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
Write a letter to a company from which you purchased an item online and you want to do a complaint for this product. Write a letter to the company in which show what you purchased and why you are unhappy with the product or what do you want from the company to do

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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. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
APOLOGY LETTER TOPIC . You have been invited to attend an interview for a place studying a course at a college. Unfortunately, because of a previous appointment, you cannot come at the time they wish. Write a letter to the admission tutor. In your letter  explain your position  apologise and offer to come on another day or later the same day  also ask how long the interview will be, and whether there will be any tests during it You should write at least 150 words.

formal
You 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.

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You have recently visited a city on vacation and stayed in a hotel. Write a letter to the manager about your stay. In your letter: Give details of your stay What were the high & low points of the hotel What are your suggestions; recommendations and / or complaints about the hotel Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear .....................,

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
Your local council is considering closing a sports and leisure center that it runs, to save money. Write a letter to the local council. In your latter Gives details of how you and your friends or family 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.

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Your neighbor always plays loud music late at night. Write a letter of complaint to the building manager. Describe the problem Explain how it affects you Ask for a solution

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There have been some problems with the Internet service, especially its reliability, in your area over the last two weeks. Write a letter to the manager of the Internet 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 are having some problems with hygiene at your new gym. Write a letter to the manager of the gym. In your letter, ● describe when you enrolled ● describe the issues ● suggest some solutions Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

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

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A building company is planning to build new houses on some land near where you live and has asked the people to give their comments. Write a letter to the manager of the building company and - Say how you heard about the plan of the building company - Give your opinion of the plan - Say what you hope the building company will do.

formal
Your company has recently introduced a new uniform for the staff. But you have learned that the staff members are not happy about it. Write a letter to your manager about it. In your letter, •explain why you think the staffs are not happy with the new uniform • what you want the new uniform to be like • and give some suggestions to handle the situation

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You recently visited a foreign country and got some information at the Tourist Information Centre. The information given to you was wrong. write a letter to the centre manager and explain - What was the information required? - How was the wrong information provided? - What problems did you have because of this?

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You’ve just returned from a disastrous holiday! It was not as described by the agent and you experienced serious problems. Write a letter of complaint to the agent. In your letter - remind the agent about the holiday - explain to them what happened - ask for compensation

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A museum is near your home looking for people to do part time unpaid work. You would like to do some unpaid work at the museum Write a letter to the museum director to apply.

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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 Begin your letter as follows: Dear ____, You should write at least 150 words.

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You are planning to go study English at a school overseas. You would like some information about their courses. Write a letter to the school. In your letter

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You recently attended a meeting at a hotel. When you return home, you found you had left some important papers at the hotel. Write a letter to the manager of the hotel. In your letter Say where you left the paper Explain why they are so important Tell the manager what you want him/her to do

formal
You have reserved a holiday apartment in the city for your elderly parents and want to confirm the arrangements. Write a letter to the rental agency. In your letter: confirm the date and time of your parents' arrival explain the special needs that they have, as an elderly couple say how you will organise your parents' arrival and departure.

formal
You are renting a flat from an agency. Your contract was for one year but you need to leave the flat two months early. Write a letter to the agency. In your letter • introduce yourself • ask to leave the flat before the contract finishes •explain why you need to break the contract.

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You use the local swimming pool often, and during one of your visits, you have encountered a problem. Write a letter to the manager. In your letter: Describe what the problem was Tell what the swimming staff have done about it Suggest your own solution to the problem

formal
You had a minor accident at work, and you got injured. According to the company rules, you must report it to your manager in writing. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter describe what happened and your injury; explain what the result of the accident was; suggest a way to avoid similar accidents in the future.

formal
You stayed in a hotel and was not satisfaid wiyh the service. Write a letter to the hotel manager Why you chose thi hotel What problems did you face Tell the manager what to do

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You recently purchased an internet service for your house but you are not satisfied with it. You have complained to the customer helpdesk on the phone but no action has been taken. Write a letter to the manager of the company. In your letter: Describe what is wrong with the service Explain why you are not happy with the company’s response Say what action you want the manager to take

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You recently attended a conference and found it very useful. Now, you want to thank the organizer. Write a letter to the organizer. In your letter: Express your appreciation for the conference. Highlight a specific part of the conference that was particularly helpful. Suggest improvements for future conferences.

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You recently stayed at a hotel and found the service unsatisfactory. Write a letter to the hotel manager. In your letter: Explain the problem with the service. Describe how this affected your stay. Suggest what you would like the hotel to do as compensation

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You study at a university and often use the university library. The library closes very early in the evening and you are not able to stay there and study. Write a letter to the Manager of the library. In the letter, Describe who you are and the details of your university course Explain the problem at the library Suggest what you think the Manager should do

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You are attending an evening course at a college. Write a letter to the administrator of the college. 1. What do you like about the course? 2. What are some areas of improvement? 3. What is your suggestion?

