Use the greeting, sign-off and paragraph plan below for this formal letter, write it on a 20-minute timer, then compare it with a band-8 model letter.
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
You have seen an advertisement for a receptionist at a medical clinic.
Write a letter to the clinic manager. In your letter
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Sir or Madam,
GoPrep wrote this practice question in the style of the exam. It is not an official IELTS question.
A letter that begins Dear Sir or Madam ends Yours faithfully, followed by your full name.
Spend the first few minutes planning, then write.
0 words of 150 minimum
Your answer stays on this page only. Copy it before you leave.
Write your own answer first, then compare: how it answers the exact question, what each paragraph does, and which phrases you could borrow.
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to apply for the position of receptionist at Riverside Medical Clinic, which I saw advertised on your website last week.
I am very interested in the job because I have always wanted to work in a healthcare setting where I could help people at difficult moments. A friendly, well-organised receptionist is often the first person patients meet, and I would take pride in making them feel calm and welcome.
I have three years of relevant experience. I currently work at the front desk of a busy dental practice, where I answer the phone, manage appointments, update patient records and deal with payments. I am familiar with confidential data and I have been praised for staying patient with nervous or upset patients. I also speak English, Russian and Kazakh fluently, which may be useful in a diverse community.
I would be able to start work with one month's notice, or earlier if my current employer agrees.
I have attached my CV and would be glad to attend an interview at any time convenient to you.
Yours faithfully,
Zarina Akhmetova
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| I am writing to apply for the position of | formal opening for a job application |
| I have extensive experience in | say you have done something for a long time |
| I am available for an interview at your convenience. | offer to attend an interview |
| Please find my CV enclosed. | tell the reader a CV is included |
| I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my application further. | formal ending asking for an interview |
Answer random Part 1, 2 and 3 questions on an exam timer.
Average your four skill bands, rounded the way IELTS rounds them.
Compare an IELTS band with TOEFL, Duolingo and PTE scores and CEFR levels.
Look up the IELTS score a university asks for, with the source.