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  • How To Write A B2 First Formal Email/Letter

how to write an application letter b2

  • Posted on 01/06/2021
  • Categories: Blog
  • Tags: B2 First , Cambridge Exams , Cambridge FCE First Certificate of English , FCE , First Certificate , First certificate FCE , Writing

Dear reader… We sincerely hope you enjoyed our previous blog posts about the Writing section of the B2 First. As promised, here’s the latest instalment in the series. That’s right, today we’ll be teaching you how to write a formal letter or email for the B2 First (FCE) exam. One that’s good enough to write home about !

Don’t forget to take a look at our previous blog posts where we teach you about the other writing options:

  • How to write a B2 First essay (part 1)
  • How To Write a Report: Cambridge B2 First
  • How to Write a Great Article in the Cambridge B2 First Exam
  • How To Write A Review: Cambridge B2 First
  • How to write a B2 First informal email/letter (part 2)

What’s a formal letter?

A formal letter is an orderly or professional form of communication. It follows a number of conventions related to layout, language and tone, which we’re going to teach you today.

There are two types of formal email or letter you may be asked to write in the B2 First exam – a letter of application and a letter of complaint.

Writing a letter of application

The first example is a letter of application. In this type of task you’ll have to talk about why you’re applying for the position and justify your skills. It could be an application for a part-time job, study or scholarship programme. Here’s a look at the type of question you may see in the exam:

You see this advert on a newspaper website:

Writing a Letter of Application| How to write a B2 First formal email/letter | Oxford House Barcelona

Write your letter of application . (You should write between 140 and 190 words)

Writing a letter of complaint

The other B2 First formal letter you may be required to write is a letter of complaint. This could be a letter to a hotel manager, a shop assistant or organisation. You may be complaining about the quality of a service, product or the organisation of an event. Sometimes you’ll have to request some kind of action or resolution , at other times, you may have to correct a misunderstanding. Here’s an example of a complaint letter question:

Wrting a Letter of complaint | How to write a B2 First formal email/letter| Oxford House Barcelona

Write a letter to the hotel manager . (You should write between 140 and 190 words)

Three steps to writing a formal B2 First email/letter

Before you start scribbling away , it’s important to make a plan! Think about what you need to include in your answer and plan out how it will look on the page. Consider the following things:

Step One: Make a plan

Often the question will require you to do two or three things. It’s important to identify exactly what these are as you can receive five marks for simply answering the question. Let’s take a look back at those initial two questions and underline the key information.

Three steps to writing a formal B2 First email_letter | How to write a B2 First formal email/letter | Oxford House Barcelona

Once you’ve identified exactly what they’re asking you to do, use these details to help craft the perfect structure. Take question A – you want to include all of this information in a logical way:

A) Letter of application

  • Paragraph 1 – State why you’re writing
  • Paragraph 2 – Relevant experience
  • Paragraph 3 – Creative and athletic hobbies and interests
  • Paragraph 4 – Action you want them to take

B) Letter of complaint

  • Paragraph 2 – Details of the problem
  • Paragraph 3 – Action you want them to take

Next step is to brainstorm good vocabulary. Pick out some key words from the brief and try to find synonyms to use in your email/letter. You also want to consider any topic-related words that will help you answer the question. For example:

  • friendly = warm / outgoing / a people-person
  • enthusiastic = lively / keen / energetic
  • work with young people = babysitting experience / passion for working with kids
  • languages = Spanish, Italian, English, German, French
  • creative hobbies = arts & crafts, sewing, pottery, model making
  • athletic hobbies = volleyball, basketball, cricket, skateboarding, sporty, active
  • disappointing = unappetising / unappealing / awful
  • not enough = insufficient / inadequate
  • good = fine, satisfactory, excellent, adequate
  • vegetarian options = salad, veggie lasagna, fruit, soups
  • compensation = payment, reimbursement, voucher, solution
  • problem = issue / mix-up / trouble

Remember, this is a formal piece of writing. This means you should keep the tone and language polite at all times. That’s right! At all times – even when you’re complaining. You may be angry, but you’re more likely to resolve the issue if you stay respectful and offer constructive advice whilst being persuasive.

Step Two: Write it

Take it from us, the next stage will be easy if you’ve done your super-duper plan. All you need to do is learn some fixed formal expressions to tie-together your B2 First formal email/letter.

There are several ways to begin a formal email/letter. For example:

  • Dear Sir / Madam, (if you don’t know the name)
  • Dear Mr or Mrs X (if you do know the name)
  • To whom it may concern

Don’t forget to write a comma after the name, and then include a space before starting a new line.

Opening paragraph

When beginning your formal email/letter, it’s essential that you explain to your reader your reasons for writing. Here are some ways to do that:

  • I am writing to apply for the position / role of summer camp leader.
  • I am writing in reference to your recent advertisement.
  • I am writing to complain about…
  • I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with…

This is where you want to give the details of your application or your complaint. Keep referring back to the question, and remember to keep it formal:

Speaking about your experience and skills (Letter of application)

  • I think I am suitable for the role because…
  • I have X years experience working as a X.
  • My qualifications include…
  • I am currently working as a X
  • In my spare time I enjoy…
  • I am an avid basketball player/cricketer/volleyball player…

Explaining a problem and requesting action (Letter of complaint)

  • Firstly/Secondly,…
  • Unfortunately,…
  • I am very dissatisfied with…
  • As you can appreciate…
  • I’m afraid that…
  • Furthermore,…

Final Paragraph

Here is where you want to create a lasting impression on your reader. You also want to highlight some form of action you want them to take. Take a look at these different ways to do that:

  • I very much hope you will…
  • I look forward to hearing from you soon.
  • I would appreciate it/ be grateful if…
  • I trust you will…

Don’t forget to finish your B2 First formal email/letter with a friendly, but courteous closing phrase. Here are some examples:

  • Yours sincerely, (if you know the name of the recipient)
  • Yours faithfully, (if you don’t know the name of the recipient)
  • Thank you for your consideration, (for a letter of application)

You should then write your full name beneath your sign-off.

Step Three: Check it

Make sure you leave five minutes at the end of the exam to proofread your email/letter and think about the following things:

  • Have you answered all parts of the question?
  • Is the tone formal and polite?
  • Is your spelling, grammar and punctuation correct?
  • Does it have paragraphs?
  • Have you signed off appropriately

So, that’s it for how to write a B2 First formal email/letter. Don’t forget to check out our other B2 First articles on our blog. And we look forward to seeing you in one of Cambridge English summer preparation courses soon !

Glossary for Language Learners

Find the following words in the article and then write down any new ones you didn’t know.

Something to write home about (exp): something exciting or special (often used in negative ‘nothing to write home about’).

Scholarship (n) : an amount of money given to a person by a government or organization to help pay for their education.

Resolution (n): the act of solving a problem or difficulty.

Scribble away (pv): to write intensely.

Craft (v): to make something in a skilled way.

Super-duper (adj): extremely good.

Lasting (adj)): continuing to last for a long time.

Courteous (adj): polite and showing respect.

