Sample response & feedback

Applying for Volunteer Work at a Local Museum

Question

View question6 sample responses · Bands 6.5–8.0

A museum near your home is looking for people to do part-time voluntary/unpaid work. You would like to do some voluntary/unpaid work at the museum. Write a letter to the museum director to apply for the voluntary/unpaid work. In your letter explain why you want to do voluntary/unpaid work at the museum describe some skills and qualities you have that would be useful give details of when you would be available for work You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

Annotated response

8 correction notes

I am writing to express my sincere interest in offering my voluntary services at your prestigious museum.

As a resident with a deep appreciation for the cultural significance of our community, I have always been eager to be a part of your team. Besides fuelling my passion for arts and history, this opportunity will enable me to further my research in the ancient history of India before the Mughal period. Therefore, to contribute my time and skills to support the museum’s endeavors.

, I will bring a wide range of . My history degree and my work as a volunteer at neighborhood art galleries have sharpened my communication skills with people of all ages, enabling me to make difficult historical ideas approachable and captivating. Moreover, my ability to speak several languages, including French and German, can improve the experience of foreign guests.

Regarding my schedule, I am available on Saturdays and Sundays, and I am flexible during weekdays after 3:00 PM.

,

Kinjal Banerjee

Overall assessment

Why this response received Band 7.5

The strongest aspect is the fluent, well-organised presentation of relevant qualifications and clear availability, with an appropriately formal register. The main limitation is a handful of awkward or inaccurate phrasings, such as 'I will like to contribute' and 'In case you select me', alongside the incorrect sign-off 'Your Sincerely'.

IELTS criteria

How each score was decided

TA Task Achievement

7.5

The letter addresses all three bullet points with relevant motivation, qualifications and availability. Its purpose is clear and the tone is generally formal, but the required greeting is missing and the sign-off is incorrect. More precise weekday hours would help the director plan shifts.

CC Coherence and Cohesion

7.5

Ideas progress logically across well-managed paragraphs with clear linking ('Moreover', 'Regarding my schedule'), with only occasional stiffness in cohesion.

LR Lexical Resource

7.5

Vocabulary is varied and largely precise for the context ('prestigious', 'approachable and captivating', 'endeavors'), though a few collocations such as 'bring...to the table' feel informal or slightly imprecise for the register.

GRA Grammatical Range and Accuracy

7.5

Complex sentences, relative clauses and participial phrases are generally controlled well. The main slips concern the expression of willingness in “I will like” and the choice of “In case” to introduce the condition for contributing to the museum.

More responses with feedback

View all 6 responses (6.5–8.0)