Teaching kids happy to be
A. Read the text and complete the blanks with the correct form of the
words in capitals.
examination practice
39
• Have you ever written any kind of letter of application? What for?
• What kind of information do you think should be included in a letter of application for a scholarship?
A. Read the announcement on the right and answer the questions.
1. discu ss
writing a letter of application
2. Focu s on content, layout and organisation
In this paragraph, the writer:
a. explains why he believes he is a suitable
candidate for the scholarship and
requests additional information related
to the scholarship.
b. mentions his age and describes his
academic qualifications.
c. states why he is writing and where
he saw the information about the
scholarship.
d. explains the reasons why he is interested
in the scholarship and refers to career
aims, experience, relevant skills and
talents.
1. What kind of qualifications should applicants for the scholarship have?
2. Who should applicants address their letters of application to?
B. Read the letter of application written in response to the
announcement. What do you notice about the layout of the letter?
24 Regents Street
Rochdale
Lancashire
LK14 6DW
12th April 2010
Professor Albert Shaw
Head of Admissions,
Department of Engineering
University of Birmingham
Birmingham B153TU
Dear Professor Shaw,
I am writing with regard to the Excellence Scholarships which
I saw announced on the university website. I am considering
studying Mechanical Engineering at Birmingham University
and I would like to apply for a scholarship.
I am eighteen years old and have just taken my A level
examinations in Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics
and Chemistry. I was awarded three As and a B.
I have been interested in studying Engineering since I
was thirteen. I am particularly interested in Mechanical
Engineering and last year I took part in a competition to
design an engine for a miniature racing car and won first
prize. I wish to work in the motor racing industry in the future
and I believe this degree will prepare me for such a career.
I also have a part-time job at a car manufacturing factory
near my home. This work experience has provided me with
organisational, teamwork and time management skills, all of
which will help me in my university studies.
As I am hardworking and reliable and have the relevant skills
and experience needed to succeed in this course, I hope that
my application will be seriously considered. I would be grateful
if you could inform me how I can get an application form and
about any other requirements.
I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest
convenience.
Yours sincerely,
Paul Allen
C. Each of the following sentences corresponds
to one of the paragraphs in the letter. Write
the numbers 1-4 in the boxes.
Excelle nce
Sch olarshi ps
available
Interested in studying Mechanical
Engineering?
Scholarships available at the University
of Birmingham for first class students.
How much are the scholarships worth?
Scholarships cover tuition fees and
a maintenance grant of £4500.
Who is eligible?
Applicants must have (or be expecting)
a minimum of 3 As at A level or
equivalent. Two of the subjects taken
should be Mathematics and Physics.
Closing date:
Contact:
21 June
Professor Albert Shaw
Head of Admissions,
Department of Engineering
University of Birmingham
Birmingham B153TU
40
3. Focus on language and style
A. Read the letter again and underline the more formal
equivalents for the words and phrases below.
5. WRITING TAS K
B. Complete the sentences using the phrases in the
box.
I am fluent in I look forward to
I believe I believe I am suitable for
I am a highly motivated person
I am presently attending
I am writing with regard to
I am available for an interview
I have a degree in I am enclosing
1. the
vacancy that was advertised on 12th June in The
Herald.
2. Business
Studies.
3. English,
French and Arabic.
4. this
position because I have the relevant skills and
experience.
5. and I
have excellent communication and teamwork skills.
6. at any
time.
7. a copy of
my CV for your review.
8. hearing
from you in the near future.
9. Brown
College where I am studying Biology, Chemistry and
Maths at A Level.
10. that I can
make a positive contribution to your organisation.
a. got (para. 2)
b. very (para. 3)
c. want (para. 3)
d. working there (para. 3)
e. given (para. 3)
f. appreciate (para. 4)
g. things that are
necessary (para. 4)
h. soon (para. 5)
4. outline
When you are writing a letter of application:
ä begin and end your letter with appropriate expressions.
ä use formal language and write in a confident manner.
ä identify the qualities required for the job/scholarship,
etc. (as stated in the advertisement) and explain why
you consider yourself suitable for it.
