IELTS General Writing Task 1 formal Topics/Questions 2024
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This section presents a list of common IELTS General Writing Task 1 formal topics. All these topics were added in 2024 by students who took the IELTS recently. Pick a random topic and start practicing and improving your writing skills.
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
You have been working for a company for more than a few years, and now have decided to leave the company.Write a letter to your company manager saying that you want to leave the company.In your letter explain
What you have learned while working for the company
Whether you enjoyed working there
Why are you leaving
formal
You feel the evening programs on a local television station are uninteresting.
Write a letter to the manager of the television station. In your letter
* explain why you do not like the current programs
* describe what kind of programs you would like to see instead
* explain why these programs would be better
formal
On a recent holiday, you lost a valuable item. Fortunately you have travel insurance to cover the cost of the lost item. Write a letter to the insurance manager. 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
You recently bought a piece of sports equipment from an online store. When you first used the piece of sports equipment, you found a problem with it.
Write a letter to the manager of the online store. In your letter
• describe the problem with the piece of sports equipment
• say what happened because of the problem
•explain what you would like the company to do.
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
You recently attended a meeting at a hotel. When you returned home, you found you had left some important papers at the hotel. Write a letter to the manager of the hotel. In your letter
•Say where you think you left the papers
•Explain why they are so important
• Tell the manager what you want him /her to do
formal
Your office building doesn't have parking available.
Write a letter to the manager. In your letter:
Explain the problem
Suggest a solution
Say why parking will benefit all employees
formal
You 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 a full time job and are also doing a part time evening course. You now find that you can not continue the course.
Write a letter to your tutor. In your letter,
describe the situation
explain why you cannot continue at this time
say what action you would like to tak
formal
You work for an international company. You have seen a advertisement for a training course which will be useful for your job.
Write a letter to your manager. In your letter
•Describe the training course you want to do
•Explain what the company could do to help you
• Say how the course will be useful to your job
formal
You have bought a new camera but when you got it home you found it had some problems. You returned the camera and spoke to the company representative a week ago but the camera has still not been repaired.
Write a letter to the company.
In your letter:
Introduce yourself
Explain the situation
Say what action you would like the company to take
formal
You have learned about an international job that is available within the company you currently work for and you want to apply.
Write a letter to the hiring manager. In your letter
Say why you are applying for this international position
Describe the job you are currently doing for the company
Tell him/her why you think you will be good at the job
Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam
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 would like to join the local orchestra.
Write a letter of application to the orchestra. In the letter:
– Introduce yourself and your instrument of choice
– Explain how your credentials make you a good candidate
– Express your enthusiasm for music
formal
You own an old item that you think is valuable and would like to sell. Write a letter to the owner of an antique's shop.
In your letter:
• explain how you found the shop
• describe the item that you would like to sell
say how much you would like to sell the item for
Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses
formal
You are living in a University residence, and you have a problem with the high levels of noise from a new campus restaurant which is open late at night. Write a letter to the governor of the
University. In your letter,
-Complain about the situation
-Say why this is a problem
-And propose ways to reduce the noise
formal
A museum near your home is looking for people to do a part-time voluntary unpaid job. 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 need to organize an office event in a community center.Write a letter to the center. In your letter
request you to provide the following information to us
formal
IELTS Letter Writing / GT Writing Task 1:
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
You work for an international company. You have seen an advertisement for a training course which will be useful for your job.
Write a letter to your manager. In your letter,
describe the training course you want to do
explain what the company could do to help you
say how the course will be useful for your job
Write at least 150 words.
formal
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
Write a letter to the cinema manager to inform him/her that you have lost your bag in the cinema. In your letter you should:
Tell exactly what happened and when
- Explain where you think you left the bag
- Ask the manager to help find your bag
formal
You would like to rent a car for a holiday. Write to the car rental agency. In your letter
• Explain what type of car you would like
• Give details of when you would like the car
• Request more information about the cost
formal
You have recently been on a business trip to see some equipment that your company
needs. Write a letter to the company that owns this equipment and say:
• Describe the equipment
• Ask for features and specifications of this equipment
• Explain why your company needs this equipment
formal
The system used for rubbish/garbage collection in your local area is not working properly. This is causing problems for 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
There is a problem related with the changing room of your gym in your community. You reported it several times, but it was not solved. Write a letter to the manager.
