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.
A language school is offering a scholarship for one student to join an advanced course.
Write a letter to Mr Grant, the school director. In your letter
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Mr Grant,
GoPrep wrote this practice question in the style of the exam. It is not an official IELTS question.
A letter to a named person ends Yours sincerely, 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 Mr Grant,
I am writing to apply for the scholarship to the advanced course at your school, which was advertised on your website last month.
I would like to study at Oxford English Academy because of its excellent reputation for academic preparation. I plan to begin a master's degree in international business next year, and I believe your course would give me the confidence to follow lectures and write essays in English.
I think I deserve the scholarship for two reasons. First, I have worked hard to improve my English for six years, studying in the evenings after work and reading widely. Second, I come from a family with limited income, and without financial help I would not be able to afford a course like this. I promise to attend every lesson and to take part actively in the school's activities.
At the moment, my English is at upper-intermediate level. I scored 6.5 in my last IELTS test, although my writing is weaker than my speaking, and that is exactly what I hope to improve.
Thank you for considering my application.
Yours sincerely,
Arman Seitov
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| I am writing to apply for the position of | formal opening for a job application |
| 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 |
| 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 |
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