STUDY AND WRITING SKILLS
34
3.5
STUDY SKILLS
ORGANISING IDEAS
1
a
Paragraphs
Complete the text about paragraphing
with the words in the box.
information link texts logically main
It is common to divide writing into paragraphs. A
paragraph contains sentences, and these all
1
to the
2
idea contained in the key sentence. This is called
the topic sentence. It is usually the first one but can come
later in the paragraph. The other sentences support it by
giving more
3
or examples. A paragraph will have a
final sentence which usually signals what will come next
or summarises information which was in the paragraph.
Most written
4
have several paragraphs which
connect
5
to each other.
1
b
Why do we divide texts into paragraphs?
2
Organising a paragraph
Read this paragraph from
an application letter. It was sent by a candidate who
applied to Jade Gyms for a job. Work with a partner to
discuss the following.
1
Which is the topic sentence?
2
Which sentences support the main idea?
3
Why is the final sentence not suitable for this paragraph?
I have been interested in healthy living and fitness for many
years. This is why I chose to study for a degree in Sports
Management at my local university. I have had excellent
grades throughout my studies and expect to graduate in a
few weeks’ time. After this, I am thinking of going on to do
a part-time Master’s degree in Business Administration. I
am a member of the university debating society and enjoy
dancing to South American music.
3
The following sentences are from another paragraph
in the letter. Put the sentences in the correct order and
underline the topic sentence.
a
For example, I am captain of the university
debating team.
b
One of my strongest points is my personality. I am a
confident person, very outgoing and sociable.
c
I believe the qualities that I have mentioned are
important for a fitness instructor.
d
Because of this, I have many friends and am a
member of several clubs.
4
a
Look again at the job adverts on page 27. Which
advert interests you the most? Think about these
questions.
1
Why do you want to apply for the position?
2
What skills and qualities do you have to offer the
organisation?
4
b
Complete this first paragraph of your application
letter for the job. Then write two paragraphs,
explaining your reasons for applying and describing
your skills and qualities.
I am writing to apply for the position of
, which you
advertised in today’s Jobsonline.com. I am very excited
by the opportunity you offer and believe that I have the
personality and qualifications you are looking for.
WRITING SKILLS
COVERING LETTER AND CURRICULUM VITAE (CV)
5
What is the difference, if any, between a CV, a
resumé and a covering letter?
6
a
3.7
Covering letter
Listen to a careers counsellor
answering questions from a student about covering
letters. What three things does the student ask about?
6
b
Listen again. What are the counsellor’s answers to
the questions? Make notes next to the questions you
wrote in Exercise 6a.
7
Denise Martin is applying for a job as an instructor
at the London branch of Jade Gyms (see page 32).
Read her covering letter and complete it with the
words and phrases in the box.
work placement available for interview skills
look forward degree delighted position
Dear Ms Khan,
25 September
Re: Fitness Instructor
I am a student studying Sports Management at the
University of Surrey. I am writing to apply for the
1
of Fitness Instructor, which you advertised in
today’s KeepFitOnline.com.
I have been interested in healthy living and fitness for
many years, which is why I chose to study for a
2
in Sports Science at the Bahrain Sports Institute.
I graduate in three months’ time and would like to work
in a Health and Fitness club. I was
3
to see your
advert because your clubs have an excellent reputation.
I am an outgoing, confident person and believe that I
have good communication
4
. I speak French
fluently and Arabic to an intermediate level. Last summer,
I worked with a dietician at a hospital and gained useful
knowledge of health foods. I also had a two-month
5
with a sports goods company. Inmy spare time, I run an
aerobics class everyMonday evening.
I am
6
at any time convenient to you. I
7
to hearing from you soon.
Yours sincerely,
Denise Martin