Greeting
• Use an appropriate greeting (formal).
Opening paragra ph
• Use set phrases to state what you are applying for.
• Say where you saw the relevant notice/advertisement.
Main par t
• Mention your age.
• Describe any relevant qualifications/qualities/
experience.
• Give information about your present situation/work
experience.
• State any relevant interests or hobbies.
Clos ing paragra ph
• Explain why you think your application should be
taken into consideration.
• Ask for any additional information you require.
• If relevant, mention that you enclose a CV/reference.
Signing o ff
• Use a formal signature ending. Sign
underneath and print your full name below
your signature.
When you are writing a letter of application, follow
the outline below.
For the layout of formal letters and expressions/
phrases you can use, see Appendix I .
You have seen this advertisement and have decided to
apply as a volunteer. Write your letter of application
(120-180 words).
Send applications
to John White at
Wilton Community Centre,
43 Willow Lane,
Wilton
• Do you have some free time during the summer?
• Would you like to help give something back to the
community?
Volunteers are needed to work as assistants to instructors
at the Wilton Community Centre.


Volunteers needed!
Volunteers must:
* like working with people and be able to work in a team.
* be skilled in one of the following areas: art, sports,
computer technology.
* be at least 16 years old.
by 10 May
41
1. pre-reading
• How would you describe a physically fit person? How
about a physically unfit person?
• List some of your favourite pastimes. Which ones do you
think help you stay healthy and fit? Which ones do not?
• What are some things that prevent people from being in
good shape?
2. reading for gist
Read the texts A-D quickly and match them with the
headings below. There is one extra heading which you
do not need to use.
3. Scanning for specific information
Discuss.
1. Not a real training programme
2. Think hard before you choose a programme
3. If lazy, you might need some discipline
4. There’s no perfect fitness programme
5. More people = More fun
Which person:
1. talks about some of the risks associated with a
fitness programme?
2. says why peers may not be a good influence
when it comes to getting in shape?
3. refers to some of the benefits associated with
making fitness a social activity?
4. talks about how family members can set a good
example?
5. implies that some people may need a very
structured programme to get in shape?
6. gives information on what the ideal fitness
programme should do for a person?
7. talks about the benefits of having a trainer to
help you with your programme?
8. refers to taking up an activity to help stay fit for
school sports?
9. talks about a training programme inspired by
the military?
10. refers to a fitness option for someone who
doesn’t like traditional forms of exercise?
11. mentions getting in shape for a programme
beforehand?
12. would like to be a good influence on friends?
13. mentions a list of important factors to consider
when creating a fitness programme?
14. refers to the difficulty some people have in
fitting exercise into their busy schedules?
15. felt uncomfortable about doing the activity at
first?
Read the texts A-D again and answer the questions
1-15. Write A, B, C or D in the boxes.
Karim
Ma rk
A
B
Karim, 23, is a personal
trainer who offers advice
to people who want to
get in shape. ‘Most of my
clients are looking for the
perfect personal fitness
programme,’ says Karim.
‘One that would tone
their muscles, build strength and endurance and get rid of
extra kilos, as well as being fun and fulfilling. With some
thought and research, anyone can create such a programme.
Unfortunately, most people are looking for a ‘quick fix,’
only to lose interest and quit before there is any change
in their health. To avoid frustration, you should consider
various factors before embarking on a fitness regime. What
activity best suits your schedule and lifestyle? Do you prefer
structure or flexibility? How can you relate the activity to
your interests so that it is not a chore? Do you like to include
exercise in your social life or is it something you prefer to
do alone? Finally, once you have chosen something, it is
important to do some research and know how the activity
will affect your body, so you do not end up injured.’
Mark, 18, faces some
typical obstacles to
getting in shape. ‘I
wish I could find time
to exercise, but it’s
really hard,’ he says. ‘I’m in my final year of school, I
spend hours studying and I also work several hours a week.
When I have free time, I usually surf the Internet. I bought
a treadmill a few months ago, but I rarely use it. I have a
lot of friends, and we often end up at somebody’s house
watching TV and eating crisps,’ he says. ‘I tend to take the
easy way out and skip the exercising.’
