This is a high-scoring sample answer for the following Cambridge C1 Advanced Writing Part 2 letter of recommendation. Collocations about employment can be found here. Below, also, is a list of less common vocabulary with definitions. Read the sample answer, then send me your essay in the comments. I will give you a quick score and also some comments if I have time. Start today, unless you’re struggling for ideas.
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C1 Advanced Writing Part 2 Quiz: Are You the Best?
C1 Advanced Part 2 Essay Sample Answer
Your friend Sarah has applied for a job in the office of an English Language College that has students from all over the world, and has asked you to write a letter of recommendation for the College Principal.
Applicants should have good communication skills, be a team player and well-organised.
In your letter you should include information about your friend’s relevant work experience and personal qualities, and reasons for recommending them for the job.
Write your answer in 220-260 words in an appropriate style.
Ref: Office Job Application by Sarah
Dear sir / madam,
My name is Alan Williamson and I am writing to you as a referee for Sarah in her application for the job in the office at your English Language College. I was her district manager in her previous job with Godalming County council. As I’m sure you are aware, she worked in administration doing general office duties as well as covering for anyone who was absent.
Her work duties there included dealing both with the public and the in-house work teams. Although the public is inevitably diverse, and the work teams very stressed, they gave Sarah’s line manager first class feedback regarding how she handled their problems or complaints. That department is incredibly busy all day every day, and so Sarah had to pull her weight in a team where there were often people off sick or on leave.
As for Sarah’s personal attributes, I would class her as personable, capable and enthusiastic. In my opinion, sarah definitely has the right kind of experience for your vacancy. But there is another point I would like to mention here. Although she is quite reticent to talk about it, she always harboured ambitions to be a teacher, and would relish the chance to work in a college. Travelling is another of her desires, so I am sure she would take to dealing with students from various countries easily and eagerly.
In conclusion, I cannot recommend Sarah highly enough, even though I would like her to return to her previous position with the council. As far as I can tell, she has all the attributes you are seeking and more, so it would be churlish of me to stand in the way of any progress she can make.
Your sincerely
Alan Williamson
Remember to post your essay in the comments at the bottom of this page so I can give you a score!
Less Common Vocabulary for C1 Advanced Writing
referee – someone who provides a reference usually personal or for work
to cover for someone – to do the work of someone who is not at work
absent – not at work
in-house– done within the company
inevitable – certain to happen
diverse – showing a lot of variety
to pull your weight – to do your job without help
attributes – here, a characteristic
personable – having a pleasant appearance and manner
reticent – not revealing thoughts or feelings
to harbour – to keep something in your mind, even secretly
relish – to enjoy greatly
churlish – rude
Even more vocabulary on travel is available here.
Remember to post your essay in the comments at the bottom of this page so I can give you a score!
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Is it neccessary to state that I have worked with her? Can I only talk about her as a friend and not a colleague?
Dear Sir/Madam,
My name is Yulia Tsolova and I am writing to you regarding a friend who has recently applied for a job in the office of your college. I would like to highlight Sarah’s abilities and skills and state why I believe she is a perfect fit for this job position.
Firstly, Sarah has worked as an administrator in an international company. Her experience has led her to be fluent in English, Spanish, French and have basic knowledge in Russian. She is not only great with languages but has excellent communication skills. Sarah’s position at a big company has taught her how to cooperate with hundreds of workers which makes her a wonderful team player.
Secondly, as Sarah’s friend I can claim that she is extremely well-organised due to her working as a shop assistant. From this job position she has learned how to deal with clients quickly and keep the workspace neat. I would like to mention a hobby of hers- drawing. Sarah has gained a lot of patience and sequence which is essential when dealing with students.
In conclusion, judging by her personal qualities and work experience, I strongly believe that Sarah is the person you are looking for. She has all the abilities you are looking for if not more and I can claim that she is going to do work with passion.
Yours Sincerely,
Yulia Tsolova
Hi Yulia, sorry for the late reply.
Thank you for posting your answer. First of all, this answer should give you a practice score of around 18, which equates to a Cambridge English Scale score of around 165 – 170. This is at the higher levels of B2.
In answer to your question.
The questions states – ‘Your friend Sarah’, so no, you don’t need to state that you have worked with her.
Improvements:
Content –
You should state your friend’s name. If her full name isn’t in the question, invent one, since this is a formal letter.
In the paragraph starting ‘Firstly’, most of the last sentence repeats what you have already said.
Even though the ‘Secondly’ paragraph talks about her as a friend, you still talk about her previous employment.
Communicative Achievement –
Good overall
Organisation –
Although what you have written is easy to understand, there are some lapses in cohesion. For example, ‘Sarah’s position at a big company’ is that the same company as the international one mentioned earlier. If it is, then it should be ‘that big company’.
Also, and this isn’t really that important. having spaces between the paragraphs makes it much easier to read.
Language –
No major issues
All in all, Yulia, more practice with advice from a qualified tutor will lift your score quite easily. Good luck with your test!