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
Your family is going to celebrate an occassion and your child needs a day off from school. Write a letter to the head master of the school. What the occassion is? Why it is importnat that your child attends the celebration? How your child is going to make up for the missed lessons.

formal
Write a letter to your manager to request setting up a cafeteria for the staff. What you heard about the inconvenience from the staff How you feel about it What suggestion you can give

formal
ou 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

formal
Your Local Travel Agent Recommended A Place To Visit And You Are Now Having A Good Time There. Write A Letter To Your Travel Agent And Tell Them The Following: – What You Have Been Doing – What You Hope To Do Before The End Of Your Holiday – Say Why You Like This Place

formal
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

formal
You recently bought a second-hand car from a company that sells used cars, but the car developed some problems. You have phoned, left messages and sent emails, but you have not heard anything from the company that sold you the car. Write a letter to the manager. In your letter explain the problems you have had in contacting the company, and explain your dissatisfaction describe the problems with the car tell the manager what you want him to do

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. There have been some problems with the bus service, especially its reliability, in your area over the last two weeks. Write a letter to the manager of the bus company. In your letter • describe what the problems are • explain how these problems are affecting you • suggest what you would like the company to do You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ...........,

formal
Work is being done on the street where you live. The noise is disturbing you. Write a letter of complaint to your local council. In your letter: introduce yourself explain what the problem is suggest solutions to the problem

formal
You recently went on a trip and thought that the tour guide was particularly helpful. Now you would like to show him/ her your appreciation. Write a letter to the manager of the tour company. In your letter describe the tour explain why you liked the tour guide say what you would like the manager to do to reward the tour guide

formal
You recently saw an advertisement about a business conference that can be helpful for your work. Write a letter to your manager asking permission to attend the conference. - What is the conference about? - How did you know about the conference? - Explain to him/her why it is important that you attend this conference. You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any address. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ......,

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. In your letter introduce yourself describe the training course and how it would benefit your work explain why you need financial assistance.

formal
You have seen an advertisement for a temporary job that involves looking after a house while the owner is travelling abroad. Write a letter to the homeowner. In your letter: – explain why you are interested in the position – describe any relevant experience you have – say when you would be available to take on this role.

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
You recently missed a flight. You think thiswas the fault of the airline. Write a letter to the airline. In your letter - explain why you believe the airline was at fault. - describe the impact this had on your journey. - say what you want the airline to do. Begin you letter with 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 bought the clothing from. In your email -Give detail of the purchase -Desribe the problem -Explain why you need a replacement urgently.

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
Write a letter to the director of your company to recommend a group in your local community which deserves help. In your letter, you should tell: why you suggest helping this group how your company can help this group what the benefits your company will in return for.

formal
you are not satisfied with the changing rooms in the sports center that you visit .write a letter to the manager. what the problem is how feel about the problem what steps you want the manager to take

formal
You recently bought a piece of equipment for your kitchen but it did not work. You pho0ned 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 ● say what you would like the manager to do.

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 own an old item that you think is valuable and you would like to sell it. Write a letter to the owner of an antiques shop. In your letter: explain how you found the shop describe the item you would like to sell say how much you would like to sell it for

formal
Write a letter to your local newspaper. In your letter Explain where you live Describe the problem Give reasons why you do not want this development

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You have heard that a developer plans to build a shopping center 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 work for a large corporation. You want to apply for one month's leave owing to illness .Write to your manager requesting leave for the same In your letter Introduce yourself • describe about your illness • Infrom the manager how you intend to manage your job assignments in your absence.

formal
*Question* You wanted to buy a book from a book store but could not find the book in your city. You want to know if you can get it from the same book store in another city. Write a letter to the manager of the book store. * Explainthe details of the book * Why you need the book * How you would pay for it

formal
You recently attended a meeting at a hotel. When you returned home, you found you had left some important papers at 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
(Livia) 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
You have been looking for a job and have seen a job advertisement for a part-time position. Write a letter to the employer. In your letter explain why you need the job; describe your skills and qualifications; say what days you are available.

formal
Your local newspaper wants to reward people who have contributed much to the community. Write a letter to the newspaper editor recommending someone in your community. In your letter describe who the person is and how you know them; describe their contributions to the community; explain why you think they deserve the reward.

formal
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

formal
You have visited a store and bought set of china tea cups which later you found broken but store denied to replace it. Write a letter to the manager of the store describing situation. In your letter add following points: • 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 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 coming home late night and detained by police Department for a routine check(patrol). The officer on duty behaved with you rudely. Escalte the complaint to police Commissioner about this incident. In your letter Introduce yourself describe what happened say what you want police Commissinoer to do for you.

