Imagine you have seen this advertisement on a website. Read it along with your notes. Then write an email of 120-150 words(tip: count the words at the end of every paragraph before you continue writing!) volunteering to take part and requesting information.
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http://rainforestandwildlifeexpeditions.com/

COASTAL RAINFOREST AND WILDLIFE EXPEDITION
We are looking for volunteers to join a conservation expedition to a remote region of Costa Rica. We will be researching wildlife in the rainforest and in the waters close to the coast. –WHICH ANIMALS?-
Members will camp out in groups far away from towns and villages. There is no road access- all journeys are made by kayak and sea canoe. Every expedition member should therefore be physically fit and a strong swimmer. –YES, YOU ARE A STRONG SWIMMER. GIVE DETAILS-
Some knowledge of Spanish is desirable for this expedition as this would allow you to interact with the local community more easily. -ADVANCED SPANISH. GIVE DETAILS- No previous experience of conservation is required as full training will be given on the two-week introductory course. –WHERE AND WHEN IS THIS COURSE?-
To apply or send a query click on the link below.
info@conservationexpeditions
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YOUR TASK: GIVE THE INFORMATION REQUIRED AND ASK THE QUESTIONS YOU HAVE.
Here I send you two sample letters:
1
TO: INFO@HUARODIG
FROM: JENNIFER MASON
SUBJECT: ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXPEDITION TO HUARO VALLEY
Dear Mr. Edwards,
I recently saw your advertisement requesting volunteers for the forthcoming archaeological dig in Peru, and I should very much like to take part in the expedition.
Although I hold no qualifications in archaeology, I have been on a number of archaeological digs and have acquired a good knowledge of the process involved. I consider myself to be a good team player and am also enthusiastic and adventurous.
I have two queries about the expedition. Firstly, it was not clear exactly how long volunteers were expected to stay in Peru. Secondly, could you give me a clearer impression of the level of physical challenge the holiday would involve? Although I am physically fit, I would not consider myself particularly athletic. Would I be able to cope with the expedition?
I would be grateful if you could address these queries before the weekend, as I am keen to finalise my holiday plans soon.
Yours sincerely,
Jennifer Mason
2
TO:INFO@CAMP.CO.UK
FROM: JOANNA MURDOCH
SUBJECT: APPLICATION FOR A JOB AT CAMP UK
Dear Sir or Madam, (1)
I am writing to apply for the post of Sports and Activities Organiser, as advertised in Jobs Abroad Magazine. (2) (3)
I would very much welcome the opportunity to spend the summer working at Camp UK in Scotland as (5) I enjoy working with teenagers(6), and would also like to get to know more about life and customs in the UK. Moreover, (5) I am a keen sportsperson and enjoy horse-riding, tennis and volleyball. (3)
I have a good command of English, (6) having studied at school for eight years, and I have also spent a month at a summer school in Ireland. (3)
I would be grateful if you could tell me what type of accommodation (6) you provide and what it costs. Could you also let me know when you will be holding the interviews? (3) (6)
I look forward to hearing from you. (4)
Yours faithfully, (1)
Joanna Murdoch
NUMBERED TIPS:
- If you begin the letter/email with Dear Sir or Madam, finish it with Yours faithfully. If you begin with Dear (Mr. Smith), finish with Yours sincerely.
- Start by saying why you are writing.
- Divide the letter into three or four short paragraphs, each with its own topic.
- If you expect a reply to your letter write “I look forward to hearing from you.” after the final paragraph.
- Use linking words to join ideas and sentences.
- Refer to input information but do not copy out large parts of it.
- Use a style appropriate to the situation, and maintain the same style throughout the letter/email.
PHRASE BANK:
- Giving reason for writing:
I am writing to apply for….
I am writing to enquire about…
I am writing to complain about…
I am writing in response of…
- Applying for a job
I have considerable experience of…
I consider myself to be…
I would welcome the opportunity to…
- Requesting information
I would be grateful if you could tell me…
Could you please let me know…
Another sample letter applying for a job:
http://esl.about.com/od/writingintermediate/a/w_cover_ex1.htm
and more tips:
http://esl.about.com/od/writinginenglish/English_Writing_Skills_Letters_Resumes_and_Writing_Style.htm