In your letter, you should:
• describe the problem
• what they said while reporting the problem
• what you want the manager to do.
formal
There is a public park near where you live. You have heard that the local council wants to sell
this park. Write a letter to a local newspaper. In your letter
• Introduce yourself
• Describe the importance of the park
• Say what action you will take if the council continues with this plan
formal
You have recently moved to a new neighbourhood and would like to join a sports centre there. You have found a private sports club.
Write a letter to the manager of the sports club. In your letter,
•introduce yourself
•say why are you interested in this sports club
• ask some questions about the club e.g facilities, membership, costs etc.
formal
The system used for rubbish or garbage collection in your local area is not working properly. It is causing problems for you and your neighbours. Write a letter to the local council. In your letter
Describe how the rubbish collection system is not working
Explain how this is affecting you and your neighbours
Suggest what should be done about the problem
formal
You play sports (e.g. football) for a local team. You recently heard that a player in your team is in a hospital.
Write a let to your teammate. In your letter
say how you feel about the news
ask about the treatment in the hospital
suggest some ways of cheering him/her up
formal
You have a suggestion for a park nearby where you live. Write a letter to your city’s council. In your letter include:
•what your suggestion is
• why you think this suggestion will improve the park
• when you would like to see this suggestion in action
formal
You came to know about a piece of equipment that would help you at your workplace. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter
formal
You recently purchased an item from a local store, but you are not satisfies with your purchase. Write a letter to the manager of the store. In your letter
•Describe the item you bought and why you need it
•explain why you are not happy with it
•say what you would like the manager to do
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Sir or Madam,
formal
Afriend you made while travelling abroad has written to ask you for advice about doing language classes in your area. You know about local language school that might be suitable for him
tell your friend about the language school
Say why you think the language school would be suitable for him
explain how to apply for the language school
formal
You recently visited a theatre and had an accident there. The staff were very helpful. Write a letter to the manager giving good feedback.
In your letter, you should tell:
– and describe the accident
– how the staff helped you
– how similar situations could be prevented in the future.
formal
You would like to join the local orchestra.
Write a letter of application to the orchestra. In the letter:
– Introduce yourself and your instrument of choice
– Explain how your credentials make you a good candidate
– Express your enthusiasm for music
formal
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
formal
You have just read an article in an international travel magazine which contained some information about your town that is incorect.
write a letter to the editor of the magazin.In your letter
correct the information in the article
explan why it is important for the magazin to give correct information
suggest what the magazine should do about this situation
formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
You have recently visited a city on vacation and stayed in a hotel.
Write a letter to the manager about your stay. In your letter:
-Give details of your stay
-What were the high & low points of the hotel
-What are your suggestions; recommendations and / or complaints about the hotel Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows: Dear .....................,
formal
You 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
formal
You recently visited a store and did not like the customer service there. Write a letter to the store manager and say:
1) What was the issue there?
2) Why wasn't the staff helpful?
3)Suggest what can be done about it?
formal
You ordered a new cheque book from your bank two weeks ago but you have received nothing.
Write a letter to the manager complaining about the bad service. Say when and how you ordered the cheque book. Ask how much longer you will have to wait and ask the manager what action he will take over this matter.
You should write at least 150 words.
Writing Task 1
formal
You child is going on a school trip overseas for week. The Headmaster is looking for parents to join the trip. Write a letter to state that you would like to join it. In your letter:
Mention why you would like to join the trip.
Ask some general questions about the trip.
Mention how you can be helpful
formal
The system used for rubbish/garbage collection in your local area is not working properly. This is causing problems for 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
You have organised on 19th birthday party for your relative and invited elderly gas. It was a successful party. Write a letter to the hotel Manager, to provide the feedback: in your letter, you should tell:
- when the party took place
- why it was successful
- thanks for staff member who was really helpful.
formal
You have been facing a lot of issues at work lately. Write a letter to your Reporting Manager informing him about this.
In your letter:
• Explain what / who is affecting your work and people's attitude towards you
• What your expectations are from this work/office
• How / what your manager can do to help you with these problems
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Sir or Madam,
formal
Question -Your manager has asked you to arrange a party for a colleague 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 recently attended a meeting at a hotel. When you returned hime, you found you had left some important papers at the hotel.
Write a letter to the manager of the hotel. In your letter
Say where you think you left the papers
Explain why they are so important
Tell the manager what you want him/her to do
formal
You live near a record shop that sells music, movies, and books.
Write a letter to the shop asking if they have a few different items you are looking for.
– Ask what the prices are and if they can be orders
– Ask when they would arrive and if you can have them held in advance
formal
You recently bought a piece of equipment for your kitchen but it did not work. You phoned the shop but no action was taken.