Proofread (v)): to check a piece of writing for spelling and grammatical errors.

exp = expression

pv = phrasal verb

adj = adjective

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how to write an application letter b2

Teacher Phill

Cambridge B2 First (FCE): How to Write an Email/Letter

How to Write Emails & Letters - Image of a laptop and someone handwriting a letter

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  • Mandatory task: no
  • Word count: 140-190
  • Main characteristics: typical layout, appropriate register, you need to adapt to the specific task
  • Register: formal or informal depending on the task
  • Structure: Opening formula & paragraph, 2-3 topic paragraphs, closing paragraph & formula
  • Language: typical phrases for opening and closing formula depending on the register of the specific task
Informal email Hi David, How have you been? It’s really been ages since I last heard from you. I’m really stoked that your friends want to come to my area to learn about its past and I hope I can give you a couple of tips. If your friends want to see interesting places and learn something about Barcelona, they should absolutely swing by La Sagrada Familia or Casa Batlló where they can get tons of info about one of Barcelona’s most famous people Antoni Gaudí and modernism. In terms of getting around I would recommend grabbing one of the tourist tickets for public transport because it doesn’t cost the world and you can simply jump on all the buses, trains and even the metro, or your friends could rent a bike as everything’s close by in the city. Well, that’s all for now. I hope your friends are going to have a blast and drop me a line if you need anything else, OK? Have a good one and catch up soon. Best wishes, Phill
Formal letter Dear Mrs Hopkins, I am writing in regards to your advertisement which I found in the London Globe and I would like to apply to join your party on your trip around the globe. The opportunity sounds very attractive to me and I would love to join your group so as to broaden my knowledge of different cultures, cuisines and peoples. So far, I have travelled in Europe, especially in Spain and the UK, where I met many interesting people with whom I developed friendships that I value enormously in my life. As to what I can bring to the table, I believe that my social and cooking skills as well as my language abilities – I speak English, Spanish and German fluently – could tremendously benefit the group. Thank you in advance for considering my application. I am available for an interview Monday to Friday from 8 to 11 o’clock in the morning and I look forward to hearing from you soon. Yours sincerely, Teacher Phill

Introduction

An email/a letter is written in response to the situation outlined in the question. Letters and emails in the B2 First Writing paper will require a response which is consistently appropriate in register and tone for the specified target reader. Candidates can expect to be asked to write letters or emails to, for example, an English-speaking friend or colleague, a potential employer, a college principal or a magazine editor. from: Cambridge English First Handbook for Teachers

Emails and letters are one of the tasks in the second part of the writing exam, which means that you can decide if you want to choose it or one of the other options available to you (reviews, reports, articles or, if you do FCE for Schools, stories).

So different and yet so similar

Alright, writing letters and emails is definitely a huge topic as there are some important differences between the two which you should absolutely know, and I thought about breaking this post up into two, but letters and emails in the FCE exam are also very similar so we’re going to make this happen in one article.

Writing emails/letters is a pretty clear task with well defined requirements for content, layout, structure and language. Knowing these criteria will help you understand this type of writing task a lot better and by the end of this post you should be able understand exactly what you have to do when you sit down and take your pen to write a letter or an email.

What a typical email/letter task looks like

As I said above, emails and letters in the FCE exam are similar yet different at the same time. We are going to have a look at certain things that apply to both types of task and an example task of either one to see what we need to do to get ready to write.

Do this for emails AND letters

When you first look at an exam task you should always consider two questions in order to get ready to go:

  • What do I have to include in my email/letter?
  • Who is going to read it?

You might ask yourself why this is so important, but I promise that both are essential for your success.

There are usually two or three things you have to write about in every text you write in the exam so make sure that you find and underline them when you analyse the task.

You also have to choose the right register (formal, neutral, informal) language for your email/letter and we decide which tone is the most appropriate by checking who is going to read your text . For example, if you write to a good friend, your language needs to be informal, but if you write a letter of application to the manager of a company, you want to choose formal English.

But now, let’s look at an example for each type of task so you get a better idea of all of this.

Example of an FCE email writing task

This is what a typical email writing task in the FCE exam might look like. It is an actual email that you have to reply to and, of course, we can analyse this task in exactly the way described above.

Firstly, we want to see what to include in our email and, secondly, who we are writing to in order to choose the correct register. The best way to do this is to underline the key pieces of information. Because I’m a nice teacher I’ve already completed this step for you:

Example of an FCE email writing task with key information underlined

I’ve underlined the reason why David’s friends are coming to your area (“…travel around and learn about …”), which gives us a general idea of what to write about as well as two very specific things David is asking us to tell him (“places they could visit” and “the best way to travel around”).

On top of that, when you write to a friend like David you have to write in an informal style. Generally speaking, this means that you should use contractions ( e.g. I’m, don’t), colloquial expressions (e.g. tons of, ‘What’s happening?’) as well as phrasal verbs and idioms (end up, ‘Guess what!’). Later in this article I will give you a list with very useful expressions specifically for writing emails and letters so keep reading until the end 🙂 .

After we’ve analysed a typical task to write an email we can now check out one that asks you to write a letter. As you will see, there are similarities and differences between the two options.

Example of an FCE letter writing task

Here, we have to do the exact same two things we did with the email writing task: find out what to include in our letter (1) and who is going to read it (2).

And again, the easiest way to do this is by underlining the key pieces of information so you know what to do:

Example of an FCE letter writing task with key information underlined

In this task you are going to write a letter of application to Mrs Hopkins. Her first name isn’t mentioned so we need to be polite and choose formal language. This means the opposite of what I told you about the email task above. Do NOT use contractions (‘I am’ instead of I’m ), do NOT use colloquial expressions and even rather formal ones (e.g. ‘I am writing in order to …’) and do NOT use phrasal verbs or idioms.

At first, this can feel unnatural and you will have to practise a little bit. I often see contractions and colloquial expressions in formal writing tasks that my students give me to correct because they are not used to being so polite when writing in English. However, don’t worry, just practise formal letters regularly and it will become easier and easier.

In our example task above there are also (surprise!) three topic points that we have to include in our letter: the reason why we are interested in the trip (1), useful skills we have (2) and our previous travel experience (3).

So remember, there are always 2-3 topic points in email/letter writing tasks, but the register is usually informal in emails and formal in letters.

How to organise your email/letter

When it comes to organising emails and letters in the FCE exam, we find that, luckily, there aren’t any differences so you can learn for one while practising the other, but let’s look at our example from earlier again:

Example of an FCE letter writing task

We remember that there are three topic points in the task so we can already break up our letter into three paragraphs. On top of that, we have to add an opening and closing paragraph and formula simply because that’s what we do in emails and letters (I’m sure the same is done in your native language or country as well.), so we get to five paragraphs.

Generally, an email or letter always comes in 4-5 parts:

  • an opening formula and SHORT paragraph
  • Why would you like to go on the trip?
  • What skills do you have which would be useful on the trip?
  • What experience do you have of travelling (if any)?
  • a SHORT closing paragraph and formula

This pattern works for every single email/letter so try to memorise this. The next time you sit down to practise you will thank your teacher Phill 🙂 .

Don’t forget to plan your email/letter

There is one thing that, unfortunately, too many candidates do wrong when they take the writing exam and even when they practise. By developing this bad habit they often waste a lot of time during the actual test and sometimes lose valuable marks.

