OPTIONAL WRITING: LETTER OF

APPLICATION

 SAMPLE

You want to attend a course in English and American Studies in an English-speaking country and
you see this section in a college prospectus:

Every year, two scholarships are offered to candidates from overseas who can show how
our one-year course would help their career. Scholarships cover fees, accommodation and
food, but not transport or personal spending money.

Apply in writing, explaining why you think you deserve a scholarship.

Write your letter. Don’t include any postal addresses. Write your answer in 140- 190 words in an
appropriate style on the separate answer sheet.

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to apply for one of the scholarship you are offering which I found in my
college prospectus.

I am 19 years old and am currently training for my final exams at the B2 level in high
school. I am completely interested in languages and this scholarship could be a great
opportunity for my professional preparation as a future translator. This could give me more
chances to get into language school at university.
The main reason I am applying for a scholarship is that I cannot afford to pay the cost of
studying abroad. I have no income except for my college scholarship; if I could be chosen, I
could save some money for personal expenses. The fact that my family will be supporting
me, gives me even more confidence and enthusiasm that I would be a suitable candidate for
this position since I could fully commit to the course.

I am available for an interview at any time. I would appreciate the opportunity to study
at your university and would be very grateful if you would consider my application.

Yours faithfully,

Paul Brown
The aim of an article may be written to an individual or to an organization. The purpose may be, for example,

 Apply for a part-time or holiday work

 Apply for study or scholarship opportunity
 To request information
 To make suggestions about something

A. LANGUAGE: the correct tone of the transactional letter is extremely formal. You need to be eloquent and address it with

respect, without contractions as far as possible. The choice of verbs, adjectives and even adverbs has to be careful; it is not

the same to say, "I am ready" as to say, "I have the right training".

B. STRUCTURE: they always follow the same structure. In general terms, we always need an opening and closing formula; an

introductory and a closing paragraph; and the body, which will consist of two paragraphs.

C. WORD COUNT: 140 - 190 words.

This is pretty much the kind of items you'll have to write about. A general subject that should be addressed throughout the writing and
more specific items required that must be answered.
  OPENING FORMULA:

 Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms XY, (if you know who you are writing to)

 Dear Si/Madam, (if you don´t know who you are writing to)

The opening and closing formulas are used to address in a very polite way. When you begin a letter

stating addressing someone, the vocative comma should be placed after the name of the individual or

organization; or the greeting “Dear Sir/Madam,”

 OPENING PARAGRAPH [GENERAL AIM]:

I am writing to apply for one of the scholarship you are offering which I found in my
college prospectus.

 Say why you are writing and what you are responding to (e.g., an ad, a brochure).
 Say what job/scholarship you are applying for...
 Say where you saw the ad/brochure/prospectus/newspaper, etc.

REMEMBER: It’s a formal piece of writing that means: use a formal, neutral style: no contractions, no
colloquial language, no direct questions, no informal punctuation such as exclamation marks.

 MAIN BODY [AIMS]:

FIRST PARAGRAPH [Aim No. 1]

I am 19 years old and am currently training for my final exams at the B2 level in high
school. I am completely interested in languages and this scholarship could be a great
opportunity for my professional preparation as a future translator. This could give me more
chances to get into language school at university.

The main body deals with each of the aims:

  Briefly describe you/ your situation ( you can write about: Where you come from/ Knowledge of
the area / Training/qualifications / Previous experience / Other skills (e.g. computers) / What
kind of person you are)

 Whether you are applying for a scholarship or a job, the information will be the same in both cases.

 In the case that you are requesting information about a place, an article, a purchase, etc.; you must talk about
who you are, what article or place you are requesting information about. Tell the context where you acquired
or wish to acquire it.

 In the case that you are suggesting something to someone, you must talk about your position in the situation
to be recommended, what is your preparation or knowledge, and why you are prepared to suggest
something.

 MAIN BODY [AIMS]:

SECOND PARAGRAPH [Aim No. 2/3]

The main reason I am applying for a scholarship is that I cannot afford to pay the cost of
studying abroad. I have no income except for my college scholarship; if I could be chosen, I
could save some money for personal expenses. The fact that my family will be supporting
me, gives me even more confidence and enthusiasm that I would be a suitable candidate for
this position since I could fully commit to the course.

 Briefly – make it clear why you are applying for a scholarship/job and why you would be a suitable
candidate.
 Cover all the points in the question: in this case, the scholarship does not cover all the expenses
you need, that is why you must clarify that you can cover what the scholarship leaves out.
 Mention why you are suitable.

 Whether you are applying for a scholarship or a job, the information will be the same in both cases.

 In the case that you are requesting information about a place, an article, a purchase, etc.; here you should talk
about what kind of information you specifically require: money, use, instructions, etc. It is important that the
questions are formal and no more than three questions.
  In case you are suggesting something to someone, here you must give your suggestions in a clear way, if it is
a project or a series of ideas; you must be concise and extremely clear.

 CLOSING PARAGRAPH:

I am available for an interview at any time. I would appreciate the opportunity to study
at your university and would be very grateful if you would consider my application.

 say when and how you can be contacted

 Be grateful and also show your interest in receiving a favorable response.