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Write at least 150 words. 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
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
You recently ordered furniture from an online retailer. The delivery and installation experience was very disappointing/ satisfying. Write a Letter to the manager of the online store to complain about/ praise the service. In your Letter: Say what you ordered Explain what happened/ describe the service Tell the manager how you feel

formal
You recently stayed in a hotel and left an item in the room. Write a letter to the manager of the hotel. In your letter: ● describe the item that you left in the room ● explain where you think the item might be ● suggest how the manager can return the item to you

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
Your local council is considering closing a sports and leisure centre that it runs, in order to save money. 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

formal
Work is being done on the street where you live. The noise is disturbing you. Write a letter of complaint to your local council. In your letter: -Introduce yourself. -Explain what the problem is. -Suggest solutions to the problem.

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

formal
You and your neighbours have noticed that the rubbish collection services where you live have recently been quite bad. Write a letter to your local council. In your letter, – explain what you have recently experienced – explain what the neighbours have recently experienced – ask what action will be taken to improve the service You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir / Madam,

formal
Write a letter to a television company congratulating them on TV program that you have recently seen. Write a letter to the television company. In your letter -Mention when and why you watched it -Say why you liked it so much -What effect it might have on other people.

formal
For the past year, you have been a member of a local club. Now you want to discontinue your membership. Write a letter to the manager. In your letter- * state what type of membership you have and how much you have paid for it? * explain how you have benefited from the club * give reasons on why you want to leave

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've done since the course - suggest another cookery course you'd like the school to offer

formal
Write a letter to company which supplies 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 have traveled by air had an unpleasant flight. Write a letter to the airline company Manager about the following: - Describe the flight - Explain what was the problem - ask how this issue can be solved

formal
You want to apply to a private college seeking admission for a bachelor degree. You are experiencing financial problems at the moment and can not get admitted to the college without some help. Write a letter to the Principal of the college explaining your situation and ask for information on scholarships or other means of financial help available.

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: •Explain the problem •Suggest a solution •Say why parking will benefit all employees

formal
You ordered an item from an online shop three weeks ago. The shop said you would get the item two days later but you have not received it yet. Last week you sent an email about the situation to the shop, but you did not receive a reply. Write a letter to the manager. In your letter explain the situation complain about the bad service ask for immediate delivery of your order or your money back

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

formal
You have lost an item of value on a train. Write a letter to the railway company. In your letter • describe the item. - Explain where and when you left it - say what action you would like the company to take - Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows:

formal
A magazine wants to include contributions from its readers for an article called “ The book that influenced me most” Write a letter to the editor of the magazine about the book that influenced you most. In your letter Describe what this book was about Explain how this book influenced you Say whether this book would be likely to influence other people.

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 of complaint to a store where you purchased a faulty new refrigerator. In your letter explain the following: where and when you purchased the refrigerator what is wrong with it what action you would like the store to take You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ..........,

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

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

formal
You are unhappy about a plan to make your local airport bigger and increase the number of flights. You live near the airport. With a letter to your local newspaper. In your letter : Explain where you live Describe the problem Give reasons why you do not want this development

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

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 are planning a 2-day work training outside your city next month. Write a letter to the manager of the hotel regarding accommodation arrangement for your visit. In your letter, you should tell: introduce yourself and your company ask availability of their rooms tell him/her that your every arrangement and needs

formal
You have recently ordered an item from the internet, but are not happy with the purchase. Write to the company. In your letter •Describe what you purchased •Explain why you are not happy with the purchase • Tell them what you would like them to do about the situation

formal
You have received a letter from your bank, asking you to acknowledge receipt of a new bank card. However, the card was missing from the envelope. Write a letter to the bank's head office. In your letter: explain why you are writing express concern about the missing card ask them what they intend to do You do NOT need to write your own address. Begin your letter as: Dear Sir or Madam, You should write at least 150 words.

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 scholl. In your letter, Describe what you enjoyed about the course Say how muchc ooking you've done since the course suggest another cookery course you'd like the school to offer

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

formal
Write a letter to a construction company which has the plan for building new houses in your neighbourhood

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 manager of the hotel. -Expain the problem -say why the documents are important -suggest a solution

formal
Write a letter to the company to complain about the poor service you received from its employee. In your letter, express: why you went to the shop/office how the employees behaved to offend you what you expect the company to do You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
You recently stayed at a hotel conference with your company and there were several problems with your room. Write to the hotel management to complain. Include • Where you stayed • What the problems were • How they can fix your complaint.

formal
Write a letter to the local council about plans to close a children's playground in your area. In your letter, you should: 1) Say why children are not using the playground. 2) Explain how important the playground is for the local community. 3)Suggest how the playground could be improved.