Of course, I’m talking about making a plan before you start writing. Take a few minutes to note down the different paragraphs (see the example in the previous section on organising your emails and letters) and add just a few words to help you give your text a logical structure.

You will see how much easier it gets when you can focus on the content of your writing task instead of the organisation and logical order of your ideas.

The different parts of an email/letter

In this part we are going to do two things – I’m going to show you how to write a great email or letter based on the different paragraphs we decided to split our tasks into and then show you useful language for either type of writing – formal and informal. This way you can see one more time what the similarities and differences are between emails and letters.

Opening formula and paragraph

In English we begin an email or letter with some kind of opening. The principle is the same for both, but the language we use in formal or informal writing is different. Therefore, I wrote an opening for both tasks. Let’s start with the email.

Hi David, How have you been? It’s really been ages since I last heard from you. I’m really stoked that your friends want to come to my area to learn about its past and I hope I can give you a couple of tips.

In the opening we want to greet the person we are writing to and respond to their message in order to show the examiner that we understand what we have to do.

The email task also requires informal language so I said “Hi” at the beginning and chose an informal way of starting (“It’s really been ages …”). I also used some colloquial expressions (stoked, a couple of tips) to make sure that everything sounds as if David was our friend.

For the letter, the opening looks similar, but notice the differences in tone and language:

Dear Mrs Hopkins, I am writing in regards to your advertisement which I found in the London Globe and I would like to apply to join your party on your trip around the globe.

You see that I still refer to the topic in this opening, but everything is a little bit more impersonal and formal (“Dear …”, “I am writing in regards to …”, “I would like to apply …”). However, I’m still responding to the ad and talk about the topic just as I did in the email.

Topic paragraphs

The topic paragraphs in emails and letters are very much straightforward. We want to focus on the content and correct language, once again, depending on the register we are required to use .

In general, we can give each topic point its own paragraph in which we do exactly what we are supposed to do. Of course, you can always change the order of the topic points or even combine two of them into a single paragraph, but you definitely can’t go wrong if you keep them separate.

Having said that, let’s check out what this can look like for our example tasks.

If your friends want to see interesting places and learn something about Barcelona, they should absolutely swing by La Sagrada Familia or Casa Batlló where they can get tons of info about one of Barcelona’s most famous people Antoni Gaudí and modernism. In terms of getting around I would recommend grabbing one of the tourist tickets for public transport because it doesn’t cost the world and you can simply jump on all the buses, trains and even the metro, or your friends could rent a bike as everything’s close by in the city.

As I have already described several times in this article, emails are usually more informal so we want to focus on this while making sure that all the topic points are covered.

In my paragraphs above I discussed the two questions our friend David asked (what to see and how to get around) and included quite a few informal expressions and phrasal verbs, which I highlighted for you.

The opportunity sounds very attractive to me and I would love to join your group so as to broaden my knowledge of different cultures, cuisines and peoples. So far, I have travelled in Europe, especially in Spain and the UK, where I met many interesting people with whom I developed friendships that I value enormously in my life. As to what I can bring to the table , I believe that my social and cooking skills as well as my language abilities – I speak English, Spanish and German fluently – could tremendously benefit the group.

Because we want to keep our letter of application nice and formal I chose some expressions ( highlighted ) that we would normally not use in spoken English. This, together with avoiding contractions as well as phrasal verbs or idioms, signals formality to the examiner.

Apart from that, I decided to change the order of the topic points because I think that my skills are a very strong part of my application so I want them at the end of my letter to leave a strong last impression.

Closing paragraph and formula

Last but not least, we always finish an email or letter with a closing paragraph followed by a typical formula just like at the beginning (more on the typical language in the next section of this article).

It looks pretty similar, but, as always, there are differences between formal and informal writing, so let’s have a look.

Well, that’s all for now . I hope your friends are going to have a blast and drop me a line if you need anything else, OK? Have a good one and catch up soon.   Best wishes , Phill

The last part of my email contains a lot of informal expressions ( highlighted ) while closing the message nicely. That’s a beautiful informal email covering all the main points and meeting all the requirements you find in the FCE exam.

Thank you in advance for considering my application . I am available for an interview Monday to Friday from 8 to 11 o’clock in the morning and I look forward to hearing from you soon .   Yours sincerely , Teacher Phill

Formal letters end a little bit differently than informal emails, but we also want to finish our message hitting the right tone and following the conventions of formal writing so I highlighted all the important expressions for you again.

Useful language for emails/letters

How you email/letter is marked.

Marking FCE writing tasks is like a science and for a lot of students it feels as if there is this big mystery and nobody really knows how it works. Actually, there are very clear rules that the examiners have to follow and the criteria are publicly available.

While it is possible to find all the information on your own I thought it would be a good idea to put everything together in an article for you. Check out how your writing tasks are marked by clicking  here .

Now it’s time to practise

In this article I showed you how to successfully plan and structure your FCE email or letter and what you need to be careful with in terms of language and layout. It is now your turn to put all of this into practice. Even though it seems like a lot of information to keep in mind all at once, the more you exercise your writing skills, the more confident you will become.

Please let me know in the comments if there is anything I forgot to add so I can keep improving my articles.

Lots of love,

Teacher Phill 🙂

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Thank you, Phill, it really helped me study for my exam!

thank you verb much for helping me learn

Comments are closed.

how to write an application letter b2

B2 First Email/Letter Writing Guide

The Cambridge B2 First (FCE) email/letter isn’t as easy as you think! Follow these steps to learn how to write an email/letter for the B2 First exam.

Post Contents

What is the Cambridge B2 First Email/Letter?

  • Part 2 of the writing test – choose between 3 options. Be careful! The email/letter isn’t on every Cambridge B2 exam. (The 4 options are report, review, email/letter, and article. The exam will only include three of the four options.)
  • 140-190 word limit
  • You have about 40 minutes to plan and write your email/letter
  • You must reply to an email/letter you have received 
  • The topic requires general knowledge only
  • The email is formal, neutral, or informal based on the reader and type of email/letter

What’s the difference between the letter and the email?

For the B2 First writing exam, the structure of the email and letter are going to be very similar . However, you need to be careful about which TYPE of email or letter you have to write.

For example, a letter of application is going to be more formal and polite because it is written for a manager. You might want to include some modal verbs to sound more polite. You’ll also want to use formal vocabulary for the greeting, closing, and signing-off.

In contrast, an email to a friend should sound friendly and can include contracted forms like “I’m” and “won’t.” You can use phrasal verbs to sound more natural. The greeting, closing, and signing-off should be informal .

The main idea is: WHO are you writing to and about WHAT? 

Step One: Look at the Task (1 minute)

B2 First email sample task

To start, read the task carefully. You will need to write a reply to the message. 

Read the task question carefully and HIGHLIGHT:

  • Who you are writing to
  • What kind of email/letter is required
  • Any questions you must answer or information you must give

Tip: If you don’t understand the message, DON’T PANIC. Try your best to write an email/letter. You will still get points for grammar, vocabulary, and structure.

Step Two: Write a plan (5 minutes)

A plan helps you organize your thoughts and helps you write a better B2 First email/letter

First, writing out a basic outline:

Signing-off

Next, write a few words for each section of the outline . DO NOT write whole sentences. This takes too much time. Try to focus on keywords and short phrases.

