100+ IELTS General Training Writing Task 1 Questions with Tips and Sample Answers

IELTS General Training Writing Task 1 Questions for 2026 with Tips and Sample Answers

Part 1: Format & Essential Tips

The Basics

Time: 20 Minutes (recommended).
Word Count: Minimum 150 words (Aim for 160–180 words).
Task: Write a letter based on a specific situation.

Understanding Tone

The most critical part of Task 1 is getting the tone right.

Formal: Writing to someone you do not know or a senior official (e.g., a bank manager, a landlord you’ve never met, a company).
- Sign-off: “Yours faithfully” (if you don’t know the name) or “Yours sincerely” (if you know the name).
Semi-Formal: Writing to someone you know nominally but are not close friends with (e.g., a neighbor, a professor, a work colleague).
- Sign-off: “Yours sincerely” or “Best regards.”
Informal: Writing to a friend or family member.
- Sign-off: “Best wishes,” “Warm regards,” “All the best.”

The 4-Paragraph Structure

Salutation: Dear Sir/Madam, OR Dear Mr. Smith, OR Dear John,
Opening Statement: State clearly why you are writing.
Bullet Point 1 & 2: Address the first two requirements of the prompt with details.
Bullet Point 3 & Closing: Address the final point and provide a closing sentence (e.g., “I look forward to hearing from you”).
Sign-off: Your name.

Part 2: 5 Band 9 Sample Answers

Sample 1: Formal Letter (Complaint)

Topic: You recently bought a piece of equipment for your kitchen but it did not work. You phoned the shop but no one answered. Write a letter to the shop manager.

Describe the problem with the equipment.
Explain what happened when you phoned the shop.
Say what you would like the manager to do.

Answer:

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with a food processor I purchased from your store on October 12th (Receipt No. 9842). Unfortunately, the product is defective, and I have been unable to reach your customer service team.

Upon unboxing the appliance at home, I attempted to use the ‘pulse’ function, but the motor immediately stalled and emitted a burning smell. I checked the manual to ensure I had assembled it correctly, which I had, suggesting a significant internal electrical fault.

I attempted to resolve this by calling your store multiple times yesterday between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM. However, the phone rang continuously without being answered, and there was no option to leave a voicemail. This lack of after-sales support is quite frustrating.

Given the situation, I would like to request a full refund for the item. I will bring the faulty processor to the store this Saturday, and I expect the transaction to be handled promptly.

I look forward to a swift resolution to this matter.

Yours faithfully,

David Miller

Sample 2: Informal Letter (Advice/News)

Topic: A friend has written to you asking for advice about a problem at work. You had a similar problem in the past. Write a letter to your friend.

Tell your friend you understood the problem.
Explain what happened to you in the past.
Suggest how the problem could be solved.

Answer:

Dear Sarah,

It was so lovely to hear from you, though I’m sorry to hear you’re having such a tough time with your new manager. I completely understand why you feel undervalued; it is incredibly draining when your hard work goes unnoticed.

I actually went through something very similar a few years ago at my previous marketing job. My supervisor would constantly criticize small errors while ignoring the major projects I delivered successfully. I felt exactly the way you do now—demotivated and ready to quit.

However, I managed to turn it around, and I think you can too. I suggest you schedule a formal meeting with your manager to discuss your performance. Bring a list of your recent achievements and ask for specific, constructive feedback. Sometimes, people don’t realize how negative they are being until it is pointed out professionally. Give that a try before you make any decisions about leaving.

Let me know how it goes! We should grab coffee soon.

Best wishes,

Emily

Sample 3: Semi-Formal Letter (Request to Landlord)

Topic: You have discovered that there are some problems with your new apartment. Write a letter to the landlord.

Describe the problems.
Explain how these problems are affecting you.
Make a request for repairs.

Answer:

Dear Mr. Henderson,

I am writing to inform you of a few maintenance issues I have encountered since moving into Apartment 4B last week. While I am generally delighted with the property, there are two urgent matters that require your attention.

Firstly, the central heating system does not appear to be functioning correctly. Despite setting the thermostat to a warm temperature, the radiators remain cold. Secondly, the kitchen faucet is leaking significantly, which is causing water to accumulate on the countertop.

As you can imagine, this is making living here quite uncomfortable, particularly with the heating issue as the weather is turning much colder. I am also concerned that the leaking tap will cause water damage to the wooden cabinetry if left unchecked.