Write a letter to the shop manager. In your letter:
●Describe the problem with the equipment
●Explain what happened when you phoned the shop
●Say what you would like the manager to do
formal
You recently attended a meeting at a hotel. When you returned home, you found you had left some important papers at the hotel. Write a letter to the manager of the hotel. In your letter
•say where you think you left the paper
•explain why they are so important
•tell the manager what you want him/her to do
formal
You ordered a book online for exam preparation. It has been some time since you ordered it and still have not received your book. Write a letter to e-commerce company about this.
formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
You are going on a month training programme to the UK and know that the head of the course would like one of the participants to be the social events' organiser.
Write a letter to the Training Organiser. In your letter
• expressing your interest in the role
• requesting more information about it
• explaining what experience you have
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear ...,
You should write at least 150 words.
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 help in arranging it
formal
You live in a room in college which shared with another student.However,there are many problems with this arrangement and you find it very difficult to work.
Write a letter to the accomodation officer at thee college
In this letter,
Describe your situation
Explain your problems and why it’s difficult to work
Say what kind of accomodation you would prefer.
formal
There have been some problems with public transport in your area
recently. Write a letter to the manager of the transport company. In
your letter
x describe the problems
x explain how these problems are affecting the public
x suggest some changes that could be made
formal
There is a new ready-mixed concrete (RMC) plant installed nearby your home and it causes various types of pollutions. Write a letter to City Council for a removal request. In your letter • describe who you are •
explain what troubles you by existence of this RMC plant •
tell what you want the officer to do for you
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 help in arranging it
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 help in arranging it
formal
You are the manager of a restaurant that has received a letter of complaint about poor service from a member of your staff.
write a letter of apology to the person who complained. In your letter,
say how sorry you are that the person has had a poor experience
explain what action has been taken against the staff member
offer a free meal for four at the restaurant as a gesture of goodwill.
formal
A magazine wants to include contribution 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 likely to influence other people
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 saw an advert in the newspaper asking for volunteers to help run a charity event.
Write a letter of application to the organisers. In your letter:
• Explain why you are interested in helping
• Give details suitable past experience
• Suggest ways you might help with the event
formal
Write a letter to the manager of the Lost and Found department of the railway regarding the luggage you
accidentally left on the train. In your letter,
give details of your train trip
describe the luggage you left on the train
say what actions you want him/her to take
formal
You have just read an article in a national newspaper which claims that town centres in your country all look very similer 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 centers is different from most other town centers
Offer to give a guided tour of our town to the writer of the article
formal
A restaurant near your home is making a lot of noise. Write a letter to the manager. In your letter
Describe the problems you are facing
How it solve this problem and suggest solution
What will you do if it cannot solve this problem
formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
You have recently moved to a new neighbourhood and would like to join a sports centre there. You have found a private sports club.
Write a letter to the manager of the sports club. In your letter,
introduce yourself
say why are you interested in this sports club
ask some questions about the club e.g facilities, membership, costs etc.
Write at least 150 words.
formal
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
You saw an online post of an important English academy looking for teachers to help underprivileged foreigner students.
Write a letter of application to the company. In your letter:
• Introduce yourself
• Explain why you are suitable for the job.
• Provide details of your past work experience.
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Sir or Madam,
formal
A road near your home is damaged. Write a letter to the council of your city/town to complain about it. In your letter:
- tell them who you are and where you live
- explain the nature of your complaint
- say what you would like them to do about it
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 have recently attended a two-day course, and now a course organizer is asking for your review and comments. Write a letter to the course organizer.
In your letter, you should:
• describe the course;
• explain whether or not you linked the course, and why;
• provide some suggestions for improvement.
formal
You have bought some clothing online and are not satisfied with your purchase
Write a letter to the company that you bought the company from. In you email
Give details of he purchase
describe the problem
explain why you need a replacemnet urgently
formal
Write a letter to the organizer of an annual festival that you attended last year. Include - Feedback about last year - An offer to volunteer - Questions about the festival
formal
Write a letter to the restaurant manager. In your letter:
•Give details of the food and services you ordered
•Describe the problems that occurred
•Explain what you want the restaurant to do
formal
You work for an international company. You have seen an advertisemnt for a training course which will be useful for your job.
Write a letter to your manager. In your letter
. Describe the training course you want to do
. Explain what the company could do to help you
. Say how the course will be useful for your job
formal
You use the local swimming pool often and during one of your visit you have encountered a problem. Write a letter to the manager and say
– What the problem was and when it happened
– What the swimming pool staff have done about it
– Suggest your own solution to the problem.
formal
Write a letter
You recently made reservations for dinner at a very famous and expensive restaurant in town. However, the meal and the service were terrible. The restaurant manager was not available to solve the problem, so you left without a resolution.