 CLOSING FORMULA [final salutation]:

Yours faithfully,

Paul Brown

 The closing formula depends on how you started the letter.

 Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms XY, (if you know who you are writing to): “Yours
sincerely”
 Dear Si/Madam, (if you don´t know who you are writing to): “Yours
faithfully”

 SIGNATURE:

Paul Brown

 The signature is always a full name.

 “Summer Fun School” is looking to recruit six Camp Assistants to work with children aged 18-24
from a number of nationalities.

Priority will be given to applicants who:

 have a special interest in Sports or Arts
 are responsible and can cope in a crisis
 can speak at least two languages

If you would like to be considered for the post, please apply in writing.

Write your letter. Don’t include any postal addresses. Write your answer in 140- 190 words in an
appropriate style on the separate answer sheet.

Dear Sir/Madam,

I learned about your need for summer camp assistants for your school “Summer Fun School” in my school brochure. I
am very interested in applying for this position.

I am 19 years old and I am currently studying to become a professional physical trainer. I have an extensive experience
in sport enviroments having worked in various summer camps and training in soccer, basket and tennis. I am used to
dealing with people of all ages; and I have my B2 level certification in English.

I have shown my ability to adapt to new situations and work under pressure throughout my working experience, having
many times to prioritize tasks that have improved my team working and communication skills. I would really like to be
considered for the assistant position since the summer camp salary would allow me to afford the expense of moving out
on my own and becoming independent.

Thank you for your consideration and my resume has been included for your review. I am hoping to hear from you soon
to schedule an interview at your consideration.

Yours faithfully,

Sebastian Alonso
 Your are the president of the school's student group. You have seen this advertisement and became
interested in organizing a group visit.

“THE NEXT 1OO YEARS”

Come and find out about your future. Over 300 exhibits showing recent
discoveries that can change the way we live.

 OPEN from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (including weekend)

 DISCOUNT for educational group

Dear Sir/Madam,

I saw your ad in the online post on the official website of the museum. I am interested in organizing a group visit to see
the science exhibition "The Next 100 Years".

I am in charge of managing the educational trips and as the president of my school's student group; I am interested in
organizing a visit to the museum. I find the exhibition attractive and I am convinced that everyone will agree to attend.

I would like to know if there is a limit to the number of students that can attend in a group. Depending on the limit, we
could organize visits on different days. I was wondering if we should book the place at the exposition and how much
time in advance. Finally, since we are travelling by bus, could you tell me if there is a snack bar, or maybe a place to
have a little picnic before coming back.

Thank you very much for your attention, I look forward to a prompt reply. I have added my phone number in case you
need to get in contact with me personally.

Yours faithfully,

Jane Osk
The richness of a transactional letter is seen in the answers you give; for that reason these items are mandatory:

o No phrasal verbs, idioms, and collocations.

o No rhetorical questions
o No exclamatory sentences
o Indirect Questions
o Formal adjectives
o Use formal connectors and conjunctions

OPENING

 Mr: married/single men

 Mrs married woman
 Ms: unmarried woman/if you don´t know
 Sir: men
 Madam: women

OPENING PARAGRAPH

 I would like to apply for the position of … which I saw advertised …

 One of my reasons for applying is….
 I am writing in reference to…
 I am writing to…
 I learned about your need…
 I saw advertised in your…
 I am looking for…
 I have seen your advertisement for the post…
 I am writing in order to …
 I am interested in applying…
 I am writing with regard to ...
 I am writing on behalf of…
 I would like to apply for one of…

AIMS

 At present I am …. ( working for./ a student at ..)

 I have a reasonable command of …. ( English)
 I have a good …. knowledge of …..
 For the last (two) years I have been… ) studying/ working..)
 When I was at .. I…
 I have a lot of experience of ( dealing/ working)
  Could you tell me…?
 I would be grateful if you could…
 I would be interested in having more details about…
 I would like to know if/when…
 I would like information on
 Do you know if…?
 As you stated in your letter, ....
 Regarding ...
 Concerning ...
 With regard to …
 I feel I would be suitable for the job…
 I think I would be suitable candidate for… because..
 The job would give me the opportunity to… ( get work experience during the summer.0
 I have always been interested in (…)
 I very much enjoy .. (working with people/travelling)
 One of the main reasons I am applying for this job is that….

CLOSING PARAGRAPH

 Thank you for considering my application.

 I am available for an interview …
 I can be contacted on [number] …
 I look forward to hearing from you soon / in the near future
 I am available to (start work/ attend an interview) …
 Thank you for considering my application.
 I would be grateful/ happy/ free/ able to ..(attend the interview/ provide reference.)
 I can be contacted on (07935033195) at any time
 I hope you will consider my application.
 I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.
 If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
 I look forward to hearing from you.

FINAL SALUTATION

 Yours sincerely
 Yours faithfully
 Kind regards,
EXERCISES
No. 1:

No. 2:

No. 3:
No. 4:

No. 5:

No. 6: