General Training Writing Task 1 · formal · application

Application for School Science Trip Volunteer Position

Your children go to a local school that requires volunteers to accompany school science trips.

Write a letter to the school to apply to be a volunteer. In your letter:

introduce yourself and give details of your children who attend the school
explain why you are interested in the position
talk about any relevant experience that you have with children

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

Band 8 sample letter

Dear Mr. Henderson,

I am writing to express my keen interest in volunteering as an assistant for the upcoming school science trips. My two children, Leo and Sophie, are currently enrolled in Year 3 and Year 5 respectively at St. Jude’s Primary, and I would welcome the opportunity to support the school’s educational outings.

Having been a parent at this school for several years, I recognise how vital these practical experiences are for a child’s development. I am particularly eager to assist with the science curriculum, as I believe that hands-on exploration outside the classroom fosters a deeper curiosity about the natural world in young learners.

Regarding my experience, I have previously volunteered as a youth football coach for three years, which required me to manage groups of children while ensuring their safety and engagement. Furthermore, my professional background as a laboratory technician has equipped me with the skills to explain scientific concepts clearly and safely to inquisitive young minds. I am confident that my background makes me well-suited to support both the teachers and the students during these excursions.

I look forward to the possibility of assisting your team.

Yours sincerely,

Jonathan Miller

194 words. Names and details are invented; write your own.

Why this scores well

A Band 8 response addresses all bullet points with a clear, professional tone and specific, relevant personal details that demonstrate a logical flow. A common Band 6 mistake is failing to link professional experience to the requirements of the school trip, or using overly casual language that is inappropriate for a formal application.

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.

Useful phrases from the letter

keen interest: a very strong desire or enthusiasm for something
enrolled: officially registered as a member of an institution
fosters: encourages the development or growth of something
inquisitive: having a strong desire to learn or know
excursions: short journeys or trips taken for pleasure
equipped: supplied with the necessary items for a task

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.

Practise IELTS General writing

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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 long 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.