Write an email to the restaurant's manager in about 150-200 words. Your email should do the following things:
formal
Write a complaint letter to the airline manager regarding the behaviour of one of staff members on your. flight .In your letter
Give full details of your flight
Say what the problem with the staff member was
What would you like the manager to do regarding this matter
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 organisation where you have been working. In your letter:
- describe the work yoy have been doing
- explain why you can no longer do this work
- recommend another person who is interested in the work
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
formal
You have recently come back from an overseas holiday. You face some problems with the hotel booked through your travel agent.
Write a letter to your travel agent. In your letter
• Details about hotel booking
• Problems that you faced there
• Gives the distance to the travel agent so that such problems are not repeated
formal
Your next-door neighbors like to listen to music late at night. Because of the loud music, you often lose sleep.
Write a letter to the building manager. In your letter
-describe the situation
-explain the problems it is causing you
-offer at least one solution
formal
A road near your home is damaged. Write a letter to the council of your town/city to complain about it. In your letter
– Tell them who are you and where you live
– Explain the nature of your complaint
– Say what you would like them to do about it
formal
You and your family are planning to spend a weekend at a seaside hotel. Write a letter to the hotel making the arrangements. Let them know
• when you will be arriving and leaving,
• what type of rooms you would like
• and ask them how much the weekend will cost
• also enquire about activities and places of interest near the hotel.
You should write at least 150 words.
formal
You are in the local rugby team. You recently heard that a player in your team is in the hospital.
Write a letter to your teammate. In your letter,
say how you feel about the news
ask about the treatment in the hospital
suggest some ways of cheering him/her up
formal
There have been several complaints about the receiption area where visitors to your company arrive. Your manager has asked you to suggest how the receiption 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 receiption area could be improved
formal
Write a letter of complaint to the owner, Mark Davies, explaining why you feel the experience was unsatisfactory and what you would like to be done
formal
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.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Mr. Brannagan
formal
You bought a TV a week ago but when you got home it did not work properly. You calledcustomer service to report the problem but you have not yet received any help. Write a letter to the company.
formal
Some members of your city council want to prohibit cars on several downtown streets. This will allow pedestrians and bicyclists to use the roads freely.
Write a letter to a city council official in your city. In your letter
Explain how you heard about the plan
Provide some possible effects of this plan
Give your opinion about the plan
Write at least 150 words
formal
Duration- 20 minutes
You missed a flight due to a problem at the airport. Write a letter to the airline. In your letter:
• Say when and where the problem happened?
• Describe how you missed the flight?
• Say what you want the airline to do?
Write at least 150 words
You do not need to write any addresses
Begin your letter as follows
Dear….
formal
You recently took a train journey but you left an important item on the train. You phoned the train company to report it but you were not pleased with the response.
Write a letter to the manager of the train company. In your letter
• describe the item you left on the train
• say why you were not pleased with the train company's response to your phone call
• explain what you want the manager to do about it
formal
You have recently moved to a new neighbourhood and would like to join a sports centre there. You have found a private sports club.
Write a letter to the manager of the sports club. In your letter,
introduce yourself
say why are you interested in this sports club
ask some questions about the club e.g facilities, membership, costs etc.
formal
Your children go to a local school that requires volunteers to accompany school science trips
Write a letter to the school to apply to be a volunteer. In the letter:
- Introduce yourself and give details of your children who attend the school
- Explain why you are interested in the position
- Talk about any relevant experience that you have with children
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 work for an international company and need to take
some time off work to celebrate a family event.
Write a letter to your manager. In your letter
● give details of the family event and why it is important you
attend
● say how much time you will need away from the office
● suggest how your work could be covered while you are away
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 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 large company in your area has decided to spend a certain amount of money, either to sponsor a local children sports team for two years, or to pay for two open air concerts. It has asked for feedback from the general public.
Write a letter to the company. In your letter:
1) describe the benefits of sponsoring the sports team.
2) summarize the benefits of paying for the concerts.
3) saying how you think the company should spend that money.
formal
A large company in your area has decided to spend amount of money,either to sponsor a local children's sports team for two years or to pay for two open-air concerts.It has asked for feed back general public.
write a letter to the company .in your letter
-describe the benefits of sponsoring the sports team
-summerise the benefits of paying for the concert.
-say how you think to send the money
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.
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