Topic 1 

You have decided to go backpacking around Europe. One of your best friends did exactly that
last year. Write to your friend asking for advice. Look at the notes you have made below of all
the things that you need to ask your friend.

Notes

 plan route or just go for it?

 best way to travel?
 accommodation?
 insurance?
 places not to miss?
 possible problems?

Write a letter.

Hi Matt,

Time for a catch-up! I’ve got some exciting news; I’ve put my fears to one side and made up
my mind to do what you did a year ago and go backpacking around Europe. Nice, eh? But I’m
hoping I can count on your support, buddy, because I’ve got a ton of questions…

First off, what about the route – should I plan it all out in advance or just go with the flow and
see where my journey takes me? What did you do? I think maybe some advance planning is a
good idea, right? And another thing; how did you travel? I mean, I’m worried about safety a
little, so I don’t think I’d hitchhike, but which other option is best – train, bus…? I don’t have
all that much money to spend so cost is quite important, too; I guess what I’m asking is what’s
the safest and cheapest way to get around?

Then there’s accommodation – where did you stay? I was thinking hostels or cheap hotels.
Are they safe and what are the facilities like? By the way, did you get travel insurance? I’m
caught in two minds about whether or not it’s worth it; after all, it’s quite pricey, but I guess
then you’re protected for your trip.

I’d also love to hear what you have to say about the best places to visit; I mean, where did you
have the best time and what’s unmissable? Let me know if there are any potential problems I
might encounter, too. Was your trip pretty problem-free or are there things I should know
about?

Speak soon,
Neville

Topic 2

You recently had an unpleasant experience when you were shopping in a department store.
One of the assistants wrongly accused you of shoplifting. Although you were able to prove
that you had paid for the item in question, you received no apology.
Write a letter to the manager of the shop, saying why you are angry and disappointed and
asking for some kind of compensation for the way you were treated. Say that you will take
further action if you do not receive an official apology.

Write your letter.

Dear Mr Menton,

I am writing about a recent incident in your shop in which I had the misfortune to be involved
in. The incident I refer to is when one of your staff stopped me and accused me of shoplifting
in front of about 20 other people. Needless to say, this was an extremely embarrassing
situation for me. Thank goodness I had kept the receipt to prove that I had paid for everything
on my person at the time, but to be accused of stealing like that in front of all those people –
some of whom I knew personally – was very humiliating and degrading. The shop assistant
used a very accusatory tone…

But the thing that angered and dismayed me most was not the accusation itself – after all,
misunderstandings happen sometimes – but the accuser’s failure to acknowledge his mistake
or apologise to me. When I showed him the receipt, he simply walked off mumbling about
how ‘shady’ a character I looked. Considering how much embarrassment I was caused, I do
not think it was too much to have expected a simple apology either, do you?

Which brings me back to why I am writing; if I cannot get an apology from this assistant, then
I would like a formal one from you instead. If an official apology is not forthcoming and I am
not compensated in some way – with a shopping voucher for example – then be warned that I
will take further steps to ensure that I get justice.

I look forward to hearing from you at the very earliest convenience.

Yours sincerely,
Michael Mathers

Topic 3

You have seen the following advertisement in an international newspaper.

ISLAND ADVENTURE

We are looking for 30 people to take part in an exciting new television programme. If yen
are chosen, you will all be taken to an island and left for six months with only basic supplies
Have you got the necessary skills to survive? Have you got the right personality to work in
a team? Tell no why you want to participate and why you should be chosen.

Write your letter of application.

Dear Sir/Madam

I am writing In response to your announcement, recently published In an issue of the “Dailly

Planet”. I am really Interested In participating In your new television programme.
To begin with, I would like to put forward some information about myself. l am 20 years old
and I am currently studying the Law in the university of Athens I have been studying both
English and French since I was 12.  Consequently it would be easy for ma to communicate
with the rest of the group.

Furthermore, I have joined  a climbing team since 1992 and I have taken part In many
activities such as climbing up mountain Olympus twice or climbing up mountain Rodopi.
Moreover, I have been In the basket-ball team of my high-school for three years where we
were champions for three times In the local championships. It Is obvious that my physical
skills and my body strength are bound to help me to survive under difficult circumstances
during my setay on a remoted Island.

As far as my personality is concerned I do believe that I am very polite and honest with
people. I have great communicational skills and this derive from the fact that I am used to be a
member of different sports groups. My experience In climbing mountain Olympus, has
supplied me with a great amount of patience. I am always willing to offer my help and
experience to less-experienced team-mates and to give any piece of advice. Should be
important.

I strongy believe that I am the perfect candidate for this entertaining telvision programme. I
really indulge myself In being under difficult conditions supplied only with the basic objects.
It seems to me that it is an outlet for my energy.

I enclose my curriculum vitae and photographs. I would like to thank you in advance for
considering my application. It would be a great pleasure for me to attend an interview and to
supply you with further information, if required. I am looking forward to your prompt reply.

Topic 4

You see this advert in a newspaper:

Tour guides needed

We need a hard-working team of people to work as tour guides throughout the summer
period. A good knowledge of your local area is required, as well as the ability to get on well
with people. If you are at least 18 years old, write to us and tell us about your character
and interests. We would also like you to say what you think is one of the highlights of your
area and why.

Write a letter applying for the job advertised.

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing in response to the advert I saw in the newspaper seeking people to work as tour
guides. I think I would make a very good tour guide and I wish to apply for the job.

There are a number of reasons that I think I would make an ideal employee for you. I am
nineteen years old and have just completed my first year studying archaeology at the
university. Although I did not grow up in this city, I really love it here and have enjoyed
getting to know the city. Now, I know it like the back of my hand, but I still have the
enthusiasm of a visitor. For this reason, I think I would be very good at showing other visitors
around. I have always been sociable and I like meeting and talking with people; for example,
when I started university I joined five different clubs! That was a bit much, so now I choose
my three favourite which I’m still actively involved in.

I believe the highlight of our area is the history. It is a very great history and is known
extensively. There are many archaeological sites, which are well shown, for people to see and
visit and understand. Not many cities have the opportunity to educate visitors so much about
the past.

I appreciate your attention to my letter and I hope you will consider my application. If you
need any more information please feel free to contact me. I hope to hear from you soon.

Yours faithfully,
Hannah Johnson