IELTS General Writing Task 1 formal Topics/Questions 2025

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This section presents a list of common IELTS General Writing Task 1 formal topics. All these topics were added in 2025 by students who took the IELTS recently. Pick a random topic and start practicing and improving your writing skills.

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

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Your city council is planning to pull down one of the historic buildings in your town because they do not have funds to renovate it. As a citizen, you do not want it to happen. Write a letter to the city council. In your letter, •say what the importance of this historic building is •mention why it should be renovated rather than pull down •suggest a plan to raise funds and maintain the building in the future

formal
You recently did a cookery course. The cookery school has asked for your feedback on this course. Write a letter to the course director at the cookery school. In your letter Describe what you enjoyed about the course Say how much cooking you have done since the course Suggest another cooker course you would like the school to offer

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Your workplace does not have a carpark, and it is causing some problems. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter Describe the problems this is causing Explain what benefits a car park would bring to the company Suggest a solution for the car park problem

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You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You are planning to go and study English at a school overseas. You would like some information about their courses. Write a letter to the school. In your letter ​•​ask about the school ​•​say what kind of accommodation you want ​•​mention any special requests you have (for example diet). Write at least 150 words.

formal
You recently buy a brand new air conditioning from an, but upon receiving it, you noticed some issues with the product service. Write a complaint letter to the customer service department of the retailer, outlining the problem you have encountered and requesting a resolution.

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You live in a room in the college hostel which has severe problems. You would like to move into another room and need your hostel super's permission for that. Write a letter to the hostel super. In your letter, introduce yourself describe the problems explain what type of room you would prefer

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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

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Write a letter to the local council. The system used for rubbish/garbage collection in your local area is not working properly. This is causing problems for you and your neighbours. In your letter • describe how the rubbish collection system is not working properly • explain how this is affecting you and your neighbours • suggest what should be done about the problem

formal
You recently attended a 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.

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You visited a hotel last week and left some items behind. Write a letter to the manager stating 1. Details of your stay 2. How important the items are to you 3. How you would want the items to the sent to you

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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 office at the college. In your letter: Describe the situation Explain your problems and why it is difficult to work Say what kind of accommodation you would prefer.

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You are enrolled in a study abroad course in another country. Your accommodation was arranged by the course provider, and there is a major problem with the accommodation. Write a letter to the course provider. In your letter: Introduce yourself and describe the problem Describe the accommodation you thought you were getting Ask the provider to solve the problem Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr. Gazeley

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You have missed some important papers accidently in a taxi. Write a letter to the manager of the Taxi company. In your letter: Give the details of your journey Explain why those papers are important for you Suggest what can the manager do

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You want to complain about the service you received in the hotel you stayed while attending a recent meeting. Write a letter to the hotel manager Describe the meeting ? Explain the problem with the service? Suggest what the hotel manager should do?

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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 details of purchase •Describe the problem •Explain why you need a replacement urgently Write at least 150 words. You do not need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You 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

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You have recently taken a two-day course. Write to the course organiser to give your feedback. In your letter: give details of the course say what you liked or disliked about it suggest some improvements to the course.

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You bought a TV a week ago but when you got home you discovered it didnot work properly. You called customer service to report the problem but you have not yet received any help. Write a letter to the company and in your letter: 1. Introduce yourself 2. Explain the problem 3. And state what action you would like from the company

formal
A museum near your home is looking for people to do part time voluntary/ unpaid work. You would like to do some voluntary / unpaid work at the museum. Write a letter to the museum director to apply for the voluntary/unpaid work. In your letter Explain why you want to do voluntary/unpaid work at the museum. Describe some skills and qualities you have that would be useful. Give details of when you would be available for work.

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

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Your neighbours have been smoking in their apartment. Write a letter to the management company. In your letter • give details about the problem • explain how you would like the problem to be solved • describe other issues you've been having with the neighbours Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ...