In addition, you can prepare a list of linking words and related vocabulary . Getting these words written down before you start helps you remember to use them.

Example B2 First email/letter Outline

  • Greeting – Hello David,
  • Opening – Nice to hear from you
  • Body – Places to visit/history: boating on the lakes, capitol building, brewery

Best way to travel: bike

  • Closing – Invite David’s friends for dinner
  • Signing-off – Cheers,

Tip: Time yourself – see how long it takes for you to write a plan. Try to reduce that amount of time as much as possible.

Step 3: Write your email/letter (32 minutes)

On the official test, you must write with a pen . No erasable pens or pencils are allowed. I suggest writing your plan and email/letter with a pen every time you practice.

Let’s take a look at each part of the B2 email/letter.

The greeting is addressed to the person you are writing to . Write to the person in the task. Do not invent a name.

Informal greeting – Hello/Hi (person’s first name), 

Neutral greeting – Dear (person’s name),

Formal greeting – Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms (person’s last name), Dear Sir/Madam, 

TIP: Mr is for a man, Mrs is for a married woman, and Ms is for a woman who isn’t married or it isn’t clear.

The opening of the B2 email/letter is 1-2 sentences . You can thank the person for their email/letter, ask a question and/or write a sentence about WHY you are writing to them.

Example opening for an informal email

Thanks for your email! I hope that you and your family are doing well. I am happy to recommend some places for your friends to visit.

Example opening for a formal letter of application

I am writing to apply for the position of lifeguard that I saw posted in the swim center last week.

Body of the B2 First email/letter

The body is where you will answer questions and give necessary information to the reader . Try to write 2-3 paragraphs , changing the paragraph each time you have a new topic. 

Use linking words to connect sentences and paragraphs.

The closing is a sentence or two to finish off the letter. 

Example closing for an informal email

Let me know if you think of any other questions. Let’s meet up soon!

Example closing for a formal letter of application

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you soon about the position.

Write a signing-off and comma . Then, sign your name below .

Informal – Love, See ya, Cheers, Take care,

Neutral – Regards, Warm regards,

Formal – Sincerely, Yours sincerely, Yours faithfully, 

Step Four: Review your writing (2 minutes)

Take two minutes after writing to check for spelling and grammatical errors . Also, make sure that you’ve answered all the questions / given all the necessary information .

How can I get a higher mark on the B2 First email/letter?

Now that you know how to write an email/letter for the Cambridge B2 First exam, let’s look at how to get the best mark possible.

Increase your mark on your B2 First email/letter

  • Include 5-8 linking words – these words introduce paragraphs and connect ideas
  • Use a variety of grammatical structures – you should have both simple and complex forms. Try to use perfect and future forms, conditionals, comparatives, relative clauses and passive
  • Make the essay interesting to read – the examiners read hundreds of essays so make yours easy to read and engaging
  • Use the correct amount of words (140-190) – it’s ok to be a few words over the limit, but not too many

Final Advice

The best way to improve your writing skills … is to write ! Try to write a few pieces of writing each week and ask your teacher for feedback. I have had students who entered my class with very poor writing skills and with practice, they were able to pass the exam after only 10 weeks!

If you want feedback on your writing from me, you can schedule a 30 or 60-minute private lesson via Zoom . Email me at [email protected] to schedule a lesson. I love helping students improve their writing!

If you want more practice for the B2 First, try these lessons:

B2 First Essay Writing Guide

B2 First Key Word Transformations Practice

10 (FCE) B2 First Writing Exam Tips

B2 First Speaking Exam Part 1 Tips

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Invitation Letter Guide for U.S. Visa (B1/B2) Applications

Invitation letter for US Visitor visa (B1/B2)

For many individuals planning a visit to the United States on a B1/B2 Visa, presenting a well-crafted invitation letter can significantly strengthen their application. While not mandatory, an invitation letter from a U.S. citizen or Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) can positively impact the visa process, especially when it highlights strong ties to the applicant’s home country. Here, we explain what makes an effective invitation letter for a U.S. visitor visa.

Keys to a B Visa Invitation Letter

An effective invitation letter should communicate:

  • Host’s Details: Include the host’s name, status in the U.S. (citizen or LPR), contact information, and address.
  • Visitor’s Information: Please provide your full name, date of birth, passport number, and contact information.
  • Relationship: Clarify the nature of your relationship with the host.
  • Visit Details: State the purpose, exact duration, and itinerary of your visit, including accommodation arrangements.
  • Financial Responsibility: It should be explicitly mentioned if the host bears any costs.

Structure of the Letter

The letter should originate from the host and detail their relationship with the visitor. It should be dated, contain both parties’ full information, and specify the hosting arrangements and travel dates. Crucially, it should emphasize the temporary nature of the stay in the U.S.

Sample B Visa Invitation Letter

Below is a template of how such a letter might be structured:

[Host’s Full Legal Name]

[Host’s Full U.S. Address]

Dear [Visitor’s Full Legal Name],

I, [Host’s Name], am delighted to invite you to the United States to celebrate my 50th wedding anniversary in Buffalo, NY, on February 21, 2050. You will be accommodated at my Buffalo, NY, residence from February 21 to February 28. Our plans include visiting Niagara Falls, Letchworth State Park, and Fort Niagara. I will cover the costs of your round-trip airfare, food, and medical insurance during your stay. Your presence would mean a lot to us.

[Host’s Signature]

[Host’s Contact Information]

Supporting Documentation

Accompany this letter with relevant documents such as event invitations, proof of roundtrip airfare, host’s identification or passport, accommodation proof, and a detailed travel itinerary.

Insights for B Visa Applicants

For B Visa applicants, remember:

  • Dependent Visas: Spouses and children must apply separately for a B-2 visa.
  • Employment Restrictions: B-1/B-2 visa holders are prohibited from working in the U.S.
  • Visa Validity: A valid U.S. visa in an expired passport remains active; do not remove it from the expired passport.

Crafting an invitation letter with these elements can significantly enhance the credibility of your B1/B2 Visa application and facilitate your travel plans to the United States.

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Writing - Part 2 - B2 First (FCE) - Practice, Write & Improve

Exam question:, type: letter of application.

You have seen this advertisement in your local newspaper.

Write your Letter of Application.

Student's Answer:

“Dear Sr or Madan,

I write this letter because I would like to apply for the vacant position I saw advertised in the local newspaper.

My name is Daniela and I am 28 years old. I currently work as a guard security in a museum, this has been my job for 5 years. However ever since I was a kid I have always been passionate about circus, this is the reason why I want to be part of the staff.

If I were given this opportunity I will not only provide experience as a security guard, moreover I do have experience on ticket control due to the museum chores that I also had. In addition I had previously worked for the department on customer service at Samsung where I acquired a lot of skills to deal with inconveniences.

I have availability to start from the begining of the circus’ season at the town. Might I ask how much is the salary? and how the working hours are?

Please see my CV encloused. Thank you for your time.I look forward to hearing from you!

Yours sincere,

Dear Sir or Madan,

Introduction identify the question and provides relevant information - good;

Let me introduce myself, (start each paragraph appropriately) my name is Daniela, and I am 28 years old and (avoid short sentences) currently work as a guard security in a museum. It has been my job for 5 years , h owever (cohesive devices) ever since I was a kid I h ave always been passionate about the circus, and this is the reason why I want to be part of the staff.

