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 interested in applying for a scholarship program to study at a foreign university. Write a letter to inquire about the course. In your letter: •explain which course you are interested in •say what you know about the university • explain why you should receive the scholarship

formal
Your local council is considering closing a sports and leisure centre to save money. Write a letter to your council. In your letter -Give details on how you and your family use the centre. -explain why the centre is important for the local community. -describe the potential effects on local people if the centre closes.

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 manager should do to improve the food in future 매

formal
You live in a room in college which you share with another student. However, there are many problems with this arrangement and you find it very difficult to work. Write a letter to the accommodation officer at the college. In the letter:  describe the situation  explain your problems and why it is difficult to work  say what kind of accommodation you would prefer

formal
Your office building doesn’t have enough parking spaces. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter: · explain the problem · suggest a solution · say why more parking spaces would benefit all employees

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

formal
You have a suggestion for a park near your apartment building. Write a letter to your city's council board. In your letter: • Describe who you are and what your suggestion is • Explain why you think this suggestion will improve the park • Detail when you would like to see this suggestion in action

formal
1.Your company has sent you on a three-month course in another country. The course is coming to an end but you would like to prolong your stay. Write a letter to your manager, in your letter: oDescribe how the course has benefited you oExplain why you would like to delay your return oSuggest a date when you would like to come back

formal
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 that would be useful Give some details of when would you be available for work

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

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

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
Write a letter to a hotel manager in another city for an upcoming 2 days business trip for you and your colleagues. In your letter you should tell - Introduce yourself and colleagues - give information about the business meeting - tell other requests you might have

formal
You recently returned from oversea by air and left a valuable item on the plane. Write a letter to the airline manager. In your letter .Describe the item you left behind .Say why it is important to you .Explain what you would like the airline manager to do

formal
Your child's school is going for a trip out of the country for 3 days and parent is allowed to join the group. Write a letter to school. In your letter, you should: •ask questions about the trip •tell them why you want to join the group •explain how you can help.

formal
You have been working for a company for some time, and other rival companies are willing to employ you with a higher salary for all the practical experience you have gained. Write a letter to your company manager and in your letter • Explain the situation • Say what you would like the manager to do (increase the salary etc.) • Say what action you would take in case the manager fails to meet your demands You do NOT need to write any addresses.

formal
You recently went on holiday with your family to an island resort . Upon your return home, you discovered that you had forgotten a very valuable item there. Write a letter to the hotel manager to inform him/her of your problem. In the letter, you should: Describe the item Say why it is important that you get the item back Tell the manager what you would like him/her to do.

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

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

formal
You have had a bank account for a few years. Recently you received a letter from the hank stating that your account is $240 overdrawn and that you will he charged $70 which will he 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
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 and your family are moving to another country for work, and you are looking to buy a house there. Write a letter to a property agent

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 magazie. 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

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 side effects on local people if the centre closes

formal
■ Write a letter to a sports club. Tell them you are not satisfied with the service and have already let them know about this. Write ▪What exactly wrong with their service ▪What happened after you complained the first time ▪What you want the club to do after your letter

formal
You recently bought a piece of equipment for your kitchen (e.g., a washing machine or a fridge), but it stopped working after only two days. You called the shop, but they refused to help you. Write a letter to the manager. In your letter: Describe the item you bought and when you bought it. Explain what the problem is. Tell the manager what you want them to do about the situation.

formal
You hired a car company, while. While you were driving you had a small accident. Write a letter to the company to explain it. When and where you hired it Describe how the accident happened What kind of action did you take after the accident

formal
You are planning a holiday to Australia . You have been given the name and address of a hotel in the centre of Sydney and would like further information. Write a letter to a hotel. Ask about the availability of the rooms and the hotel’s facilities . Find out if the hotel arranges day trips and ask them to send you a brochure.

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

formal
You recently moved to a new apartment and are facing some problems there. Write a letter to the apartment manager. In your letter: explain what the problems are describe how these problems are affecting you ask the manager to take action

formal
you have lost a vsluable item. write a letter to insurance manager

formal
You recently noticed a local restaurant that was offering a part-time job. Write a letter to the restaurant’s manager. In your letter, – explain that you would like to apply for the job – give some details of any relevant experience that you have – specify the days and times that would suit you

formal
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 discovered that there are plans to build a new airport in your area and you are not happy with it. Write a letter to the local authority. In your letter,– Say how you found out about the plans– Explain what problems your neighborhood will face – Suggest some possible solutions to those problem

formal
You need to take some time off of work to go on holiday. Write a letter to your direct manager

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
PART 1: You read an article in a magazine about your hometown and some of the information was wrong. Write to the editor to correct the article and tell him how unhappy you are.