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

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You recenlty organized a party for your company at a hotel. Write a letter to the hotel manager. In your letter describe the party and how it went explain why you were pleased with the hotel's service

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

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

formal
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 .....................,

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You missed a flight due to a problem at the airport. Write a letter to the airline. In your letter .Describe what happened that caused you to miss the flight •Explain how missing your flight affected you •Make it clear what you would like the airline to do

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You were absent from an important event held by the company you work for. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter: Apologize for your absence and explain the reasoning Explain why you had to be at the other event Explain what you will do to catch up Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

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Your company sent you to complete a course in another country. You have lost the certificate received at the end of the course. Write a letter to the principal of the college where you took the course. In your letter, you should tell: how you lost the certificate why you need it now what you want the principal to do.

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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

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You agreed to take a particular job over the summer, but due to unforeseen circumstances, you can no longer take the position. Write a letter including: – Explaining your situation – An apology – Express that you would be interested in the position next summer

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You recently bought a product, but you are not satisfied with it. Write a letter to the company that made the product. In your letter: •Describe the product you bought •Explain why you are not satisfied with it •Suggest what the company should do to fix the problem

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WRITING TASK 1 You should spend 20 minutes on this task. You have decided to apply for a job as a Spanish instructor that was advertised in the magazine Teaching S.A. Write a letter to apply for the job. In your letter: explain why you are writing describe your experience and qualifications explain how they can contact you. Write at least 150 words.

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You are looking for a full-time job, and recently you saw a job opening in an advertisement. Write a letter to the company. In your letter: introduce yourself explain what sort of job you would like to do and say what experience and skills you have

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

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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

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Last week, you lost your luggage while traveling on holiday. Luckily, you have travel insurance. Write letter to the manager of your insurance company. In your letter: - Describe the characteristics of what you lost - Explain how you lost it - Tell the insurance company what you need from them

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Write a letter to the police sub inspector complaining about the lack of discipline in your locality with respect to the behavior of certain youth mishaps. 1. Discuss the complaint in detail clarifying the erroneous troublemaking behavior of the young people in your locale. 2. Suggest what could be done to find appropriate solution. 3. Suggest what you expect from the police.

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You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You and your family are planning to spend a weekend at a seaside hotel. Write a letter to the hotel, making the arrangements. In your letter tell them when you will be arriving and leaving explain what type of rooms you would like, and ask how much the weekend will cost ask about activities and places of interest near the hotel 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
Instructions
Read the question below and write a letter.

 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
Your internet connection has been slow and intermittent Write a letter to your internet service provider to complain about. In the letter: – Describe the problem and why you are unhappy – Arrange for an engineer to visit your home – Request a reduction in your bill

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You recently bought an electronic gadget from an online store, but it is not working properly. Write a letter to the customer service department. In your letter: Describe the problem with the product Explain what you have already done to fix it State what you would like the company to do

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Two weeks ago you bought a radio from a local branch of a well-known chain of shops. It did not work properly. The shop took it back and said they would repair it. You have waited a week and it is still not ready. Write a letter to the shop. In your letter say what has happened and how you feelask them to explain why there has been a delayask them to repair the radio very quickly or to supply you with a new radio

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A magazine wants to include contributions from its readers for an article called ‘The book that influenced me most’. Write a letter to the editor of the magazine about the book that influenced you most. In your letter 1)Describe what this book was about 2)Explain how this book influenced you 3)Say whether this book would be likely to influence other people Write at least 150 words You do NOT need to write any addresses Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam.

formal
On a recent holiday you lost a valuable item. Fortunately, you have travel insurance to cover the cost of anything lost. Write a letter to the manager of your insurance company. In your letter -describe the item you lost -explain how you lost it -tell the insurance company what you would like them to do.

formal
Write a letter to your manager to nominate a person for best employee of the year award. Who is this person? Why did you choose him? What is the characteristic of a good employee?

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You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You have been invited to attend an interview for a place studying a course in a college. Unfortunately, because of a previous appointment, you cannot come at the time they wish. Write a letter to the admissions tutor: explain your position apologise and offer to come on another day or later the same day. ask how long the interview will be and whether there will be any tests during it. You do NOT need to write your own address. You should write at least 150 words.

