5.8.- How to write a letter of application

 

Would you be interested in the following job vacancy? Why or why not? 

Collaborative Reading of the Letter of Application Sample on page 46

Collaborative Exercise 2 on page 46

Structure for a Letter of Application

1. Salutation

Dear Sir or Madam 

If you do not know the name of the person you are writing to, use this. The following is a list of letter salutation examples that are appropriate for letters of application.

• Dear Hiring Manager
• Dear Search Committee
• To whom it may concern
• Dear Human Resources Manager
• Dear Sir or Madam

2. The Introductory Paragraph

Begin by stating the job for which you are applying. Briefly mention how your skills and experience match the company and/or position; this will give the employer a preview of the rest of your letter.

I am writing to apply for the post of Fashion Shop Manager advertised in the ‘News Shopper’ of 14 February 2002.

3. The next paragraphs (the body)

In the following paragraphs, explain why you are interested in the job and why you make an excellent candidate for the position. Mention specific qualifications listed in the job posting and explain how you meet those qualifications.

Please see the example structure below:

(2nd paragraph) You might go and list your experience and relevant qualifications:

(briefly introduce yourself first) I am an ambitious and creative 25-year-old who have worked in the retail industry for a total of ten years, first as a sales assistant in a department store and for the last three years as a Section Head and Deputy Manager at Jones the Bootmaker.

(3rd paragraph) You might then go on to mention the particular abilities and skills that you have:

I believe I have all the skills, knowledge and expertise that you are looking for. I have lots of retail initiative, can schedule and prioritise tasks and can work to strict deadlines. I also work particularly well with people and would enjoy leading the team and working with clients and customers.

(4th paragraph) Say why you are particularly interested in this job:

I am applying for this position as I am looking to progress from junior to senior management. I have always been interested in the latest fashion trends and developments and I believe your organisation is a well-run quality fashion business. I would very much like to work for your company.

4. Closing paragraph

Conclude your letter of application by thanking the employer for considering you for the position and stating that you would like to interview.

You might close the letter with the following formula.

I look forward to hearing from you and hope that you will be able to invite me for an interview.

Yours faithfully
XYZ

 “Yours sincerely” or “Yours faithfully”?

“Yours sincerely” is typically employed in English when the recipient is addressed by name (e.g. “Dear John”) and is known to the sender to some degree, whereas “Yours faithfully” is used when the recipient is not addressed by name (i.e., the recipient is addressed by a phrase such as “Dear Sir/Madam”)

Source: https://engxam.com/handbook/how-to-write-a-letter-of-application-fce-cae-cpe/

Individual writing of a letter of application according to the exam task criteria on page 46 and the standards from the University of Cambridge

5.7.- Reading and Use of English Part 3

 

Which graduates do you think are more likely to find a job?

Collaborative Exercise 1 on Page 45

Individual Exam Task on Page 45

5.6.- Countable and uncountable nouns

 

Noun classifying exercise on Wordwall

https://wordwall.net/es/resource/67926411

Book exercises 1 and 2 on page 44

Exercise 3 on page 44

https://wordwall.net/es/resource/68448592

Exercise 4 on page 44

Exercise 5 on page 44

https://wordwall.net/es/resource/68448958

Video about fce speaking test part 1

Speaking exam task practice on page 44

5.5.- Phrasal verbs with 'take'

 

What the text 'Training for the future' was about?

Collaborative exercise 6 about identifying the meaning of the phrasal verbs with take on page 43 on Wordwall

https://wordwall.net/es/resource/67925217

 

Individual Exercise 7 on page 43

Individual Random Oral Practice of the Phrasal Verbs with 'Take'

https://wordwall.net/es/resource/107455255

5.4.- Training for the future

 

Vocabulary Presentation of the text 'Training for the future'

https://lasallecancun-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/dc0519_lasallecancun_edu_mx/EUH9FiuWD5pFldrP4cafprEBO-SCdv1Xv7MaqzrJlosn2w?e=iekKeo

Reading Exam task on pages 42 and 43

What training programmes are there in your school?

5.3.- Noun Suffixes

 

What job do you think you will have when you finish school?