Nevertheless, Mark is determined to make some changes
in his life. ‘I’m a bit disappointed in myself. If I had
set a goal and reached it, I would have felt better about
myself. Anyway, this summer, I decided to join a fitness
boot camp.’ Fitness boot camps are based on the intense
physical training that new army recruits receive. However,
they are for the average person who wants to lose weight
or improve their endurance and strength. ‘I’m going to
do an eight-week programme. Training starts at six in the
morning, and involves jumping jacks, squats, running
laps, timed sprints, and push-ups – between 300 and 400
a session. We have to show up three days a week, and if
we are late or miss a session, there are consequences – we
might get dunked in the lake or have to run extra laps. I’m
a bit anxious, but I’m already feeling more motivated,’ says
Mark. ‘I’m worried about the first day at boot camp, so I’m
making sure I get more active – walking more, riding my
bike, cutting out the junk food. I want to feel prepared.’
15
5. post-reading
Discuss.
4. GUESSING THE MEANING OF UNKNO WN WORDS
A. Look at the following words from the texts and
choose the most suitable meaning a, b or c.
• What’s your opinion of the activities that Mark, Greg and Paul did to improve their fitness?
• Different people have given the following excuses about why they aren’t in shape. What advice could you give them?
1. embarking on (Text A, line 15)
a. starting
b. getting aboard
c. stopping
2. chore (Text A, line 18)
a. housework
b. unpleasant task
c. sport
B. Match the highlighted phrasal verbs in the texts
with the meanings a-g.
1. end up
2. show up
3. cut out
4. take up
5. hang out
6. stick with
7. be caught up
a. to start
b. to get into a state that was not
planned
c. to spend time
d. to appear
e. to continue doing
f. to be involved
g. to stop consuming
Pa u l
I have no coordination.
I don’t exercise because
I find it boring.
I just don’t have the
time to exercise.
I don’t like getting all sweaty –
especially in public! I would like to get in shape
but it’s too expensive.
C
D Indeed, it is important
to be prepared for any
new physical activity,
especially if you aren’t in
very good shape. While
taking up something
new can be exciting, you
can injure yourself if
you don’t train properly.
Greg, 17, wa nted an
activity that would help
him stay f it for school
sports and decided to
try running. ‘I began by
running alone. I trained
hard, trying to get in
shape quickly, but then I developed a painful condition
called shin splints, which happens when the muscles in
the calf become stronger than the shin muscles. Then I
learnt about a beginner’s running group that met twice a
week. I decided to try it and quickly discovered that I much
preferred running with a group rather than on my own. If I
had known how much fun it would be, I would have joined
right away. I’ve made a lot of friends in the group, and we
hang out together even when we aren’t running. We also
have a great coach who shows us the best way to train for
our fitness level so that we don’t get injured.’
If you mention running
to Paul, 17, all you will
get is an eye roll. ‘If by
fitness you mean using
a treadmill or doing
laps, I have one word
for you: boring! I can’t
do the same thing over
and over.’ Still, Paul
thinks he is as fit as all
his sporty friends, maybe
even more so. How did
he get there? ‘My father
took a martial arts class
at a local gym last year,’
he says. ‘At the time, I
thought it was funny. I didn’t think he’d stick with it. But
every time he came home from his class, he had a big smile
on his face and was in such a good mood.’ Paul’s father
convinced him to go to the gym’s open house. After trying
a few different kinds of martial arts, Paul decided to take
a Tae Bo class. ‘At first I was self-conscious, but I loved the
moves and soon I was completely caught up in the moment.
Now I look forward to the class every week. It’s different to
exercising and it’s more exciting. If only my friends had
given it a try, too! Anyway, I hope that when they see how
much I’m enjoying myself, they will be inspired to get out
of their comfort zone and of f the couch!’
17
3. skip (Text B, line 12)
a. jump up and down
b. continue
c. miss out on
4. condition (Text C, line 17)
a. requirement
b. illness
c. situation

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