How to write an article for the FCE exam

How to write a formal letter of application for the New FCE exam? Heres a sample topic that has been
divided into paragraphs and each of the sections explained.

Part 2

You must answer this question.

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:

SCHOLARSHIPS

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. Dont include any postal addresses. Write your answer in 140- 190 words in an
appropriate style on the separate answer sheet.

Sample answer:

Dear Sir/ Madam,

I would like to apply for one of the scholarships I saw advertised in your prospectus.

You start with Paragraph 1- Introduction

In the introduction you:

- Say why you are writing and what you are responding to (e.g. an advert, a prospectus).

- Begin Dear Mr Johns/ Dear Ms Jones etc. if you dont know the name of the person write Dear Sir/
Madam

-Say which job you are applying for

- Say where you saw the advert (you can invent a newspaper and/or date if you need to)

Phrases you can use in the introduction:

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

* One of my reasons for applying is.

* I am writing with reference to

REMEMBER: Its 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.

At present I am training to be a secondary school teacher of English and I finish my course at the end of
June. However, I feel I still have a lot to learn about the language and culture of the English-speaking
world and would benefit considerably from a course in an English-speaking country.

In the 2nd Paragraph you:

- 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)

-Organise your application so that you mention each of the areas in the advertisement

Phrases you can use to in the 2nd paragraph:

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

* I have a reasonable command of . (English)

* I have a good . knowledge of ..

* I regret I have has no experience of. (this kind of work)

* For the last (two) years I have been ) studying/ working..)

* When I was at .. I

* I very much enjoy .. (working with people/travelling)

The reason I am applying for a scholarship is that I cannot afford the cost of studying abroad. I have no
income except for my student grant, so if I am fortunate enough to be given a scholarship, I would have
to work part-time to save some personal spending money. My parents will borrow some money for my
airfare if I am successful. Knowing my family is going to support me gives me even more confidence and
enthusiasm that I would be a suitable candidate for this position because I would be able to commit
myself fully to the course you offer.

In the 3rd Paragraph you:

- Make it clear why you are applying for a scholarship and why you would be a suitable candidate.

- Cover all the points in the question

- Mention that you are suitable

Phrases you can use in the 3rd paragraph:

* 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 ()

* One of the main reasons I am applying for this job is that.

* I have a lot of experience of (dealing/ working)

I am available for interview at any time. I can be contacted on 07935033195 after 6pm every evening.

I would appreciate being given the opportunity to study at your college and would be very grateful if
you would consider my application.

Yours sincerely,

Paul Brown
In the last paragraph you:
- Say when and how you can be contacted

- Should be polite but not too much

- Use formal ending (Sincerely/ Sincerely yours / Kind regards / Yours truly etc.)

- Sign your name and then print your name clearly underneath

Phrases you can use to end the letter

* 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.