Could you please arrange for a plumber and a heating engineer to visit the property at the earliest convenience? I am available most mornings if you need someone to let the tradespeople in.

Thank you for your prompt assistance.

Yours sincerely,

Mark Thompson

Sample 4: Formal Letter (Resignation)

Topic: You have decided to leave your current job. Write a letter to your employer.

State that you are resigning.
Explain why you are leaving.
Thank the employer for the time you have worked there.

Answer:

Dear Mrs. Collins,

Please accept this letter as formal notification that I am resigning from my position as Senior Graphic Designer at Creative Solutions Ltd. My final day of employment will be January 30th, in accordance with the notice period in my contract.

This was not an easy decision to make. However, I have recently been offered a role as an Art Director at a publishing house. This new position offers me the opportunity to lead a team and focus specifically on book design, which has long been a career goal of mine.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunities I have had during my three years with Creative Solutions. I have genuinely enjoyed working with such a talented team and have learned a great deal under your mentorship. I will do everything I can to ensure a smooth handover of my current projects before my departure.

I wish the company every success in the future.

Yours sincerely,

Jessica Alba

Sample 5: Informal Letter (Invitation)

Topic: You are organizing a party for your parents’ 50th wedding anniversary. Write a letter to a friend who lives in another city.

Explain why you are writing.
Give details of the party.
Invite your friend to come and stay with you.

Answer:

Dear Tom,

I hope you’re doing well! I’m writing to share some exciting news and, hopefully, convince you to come visit us soon.

My parents are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary next month, which is a huge milestone. We are throwing a big surprise party for them to celebrate. It’s going to be a “Golden Era” themed night with live music, plenty of food, and all their old friends and family.

The party is taking place on Saturday, July 15th, at the Grand Hotel downtown, starting at 7:00 PM. I know it’s a bit of a drive for you, but it would mean the world to me—and my parents—if you could make it. You’ve always been like a second son to them!

You absolutely must stay with us for the weekend. I’ve already prepped the guest room, so you don’t need to worry about booking a hotel. We can catch up properly over brunch on Sunday morning.

Please let me know if you can make it so I can finalize the numbers.

Warm regards,

Michael

Part 3: 100 IELTS General Training Writing Task 1 Questions

Category A: Complaints (Formal)

Write to an airline about lost luggage. Explain what happened, describe the luggage, and ask for compensation.
Write to a restaurant manager about a poor meal you had. Describe the food, the service, and what action you want them to take.
Write to a bank manager. You were charged a fee you do not recognize. Explain the situation and ask for a refund.
Write to a local council about the garbage collection service in your area. Explain the problem and suggest a solution.
Write to a hotel manager. You left a valuable item in your room. Describe the item, say where you left it, and ask how to get it back.
Write to a furniture store. A delivery was late and the items were damaged. Complaint and ask for a replacement.
Write to a neighbor (Formal tone – you don’t know them). Their dog barks all night. Explain the issue and ask them to resolve it.
Write to a gym manager. The changing rooms are always dirty. Explain the issue and suggest improvements.
Write to an insurance company. They rejected your claim for a car accident. Explain why you think they are wrong.
Write to a hospital. You had to wait 5 hours to see a doctor. Complain about the system.
Write to a taxi company. The driver took a long route and was rude. Complain and ask for a refund of the excess fare.
Write to a mobile phone company. Your bill is much higher than usual. Ask for an explanation.
Write to a library. The noise level is too high for studying. Suggest a “quiet zone.”
Write to a train company. Your train was cancelled and you missed an interview. Ask for compensation.
Write to an online shop. You received the wrong size clothing. Ask for an exchange.

Category B: Requests & Information (Formal/Semi-Formal)

Write to a college. You want information about a course. Ask about fees, duration, and entry requirements.
Write to a landlord. You want to break your lease early. Explain why and suggest a date.
Write to your local library. Ask if you can volunteer there. Explain your skills and availability.
Write to a museum. You want to bring a group of students. Ask about group rates and guided tours.
Write to a local newspaper. You lost your watch. Ask to place a “Lost and Found” ad.
Write to a travel agency. You want to book a holiday for your family. Give details of dates, destination, and budget.
Write to a conference organizer. You want to present a paper. Ask for the submission deadline and guidelines.
Write to a former teacher. Ask for a reference letter for a new job.
Write to a sports club. Ask for information about membership and facilities.
Write to a charity. You want to donate old clothes and furniture. Ask if they can pick them up.
Write to a car rental agency. You need a car for a week. Ask about rates and insurance.
Write to a real estate agent. You are looking for a house to buy. Describe your requirements.
Write to a music school. You want to learn the piano. Ask about teacher availability and cost.
Write to a local council. You want to organize a street party. Ask for permission.
Write to an embassy. You need a visa. Ask about the application process.

