General Training Writing Task 1 · formal · application

Application for a Part-Time Position at United Football Club: IELTS formal letter sample

An IELTS General Training Writing Task 1 formal letter with a Band 8 sample answer, why it scores well and the phrases worth borrowing for your own letter writing.
  • 200 words
  • Formal letters
  • Application
  • 20 minutes

The task

You are looking for a part-time job at a football club.

Write a letter to the manager of the football club. In your letter:

  • →introduce yourself
  • →explain what experience and special skills you have
  • →tell him/her when you think you could start

Write at least 150 words. You do not need to write any addresses. Begin your letter: Dear ...,

Model answer

Band 8 sample letter

Band 8200 words. Names and details are invented; write your own.

Dear Mr. Henderson,

I am writing to express my strong interest in a part-time position at United Football Club. Having been a dedicated supporter of the team for over a decade, I am enthusiastic about the prospect of contributing to the organisation’s operations.

Currently, I am a final-year Sports Management student at the local university. My academic background has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of event coordination and fan engagement strategies. During the previous season, I completed an internship at a regional sports complex, where I was responsible for managing logistics and ensuring the smooth running of match-day activities.

Beyond my administrative experience, I possess excellent communication skills and a high level of proficiency in digital marketing software. I am confident that these abilities would allow me to assist effectively with your promotional campaigns or stadium operations. I am a highly motivated individual who thrives in fast-paced environments and works well within a team.

Regarding my availability, I am prepared to commence work as early as next Monday. I have a flexible schedule and am fully available on weekends and weekday evenings. I look forward to the possibility of discussing this opportunity with you further.

Yours sincerely,

James Sterling

Write your own and get a band

Answer this prompt in a timed General Training writing test and get a band for task achievement, coherence, vocabulary and grammar, with the sentences to fix.

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Examiner's view

Why this scores well

A Band 8 response maintains a consistently formal tone while addressing all three bullet points with specific, relevant details. A common Band 6 mistake is failing to link the applicant's skills to the specific needs of a football club, resulting in a generic letter that lacks professional focus.

  • →Write to an organisation or someone you do not know: open with Dear Sir or Madam, close with Yours faithfully.
  • →If you know the person's surname, use Dear Mr or Ms and close with Yours sincerely.
  • →No contractions, no slang; polite indirect requests such as I would be grateful if you could.

6 phrases

Useful phrases from the letter

  • prospect

    the possibility or likelihood of some future event

  • logistics

    the detailed coordination of a complex operation

  • proficiency

    a high degree of competence or skill

  • thrives

    grows or develops well in particular conditions

  • commence

    to begin or start a specific task

  • promotional

    relating to the publicising of a product or service

Frequently asked questions

Is this letter formal or informal?+

Formal. Write to an organisation or someone you do not know: open with Dear Sir or Madam, close with Yours faithfully.

How many words should an IELTS General Training letter be?+

At least 150 words, and 160 to 200 is the comfortable range. Spend about 20 minutes on it and leave 40 for Task 2, which carries twice the marks.

What does the examiner look for?+

A Band 8 response maintains a consistently formal tone while addressing all three bullet points with specific, relevant details. A common Band 6 mistake is failing to link the applicant's skills to the specific needs of a football club, resulting in a generic letter that lacks professional focus.

Keep practising

More application letters

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