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 Guve 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
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
You have seen an advertisement for a part time job welcoming visitors to your town. Write to the recruiters. In your letter •Explain why you want the job • Describe why you would be a good person for the role • Describe any relevant experience you may have

formal
Write a letter to your new employer. In your letter • explain your situation • describe your problems • tell him/her when you think you can start.

formal
Your local council is considering closing the kindergarten which is located in your district. Write a letter to the local council. In your letter: • Give details how you and your neighbors use the kindergarten; • Explain what consequences will be for the all people nearby; • Ask to change their decision. Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ....,

formal
Our local hospital has advertised people to do 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 work for an international company, and you would like to spend six months working in its head office in another country. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter -Explain why you want to work in the company’s head office for six months -Say how your work could be done while you are away - Ask for her/his help in arranging

formal
You and some friends ate meal at the restaurants to celebrate a special occasion, and you were very pleased with the food and services. Write a letter to the restaurant manager. Give details of your visit to the restaurant Explain the reason for the celebration Say what was the good about the food and services.

formal
You learned a piece of news from a friend regarding a part time job in an international company near your house. Write a letter to the company Why you need this job What can you do for thecompany What time can you give

formal
Government plans to construct an airport in your locality. Write a letter to the authority. - Explain where you came to know about the news. - Describe the negative effects of airport construction - Ask to consider alternate site for airport construction No less than 150 words

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:

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 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

formal
You have received a job advertisement and decide to apply for the job. Write a letter to the recruiter. In your letter Express your interest in the job Explain why you are suitable for this position Ask some questions about the job

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 stayed in a hotel in a large city. The weather was very unusual for the time of year and the heating / cooling system in the hotel was quite inadequate. Write a letter to the manager of the hotel. In your letter: give details of what went wrong explain what you had to do to overcome the problem at the time say what action you would like the manager to take

formal
You recently had something delivered to your home. You now realize the person who delivered it damaged something in your home while they were delivering the item. Write a letter to the manager of the delivery company. In your letter: • give details of the delivery • describe what was damaged • say what you would like the manager to do

formal
One of your colleagues is leaving for a new job, and your manager has asked you to arrange a farewell party for him/her. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter, •suggest a suitable date and time for the party • recommend a place • discuss the food and entertainment options that should be available

formal
You work (or an international company, and would like to spend six months working in its head office in anothor country. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter • explain why you want to work in the company's head office for six months • say how your work could be done while you are away • ask for his or her help in arranging it

formal
There have been some problems with the bus service, especially its reliability, in your area over the last two weeks. Write a letter to the manager of the bus company. In your letter • describe what the problems are • explain how these problems are affecting you • suggest what you would like the company to do Write at least 150 words.

formal
You are currently attending a course which is not the same as per the description in the admission brochure. Write a letter to the headmaster. In your letter, state which course you are enrolled in provide details about the noted differences suggest what actions would you like him to take Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear .....................,

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
There have been several complaints about the reception area where visitors to the company arrive. The manager has asked for suggestions on how the reception area could be improved Please write a letter to our manager. In the letter • Describe the complaints • Say why the reception area is important • Suggest how the reception area could be improved

formal
As an international student in Sweden, you have an account with a local bank. The monthly bank transfer you receive from your parents has been delayed this month due to an error at your parents’ bank. Write a letter to your bank. In your letter: •introduce yourself and ask for a loan •say why you need the money •tell how you intend to pay back the money You should 

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

formal
Your employer has recently allowed some employees to work remotely from home. You would also like to work from home. Write a letter to the HR manager for permission to work from home for the next six months. In your letter: • mention why you are writing • explain why you would like to work from home • say how this can benefit you and the company No need for address Start with dear Sir/Madam,

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 Centre is different from most other town centers offer to give a guided tour of your town to the writer of the article

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

formal
You and your friends ate a meal at a restaurant to celebrate a special occasion, and you were extremely dissatisfied with the experience. Write a letter to the restaurant manager. In your letter: Explain the reason for the celebration Give details of your visit to the restaurant Say what you would like the restaurant to do

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

formal
You have an appointment with your bank manager, but you cannot attend the meeting. You are writing to him to make another appointment. In your letter • Apologize for any inconvenience • Explain why you cannot attend this meeting • Make an appointment for another meeting Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ....,

formal
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
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 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 you want the manager to take You do NOT need to write your own address.

