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 are an international student in Australia and want to join a volunteering program to teach foreign languages on the weekend. Write a letter to the language school. In the letter explain why you would like to join the program explain what you can do for the program say what schedule you prefer DO NOT write any address.

formal
You have seen an adverstisement for weekend work in a hotel in the town where you are staying. You have worked in a hotel before and think that the job would be suitable for you. You must apply in writing. Write a letter to the hotel manager expressing your interest. In your letter . Introduce yourself . Explain why you think you would be suitable for the job . ask what work you would be expected to do

formal
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 recently had some items shipped to you from overseas. Upon receiving the shipment, you found some things damaged in transit. Write a letter to the manager of the shipping company.

formal
You have been working for a company for more than a few years and have decided to leave the company. Write a letter to your company manager saying that you want to leave the company. In your letter explain: what you have learned while working for the company whether you have enjoyed working for the company what are your reasons for leaving the company 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 bought some clothing online and are not satisfied with your purchase. Write a letter to the company that you have bought the clothing from. In your letter: Give details of the purchase Describe the problem Explain why you need a replacement urgently

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
You recently did a short 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 cookery course you would like the school to offer.

formal
You recently bought a piece of equipment for your kitchen but it did not work. You phoned the shop but no action was taken. Write a letter to the shop manager. In your letter ● describe the problem with the equipment ● explain what happened when you phoned the shop ● say what you would like the manager to do.

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

formal
You forgot a bag at the gym and the gym is close for renovations. Write a letter to the Gym officer and mention the belpw : Introduce yourself Description of the bag Tell them to who you ant to give the bag to

formal
You have read about a scholarship offered by a university and wish to apply. Write a letter to the university and include the following information. ● the scholarship you wish to apply for ● some detail about yourself ● your academic suitability for the scholarship

formal
you and your family have just come back from a holiday staying in a rented apartment overlooking the sea. The apartment was very unsatisfactory. Write a letter of complaint to the manager of the agency from which you rented the apartment. In your letter, – give details of the things that were unsatisfactory – explain the reactions of the members of your family – ask the manager what he/she is going to do about the situation

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

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You have a full-time job and you are also doing a part-time evening course. You now find that you cannot continue the course. Write a letter to your teachers. In your letter describe the situation explain why you cannot continue at this time say what action you would like to take You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ................. , There are three main things to consider before writing your essay: 1. Tone (formal or informal) Sometimes students are friendly with their tutors, but I think it would be better to write a formal letter. Start with your tutor’s surname (e.g. Dear Mr. Smith,) and end with “Yours sincerely,”. Avoid contractions (write “I am” instead of “I’m”), and avoid using informal idioms or expressions. Be polite rather than friendly. 2. Purpose The main purpose of this letter is to inform your tutor that you are leaving the course. Make this clear straight away (e.g. I am writing to inform you that...). Then cover the three points, writing a short paragraph for each. 3. Ideas I recommend spending a few minutes planning ideas for each of the task points before you start writing. You need to decide what the evening course is about, what your full-time job is, a reason why you are too busy with work to continue with the course, and whether you want to leave completely or perhaps continue at a later date. You should write at least 150 words.

formal
You recently discovered that there are plans to construct an airport in your locality. Write a letter to the local authority. In your letter, you should tell: explain how you knew about the plans describe the negative effect of the construction on your neighborhood suggest a possible solution to the problem.

formal
A museum near your house is looking for people to do part-time vountary/unpaid work. you would like to do some voulntary work at the museum. write a letter to the museum director to apply for voluntary work in letter. explain why you want to do voluntary work at museum. describe some skills and qualities you have that would be useful give details of when you would be available for work.

formal
Last Wednesday you flew from London to Vancouver. When you arrived home, you discovered that you had left your hand luggage on the plane. Write a letter to the airline. In your letter, you should explain: * where and when you lost your bag * what your bag looks like * what its contents wer

formal
The company you work for 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 reasons of low usage - How will it affect the staff - Suggest ways to improve it

formal
You took your family to a nearby restaurant. You were disappointed with the meal and wish to complain to the manager. Write a letter to the manager of the restaurant. In the letter: explain why you were at the restaurant describe the problems write about the action y ou want the manager to take

formal
You want to book a hotel that one of your friends recommended to you for a family holiday at the seaside. Write a letter to the hotel manager to make arrangements. In your letter, explain what accommodation you require and when you want to stay ask what will be included in the price enquire about activities and places of interest near the hotel

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 ●say what experience and skills you have.

formal
You are interested in attending a training course abroad but require financial support to do so. Write a letter to the education department requesting financial assistance. ▪️Introduce yourself ▪️Describe the training course and how it would benefit your work ▪️Explain why you need financial assist ance.

formal
The local council has decided to build a block of flats on the park opposite the place where you are living. write a letter to the editor of the local newspaper. In your letter explain: Why are you writing? Protest the development of this beautiful and necessary green space in your town. Make suggestions for what people can or should do to stop the development?

formal
You recently moved to a new city and are looking for a gym to join. Write a letter to the manager of a gym in your neighborhood. In your letter: Introduce yourself. Say why you are interested in the gym. Ask about the facilities available and membership options

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 need to take some time off of work to go on holiday. Write a letter to your direct manager. In your letter: Ask for time off and explain why Provide the dates and times for which you will be unavailable to work Describe what you will do to prepare or make up for your absence Write at least 150 words. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Ms. Snyder,

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
Last week you were on a flight to London. Unfortunately, when you got off the plane, you left a bag there. You did not remember about the bag until you got to your hotel. Write a letter to the airline. In your letter explain what has happened describe the bag and its contents say what you would like them to do about this problem You should You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows:

formal
You recently bought a piece of equipement for your kitchen but it did not work. You phoned the shop but no action was taken Write a letter to the shop manager. In your letter Describe the problem with the equipment explain what happened when you phoned the shop say what you would like the manager to do

formal
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 1)Describe what this book was about 2)Explain how this book influenced you 3)Say whether this book would be likely to influence other people Write at least 150 words You do NOT need to write any addresses Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam.

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

formal
You work in an international company. Write a letter to the manager for allowing extra hours off during work time to attend family celebration. In your letter, you should Explain why you want to take a day off Suggest how your work could be covered while you are away.

formal
You have seen a course advertised online that you think would help you perform better at work. The course will take place during the week, so you will need to take time off work. Write a letter to your manager. In the letter say what the course is explain why you want to do the course and how it will be beneficial to the company suggest how your work can be covered while you attend the course.

formal
you read an article in a newspaper about a city and town.Some of the information in that article is wrong.Write a letter to the newspaper editions.

formal
You work for a company and have recently found a training course that you think would be useful for you and your colleagues. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter: describe the training course you found explain why it would be useful for the company suggest how the company could implement it

formal
Write a letter to your local council. In the letter, Describe the construction Explain why the construction is a problem for you Say what you would like them to do about it You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
You were hurt in a minor accident inside a supermarket, and you wish to complain to the supermarkets. 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

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You have a full-time job and you are also doing a part-time evening course. You now find that you cannot continue the course. Write a letter to your teachers. In your letter describe the situation explain why you cannot continue at this time say what action you would like to take

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

formal
You 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
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
You have just read an article in an international travel magazine which contained some information about your town that is incorrect. Write a letter to the editor of the magazine. In your letter Correct the information in the article Explain why it is important for the magazine to give correct information. Suggest what the magazine should do about this situation. Write at lease 150 words.

formal
the system used for rubbish collection in your local area is not working properly. this is causing problems for you and your neighbours. write a letter to the local rubbish collection system is not working properly. write a letter to the local council. in your letter describe how the ruubish collection system is not working properly explain how this is affecting you and your neighbours suugest what should be done about the problem

formal
You have just finished your master’s degree and need to leave your current part-time job to search for full-time employment. Write a letter to your current employer. In your letter ● explain why you will not pursue a full-time job in his/her company ● say why you’ve enjoyed working for him/her ● tell him/her how much longer you will continue to work for him/her

formal
You have read about a scholarship offered by a university and wish to apply. Write a letter to the university and include the following information: the scholarship you wish to apply for some details about yourself your academic suitability for the scholarship and any other relevant information.

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

formal
you are looking for a full-time job. write a letter to an employment agency. in your letter: Introduce yourself. Explain what sort of job you would like. Say what experience and skills you have you should write at least 150 words you should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

formal
You ordered a new chequebook 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 chequebook, how much longer you will have to wait, and ask the manager what action he/she will take about this matter.

formal
You recently discovered that there are plans to construct an airport in your locality. Write a letter to the local authority. In your letter, you should tell: •explain how you knew about the plans •describe the negative effect of the construction on your neighbourhood •suggest a possible solution to the problem.

formal
You have bought an item but when you got it home, you found it had some problems. You returned the item and spoke to the company representative a week ago but the item has still not been repaired/fixed. Write a letter to the company manager. In your letter: Introduce yourself Explain the situation Say what action you would like the company to take.

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

formal
You celebrated your birthday with some friends last week in a restaurant. It was a great success and you and your friends enjoyed the evening very much. Write a letter to the restaurant to thank them. Mention the food, service and the atmosphere. Also suggest any improvements to make things better. You should You do NOT need to write your own address.

formal
You recently sent a valuable parcel through a courier company, but it has not arrived at its destination. Write a letter to the courier company. In your letter:     •    Give details of the parcel and when you sent it.     •    Explain the importance of the parcel's contents.     •    Suggest what action you would like the company to take. You should spend about 20 minutes on thi

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
Your local council is considering closing a sports and leisure centre that it runs, in order to save money. Write a letter to the local council. In your letter * give details of how you and your friends or family use the centre * explain why the sports and leisure centre is important for the local community * describe the possible effects on local people if the centre closes You do NOT need to write any addresses.

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

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

formal
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 sport team • Summaries the benefits of paying for the concerts • Say how you think the company should spend the money

formal
You recently sent some documents by post, 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 the post office to take

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

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 point 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 stayed at a holiday resort recomended by your travel agent. Write a letter of complaint

formal
You have recently moved to a new apartment. After living there for a week, you have noticed that the public transportation services available are not sufficient, especially during peak hours. Write a letter to the local council. In your letter: • Introduce yourself and explain where you have moved to. • Describe the problems you have experienced with public transportation services. • Suggest what changes could be made to improve the situation.

formal
You recently went to the cinema and think that you left something that belongs to you there. Write a letter to the cinema manager. In your letter say when you were at the cinema and which film you saw describe what item you have lost and where you think you left it tell the manager what you want him/her to do

formal
You recently changed jobs, and you want to tell a person who you used to work with about your change of job. Write a letter to that person. In your letter: • describe your new job • explain whether you think it was a good idea to change jobs • suggest that you meet again soon.

formal
People in your area are having problems with their internet connection. Write a letter to the company which provides the connection. In your letter, describe the problems explain how it is affecting people say what the company should do to help Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You have just received a credit card statement from your bank. The statement lists a number of expensive purchases that you are sure you did not make. Write a letter to the bank manager. In the letter: • Introduce yourself. • Explain that you did not buy the items listed. • 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 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
You would like to buy some electrical goods at a shop in a town which is far from your home.Write a letter to the manager of the shop. In your letter: say which electrical goods you want ask questions about the cost of the goods and how to pay explain how you will collect the goods

formal
Write a letter You bought a set of China tea cups from a famous department store, as a Christmas present for your sister. When you reached home, you found that a few cups were broken. You went back to exchange the damaged cups, with the receipt, but the sales executive refused to take them back. Write an email to the store manager in about 150-200 words. Your email should do the following things: State what problem you had with the purchased item. Complain about the inability of the sales staff to address the problem. Describe how you want the store to solve the problem to your satisfaction."

formal
There is a problem with the changing rooms in the sports centre that you visit. You have complained several times but with no success. Write a letter to the manager of the sports centre. In your letter: &Describe what the problem with the changing rooms is &Say what happened the last times you complained &Explain what you want the manager to do.

formal
Practice 1: You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You have a full-time job and are also doing a part-time evening course. You now find that you cannot continue the course. Write a letter to the course tutor. In your letter, • describe the situation • explain why you cannot continue at this time • say what action you would like to take You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any ad

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

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.

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
You will go to foreign country for one year and write a letter to agency to find an accommodation for you. Why are you going to that country What do you want for your accommodation When will you arrive

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 should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You have a full-time job and you are also doing a part-time evening course. You now find that you cannot continue the course. Write a letter to your teachers.

formal
Write a letter to the manager of your insurance company. In your letter:  Describe the item you lost.  Explain how you lost it.  Tell the insurance company what you would like them to do.

formal
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

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

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

formal
You have recently landed in a foreign country on a work visa and are interested in seeking information and guidance about the various places in and around the city. Write a letter to the relocation assistance provider seeing help. In your letter: • explain why you are writing the letter. • what kind of information you want. • how and when you can get requested information.

formal
Last Wednesday you flew from London to Vancouver. When you arrived home, you discovered that you had left your hand luggage on the plane. Write a letter to the airline. In your letter, you should explain: where and when you lost your bag what your bag looks like what its contents were

formal
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
You took your family to a nearby restaurant. You were disappointed with the meal and wish to complain to the manager. Write a letter to the manager of the restaurant. In your letter, » explain why you were at the restaurant » describe the problems » write about the action you want the manager to take Write atleast 150words

formal
the system used for rubbish collection in your local area is not working properly. this is causing problems for you and your neighbors. write a letter to the local rubbish collection system is not working properly. 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 neighbors suggest what should be done about the problem

formal
The local council is about to destroy children playground in your area because it is under use. write a letter and tell them: why it is not well used what can be done so more people can use it.

formal
There have been some problems with the bus servicing, 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

formal
You have bought a new camera but when you got it home you found it had some problems.You returned the camera and spoke to the company representative a week ago but the camera has still 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
Write a letter expressing your interest in a job in a different country. Write to a job recruiter. Your letter should include: • Why you want to work abroad • What type of job you want to have • Questions about working abroad

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

formal
Your local newspaper published an advertisement asking people to offer time for local environmental initiatives in your area. Write a letter to the project manager to offer your help. In your letter: -Describe a local volunteer project that you are passionate about -Explain what you would like to do to help -Suggest how to gather more support for the cause 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 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 head about the plan -explain how you feel about it -ask for mor information about it

formal
You have been invited to attend an interview for a place studying a course in a college. Unfortunately, because of a previous appointment, you cannot come at the time they wish. Write a letter to the admissions tutor: explain your position apologise and offer to come on another day or later the same day. ask how long the interview will be and whether there will be any tests dur

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 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
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 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,

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