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· August 4, 2026

LLFE-A09 · Writing to Apply — Cover Letter Basics in English

B2 · ADULT · WRITING

📝 Writing to Apply

⏱ 5 minutes · 📚 CELTA-informed · 🎯 Cambridge B2

📖 From the teacher’s desk: In 18 years of hospitality management, I have read hundreds of job applications. The ones that stood out were never the longest — they were the ones that showed genuine knowledge of the employer and a clear, confident voice. Now helping adults write in English, I see the same principle: a great cover letter is focused, personal, and specific.

🎯 By the end of this lesson, you can: write a clear and professional opening paragraph for a cover letter in English.

🔥 Warm Up (1 min)

A hiring manager reads 200 cover letters a week. You have 30 seconds to get their attention. What’s the ONE thing you want them to know about you?

📖 Learn It (2 min)

Cover letter structure:

Para 1: The Hook — Why this job, why this company
“I am writing to apply for the position of [X] at [Company]. Having worked in [field] for [Y] years, I am particularly drawn to [Company]’s [specific thing] because…”
Para 2: Your Value — What you bring
“In my previous role at [Company], I successfully [achievement]. This experience taught me [skill], which I believe would be directly relevant to…”
Para 3: Close — What you want next
“I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my application. I am available for interview at your convenience.”

⚠️ Avoid: “I am a hard worker” (everyone says this). ✅ Instead: give a specific example!

✏️ Try It (2 min)

Write Para 1 for a job you would like to apply for (real or imaginary):

  1. Name the position and company.
  2. State how long you’ve worked in the field.
  3. Name ONE specific thing about this company that attracts you.

Swap and review: Read a partner’s paragraph. Is it specific? Does it mention the company by name? Is the tone professional?

🗝️ Answer Key

Check your paragraph for: ✅ Position name ✅ Company name ✅ Years of experience ✅ One specific reason for applying ✅ Professional, confident tone (no “I think maybe I could possibly…”)

Cambridge CELTA course completed — 120 supervised teaching hours, 4 written assignments passed at the required standard.

Independent project; not affiliated with, endorsed by, or accredited by Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Confers no qualification.

✉️ Questions? sourovdeb.com