Book Exercise 5 about forming pairs on page 41

https://wordwall.net/es/resource/67985284

Listening Exercise: 

https://www.topworksheets.com/t/Zx3ewhZItBR

Video:

 😊 B2-level rules for word formation with the noun suffixes -or, -ist, -ian, -er, -ant. These suffixes usually create nouns for people, especially jobs, roles, or beliefs.

 

1. -or

Meaning: a person who does an action
Often used with: verbs (especially from Latin)

Rules

• Add -or to a verb to form a noun.
• Common in formal or technical jobs.

Examples

• act → actor
• direct → director
• invent → inventor
• operate → operator

✅ Tip: Many -or words come from Latin-based verbs.

 

2. -ist

Meaning:

• a person who believes in something, or
• a person who does a specialized activity

Rules

• Added to nouns or adjectives.
• Often used for ideologies, beliefs, arts, sciences.

Examples

• art → artist
• science → scientist
• tour → tourist
• social → socialist

✅ Tip: If it’s about ideas, beliefs, or movements, -ist is very common.

 

3. -ian

Meaning:

• a person connected with something, or
• a person from a place, or
• a professional in a field of study

Rules

• Added to nouns (often names, subjects, or places).
• Spelling may change slightly.

Examples

• history → historian
• music → musician
• Brazil → Brazilian
• politics → politician

⚠️ Note: music → musician (spelling changes)

 

4. -er

Meaning: a person who does an action
Often used with: verbs

Rules

• One of the most common suffixes.
• Add -er to a verb.
• If the verb ends in -e, just add -r.

Examples

• teach → teacher
• work → worker
• drive → driver
• bake → baker

✅ Tip: If you’re unsure, -er is often the safest choice.

 

5. -ant

Meaning: a person who performs an action or has a role

Rules

• Added mainly to verbs of Latin origin.
• Often used in formal or academic vocabulary.

Examples

• assist → assistant
• apply → applicant
• participate → participant

⚠️ Note: You usually learn these as fixed forms (not all verbs can take -ant).

 

Quick Comparison Table

Suffix	Main Idea	Common Use
-or	does an action	formal jobs
-ist	beliefs / activities	ideologies, arts
-ian	connection / origin	fields, places
-er	does an action	everyday jobs
-ant	formal roles	academic / formal

Book Exercises 4 on page 41 about Noun Suffixes for jobs

https://wordwall.net/es/resource/67985032

Book Exercise 6 on page 41

https://wordwall.net/es/resource/107308343

5.2.- Future forms

 

If you got a grant or scholarship for an academic exchange programme abroad, where would you like to go and why?

Exam task on page 40

Exercise 1 on page 41 about identifying future forms

https://wordwall.net/es/resource/67987189

🕒 B2 Grammar Chart: Future Tenses (Job-Training Context)

Future Form	Structure	Main Use	Typical Clues	Example (Job / Training Context)
Will	will + base verb	Predictions (opinion/guess), instant decisions, promises/offers	I think, probably, I’m sure, maybe	I think you will learn the new system quickly.
Going to	am/is/are + going to + base	Predictions (based on evidence now); plans/intentions already decided	Look at…, based on…, it’s clear that…, I’ve decided	Look at the error messages — the system is going to crash if we don’t restart it.
Present Continuous	am/is/are + -ing	Fixed future arrangements	Time/place mentioned	I’m meeting my trainer at 10 a.m. tomorrow.
Present Simple	base / -s	Timetables, schedules	Official schedules	The induction course starts on Monday at 9.
Future Continuous	will be + -ing	Action in progress at a future time; polite enquiries	This time tomorrow, at 3 p.m.	This time tomorrow, I will be working with my supervisor.
Future Perfect	will have + past participle	Completed before a future time	By, before, in two weeks	By Friday, I will have completed the safety module.
Future Perfect Continuous	will have been + -ing	Duration up to a future point	For, since	By July, I will have been working here for six months

Collaborative Online Exercise of B2-level:

https://www.topworksheets.com/t/oB1wH5q_5qX

Individual Online Exercise of B2-level future forms:

https://www.topworksheets.com/t/B6FN14FB4O-

Possible Topics for a six-question interview about a classmate's future:

  Future job and career

  Future studies and education

  Place to live in the future

  Lifestyle and daily life in the future

  Travel plans and dream destinations

  Personal goals and ambitions

  Skills to learn in the future

  Family and relationships in the future

  Hopes and dreams

  Fears or worries about the future

  Technology and the future

  Life in 10 years

  Definition of success in the future

Closing Speaking Practice about the Future Forms

https://wordwall.net/es/resource/74247512

Exercises 2 and 3 on page 41

5.1.- Academic Vocabulary

  

What renowned schools do you know and why they are well-known?

The Journey from Undergraduate to Graduate Education

 

An undergraduate program typically begins with an academic bachelor's degree, where students attend lectures and participate in seminars. This stage provides the foundation for understanding a specific field. At the end of the program, students are prepared either for entry-level roles or to pursue further studies.

 

Many graduates choose to continue their education by enrolling in a master's program, which is a form of postgraduate education. A master's degree offers specialized knowledge in a chosen subject and often includes a research component, such as a thesis.

 

Completing a thesis allows students to contribute new ideas and demonstrate their ability to conduct independent research. Professors act as tutors, offering guidance and support throughout the process.

 

A graduate qualification helps students qualify for higher positions in their career. While secondary education offers basic skills, postgraduate study deepens expertise and opens up more career opportunities.

 

Collaborative Online Exercise about Academic Vocabulary Review

Part 1: 

https://wordwall.net/es/resource/67709435

Part 2: 

https://wordwall.net/es/resource/81365482

Exercise 2 on page 40

Listening Exam Task on Page 40

Speaking Practice

How do you think you will continue improving your professional development when you finish university?

 

4.9.- Past Simple vs Present Perfect and Present Perfect Continuous

 

Say a weird thing you have ever done, for example, 'I have ever eaten cat meat.'

Asking about experiences

Have you ever jumped out of the bungee?

Yes, I have.

No, I haven't.

Have you ever heard about the Loch Ness Monster? As far as I know, it's a Scottish mythological character about which I heard for the first time when I was a child while watching TV.

Some years later, I had the opportunity of travelling to Edinburgh in 2020, which is the capital city of Scotland. While being in Edinburgh, I was strongly recommended to take a tour to the Loch Ness and the Highlands; so, I decided to do it the next day.

The next day in the morning, I took the bus for the tour two blocks away from my hostel. I was firstly taken to the Highlands then to the Loch Ness where I boarded a cruise. Unfortunately, the monster never appeared.

Many residents from Fort August, which is a town close to the lake, say that it hasn't appeared for a while. However, there are people who haven't lost hope of finding it yet.

Collaborative Online Exercise about Past Simple vs Present Perfect

https://www.perfect-english-grammar.com/past-simple-present-perfect-1.html

Individual Online Exercise about Past Simple vs Present Perfect

https://www.perfect-english-grammar.com/past-simple-present-perfect-2.html

Where have you been dreaming of travelling abroad? why?

I have been dreaming of travelling to Dubai because when I watched a series called Bling Dubai on Netflix I was so surprised at how magnificent the city is.

What about you?

I have been dreaming of travelling to... because...

Collaborative Online Exercise about the Present Perfect Continuous

https://www.perfect-english-grammar.com/present-perfect-continuous-exercise-1.html

Individual Online Exercise about the Present Perfect Continuous

https://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/exercises/tenses/present_perfect_progressive_statements.htm

Collaborative Online Exercise about Present Perfect vs Present Perfect Continuous

https://test-english.com/grammar-points/b1/present-perfect-simple-present-perfect-continuous/2/

Individual Online Exercise about Present Perfect vs Present Perfect Continuous

https://test-english.com/grammar-points/b1/present-perfect-simple-present-perfect-continuous/3/

4.8.- How to write a review

 

What books that have turned into movies do you know?

for example, Devil wears Prada.

