General Training Writing Task 1 · formal · application

Application Letter for Summer Hotel Staff Position: 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.
  • 191 words
  • Formal letters
  • Application
  • 20 minutes

The task

You have seen an advertisement for part-time work in a hotel for three months over the summer.

Write a letter to the Manager. In your letter:

  • →what experience you have asked
  • →what the work involves
  • →enquire about conditions

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

Model answer

Band 8 sample letter

Band 8191 words. Names and details are invented; write your own.

Dear Mr. Henderson,

I am writing to express my keen interest in the part-time summer position at the Grand Regency Hotel, as advertised in the local gazette. With my background in hospitality and a strong commitment to guest satisfaction, I am confident that I would be an asset to your team during the busy season.

Regarding my experience, I spent last summer working as a receptionist at a boutique guesthouse in Cornwall. This role required me to manage bookings, handle guest enquiries, and resolve minor issues promptly under pressure. I am well-versed in front-of-house systems and pride myself on maintaining a professional demeanour even during peak hours.

I understand that the role involves assisting with check-ins, coordinating housekeeping schedules, and providing concierge support to guests. I am comfortable performing these duties and am eager to contribute to the efficient operation of your establishment.

Could you please clarify the expected working hours and the hourly rate for this position? Additionally, I would appreciate information regarding any uniform requirements or internal training sessions provided for new staff members.

I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.

Yours sincerely,

Julian Thorne

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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Examiner's view

Why this scores well

A Band 8 response fully addresses all three bullet points with specific, relevant details while maintaining a professional and consistent tone throughout. The most common mistake for Band 6 candidates is failing to ask specific questions about the conditions, instead providing only vague or overly general requests for information.

  • →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 strong feeling of wanting to do something

  • boutique guesthouse

    a small, stylish and fashionable hotel or inn

  • front-of-house

    areas where staff interact directly with hotel guests

  • demeanour

    outward behaviour or bearing of a person

  • concierge support

    assistance provided to guests for personal services

  • earliest convenience

    as soon as it is possible or easy

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 fully addresses all three bullet points with specific, relevant details while maintaining a professional and consistent tone throughout. The most common mistake for Band 6 candidates is failing to ask specific questions about the conditions, instead providing only vague or overly general requests for information.

Keep practising

More application letters

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