General Training Writing Task 1 · formal · application

Application to Join the City Chamber Orchestra: 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 would like to join the local orchestra

Write a letter of application to the orchestra. In your letter:

  • →introduce yourself and your instrument of choice
  • →explain how your credentials make you a good candidate
  • →express your enthusiasm for music

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 keen interest in joining the City Chamber Orchestra as a violinist. Having recently relocated to the area, I have long admired the ensemble’s reputation for excellence and would welcome the opportunity to contribute to your upcoming concert season.

I have been playing the violin for over fifteen years, having studied under Professor Elena Rossi at the Royal Academy of Music. My background includes five years as the principal second violinist with the County Youth Symphony, where I gained extensive experience in ensemble discipline and sight-reading complex scores. I am confident that my technical proficiency and ability to blend within a string section would make me a valuable asset to your group.

My passion for classical music is the driving force behind my desire to join your ranks. Whether performing the works of Mozart or contemporary compositions, I find immense fulfilment in the collaborative process of orchestral playing. I am eager to dedicate my time to rehearsals and help maintain the high standards that your orchestra is known for.

I have attached my musical resume for your review and would appreciate the chance to audition at your convenience.

Yours sincerely,

Julian Thorne

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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 clearly addresses all three bullet points using a consistent, professional tone and sophisticated vocabulary. A common Band 6 mistake is failing to provide specific credentials, instead offering vague statements like 'I am good at playing the violin' without mentioning experience or training.

  • →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

  • keen interest

    a very strong and enthusiastic desire for something

  • relocated

    moved to a new place to live or work

  • technical proficiency

    a high level of skill in a specific area

  • ensemble

    a group of musicians playing or singing together

  • fulfilment

    a feeling of happiness and satisfaction with life

  • at your convenience

    at a time that is suitable for you

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 clearly addresses all three bullet points using a consistent, professional tone and sophisticated vocabulary. A common Band 6 mistake is failing to provide specific credentials, instead offering vague statements like 'I am good at playing the violin' without mentioning experience or training.

Keep practising

More application letters

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