Category C: Business & Work (Formal)

Write to your boss requesting time off for a family emergency.
Write to your boss asking for a pay rise. Explain why you deserve it.
Write to your boss complaining about a colleague who is difficult to work with.
Write to your boss suggesting a new idea to improve efficiency in the office.
Write to a company applying for a job you saw advertised.
Write to a company rejecting a job offer they gave you. Explain why.
Write to your manager resigning from your job.
Write to your manager asking for training on a new software.
Write to a client apologizing for a delay in their project.
Write to a business partner inviting them to a launch event for a new product.
Write to HR asking about maternity/paternity leave policies.
Write to your manager requesting to work from home two days a week.
Write to a recruitment agency asking if they have any temporary work available.
Write to a catering company to book food for an office party.
Write to a supplier complaining that the goods they sent were poor quality.

Category D: Friends & Family (Informal – News/Updates)

Write to a friend you haven’t seen in years. Tell them what you are doing now.
Write to a friend telling them you have moved to a new house. Describe the house.
Write to a friend telling them you just got married. Describe the wedding.
Write to a friend telling them you have a new job. Describe the job and colleagues.
Write to a friend about a recent holiday you went on.
Write to a friend telling them you have adopted a pet.
Write to a friend explaining why you couldn’t go to their party.
Write to a friend telling them you are learning a new language.
Write to a friend about a movie you saw recently that they would like.
Write to a friend telling them you are going to visit their city soon.
Write to a friend sharing news about a mutual friend.
Write to a friend describing a concert you went to.
Write to your parents updating them on your life at university.
Write to your sibling telling them you are planning a surprise for your parents.
Write to a friend telling them you have decided to quit your job and travel.

Category E: Friends & Family (Informal – Invitations/Advice/Help)

Invite a friend to your birthday party. Give details of time and place.
Invite a friend to go on a camping trip with you.
Invite a friend to stay with you for the weekend.
Invite a friend to the cinema to see a new film.
Ask a friend for advice on buying a new computer.
Ask a friend for advice on where to travel in their country.
Ask a friend to look after your house while you are away.
Ask a friend to help you move furniture this weekend.
Ask a friend for a recipe for a dish they made for you.
Advise a friend who is feeling lonely in a new city.
Advise a friend who wants to lose weight/get fit.
Advise a friend who is having trouble with their partner.
Advise a friend on how to save money.
Thank a friend for a gift they sent you.
Thank a friend for letting you stay at their house.

Category F: Apologies & Explanations (Mixed Tone)

(Informal) Apologize to a friend for forgetting their birthday.
(Informal) Apologize to a friend for breaking something of theirs.
(Informal) Apologize to a friend for being late to meet them.
(Formal) Apologize to a teacher for missing an exam. Explain why.
(Formal) Apologize to a client for missing a meeting.
(Semi-Formal) Apologize to a neighbor for making noise last night.
(Formal) Write to a library explaining why you lost a book.
(Formal) Write to the tax office explaining why your payment is late.
(Semi-Formal) Write to a club secretary explaining why you want to leave the club.
(Informal) Explain to a friend why you can’t lend them money.

Category G: Miscellaneous / Community (Semi-Formal)

Write to a neighbor asking if you can borrow their lawnmower.
Write to a neighbor complaining about their tree overhanging your garden.
Write to a community center suggesting a new activity for the elderly.
Write to a local school offering to give a talk about your profession.
Write to a lost property office enquiring about a bag you lost on a bus.
Write to a friend asking if they want to join a gym with you.
Write to a colleague inviting them to a farewell dinner for another worker.
Write to your local MP (politician) about the lack of parks in your area.
Write to a shop thanking a specific employee for excellent service.
Write to a friend suggesting you start a business together.
Write to a landlord asking if you can keep a pet in the apartment.
Write to a driving instructor asking for lessons.
Write to a hotel asking to change the dates of your reservation.
Write to a friend recommending a book you just read.
Write to a university admissions officer asking why your application was rejected.

120+ IELTS Practice Tests Free IELTS Lessons & Tips Watch on YouTube Facebook Page Join WhatsApp Channel Join Telegram Channel