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
ou are about to start social meetings in a particular area where people from different nationalities can take part. Write a letter to the editor of a local newspaper requesting him to publish information about this:- - What activities you have planned - When the first meeting takes place and where

formal
You recently moved to a new neighbourhood, and you are facing difficulties with the public transportation system. Write a letter to your local council to express your concerns. In your letter • explain the issues you are experiencing with public transportation • describe how these problems are affecting your daily life • suggest possible improvements to the transportation system You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
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

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.

formal
A museum near your home is looking for people to do unpaid work. You would like to do some voluntery work at the museum. write a letter to the museum director to apply for the volunteer work in your letter explain why ou want to do voluntary 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 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

formal
Write a letter to your manager asking for a training course, which you would like to attend. In your letter explain What the course is, Why it is required for your job How you will manage work while doing the course.

formal
You are organising a trip to Paris, France for a group of students from England. Write to the manager of the Youth Hostel Association in Paris. In your letter, explain when you want to visit Paris how long you will stay how many students are in your party, and what accommodation you will require

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 had furniture delivered to your home, but during the delivery the workers caused some damage to your property. Write a letter to the manager of the delivery company. In your letter: explain what was delivered and when describe the damage that was caused say what you would like the company to do about it

formal
You applied for and paid to attend a series of three work-related seminars due to begin next week. unfortunately, you have just received news that your father has been taken ill suddenly and you will have to return home to Hong Kong to see him. You are disappointed as the seminar would have been very helpful to your career and you were looking forward to attending. Write a letter to the owner of the hotel. in your letter advise them of your inability to attend express your disappointment and apologies ask you can attend the seminar was at the later date if there are no more seminar this year ask for a refund

formal
You brought mobile phone from wallmart store recently it is no longer working properly write a letter to the manager

formal
You hired a car from a company, while. While you were driving you had a small accident. Write a letter to the company to explain it. In your letter: •when and where you hired it •describe how the accident happened •what kind of action did you take after the accident

formal
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 recently attended a meeting at a hotel. When you returned home, you found you had Jett some important papers at the hotel. Write a letter to the manager of the hotel. In your letter • say where you think you Jett the papers • explain why they are so important • tell the manager what you want him/her to do

formal
You would like a temporary job working in the summer camp which runs sports and outdoor activities for children and young people next summer. Write a letter to the organizers of the summer camp. In your letter: explain what sort of job you would like to do describe your personality say what experience and skills you have

formal
You live near a busy outdoor market. You like the market but you have noticed a problem with it. Write a letter to the manager of the outdoor market. In your letter -Say why you like the outdoor market. -Describe the problem you have noticed. -Suggest how the problem could be solved.

formal
You have recently returned from an afternoon at your public library, and noticed various negative aspects that could be improved upon. Write a letter to the manager of the public library. In your letter: Describe the poor experience you had Include ideas for what the library should change Explain why you feel the library needs alteration Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: To Whom This May Concern,

formal
You are working in an international company, write a letter to inform your manager about your resignation. In your letter, you should: • thank the company for the opportunity that you joined it • tell the reason for your resignation • confirm the time you are leaving

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.

formal
You have lost something on a bus and called customer service to get help. You weren't happy with their response. Write a letter to the bus company manager. In your letter, you should: · describe the item you lost · explain why you weren't happy with the customer service · say what action you would like the company to take.

formal
You have bought a new laptop computer and in a few days of purchase discovered a major flaw. Write a letter to the company. In your letter – introduce yourself – explain the situation – say what action you would like to company to take.

formal
A large company in your area has decided to spend a certain amount of money, either to sponsor a local children's sport 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 company in your letter -describe the benefit of sponsoring the sport team -summarise the benefits of paying the concepts -say how you think the company should spend the money

formal
You have been invited to attend an interview for a place on a course of study at a college. Unfortunately, because of a previous appointment, you cannot go to the interview at the time they wish. Write a letter to the admissions tutor. In your letter explain why you cannot keep the appointment apologise and offer to arrange a new appointment ask how long the interview will be, and whether there will be any tests during it You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
You are a commuter. One morning on your way to work you suddenly fell ill and lost your consciousness. One gentleman on the same bus sent you to a hospital. Write a letter to the company where the gentleman works to extend your gratefulness. In your letter: - Introduce who you are, - Describe what happened, - Suggest how you would like to thank him.

formal
You are bored in your current job but you enjoy working for your company. You think you would be happier if you moved to a different department in the same company. Write a letter to your employer. In the letter ask to be moved to a position in another department explain how you feel about your current position and your career say why you think changing your job would be good for you and the company

formal
You ordered two items through the Internet and you received two different items. Write a letter to the manager: Explain about what you ordered Ask why the two other items were different Ask about how would he solve this problem.

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