The letter is logically arranged, you start by introducing yourself and providing basic information; When it comes to disadvantages, the language is too simple, it must be a bit more formal official;

  • use longer and linked sentences (... hoverwer, … but…., which.., and )

If I were given this opportunity (conditional) I would not only provide experience as a security guard but also relevant to   moreover , I do have experience on (stylistic issues) ticket control due to the museum chores that I also had performed . In addition [,] I had previously worked for the department of customer service at Samsung where I acquired a lot of skills to deal with   (informal) / handle i nconveniences.

  • use of words that are subject-specific: For example, if you are writing about biology, you’d use words like “epithelial cells” instead of “skin cells”
  • avoid phrasal verbs and idioms - are considered informa l (blow up, put it, take away, deal with etc..)

Finally, I would like to indicate that   (start each paragraph appropriately) I have availability to start from the beginning of the circus' season in the town. Might I ask how much is the salary and what the working hours are?

Please see my CV enclosed . Thank you for your time. Thank you in advance for your response.  - such a single phrase is enough

I look forward to hearing from you! (nope, exclamation marks are informal)

Yours sincere, Yours faithfully - use this if you do not know the recipient personally Cindy"

" Yours sincerely"  is typically employed in English when the recipient is addressed by name (e.g. "Dear John") whereas  "Yours faithfully"  is used when the recipient is  not addressed by nam e (i.e., the recipient is addressed by a phrase such as "Dear Sir/Madam")

Content: 5/5 have you answered the question?

All content is relevant to the task. Target reader is fully informed.

Communicative Achievement: 3-4/5 have you completed the task in the right sort of language?

The register is appropriate most of the time (slips)

  • avoid phrasal verbs and idioms ( deal with etc..)
  • do not use exclamation marks in formal letters

There are stylistic errors that affect the reception of the text at times.

The organisation: 3-4/5 have you structured your writing properly?

Begin each paragraph appropriately;

The text is clearly organised into paragraphs, which each deal with one idea

Minor errors in closing the letter

Language: 3-4/5 have you used a good range of grammar and vocabulary?

Vocabulary There is a wide range of vocabulary, including less common lexis.

Grammar There is suitable range of simple and more complex grammatical forms which are used with control and flexibility.

Errors are noticeable but meaning can still be determined.

  Score: 15/20 Grade: B2 

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A covering email

A covering email

Learn how to write a covering email to accompany a job application.

Do the preparation task first. Then read the text and tips and do the exercises.

Preparation

Matching_MjMxNDU=

To : [email protected] From : Susan Nelson Subject : Digital Marketing Executive application

Dear Ms Jones,

I'm writing in response to your advertisement for a Digital Marketing Executive. My name is Susan Nelson and I'm a Social Media Marketing Assistant. I have had this job for the past two years and I believe I am the person you need for your new role.

The bulk of my work involves designing and implementing online marketing campaigns across a range of channels. I am very comfortable using analytics to assess campaign success and drive future initiatives. I work with a range of social media platforms and tools for digital marketing.  

I have always worked in the retail industry and am familiar with the seasonal nature of business such as yours and have the skills to push your business forward through creativity and innovation. I would very much like the opportunity to both bring my experience and enthusiasm to this role while continuing to develop professionally and personally.

Following initial research into your company I very much feel we would be a good fit for each other and I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this position with you in person.  

Please find attached my CV.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

Susan Nelson

  • Try to find out the name of the person hiring and address your cover letter to them.
  • Start with a clear statement about who you are and the role you are applying for.
  • Then give information about your current work (or studies if you are still a student).
  • Mention how and why this experience is suited to the new company and role, including any transferable skills (= things you have learned that you will take with you to future jobs).
  • End with a closing statement that suggests further contact. I look forward to hearing from you.

TrueOrFalse_MjMxNDk=.xml

Grouping_MjMxNTA=.xml

ReorderingHorizontal_MjMxNTE=.xml

Do you have any tips for writing a good covering email?

Language level

Dear Jonathan,

I am writing in response to the job description published in one of the portals. Having gone through the roles and responsibilities, I strongly believe that my past and latest experience would certainly match your requirements.

Furthermore, to elaborate about my work exposure, I have worked in the IT industry for a span of around 14 years followed by others. With respect to areas of specializations and certifications, I proudly convey that I am certified in programming, performance testing and project management domains by globally renowned organizations.

To talk about myself, I believe in team work which shall contribute effectively for any organization's growth. My ability to work diligently and consistently would be one of the key strengths. Given an opportunity, I shall propel to the best of my potentiality to perform my duties without any compromise. Should you any questions, feel free to reach out to me. My contact details are as mentioned in the profile.

Please find my latest work profile as attached for your perusal.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

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Keep it short. Be honest. Emphasize the future and your personal skills. Demonstrate knowing of the company and the position you apply for.

To: recruitment @new-company.com From: Andrea Hernandez Subject: Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis

Dear Ms Jones, I’m writing in response to your advertisement for a Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis. My name is Andrea Hernandez and I’m a specialist in Finance. I have worked in financial planning for the past 9 years and I believe I am the person you need for your new role. The bulk of my work involves leading budget process, developing financial forecast, analysing financial statements, KPI’s and data market (benchmarking), consolidating periodically financial reports (P&L, Balance Sheet).I am very comfortable using different tools to design reports at different stakeholders like Excel, Power Point, Power BI, Oracle Business. I have always worked in the Colombian financial industry and I am familiar with the seasonal nature of business such as yours and have the skills to push your business through creativity and innovation. I would very much like the opportunity to both bring my experience and enthusiasm to this role while continuing to develop professionally and personally. Following initial research into your company I very much feel we would be a good fit for each other and I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this position with you in person. Please find attached my CV. I look forward to hearing from you. Yours sincerely,

Andrea Hernandez

My tips would be: -Adressing the recruiter -Introducing yourself and your posiygion in a clear brief statement. -Mentioning work history/experience in the relative field or relative studies in case of being a student. -Writing your skills and the things you can provide in the new role and how they can positively affect the company/assosiation. -Suggesting for a meeting or an interview to further discuss for the position -Clarifying your attentivness for the response. - Sincerely and signature.

To: [email protected] From: Breadwelss Todd Subject: Writer/Editor

Dear Mr Henning

I'm writing in response to your advertisement for a Writer/Editor. My name is Breadwelss Todd and I am a Junior editor. I have had this job for the past three years and I believe I am the person you need for your new role.

The bulk of my work involves editing and transcription books, headlines and scripts. A am very comfortable to provide writing support for a wide range of documents, including investigators brochures, clinical study protocols and reports, integrated summaries, literature reviews, and SOP's.

I have always worked within the English Literacy community and have received an honorary Fellow medal from the British Royal Society of Literature for exposition of the book "Memory and Imagination" by Gandia McWilliam, and have been a member of the same since 1999. I would very much like the opportunity to both bring my experience, wisdom and enthusiasm to this role while continuing to develop professionally and personally.

Following initial research into your company I very much feel we would be a good fit for each other and would welcome the opportunity to discuss this position with you in person.