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You have lost your student ID Card. This has created some problems for you. Write a letter to the director of student service. Write: Advise them of your situation; Explain how this is affecting you; Request a new card

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Write a letter to the manager of the football club. In your letter, introduce yourself explain what experience and special skills you have tell him/her when you think you can start Write at least 150 words.

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You recently made a journey by train. When you got on the train, you realised you had left a bag on the platform. Write a letter to the station manager. In your letter: • give details of where and when you left the bag • describe the bag and its contents • suggest how you could get the bag back

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 details of the purchase •describe the problem •explain why you need a replacement urgently

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

formal
Two weeks ago you bought a radio from a local branch of a well-known chain of shops. It did not work properly. The shop took it back and said they would repair it. You have waited a week and it is still not ready. Write a letter to the shop. In your letter say what has happened and how you feel ask them to explain why there has been a delay ask them to repair the radio very quickly or to supply you with a new radio.

formal
You are Dimitar Borisov/Elena Borisova. You do not feel your school is doing enough to give the students access to and knowledge of computers. Write a formal letter to your head teacher, Mr Page, suggesting ways to improve access to IT resources in your school. In your letter: • suggest the formation of a lunchtime and/or after-school computer club; • propose ways to improve the facilities available (e.g. replacing old and outdated equipment, etc.); • outline the potential benefits of these changes. Start and finish the letter in an appropriate way.

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

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You have recently bought some furniture. It was broken when you received it. Write a complaint letter to the store manager and say – What and when did you buy? – Why was it broken? – Suggest how the problem could be solved

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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
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
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

formal
A museum near your house 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 voluntary/unpaid work in your letter: Explain why you want to do voluntary/unpaid work at the museum Describe some skills and qualities you have that would be useful Give details of when you would be available for work.

formal
You are unhappy about a plan to make your local airport bigger and increase the number of flights. You live near the airport. 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 recently organized a party for your company at a hotel. Write a letter to the hotel manager. In your letter • describe the party and how it went • explain why you were pleased with the hotel’s service • suggest some improvements that the hotel could make

formal
You recently travelled by train on a long journey and you experienced various problems. Write a letter to the train company's head office. In your letter, - Give the details of your journey, including the date, time and where you sat - explain the problems that happened and express your dissatisfaction - ask about what action will be taken to improve the service

formal
You are working in a company and you have decided to leave your current employment. Write a letter to your employer. In your letter: Explain why you are leaving. Explain why you have decided to leave your company. Tell your employer what you plan to do after leaving your present employment.

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Last Tuesday you flew from New York to Paris. When you arrived home, you discovered that you had left your cabin bag on the plane. Write a letter to the airline. In your letter, you should explain: • where and when you lost your bag • what your bag looks like • what its contents were Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir / Madam You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

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

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

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You have been invited to attend an interview for a place studying a course in a college. Unfortunately, because of a previous appointment, you cannot come at the time they wish. Write a letter to the admissions tutor: explain your position apologise and offer to come on another day or later the same day. ask how long the interview will be and whether there will be any tests during it.

formal
Essay topics: You work for an in the 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. .explainwhat the company could do to help you. . say how the course will be useful for your job.

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You celebrated your birthday with some friends last week in a restaurant. It was a great success and you and your friends enjoyed the evening very much. Write a letter to the restaurant to thank them. Mention the food, service and the atmosphere. Also, suggest any improvements to make things better.

