There are different types of letters/emails we can be asked to write. These letters can be either informal (I) or formal (F):
Introducing yourself to a penfriend (I)
Asking for information from a friend (I)
Giving news to your family or friends (I)
Applying to go to university (F)
Asking for information from an institution (F)
Applying for a job (F)
It is important to emphasize that whatever kind of letter/email we are asked to write, it must have a clear structure and must answer all the points we have been asked to write about in the task.
Sample task
You see this ad in a magazine and are interested in applying for the job.
Are you a strong swimmer?
Do you know about first aid?
Do you enjoy working with people?
Then you might be right person for us!
We are looking for someone in August to assist our lifeguards, provide supervision during beach activities and observe swimmers. Lifeguard qualification and experience desirable but not essential as training will be given. If you are interested, write to the Lifeguard Manager saying why you think you are the right person for the job.
Write a letter of application in 160-180 words.
A good composition layout for the task above would be:
Paragraph 1: Introduction: Name, when and where you saw the ad and one of your reasons why you are interested in the job.
Paragraph 2: Personal information, which could include age, where you live, education, training/qualifications, present job and/or work experience.
Paragraph 3: Further reasons for applying and why you are a suitable candidate for the job.
Paragraph 4: Conclusion: When you are available for an interview and names and addresses of two people (referees) who can recommend you.
As with informal emails and letters, we must not neglect basic letter conventions, which would include:
• Greeting: Dear Sir or Madam, Dear Mr Williams
• Opening remark: I would like to apply for the job of …; I am writing to apply for the position of …
• Closing remark: I look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible
• Farewell formula: Yours faithfully (if the greeting was Dear Sir or Madam, ie you didn’t know the person’s name), Yours sincerely (if the greeting was Dear Mr Williams, ie. Dear + person’s surname)
On top of that, the style should be formal and you must use:
• a polite, impersonal tone: I am writing to enquire whether (not *I want to ask if)
• polite formulas without contractions: I would be grateful if; I would appreciate it if you could
• passive voice: I can be contacted (not *You can contact me)
• formal linking words: consequently, therefore, for this reason
• remember: colloquial expressions, phrasal verbs, idioms and contracted forms are not used in formal style
Another sample task
Helpers needed in our summer camp for 10-14 years old. Duties include helping with games and other activities. Helpers must speak English and be able to work at any time, including some evenings, from 5th to 25th July. Apply in writing to Ben Carroll
Write your letter of application in 160-180 words.
For composition samples corrected and explained you can visit Flo-Joe.
With information from Successful Writing Intermediate, Express Publishing and First Certificate Expert, Longman