Please find attached my CV. I look forward to hearing from you. Yours sincerely,

Breadwelss Todd

Dear Ms Jones, I'm writing regarding the position of middle React developer. I have many of the qualifications you are looking for. I'm interested in applying for this position. I have been working in this area for about two years. The bulk of my work involves making reusable and responsive components. I'm very comfortable using a range of React and JavaScript libraries in order to make faster and more efficient components. I've taken several specialized highest-rated React courses with the best mentors at udemy.com.The list of courses has been mentioned in my CV. I'm eager to improve myself and my skills.

please find attached my CV.

I look forward to hearing from you about a job interview.

yours sincerely

Ensiye Karimi

Hello , i wonder whether i write an email would anyone replay to check it for me ? Thank you

Hello reema_wj,

I'm afraid we don't offer a correction service here. We have many thousands of users and only a small team so it would not be feasible for us to do this. In addition, we would end up doing people's homework and tests for them!

We focus on providing explanations of language points and rules to help people on their learning journey, so if you have any questions about that we'll be happy to help.

The LearnEnglish Team

The covering e-mail has to be very brief and powerful which shows your experience and availability for the position and allows the employer to wish for the job.

Dear John, I am writing in response to your company’s advert for the position of Health Care Administrative Officer. My name is Stone White and i am a front desk officer . I have occupied the post for the past three years and i believe am the right candidate for this post.

Most of my duties entails planning Outpatients visiting layout, relating with the health care providers and Pharmaceutical companies.

I have worked in the healthcare sector and am familiar with the work environment. I am always excited meeting people everyday at different platforms, initiating aerobic remedy for clients with ailing health.

I am proficient in the use of Microsoft Office tools, this has made my skills appealing to clients of high reputation.

Showcasing my interpersonal developmental skills, experience and channeling them to fit into the company’s goal would be my uttermost joy.

Subsequent to my previous research, i found out your company is a wonderful workplace that motivates its staffs for international educational advancement and i would love to be a part of your organization staff. I would be highly pleased to speak at lenght further in an interview and to start work soon.

I await your kind response.

Yours Sincerely,

Stone White.

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How to Write an Effective Application Letter [with Example & Tips]

please find attached my resume

By Sheila Kravitz

11 min read

An application letter is a vital document in any job seeker’s arsenal, at the same level of importance as resumes and cover letters. It’s often an applicant’s first point of contact with recruiters and hiring managers .

So, how do you write an effective job application letter to highlight your skills and experience, capture the potential employer’s attention, and increase your chances of getting a job? These are the questions that we’re going to answer in this article while also giving you concrete examples and expert tips that’ll make your letter shine.

Without further ado, let’s jump right in!

Key Takeaways

An application letter is a document similar to a cover letter or a resume that job seekers submit when they are interested in a role .

The document is similar to a cover letter, and it should follow business letter formatting .

Before writing an application letter, you should research the company and read the job ad to find out which skills and qualifications are needed.

An introductory paragraph should be attention-grabbing , highlighting the amount of experience you have and at least one highly impressive accomplishment.

The middle portion of the document should be all about your skills and achievements relevant to the job.

A call to action toward the end of the letter increases your chances of being invited for an interview.

What is a Job Application Letter?

how long a cover letter should be

A job application letter is a document that’s in many ways similar to a cover letter. It’s written and sent with the purpose of applying for a job . As such, it should convey valuable information about your skills, experience, and motivation for the role that you’re applying for.

However, while a cover letter is a supplementary document to a resume , a job application letter is typically a standalone document and should be sent without additional attachments. As a result, it needs to be longer and more detailed than a cover letter.

Still, an application letter should be a concise, one-page document that serves as an elevator pitch. Use it to get in touch with potential employers and make a lasting first impression that can secure you an interview and expedite the hiring process.

The Best Way to Format Your Job Application Letter

The best way to format your job application letter is to follow the business letter format and layout . This includes organizing the information in a specific way and ensuring that your document is visually clean.

Here’s how to arrange the information in your application letter:

Job Application Letter Format

Contact information

A formal salutation

A catchy introductory paragraph

The middle portion, with your skills and achievements

A closing paragraph with a call to action

A cordial letter closing with your sign-off

This is the optimal structure to follow when writing a job application letter, as it gives hiring managers the chance to see what they want to see exactly when they want to.

Now let’s see how you can create an impeccable layout for your application letter:

Job Application Letter Layout Guidelines

Your document should be one page long .

Choose an appropriate font for your application letter, like Calibri or Helvetica.

Set the font size between 10 and 12 pt.

Adjust margins to at least 1 inch on all sides.

Use 1.0 or 1.15 line spacing and insert an additional line between paragraphs.

Align text to the left or use justified alignment.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Perfect Application Letter

administrative assistant resume

Let’s learn how to write an application letter for a job with a step-by-step guide that’ll show you how to craft every part of it.

#1. Research the Company

Researching the company is the first step before you even start writing your application letter . This is crucial, as your document has the best chance of garnering attention from hiring managers if it’s tailored and relevant to the position that you’re applying for.

That’s because every job is different, and even similar roles within the same industry require different sets of skills and experiences. By looking into the organization that you want to join, examining the job ad, and paying attention to the requirements, you’ll be able to pinpoint exactly what hiring managers and employers look for in candidates .

After that, you’ll be able to lean on those experiences, as well as the hard and soft skills that you know are necessary for the job. That’ll set you apart from other candidates with generic application letters that don’t entirely match the posted requirements.

#2. Write an Introduction

Writing a strong introductory paragraph is one of the most important steps in the process of crafting an application letter. It’s your way of grabbing the reader’s attention and persuading them to check out the rest of your document.

Hiring managers are busy professionals and sometimes merely skim through application letters , spending just a couple of seconds on each. That’s why you want the first few sentences to be as captivating as possible.

Use this paragraph to mention the position that you’re applying for, emphasize how much experience you have , and highlight one or two particularly notable accomplishments.

Here’s an example:

Introduction Example

I am writing to express my interest in the architect position at Sky Vision Inc., as advertised on your website. With more than 11 years of experience in residential design and project management, as well as a Global Award for Sustainable Architecture under my belt, I am confident that I’ll be able to contribute to your esteemed organization and lead your large-scale projects.

#3. Emphasize Your Skills & Achievements

Once you have the hiring manager’s attention, it’s time to impress them with your skills and achievements . Remember that the goal is to be as relevant as possible, so focus on those accomplishments that indicate how you are going to perform in their company should they hire you.

One of the best ways to make this part of your application letter pop is to use numbers for quantification . They add measurable value to your accomplishments, adding credibility to them and making them stand out in the eyes of hiring managers.

Let’s see that in an example:

Emphasize Skills & Achievements Example

I have a proven track record of handling more than 50 projects from inception to completion, within budget, and with no missed deadlines. One of my biggest accomplishments was carrying out a $35 million project and achieving a delivery time 13% faster than the industry standard.

#4. Say Why You’re a Good Fit for the Role

In addition to accentuating your skills and experience, you should stress that you’re the perfect person for the role you’re applying for. This builds on the qualifications that you already talked about to show potential employers how they are going to benefit from hiring you .

To achieve this goal, you can point out the moments when your previous employers prospered from your work , such as how you helped them gain new clients, boost their revenue, improve their business, and more.

Why You’re a Good Fit for the Role Example

Exceptional skills in design software like AutoCAD and Revit, coupled with a commitment to green and user-centric architecture, garnered me a 96% user satisfaction rate and an increase in the company’s repeat business by 67%.

#5. Close Your Letter With a CTA

You should take the opportunity to include a call to action (CTA) toward the end of your application letter. A CTA is a marketing term describing something created to elicit a response .

In terms of an application letter, a CTA can be an invitation for hiring managers to contact you for an interview . This one simple sentence can vastly improve your chances and secure you the next step in the hiring process.

Close the Letter With CTA Example

Thank you for your time. I would love the opportunity to discuss my qualifications over an interview and explain further how I could contribute to your organization.

Let’s put what we’ve learned into practice and check out a complete application letter example :

Application Letter Example

Application Letter Example

3 Tips for Crafting an Effective Job Application Letter

Let’s wrap it up with a couple of expert tips that’ll help you craft the best application letter for a job vacancy:

Job Application Letter Writing Tips

Show that you’re interested in the company. Mention something specific about the organization that you want to join that compelled you to apply to them in particular. That’ll set you apart from the competition, as it shows true passion and indicates that you’re already familiar with their work.

Address the reader by their name. Greeting the reader by their name creates a connection right from the get-go. It’s a great way to build rapport and show that you went the extra mile to research the company.

Write a new job application letter for every position. Don’t submit the same application letter every time you apply for a new job. Even slight modifications can still make your document look generic. For maximum chances with recruiters, your best bet is to write a new one every time.

Final Thoughts

Writing a strong application letter is a skill in and of itself. It represents a combination of research skills, communication skills , writing skills , attention to detail, and more. However, learning this ability is crucial, as it opens doors to invaluable opportunities and helps you move your career in the right direction.

Fortunately, learning to write this document is not that difficult once you understand the basics . The format and layout remain the same, regardless of the career or role that you’re applying for. One application letter sample works for any position; you just need to adapt it to suit your needs.

That’s why we’ve provided step-by-step instructions and a complete example of an application letter, arming you with all the knowledge you need. Best of luck getting the job of your dreams!

Application Letter FAQ

#1. when do you need a job application letter.

You need a job application letter when you’re applying for a role , and you want to stand out among the competition. This document serves as a testament to your skills and experience, and its goal is to portray you as a qualified candidate who’s perfect for the job.

#2. Is a letter of application the same as a cover letter?

A letter of application is not the same as a cover letter , but they share many similarities. The two documents have the same formatting, and both convey valuable information about your competence. However, a cover letter supplements your resume, while an application letter is a standalone and more comprehensive document.

#3. How do I write an application letter that stands out?

To write an application letter that stands out, focus on the skills and accomplishments that are relevant to the job that you’re applying for . Use an attention-grabbing introductory paragraph and include a call to action toward the end. Finally, leverage numbers to add measurable value to your achievements.

Sheila Kravitz

Create your cover letter once, use it everywhere

Writers' Workshop

How to apply - summer, summer application deadline:  march 3, 2024, to apply, please submit a manuscript of:.

10-12 poems for poetry 2 or 3 short stories or chapters of a novel for fiction

Applications for summer 2024 are now closed

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Tuition for summer 2024 : undergraduate students: $1,128.00 per class; all other applicants: $1,878.00 per class *

* cost per class is based on University tuition rates; because we are a graduate program, you must be enrolled for credit to attend the class **  for international students, additional fees may apply in certain circumstances, for example if taking more than one class

For Admitted Students

Once you are admitted to the summer workshop, you will need to apply for admission to the University of Iowa as a Nondegree student. This application does not require a writing sample, but does require an official transcript. We will send an email with instructions to every admitted student.

Please be aware that acceptance to the summer program does not alter your chances of being admitted to the Writers' Workshop full-time graduate program.

Questions can be directed to:  [email protected] .

The University has some level of available housing for undergraduate students. Most summer workshop students live in sublets and temporary housing (hotels, bed and breakfasts, Airbnbs). We will do our best to help.

Class Schedules

Typically, the 3-week poetry workshop meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Typically, the 3-week fiction workshops meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

In addition to classes, the summer program hosts readings and events during the week and occasionally over the weekend. Attendance at the events is not required, but they are a nice benefit of being in Iowa City.

International Students

International students should contact Andrew Wade in International Admissions for the complete requirements, by phone, at (319) 335-1534, or by email, at  [email protected] .

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This Was A Historic Admissions Cycle—Here Are All Of The Ivy League Acceptance Rates

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Harvard Office of Admissions and Financial Aid

The wait is finally over—last night, students across the nation were notified of their acceptance or rejection from the Ivy League schools to which they applied. “Ivy Day,” as it is called, not only brings students much-anticipated admissions decisions, but also an overarching picture of admissions trends at the most elite and selective institutions of higher education in America. This year heralds a particularly consequential admissions season for top universities—it is the first since the Supreme Court’s landmark decision ending affirmative action. It also comes amidst heightened tensions on college campuses, as institutional responses to the war in the Middle East left many students questioning their Ivy League dreams.

After years of plummeting admissions rates and ballooning applicant pools, some universities saw the tides turn this cycle. Harvard reported its highest acceptance rate in four years, accepting 3.59% of applicants, up from 3.41% last year. This follows the trend set during the 2023–24 early admissions cycle—their early acceptance rate rose to 8.74% , up from 7.56% in the 2022–23 early admissions cycle. The school also reported a 5.14% decrease in applications from last year, which may, in part, account for the buoyed acceptance rate. Brown noted a similar pattern: the institution’s acceptance rate rose to 5.16% overall, up from 5.09% for the Class of 2027, and saw a 5% decrease in applicants, which totaled 48,881. Despite the slight rise in admissions rates, this year marked the third lowest acceptance rate in Brown’s history. This trend of shrinking applicant pools will likely continue next year, as top schools such as Yale , Brown , and Dartmouth reinstate their standardized testing requirements.

Meanwhile, other Ivy League schools reported starkly different numbers. Rather than thinning, the University of Pennsylvania’s applicant pool swelled by more than 10%, numbering over 65,000—the largest in the university’s history (the university continued its practice of delaying the release of acceptance rates and demographic data). Yale also made history this year, as the school’s acceptance rate hit a historic low at 3.7% , down from 4.35% last year. Dartmouth, too, saw a 10% increase in applications, hitting a record low acceptance rate of 5.3%.

Many schools declined to release the racial and ethnic makeup of their pool of admits (either indefinitely or until the official end of the admissions cycle), following the Supreme Court’s ruling on affirmative action. However, schools tend to report other demographic information, such as the number of students from rural areas and the number of first generation students among those who were accepted.

