By English Test Coach · Updated
General Training Task 1 · Formal letters
Applying for weekend museum work
An original IELTS practice question with a planning route and a sample answer to learn from.
Aim for at least 150 words in about 20 minutes. Suggested practice level: intermediate, not a predicted band.
Your writing task
You have seen an advertisement for a weekend visitor assistant at a local history museum. Write a letter to the museum manager. Explain why you are interested in the role, describe relevant experience, and give details of your availability.
How to approach this question
Write to an organisation or person you do not know. State the purpose clearly, cover all three task points and keep the tone polite and professional.
Formal letters: develop every task point and make the request clear →
Worked example: Connect relevant experience with consistent availability →
Purpose and suitability: name the weekend visitor assistant role and explain a specific reason for your interest in the museum. Develop relevant experience through tasks such as welcoming groups, checking bookings or explaining facilities; connect the action to the role instead of merely claiming to be hardworking.
Availability and response: state a start point and the weekend hours you could work. Keep them compatible with any current commitment, and distinguish them from optional interview times. Ask the manager to confirm whether the hours fit; do not write as though the job has already been offered.
These are possible directions, not required opinions or facts to memorise. Develop your own response and check every claim against the task.
A possible plan
- Opening: use a formal greeting for an unknown recipient and state the purpose clearly.
- First task point: give enough specific detail for the organisation or official to understand the situation.
- Remaining task points: develop each requested point, including any action or information you need.
- Closing: end politely with a formal sign-off that matches the greeting.
Vocabulary you can use precisely
Choose language that fits your meaning. You do not need to include every phrase.
- visitor enquiries
- Questions raised by visitors about a place or its services.
I answered visitor enquiries about events and facilities at the arts centre.
- available for an interview
- Able to attend a meeting about an application at specified times.
I am available for an interview on Wednesday afternoons.
Ready to write your own answer?
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