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You were hurt in a minor accident inside a supermarket and you wish to complain to the supermarket authority about that. Write a letter to the manager of the supermarket. In your letter Say who you are Give details about the accident Suggest how the supermarket could prevent similar accidents

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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

formal
You want to join a new gym in your neighbourhood. Write a letter to the gym manager. In your letter ask what types of membership are available, and what the prices are ask what activities are available ask what the joining procedure is

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
A resturant near your house is making a lot of noise. You called the manger but no action was taken. Write a letter to the manager. In your letter: *Introduce yourself *Describe the problems you are facing because of this *suggest solutions

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You recently went to a restaurant but think you could have left your credit card behind. Write to the restaurant. In your letter Tell them when you went there Describe where you think you may have left the credit card Explain what you would like the restaurant to do

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You bought a new HD television last week. At first it seemed to work perfectly but after a few hours a line appeared across the TV and the sound seemed a little strange. You cannot take the TV back to the shop so you decide to write to them. Write a letter of complaint to the shop. In your letter • give them the background information • describe the problem • ask them to resolve the issue

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Your family is going to move to another town. Write a letter to the Principal of a local school asking if they will accept your son. Describe his academic achievements and scope of interests. You do NOT need to write any address. You should write at least 150 words.

formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You and your family are planning to spend a weekend at a seaside hotel. Write a letter to the hotel, making the arrangements. In your letter tell them when you will be arriving and leavingexplain what type of rooms you would like, and ask how much the weekend will costask about activities and places of interest near the hotel

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. In your letter, •explain the reason for using a  bicycle to commute •mention what problems you have encountered with parking •what you recommend to solve the problems

formal
An international company is offering a temporary job for work experience, write a letter to apply for that job. You need to explain where did you find this information why you want to apply this job what qualification you have what position you want to apply

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You recently broke your leg and your colleagues from work sent you get well cards and presents. Write a letter to them and say Write a letter to your manager. In your letter - Thanks them for supporting you - Describe how you spend your time - Explain about your recovery process

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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 give me bands and original photo transcript •say what action you would like the company to take You do NOT need to write any addresses.

formal
You have just started a course in a college which has no sports facilities of its own. Write a letter to the manager of the nearest private sports club. In your letter: • Introduce yourself • Say why you are interested in this club • Ask some questions about the club ,facilities, members, costs.

formal
You recently stayed at a hotel for a 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 complaints

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There is a problem in your street. Write a letter to the local town council explaining who you are, what the problem is and what you expect from them.

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You were sent by your company to attend a meeting in another country, but you are not happy with the hotel your organizer booked for you. Write a letter to an organizer about the meeting details What you did not like about the hotel what you want organizer to do about it?

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Last Monday you flew from Mumbai to Bangalore. When you reached home, you discovered that you had left your hand bang on the plane. Write a letter to the airline. In your letter you have to explain: Where and when you lost the bag What your bag looks like What its contents were

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Every year, someone in the company where you work is chosen as best employee. Your manager has asked staff members to make suggestions about who should be chosen this year. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter • Identify a colleague who you think should be best employee • Explain what the job of this colleague involve. • Give reasons why the colleague should be chosen as best employee.

formal
You recently did a short 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’d like the school to offer.

formal
15. You’re interested in a music course that you saw on an advertisement. Write a letter to the club. In your letter, you should: - explain why you’re interested - request more information about the course - talk about your past experiences.

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You have just read an article in an inernational travel magazie 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
You travelled by plane last week and your suitcase was lost. You have still heard nothing from the airline Company, write to the airline and explain what happened. Describe your bag and tell them what was in it and what they were going to do about it?

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You recently took an IELTS test and there were some problems that you believe affected your score. Write a letter to the British Council or IDP. In your letter: explain what happened say if other candidates were affected and explain what you would like the BC/IDP to do

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You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You have just read an article in a national newspapaer which claims 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 newspapaer. 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 centres • Offer to give a guided tour of your town to the writer of article. Write at least 150 words

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Manager asked you to do a presentation at the upcoming meeting. Write a letter including, topic of presentation, benefits of conducting a session and requirement for the conducting presentation.

formal
Your local newspaper wants to reward people who have contributed a lot to the community. Write a letter to the newspaper. In your letter: suggest someone who deserves the reward mention what they have done to help the community say what reward you would like to give this person

formal
Your local council is considering closing a sports and leisure center that it runs, in order to save money. Write a letter to local council. In the letter: Give details of how you and your friends use the centre. 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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