Writing (UNIT 10)

You saw this advertisement in a newspaper (FCE Result, page 127). Read the
advertisement and your notes, then write a letter of application in 120-150 words.
Guidelines:
You are required to write a letter in 120-150 words based on the
advertisement with the input information, so this is part 1 of the writing test.
Remember to refer to all the input details in your letter but do not copy out
large parts.
If you begin the letter with Dear Sir or Madam, finish with Yours faithfully.
If you begin with Dear (Mr Smith), finish with Yours sincerely.
Divide the letter into three or four short paragraphs, each with its own topic.
 Paragraph 1: say where you saw the advertisement and why you are writing.
I am writing in response to …
I should like to apply for the post of …. as advertised in …
I am writing to apply for …
 Paragraph 2: give details of your qualifications and working experience
As for my qualifications, I have a degree in English.
I have a good command of English, having studied it at school for
eight years. I have also spent a month at …
I have two year’s experience of ….
I have considerable experience of …
 Paragraph 3: give details of your personality , ability and make some
necessary enquries
I consider myself to be …
I’d be grateful if you could tell me …
Could you please let me know …?
 Paragraph 4: say what else you are sending with the letter and when you are
available for an interview.
I enclose my CV with lots of information about my qualifications and
work experience. I look forward to hearing from you
I am available for interview from 1st March
I’d be grateful if you could send me details of …
I would be grateful if you could …
Could you also let me know when you will be holding the interview?
I would welcome the opportunity to …
Use linking words to join ideas and sentences.
Use a style appropriate to the situation and maintain the same style
throughout the letter . Formal register is recommended for this letter. The
letter on page 126 is for your reference. However, some expressions in the
letter which are too informal should be made more formal.
For example:
1. Informal: I want to apply for a place on the course
Formal: I would like to apply for a place on the course
2. Informal: I have just done a degree in …
Formal: I have just completed a degree in …
3. Informal: I have visited Britain a few times
Formal: I have visited Britain on a number of occasions
4. Informal: I went to summer language schools
Formal: I attended summer language schools.
5. Informal: Here’s my CV with lots of information about my qualifications
Formal: I enclose my CV with full details of my qualifications.
6. Informal: I look forward to getting a reply
Formal: I look forward to hearing from you.