General Training Writing Task 1 · formal · application

Application to Join the City Chamber Orchestra

You would like to join the local orchestra

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

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 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

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

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.

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

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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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.

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.

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