In the minds of ESL exam candidates, e ssay writing is one of the most daunting tasks they are required to complete, regardless of the level of the exam, the administering body or the ease with which they themselves use the language. The same applies to students who are asked to write an essay by their teachers at school. In the previous sample essays posted on the blog, the main point I stress is the need to become acquainted with this form of writing (as opposed to writing a letter, review or report, for instance), to get a feel of what authorial voice is and how to organize and progressively express the arguments you wish to make in a coherent manner. Unfortunately, the best way to prepare for exam writing or learn how to write good essays for school is to read as many essays from as many sources as possible, then write as
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Letters of application are something everyone needs to know how to write. Whether they are sent by post (like in the good old days, when everything done needed some legwork) or via email, they are necessary gateways to landing a full-time, part-time or temporary job.
On some B2-level English examinations, most notably the FCE, now known as First for Schools, the main areas that need to be covered in such letters are five:
- say what position you are interested in applying for
- give some general information about your educational background
- mention any qualifications you might have
- refer to any past or current work experience of yours
- state any relevant skills and qualities you could use in the position you're applying for
With suitable opening and closing greetings, letters of application are straight-forward tasks that can be quickly dealt with -- it simply takes some practice.
Read as many sample application letters to see what information needs to be included as well as key phrases to use.
The question treated in this post is the following:
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You saw this advertisement in a local newspaper and have decided to apply for the job: Young assistants aged 18 to 20 needed to help out in our summer camp for 8-13 year olds. Your duties are to help coordinate and participate in games and other fun and educational activities. This year our camp will open its doors on July 8 and run until the end of the month. Assistants must: · speak English · speak at least another foreign language · be able to work at any time (this includes some evenings)
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Here's the sample application letter:
Dear Mr. Carruthers,
Having seen your advertisement in last week’s The Gazette, I am writing to apply for the position of camp assistant for the summer camp in July.
I am 18 years old and have just graduated from St. John's High School. I have certificates in both English and French and can speak both languages fluently.
I have previous experience working with children as ever since I was 9 I attended and later worked at the summer camps our school held every June. I therefore know what activities are popular and how to best organize them. I am also aware how much work is required, but I am an active, patient, creative and enthusiastic person, which is why I have never missed a summer camp session since my parents first enrolled me in one.
I will be available to work in July as it falls in the summer holidays and because I am not planning on finding a part-time job, I will be free to work evenings and any days needed.
I enclose a reference from my school’s camp organizers and would be available for an interview at your earliest convenience.
Yours sincerely,
Gabrielle Kane
[196 words]
If you'd like more samples, tips and help with writing tasks, click on the image.