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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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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.

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You are in the local rugby team. You recently heard that a player in your team is in the 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

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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

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You have read an article in a newspaper that contains incorrect information about your town/city. Write a letter to the editor of the newspaper to inform them about the mistake. In your letter - Describe your knowledge of the city. - Explain what information was incorrect in your opinion. - Suggest how the editor could fix this error.

formal
You have made a reservation at a hotel for a business trip for you and your colleagues. However, you need to make some changes to your booking. Write a letter to the hotel manager. In your letter: give details of your current booking explain what changes you need to make and why ask the manager to make some special arrangements for your business meetings

formal
You stayed at a hotel to attend a company meeting and you were dissatisfied with your stay. Write a letter to the meeting organiser. In your letter – Provide the details of your meeting – Explain what you were dissatisfied with – Suggest what the hotel should do to resolve the issue.

formal
You have seen an advertisement looking for volunteers to teach English overseas. Write to the recruitment office. In your letter -Tell them where you saw the advertisement -Explain why you would like to go -Describe the skills that you have that you think would help

formal
A museum near your home is looking for people to do part-time voluntary/unpaid work. You would like to do some voluntarylunpaid work at the museum. Write a letter to the museum director to apply for the voluntarylunpaid work, in your letter explain why you want to do voluntarylunpaid 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
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.

formal
You recently stayed at a hotel during a short trip. After returning home, you realized that you left an important item in your room. Write a letter to the hotel manager. In your letter: •Explain what item you left behind •Describe where you think you left it •Say what action you would like the hotel to take

formal
You recently ordered an item of clothing through a store's website. When you received it, you discovered that it was not the same item that you had ordered. Write a letter to the store manager. In your letter, • describe the item you ordered • explain what was wrong with the item you received • say what you would like the manager to do

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Write a letter to a company asking for a refund for something you bought from them online. In your letter include: what you bought what the problem is why you want a refund

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You want to organize a party in your office to celebrate something. Write a letter to your manager about the party at the office. In your letter, say what the party is about mention why it is necessary explain what you expect from him/her to do

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You recently flew with an airline and had a problem with the food on the plane. Write a letter to the air company. In your letter give the details of the flight explain what the problem with the food was say what you would like the air company to do

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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.

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

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There have been several complaints 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 improved

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Your city has approved a weekly market in your area but you are dissatisfied with this decision. Write a Letter to your city council. In this letter write Why you are writing Explain problems caused by this Suggest a solution/Alternative

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write a letter to the airline to get the claim for damage to your suitcase.

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

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Your local public library wants to make improvements to their services and facilities. In order to get ideas from the public, they have asked library users to send them suggestions in writing. Write a letter to the librarian. In your letter describe what you like about the library say what you don't like make suggestions for improvements

formal
You 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 have decided to leave your current job due to some reason. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter, tell him about the decision and mention the reason for it describe what you have learnt in the job request for a recommendation letter and experience letter

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YouYou have recently purchased a piece of furniture, but you noticed a problem when it was delivered to you. Write a letter to the store manager and say what the problem is, how it must happened in your opinion, what you suggest the manager should do to resolve the problem.

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

formal
You recently started commuting to work by bicycle and discovered that there is a problem with bicycle parking near the building where you work. Write a letter to the building manager. 1) Explain the reason for using a bicycle to commute 2) what problems have you encountered with parking 3) what are your recommendations to solve the problem

formal
You recently stayed at a hotel during your vacation. However, you were not satisfied with some of the services provided. Write a letter to the hotel manager. In your letter: •explain why you chose to stay at the hotel •describe the problems you faced during your stay •say what you would like the manager to do about it

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 • provide information about yourself • give details of your previous work experience • say why the company should consider you for the job You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear,

formal
The course director of your previous college has invited you to attend a party for new students, and he has also asked you to give a talk about studying overseas. You have an important examination on the same day so you cannot attend the party. Write a letter to the director to apologize and to explain why you cannot attend the event. Suggest another date when you could give Your talk.

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

formal
You recently ordered a small item online but when it arrived it was unusable. Write a letter to the company that sold you the item: - give details about the order you made - explain what was wrong with the item -tell the company what you want them to do about it

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You are going on a short training course at a college in Sydney, Australia. You need somewhere to live while you are there. Write a letter to the accommodation officer at the college. In your letter: Write a letter to the accommodation officer at the college. In your letter: explain your situation describe the accommodation you require say when you will need it You do NOT need to write any address.

formal
A council is closing a youth’s recreational centre because it is not being used often by the youths. Write a letter to the Council Mayor. In your letter: • Explain why youths rarely use it. • Write on the importance of the playground. • Suggest ways to increase use by youths.

