Writing Task (go to Checklist)

Writing Paper Part 2. Task Type: A Letter of Application

Question
You have seen the following job advertisement on the noticeboard of your local language school:

 

CLUB ORGANISER NEEDED!
(Monday and Wednesday evenings only)

Our language school is looking for a person to help organise a Film Club for students of English. Our Film Club will meet twice a week to watch a film in English followed by a discussion of the film.

  • Do you have some knowledge of English?
  • Do you like working with groups of people?
  • Are you interested in films?

If you think you would be a suitable person to organise our Film Club then we would like to hear from you. Please send a letter to the school owner saying why you are suitable for the job.


Write your letter of application to the school owner (around 120-180 words).

What you need to do to pass
Use our checklist first to understand what the examiner wants you to do.

Ideas for writing
Ask yourself the following questions to help you get started:

  • What information can you put in your letter to show that you have some knowledge of English?
    E.g. I have been studying English for a number of years and I hope to take the FCE soon...
  • How can you show that you like working with groups of people? Describe any previous experience.
    E.g. For a number of years I used to run a youth club...
    I have always enjoyed taking part in debates...
  • Can you prove that you are interested in films?
    E.g. I am a fan of English and American films and I go to the cinema regularly.
  • The job involves getting people to discuss the films they have seen. What qualities or skills do you have that will impress the reader of your application? Make a list of two or three points.
    E.g. outgoing personality; good listener; ability to control a discussion

Drafting and proofreading your work
You should look at your first draft of the task and decide:

  • Have you answered the question?
  • Is the letter organised in a clear and logical way?
  • Is the language correct with a good range of structures?
  • Is the style OK for a formal letter? Will the school owner want to offer you the job?

If the answer to any of these questions is 'no' you will need to do some more drafting!