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 would like to study for a master's degree at a university overseas.
Write a letter to the admissions officer. 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 a place on the MSc in Environmental Management, which begins in September next year at your university.
I graduated three years ago from the University of Almaty with a first-class degree in geography. My final project examined water pollution in the region, and it was awarded the department's prize. Since then I have worked as an assistant at an environmental consultancy, where I have collected data and written reports for local authorities. This work has made me want to study the subject in much greater depth and to build the skills required for a leadership role.
Your course attracts me because of its international reputation and the opportunity to work on real projects with industry partners.
Could you please tell me which documents I need to send with my application? I assume that I will need my degree certificate, transcripts and references, but I would also like to know whether proof of English proficiency is required and what the final deadline for applications is.
Thank you for your time, and I look forward to your reply.
Yours faithfully,
Dinara Omarova
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| I believe I am well suited to this role because | introduce your main reason for applying |
| 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.