Collaborative Exercise about Classifying the Descriptive Adjectives

https://wordwall.net/resource/64427273

Collaborative Reading Aloud of the Sample Review on Page 38

Parts of the Review:

1.- Title

2.- Paragraph: Introduction including information about the author, the book name, the setting and the plot

3.- Paragraph 2: The plot

4.- Paragraph 3: Opinions about the plot and the characters

5.- Paragraph 4: Conclusion saying whether you recommend or not the book and why.

Exerciee 3 on page 33

https://wordwall.net/es/resource/81250188

Exercise 4 on page 33

https://wordwall.net/es/resource/81248040

4.7.- Present Perfect vs Present Perfect Continuous

What was the last film you saw?

Film Review: The Count of Monte Cristo

 

The Count of Monte Cristo has long been considered one of the finest adaptations of Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel. Released in 2002 and directed by Kevin Reynolds, the film has been captivating viewers with its compelling story of betrayal, revenge, and redemption. The performances, led by Jim Caviezel as Edmond Dantès and Guy Pearce as the treacherous Fernand Mondego, have received much praise for their depth and intensity.

 

The movie’s plot revolves around Edmond, who has been wrongfully imprisoned for years after being betrayed by his closest friends. Throughout the film, the audience has been following his transformation from a naive sailor into a sophisticated and calculating count. The gradual change in Edmond’s character has been portrayed beautifully, showcasing his thirst for revenge and his eventual realization of what truly matters in life.

 

One of the film’s strengths has been its ability to balance action, drama, and emotional depth. The sword fights and escape sequences have kept audiences on the edge of their seats, while the heartfelt moments have added layers of complexity to the story. The visuals, especially the shots of Château d'If and the lavish parties in Paris, have also impressed viewers with their attention to detail.

 

However, some fans of the original novel have criticized the movie for its creative liberties. The ending, in particular, has sparked debates among purists who feel it strays too far from Dumas’ intentions. Despite this, the film has continued to win over audiences who value its ability to tell a powerful story in a modern, cinematic way.

 

In conclusion, The Count of Monte Cristo has been entertaining audiences for years with its timeless tale of revenge and justice. Whether you are a fan of the original novel or discovering the story for the first time, this film has something unforgettable to offer.

  

Online Exercise about the Present Perfect

https://www.ego4u.com/en/cram-up/grammar/present-perfect-simple/exercises

Individual Online Exercise about the Present Perfect

https://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/exercises/tenses/present_perfect_statements.htm

Collaborative Online Exercise about the use present perfect time expressions

https://www.engblocks.com/grammar/exercises/tenses/present-perfect-for-since-just-yet-already/

Individual Online Exercise about Present Perfect with yet, just and already

https://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/exercises/tenses/present_perfect_statements2.htm

Speaking Practice about Present Perfect with already, just, since, yet. and for on Wordwall

https://wordwall.net/resource/73648332

Present Perfect Review

https://wordwall.net/resource/73719742

Collaborative Online Exercise about the Present Perfect Continuous

https://www.perfect-english-grammar.com/present-perfect-continuous-exercise-1.html

Collaborative Online Exercise about Present Perfect vs Present Perfect Continuous

https://test-english.com/grammar-points/b1/present-perfect-simple-present-perfect-continuous/

Individual Online Exercise about Present Perfect vs Present Perfect Continuous

https://test-english.com/grammar-points/b1/present-perfect-simple-present-perfect-continuous/3/

Speaking Practice about Answering Questions in Present Perfect or Present Perfect Continuous

https://wordwall.net/resource/13735520

Exercise 2 on page 37

Individual Exam Task on Page 37

4.6.- Speaking Test Part 4

Introductory conversation about going to the cinema

Emily: Hey, are you interested in going to the cinema this weekend?

 

Jake: Sure! What movie do you have in mind?

 

Emily: I was thinking about that new animated film. It looks really fun! For example, the reviews say it has great humor and beautiful animation.

 

Jake: Yeah, I’ve heard that too. What’s your opinion on animated films? Do you enjoy them?

 

Emily: Definitely! I think they can appeal to all ages. For instance, movies like "Toy Story" are not just for kids; they have themes that resonate with adults as well.