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

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

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

formal
You are organizing a seminar for your company. Write a letter to the manager of another department inviting them to give a presentation at the seminar. In your letter, • give details of the seminar • invite them to give a presentation and say why you are inviting them • say what the presentation should be about You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task

formal
Write a letter to your local council about the state of the sport club facilities and request more facilities suitable for people of your age. - Describe your sport club facilities. - What facilities are required? - Explain why people of your age need these facilities.

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Write a letter to 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

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You have recently landed in a foreign country on work visa and interested in seeking information guide about the place in and around the city. Write a letter to the relocation assistance provider for seeing help and in your letter. Write why you are writing the letter. what kind of information you want. how and when you can get requested information.

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you have seen an adverisement in the local newspaper about helping to improve the enviroment. Write a letter to the editor and explain why you are intereted in it how you can help when your are available

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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
Your share your room with another student in the college hostel. You find it very difficult to study there because he or she always has parties and friends visiting. Write a letter to the hostel warden complaining about your displeasure with the room mate.

formal
Write a letter to the council in your town suggesting ways to make the town more accessible

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You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You are studying for a qualification, and you would like some time off work to complete it. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter: Ask for some time off to complete a qualification. Suggest what you will do later at work if you have time off. Say how the qualification helps your job or company.

formal
You recently bought a jacket online, but when it arrived it was wrong in size and color. Write a letter to the online store. In your letter: 1. Describe the jacket you ordered 2. Explain what was wrong with the item you received 3. Say what you would like the company to do

formal
You and your family are planning to spend a weekend at a seaside hotel . Write a letter to the hotel making the arrangement. Let them know when you will be arriving and leaving, what type of rooms you would like, and ask them how much the weekend will cost. Also enquire about activities and places of interest near the hotel .

formal
You have an appointment with your manager the next day. Write him/her a letter about what you’re going to discuss at the meeting. In your meeting, you should tell: What did you do for the company during the years you worked there, What changes you would like to recommend, What training you require

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You recently attended a conference and you would like to give a presentation about the information you gained by attending the conference. Write a letter to your manager asking for permission to give a presentation. In your letter: describe what type of presentation you have in mind what topics it would cover and how long it would take who should participate in the presentation and where should it be conducted You do NOT need to write any address. You should write at least 150 words.

formal
You are not satisfied with many problems and with the changing room in a Sports Centre that you visit. Write a letter to the Sports Centre manager. In your letter Explain the problem Say how you feel about this problem What steps you would like manager to take.

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You recently sent some documents by post, but they did not arrive at the destination. Write a letter to the post office manager. In your letter, •give details of the situation •describe the documents •say what action you want the post office to take

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You have been invited to attend an admissions interview for a prestigious college. Unfortunately, you cannot come at the proposed time due to a previous appointment. Write a letter to the admissions tutor and explain your position. In your letter: Introduce yourself and state your interest in the program Apologize and offer to come at a different time Ask how long the interview will be and if you will have to take an exam

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

formal
Some construction work is being done on the street where you live for the last couple of days. The noise from the work is loud and it disturbs you. Write a letter to your local council complaining about the noise. In your letter, introduce yourself explain how the noise is causing problems to you suggest solutions to the problem

formal
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

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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 recently been in a sports centre and noticed some issues in the changing rooms. Write a letter of complaint to the manager of the centre and say – What was the problem? – Explain why it is bothering you. – Suggest a possible solution.

formal
Your local council is considering closing the 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 close.

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

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 • Ask the manager to write a reference letter to help you with future employment.

formal
You booked a tour package for your family through a travel agent. You had enjoyed the tour very much. Write a letter to the travel agent to thank them. In your letter: Mention the tour you took Describe the things about the tour you & your family liked the best Also, suggest any improvements to make things better

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

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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.

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You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 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 Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
Last week, you visited a local supermarket and you got saticfactory service. Write a letter to the supermarket manager to thank. In your letter: - introduce yourself; - say why you are satisfied; - say thank you and write about your future visits.

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You should spend about 20 mintues on this task. You are an alumnus (alumna) of a Bluegill University, registered in a volunteer program to conduct informal interviews with prospective students. Recently, an entrant has been assigned to you to have an interview. Write a letter to the entrant. In your letter: state your reason for writing briefly describe the interview and inform the entrant of a possibilty to cancel it propose a convenient time for an interview You do NOT need to write any addresses.

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
Your local college is organizing an event on International Student’s Day. Write a letter to the organizer and say: •What topics would you like them to cover? •Why would it be interesting for students? • Ask questions about the arrangement

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You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 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 You should write at least 150 words.

formal
You are being sent on a one month work assignment in San Francisco, California. You need a place to stay while you are there. Write a letter to the Maury Samson Real Estate Agency. In your letter: explain the situation describe the kind of accommodation you would like provide the dates you will need it Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr Samson, You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

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