Unit 10            

Writing (a curriculum vitae/covering letter/Using linking words)

Writing a curriculum vitae
• A clear, well-laid-out CV is important. Make sure there is adequate line space, and that your headings are in bold.
• Use simple, clear language.
• Focus on your achievements, both educational and extra-curricular.
• Make sure that you have included all relevant information for the application.
• Proofread your CV to make sure there are no mistakes.

Sample curriculum vitae 

Name: [YOUR FULL NAME] Address: [STREET NUMBER AND NAME], [CITY/TOWN NAME] Education: Degree in English (2009 CE)PEP (Practical Education Programme) Teaching qualification (2011 CE) Work experience: Teacher of English, [SCHOOL NAME], [CITY/TOWN NAME] Skills and achievements: Voluntary work for children’s charities; excellent piano accompanist. Personal attributes: I am a dedicated, ambitious worker. I have high expectations of myself and the students I teach. Reference: [FULL NAME], head teacher at [SCHOOL NAME], [CITY/TOWN NAME]

                                                

                                                                   Headings in bold⇒

                                                      space between sections⇒

                                                                        include dates⇒

 

                                                                     

 

 

 

                                                                        make any full⇒
                                                                 sentences concise

                                                              include a reference⇒

 

 

Academic skills: Formal letter writing
When you write a formal letter, remember to lay it out correctly.
• Lay the letter out correctly with a clear greeting line and sign-off line. Make sure you begin and end the letter appropriately.
• Use formal language; avoid contractions. Use modal verbs.Write short and clear paragraphs. Check your spelling and punctuation so that you give a good impression.

                                                                                                     Sample covering letter

Dear [TITLE (Mr, Mrs, Dr, etc.) + SURNAME], I am writing to apply for the job of Head of the English Department at [SCHOOL NAME]. You will see from my curriculum vitae that I have a Bachelor’s degree in English and a PEP teaching qualification, as well as substantial teaching experience at [SCHOOL NAME]. I am now looking for a new challenge as [POSITION], and I am interested in pursuing my goal at your school. My developing leadership skills show that I am ready to advance in my teaching career, and the advertised position at your school as [POSITION] is ideal. While I am dedicated to teaching and know that my students are of the highest importance, I make time to have an active and varied social and family life. This helps to keep my approach to teaching and student welfare fresh. Please contact me for a reference. I look forward to hearing from you regarding the next stage of my application. Yours sincerely, [YOUR FULL NAME]

                                                       Formal greeting⇒

                                                             Introduction:⇒
                                                       Introduce yourself;
                                                     give details of career
                                                                     so far.

 

                                                  Body paragraph 1:⇒
                                                  Say why you are
                                                applying and how you
                                                are suited to the job.

                                                    Body paragraph 2:⇒
                                                    Give further details
                                                       and describe your
                                                            ambitions.

                                            Closing paragraph:⇒
                        Mention your reference. Write about
                   the next stage of the application process.
                                               
             Sign-off: Ensure that your formal sign-off ⇒
                matches your formal greeting.
                           Write your name in full.

Useful language:
 

I am writing to apply for ...; You will see from my curriculum vitae that ...; I am now looking for a new challenge as ...; My developing leadership skills show that ...; I am dedicated to ...; Please contact me for a reference; I look forward to hearing from you ...

 

Writing skills:

Using linking words

•  Linking words showing 'cause' explain the reason for something.

We couldn’t go to the stadium because/as/since there weren’t any tickets left.
As / Since / Because I was tired, I went to bed.
We were late because of / due to the traffic.
 

• Linking words showing 'result' explain the consequences of an action.

We were caught in traffic, therefore /so we missed the start of the play.
She worked hard; as a result, /because of that, / consequently, she did very well in her exams.

Examples:

She made one big mistake, as a result, she lost her job.

It rained heavily, consequently, the football game was called off.

He didn't join the team due to his illness.

They cannot go to cinema because it is too late.

The match was cancelled due to the bad weather.

We cancelled the picnic because it was raining.

We can't make copies because the machine is broken.

Let's stop off at the library so I can return these books.