 

Jake: That’s true. I think the main reason is that they often deal with universal themes, such as friendship and family. How do you feel about that?

 

Emily: I agree! They can be really touching. Any particular reason why you like animated films?

 

Jake: Well, for one thing, they tend to have creative storytelling. Plus, I love the artistry involved. Could you tell me why some people don’t like them?

 

Emily: I guess it’s because they see them as just for children. Is that because they’re not used to watching them as adults?

 

Jake: That could be it. What are your feelings about watching them in theaters compared to at home?

 

Emily: I prefer the cinema experience! It’s much more immersive. What do you think?

 

Jake: I feel the same way. The big screen and surround sound make a huge difference. Let’s definitely go see it then! 

Exercise 4 on page 36 on Wordwall:

https://wordwall.net/es/resource/80808882

Video about the Speaking Test Part 4

Exercise 4 on page 36

https://wordwall.net/resource/63229126 

4.5- too vs enough

 

What I think about Cinepolis at Las Americas Mall

Going to the cinema is one of my favourite leisure activities, but the theatre I like most is Cinepolis Cancun at Las Americas Mall.

There are too many cinema rooms at Cinepolis at Las Americas Mall in Cancun. However, there aren't enough movies to watch in a week because some films are projected in several rooms.

What I love when going to the cinema is to eat too much popcorn as it is delicious enough.

I take enough money with me for having a good time when I go there.

Collaborative Online Exercise about the use of 'too' vs 'enough'

https://test-english.com/grammar-points/a2/too-too-much-too-many-enough/

Exercises on page 36

Individual Online Exercise about the use of 'too' vs 'enough'

https://test-english.com/grammar-points/a2/too-too-much-too-many-enough/2/

https://wordwall.net/es/resource/80668416

4.4.- Verbs followed by infinitive or gerund

Going to the Lake Parade in Geneva

 

At the Lake Parade in Geneva, Sarah appeared to be overwhelmed by the vibrant atmosphere of the DJ festival at Geneva Beach. Though she insisted herself on going, she wanted to avoid being in the middle of the crowds, as she disliked walking long distances. Instead, she found a cozy spot where she could enjoy spending time with friends and take in the sights.

 

As the music pulsed through the air, Sarah imagined being in a festival where everyone danced without a care. Her friends suggested going to dance, and while she initially hesitated, they promised to keep on following her to make it fun. Eventually, she managed to finish dancing, feeling the energy of the crowd lift her spirits.

 

However, the late-night excitement threatened to catch up with her. Sarah missed sleeping and knew she would have to learn to pace herself at such events. Still, the joy of the parade made it worthwhile; she didn't mind splashing out on a little extra energy to keep going.

 

By the end of the day, she felt a sense of accomplishment. Sarah didn’t want to refuse any fun moments, and her friends seemed to share her enthusiasm. They all promised to make it an annual tradition, ensuring that next year, they would be ready to enjoy every part of the festival together.

 

Grammar in Songs about Verbs followed by the to-infinitive and -ing. 

Collaborative Exercise about Classifying the Verbs followed by to-infinitive or -ing

https://wordwall.net/es/resource/62736657

Collaborative Online Exercise about Verbs followed by to- infinitive or -ing

https://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/exercises/structures/gerund_infinitive2.htm

Gerund and the Infinitive after the verb – no difference in meaning

These verbs can be followed by a Gerund and an Infinitive without changing their meaning:

Verb	Examples
begin	He began talking.
	He began to talk
hate	Do you hate working on Saturdays?
	Do you hate to work on Saturdays?
like	I like swimming.
	I like to swim.
love	She loves painting.
	She loves to paint.
prefer	Pat prefers walking home.
	Pat prefers to walk home.
start	They start singing.
	They start to sing.

Oral Practice with speaking cards about forming sentences with the assigned verb and its corresponding structure:

https://wordwall.net/es/resource/100326015

Conversation video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=PT85QlyEjQI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=PT85QlyEjQI

Collaborative Online Exercise about Verbs followed by to- infinitive or -ing with different meaning

https://www.liveworksheets.com/w/en/english-second-language-esl/648394