give details of when you would like the car •Request more information about the cost
formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Your organized flight has been canceled. Write a letter to the airline company. You should 1) complain about the situation, 2) request what you need from them to make a travel insurance claim, 3) suggest what they should do in future situations. You should write at least 150 words.
formal
SOFIA Your manager has asked you to arrange a party for a colleague who is leaving the company. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter – Suggest a suitable date and time for the party – Recommend a venue – Propose the food and entertainment options that should be available
formal
There is a public park near where you live. You have heard that the local council wants to sell this park. Write a letter to a local newspaper. In your letter: ointroduce yourself odescribe the importance of the park osay what action you will take if the council continues with its plan
formal
You recently attended a series of English lessons in a language school. However, you were unhappy with the teaching quality. Write a letter to the director of the school. In your letter: • explain why you chose to study English at the school • describe the problems you had with the lessons • suggest how the classes could be improved
formal
You are studying at a college which has very limited sports and leisure facilities for students. Write a letter to the principal. In your letter; outline the situation propose ways to improve this situation request a meeting to discuss this Begin your letter 'Dear "Do not write any addresses”
formal
You and some friends ate a meal at a reataurant 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 your manager because you want to spend six months at the head office of your company in another country. in the letter explain why you want to do this say hor your work could be done while you are away ask for his/her help in arranging it
formal
Writing Task 1: You wish to apply for a new training programme that is sponsored by your company. Write a letter to your manager: • Explaining about the training program • Explaining why it is important to your work • Requesting him for approving your time off Start your letter with Dear Sir/Madam,
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 organisation where you have been working. In your letter: - describe the work yoy have been doing - explain why you can no longer do this work - recommend another person who is interested in the work
formal
You work in an international company. You need to take some time off work. Write a letter to your employer. In your letter:  explain why you need this time off  give details of when you want this time off  say who can do your work when you are away
formal
People in your area are having problems with their Internet connections. Write a letter to this company which provides the connection. In your letter 1. describe the problems 2. explain how they are affecting people 3. say what the company should do to help You don't need to write any address
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
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.
🚀 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.