Cambridge English: Advanced

Writing Task (go to Checklist)

Writing Paper Part 2. Task Type: Letter of Application

Question
You have read the following information from a British university, and have decided to apply for a course:

Write your letter of application to the Admissions Officer (Between 220-260 words).

What you need to do to pass
Read our checklist first to understand what the examiner is looking for in a good answer.

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

• What course are you going to apply for? You will have to invent the details (e.g. about how long the course is, and whether it's full-time or part-time)
  E.g. I am writing to apply for your 3 year full-time degree in marketing...
• Write down the reason why you want to apply for that subject.
  E.g. I am very keen to learn about marketing as this will help me to run the family business when I graduate...
• What are your current qualifications? What subjects have you specialised in up to now? What is your level of English?
• What other information are you going to give? (age? hobbies? special achievements? work experience? the name of a tutor who can give you a reference?)
• The Admissions Officer might also be interested to know why you picked this university.
  E.g. I am particularly keen to come to your university as it was recommended to me by a friend...
• How are you going to end the letter?

Drafting and proofreading your work

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

• Have you answered the question?
• Is the layout and organisation appropriate?
• Is the language accurate with a good range of structures?
• Is the style appropriate and consistent?
• Will it have a positive effect on the reader?

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