20 March

Dear Sir,

I was very interested in your advertisement in today's edition of The Evening Post and I should like to apply to be a member of the Amazon Expedition team.

I am twenty-three years old and have an honors degree in Botany from Bath

University. Since leaving university I have been working in a research laboratory but my contract comes to an end in six weeks. I would particularly like to join the expedition for the opportunity it would give me to study the plant life of the area.

I enjoy several outdoor activities including rowing and rock climbing and I consider myself to be both fit and healthy enough to undertake such an expedition.

If you would like me to attend an interview, I would be able to come at any time convenient to you, (J1) my employers have agreed to give me time off for the purpose.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours faithfully,

Lily Ma

20 June

Dear Sir,

I noticed an ad. In the paper today you said you were looking for people to join your expedition team. It sounded as if it might be fun so I'm writing to say I'd like to come along.

About myself: I left school at 16 because I wanted to earn a bit of money. After that I got a few part-time jobs as a waiter, etc. But I didn't stick to any of them for long. Recently I've been doing a bit of hitch-hiking round Europe so I've had some

experience of traveling the hard way which should come in handy on the expedition you're planning. By the way, I'm a great guitarist so I can keep you all amused round the campfire at night.

Let me know when I can call in for a chat about dates and other details, etc.

Yours,

David Smith

12 May

Dear Sir,

I am writing to apply for a British Council scholarship to study in Britain. I did my five years' basic training in medicine at Shanghai University. After this I successfully completed a one-year postgraduate course in Ophthalmology at the People's General Hospital, where I am at present serving a two-year probation in the Eye Clinic.

As a result of the publication in 2003 of my article in New Scientist entitled "Soft and Rigid Contact Lenses ", which was based on a survey of 37 patients over 6 months, I made contact with Dr. Li Ming of the Capital Hospital and Dr. Ma Li of the

University College Hospital. I have received their help and advice with my current research project, which is a two-year survey of the acceptance of various types of contact lenses in 200 patients.

Despite their help, I feel that I cannot make real progress in this field unless I can actually have day-to-day contact with these specialists. I would therefore like to continue my research at either the Capital Hospital or the UCH as soon as my probationary period here is completed, and I would like to study in Britain for two years.

I enclose a detailed curriculum vitae and an offprint of my article, together with two letters of recommendation from Dr. Li Ming and Dr. Ma Li.

Yours faithfully,

Lily Chen

22 October

Dear Sir,

I would like to apply for the post of Works Manager, which was advertised in The Guardian of I2 October . I feel that my qualifications and experience are ideally suited for the position.

I was born in 1968, and I went to school from 1973 to 1988. In 1987 I took the

General Certificate of Education, and I got good grades in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. After leaving school, I attended the Orient Technical College, where I first studied Fiber Technology and Color Chemistry; later I studied other subjects related to textile manufacture, and in 1991 I obtained the Diploma in Textiles.

After completing my studies, I joined the Top Clothing Company where I worked until 1996. In that year I moved to Prior Productions, who was pleased with my work, and as a result, in 1998, I was promoted to Assistant Works Manager there.

I enjoy my work, and I am prepared to work hard. Moreover, I am sure that Prior

Productions would give me an excellent reference. I therefore feel that my application deserves your serious consideration.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours faithfully,

Mary Ma