formal
You live in an english speaking country and you want to do some voluntary and unpaid work in a dveloping 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 - Explain why you want to do voluntary work - State what your skills and experience are

formal
You recently did a short cookery course.The cookery school has asked for your feedback on this course. Writing a letter to the course director at the cookery school.Hn yoour letter . describe what you enjoed 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
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

formal
You recently attended a training workshop organized by a local company. However, there were several issues that made the workshop less effective than expected. Write a letter to the company. In your letter: Explain the problems you faced during the workshop Describe how these problems affected your experience Suggest what the company could do to improve future workshops

formal
You're supposed to move into a rented flat next week, but you won't be able to due to unforeseen problems. Write a letter to the property manager. In your letter 1) Explain the situation 2) Describe your problems 3) Tell him/her when you think you can move in Write at least 150 words.

formal
You are planning a holiday and want to find out about the kinds of holiday packages that can be arranged by a local company. Write a letter to the company to ask for information about the holiday packages they offer. In your letter: say where and when you would like to go include details about the kind of holiday you would like to take say what kind of information you would like to receive You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
write a letter to accomodation agency to find a suitable room for your stay. tell the reason why you are moving tell the room requirements and length of your stay

formal
rio: You need to take a few days off from work for a family emergency. Write a letter to your employer formally requesting time off and explaining 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. [F]  In your letter, you should mention  what you heard about the inconvenience from the staff  how you feel about it  what suggestions you have about setting up a cafeteria

formal
Your local council is considering closing a sports and leisure center 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 center *explain why the sports leisure center is important for the local community •describe the possible effects on local people if the center closes

formal
You have recently made a purchase from the local department store. However, when you arrived home, you found a fault awith it. Write a letter to the mana what product is, explain the problem and say what you’d like to beger, say done about it.

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. •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 Check the essay for

formal
last year you attended an intensive English course at the Darwin College of English . Your new employer has asked you to provide copies of your reports and assignments as quickly as possible . Write a letter to the principal of the college and request him to send the copies of the required documents As you have lost the ori documents.

formal
your local hospital has advertised for people to do some unpaid work helping at the hospital. You would like to do some work at the hospital in your free time. Write a letter to the hospital. in your letter - explain why you would like to do unpaid work at the hospital -Say what type of unpaid work you would be able to do -give details of when you would be available for this work

formal
You have just read an article in a national newspaper which clamis 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 article you agree with - explain ways in which your town centre in different from most other town centres. - offer to give a guided tour of your town to the writer of the article.

formal
One of your penfriends wants to improve their English at a language school. They have never studied at a language school before and have asked for your advice on how to choose a good one. write a letter to your penfriend, Advise them about the following; the teaching method,the number of students in class and the number of hours per week. write 150 words

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

formal
You bought a piece of furniture from a store in another town recently. There is a problem with the item you bought. Write a letter to the store manager. In your letter,

formal
Write a letter to the company to complain about the poor service you received from its employee. In your letter, express why you went to the shop/office how the employees behaved to offend you what you expect the company to do

formal
Some people believe that living in an apartment instead of a university dormitory has many advantages while others say that it has many disadvantages. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of living in an apartment instead of a university dormitory. Also, state your preference and say why you would choose that.

formal
You started in your present job two years ago. You now feel it is important for your career development to move to a different department in the same company.Write a letter to your manager. In your letter, say what you have learned in your present job suggest how the company would benefit from moving you to a different department explain why you do not wish to leave the company You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear .......................,

formal
Your local newspaper published an advertisement asking people to help with protecting the environment. Write a letter to offer your help to the project manager and say Why are you interested What can you help with When can you start

formal
You have had a back account for a few years. Recently you received a letter from the bank stating that your account is $240 overdrawn and that you will be charged $70 which will be taken directly from your account. You know that this information is incorrect. Write a letter to the bank. Explain what has happened and say what you would like them to do about it.

formal
For the past year, you have been a member of a local club. Now you want to discontinue your membership. 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 Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
You have a full time job and are also doing a part time evening course. You know find that you cannot continue the course. Write a letter in your tutor. Write a letter -describe the situation -explain why you cannot continue at this time - say what action you would like to take

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 employer. 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
A magazine wants to include contributions from its reader for an article called 'The book that influenced me most'. Write a letter to the editor of the magazine about the book that influenced you most. in your letter * describe what this book was about * explain how this book influenced you * say whether this book would be likely to influence other people

formal
You are living in an English speaking country and the restaurant near you is making a lot of noise. Write a letter to the restaurant owner. Cover the following: - tell restaurant owner to reduce the noise levels. - suggest a solution to fix the problem. - warn that if this problem remains not solved then further action will be taken

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

formal
Every year your company organizes a sports event for a local community, but this year they can’t do it. Write a letter to your local newspaper about this. In your letter – Express your feelings about missing the sports event – Tell them about your plans for next year – Explain how this sports event is useful.

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