Below are the admissions data released by Ivy League institutions for the Class of 2028 Regular Decision admissions round thus far:

Brown University:

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  • Applications Received: 6,244 (Early Decision) | 42,637 (Regular Decision) | 48,881 (Overall)
  • Number Accepted: 898 (Early Decision) | 1,623 (Regular Decision)
  • Acceptance Rate: 14.38% (Early Decision) | 3.80% (Regular Decision) | 5.16% (Overall)
  • Applications Received: 60,248 (Early Decision and Regular Decision)
  • Number Accepted: 2,319
  • Acceptance Rate: 3.85%
  • Applications Received: TBA
  • Number Accepted: 5,139
  • Acceptance Rate: TBA
  • Applications Received: 31,657 (Overall)
  • Number Accepted: 1,685 (Overall)
  • Acceptance Rate: 5.3% (Overall)
  • Applications Received: 54,008 (Overall)
  • Number Accepted: 1,245 (Regular Decision)
  • Acceptance Rate: 3.59% (Overall)
  • Number Accepted: TBA
  • Applications Received: >65,000
  • Applications Received: 57,465 (Overall)
  • Number Accepted: 1,365 (Regular Decision)
  • Acceptance Rate: 3.7%

Updated as of: March 29, 2028 8 a.m. EST

Compiled by: Command Education

Christopher Rim

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  6. 7 Application Letter Samples

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COMMENTS

  1. How To Write A B2 First Formal Email/Letter

    Write your letter of application. (You should write between 140 and 190 words) Writing a letter of complaint. The other B2 First formal letter you may be required to write is a letter of complaint. This could be a letter to a hotel manager, a shop assistant or organisation. You may be complaining about the quality of a service, product or the ...

  2. How to write a Letter of Application? (FCE, CAE, CPE)

    1. Salutation. Dear Sir or Madam. If you do not know the name of the person you are writing to, use this. The following is a list of letter salutation examples that are appropriate for letters of application. Dear Hiring Manager. Dear Search Committee. To whom it may concern. Dear Human Resources Manager.

  3. Letter/Email

    FCE Email Example: Touring holiday. FCE Email Example: Swimming team. FCE Letter Example: School uniforms. FCE Letter Example: Letter of application. FCE Email Example: Money! An email/a letter is written in response to the situation outlined in the question. Letters and emails in the B2 First Writing paper will require a response which is ...

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    An email/a letter is written in response to the situation outlined in the question. Letters and emails in the B2 First Writing paper will require a response which is consistently appropriate in register and tone for the specified target reader. Candidates can expect to be asked to write letters or emails to, for example, an English-speaking ...

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    Organise all the essential information in a clear and logical way. Use linking structures to make your letter flow. 4. The last paragraph. Say how you expect the other person to respond to your letter if this is appropriate. 5. Closing and signing off. Finish your letter with an appropriate comment.

  6. PDF b2 first application letter useful language

    Phrases to end a letter of application. I am available for interview and employment at any time. If you need any more details, please do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward to (having the chance to meet you in person and to) hearing from you soon. Yours sincerely/ Yours faithfully/ Sincerely yours/ Best regards.

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    Application Email Basics. Write 140-190 words. Style: Semi-formal or formal. Include information from the exam question in your letter. As you are writing to someone unknown make sure your writing style is appropriate.

  9. FCE

    Write your email in 140-190 words in an appropriate style. Formal email/letter 1 - Model answer. Dear Sir or Madam, I am looking for outdoor work during the summer holidays and I would like to apply for the position of lifeguard assistant, which I saw advertised in my university's student newspaper.

  10. B2 First Email/Letter Writing Guide

    For the B2 First writing exam, the structure of the email and letter are going to be very similar. However, you need to be careful about which TYPE of email or letter you have to write. For example, a letter of application is going to be more formal and polite because it is written for a manager.

  11. PDF ECL Writing Guide Application B2

    Level B2 - Job Application/Cover Letter Writing Tips: 1. Make sure you understand the task and the genre of writing (e.g. essay, email, etc.). In the sample task below, you're writing a job application letter of 200 words. The application should be formal and give reasons for why you qualify for the job. ... Write a job application letter ...

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    For many individuals planning a visit to the United States on a B1/B2 Visa, presenting a well-crafted invitation letter can significantly strengthen their application. While not mandatory, an invitation letter from a U.S. citizen or Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) can positively impact the visa process, especially when it highlights strong ties to the applicant's home country. Here, we explain ...

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    Dear Sir or Madan, I write this letter because I would like to apply for the vacant position I saw advertised in the local newspaper. Introduction identify the question and provides relevant information - good; Let me introduce myself, (start each paragraph appropriately) my name is Daniela, and I am 28 years old and (avoid short sentences ...

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  15. A covering email

    Tips. Try to find out the name of the person hiring and address your cover letter to them. Start with a clear statement about who you are and the role you are applying for. Then give information about your current work (or studies if you are still a student). Mention how and why this experience is suited to the new company and role, including ...

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    B2 Cover Letter Sample. Here is an example of a B2 cover letter you can submit to the United States embassy or consulate: May 2023. United States Embassy in Albania. Rruga Stavro Vinjau 14, Tirana. Albania. Dear Honorable Consult, My name is Shkodran Jaha (passport number: AL19919911); I am an Albanian citizen who lives in Tirana, Albania ...

  17. How to Write an Effective Application Letter [with Example & Tips]

    Choose an appropriate font for your application letter, like Calibri or Helvetica. Set the font size between 10 and 12 pt. Adjust margins to at least 1 inch on all sides. Use 1.0 or 1.15 line spacing and insert an additional line between paragraphs. Align text to the left or use justified alignment.

  18. How to Write a Letter of Application (Example & Tips)

    No hard numbers. "I worked in a team and provided customer service to elderly residents". 5. Choose engaging words for your application letter. Your letter of application's length should be 250 to 400 words or 3 to 4 paragraphs — long enough to get your point across but short enough that the reader won't lose interest.

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    Letters of application are essential in the job market, so don't risk losing to other candidates just because you didn't write one. 2. Address Your Letter of Application Properly. Addressing an application letter is simple. Firstly, include your contact information in the header of the application letter : Full name.

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    B2 First (FCE) Informal Letter & Email: Tips. Begin your letter by saying why you are writing. Say where you saw the advertisement (if there is any) Remember, the letter uses informal language. Try to avoid using exactly the same words that appear in the notes. Make sure you have included all the points from the notes.

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    Follow these steps to compose a compelling application letter: 1. Research the company and job opening. Thoroughly research the company you're applying to and the specifications of the open position. The more you know about the job, the better you can customize your application letter. Look for details like:

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  23. How to Apply

    10-12 poems for poetry. 2 or 3 short stories or chapters of a novel for fiction. Applications for summer 2024 are now closed. Join Our Mailing List. Tuition for summer 2024: undergraduate students: $1,128.00 per class; all other applicants: $1,878.00 per class*. * cost per class is based on University tuition rates; because we are a graduate ...

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    Article navigation: B2 First (FCE) Email/Letter: Writing Topics B2 First (FCE) Email/Letter: Writing Topics (PDF) A Email/Letter is usually written for an English-language magazine, newspaper or website.The main purpose is to describe and express a personal opinion about something which the writer has experienced (e.g. a film, a holiday, a product, a website etc.) and to give the reader a ...

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  26. This Was A Historic Admissions Cycle—Here Are All Of The Ivy ...

    This follows the trend set during the 2023-24 early admissions cycle—their early acceptance rate rose to 8.74%, up from 7.56% in the 2022-23 early admissions cycle. The school also reported ...