Task
You have a full-time job and are also doing a part-time evening course. You now find that you cannot continue the course.
Write a letter to the course tutor. In your letter
- describe the situation
- explain why you cannot continue at this time
- say what action you would like to take
Candidate’s Answer
This is an answer written by a candidate who achieved a Band 5.0 score.
Dear Sir or Madam,
My name is Mohamad Abdul. I am taking a part-time evening course. I am having a hard time keeping up with this course. I am afraid I cannot continue the course.
My problem is, I have a full-time job, from 9 am to 5 pm. Sometimes, I am asked to stay extra hours, to finish up the rest of the work. That is because the holidays are coming up soon. Also, I have to do some work preparations for the next day.
At night when I get home, I am too tired to even prepare dinner for myself. Also, I have no time to study for this course.
I would like to drop this course this quarter. Then take it again the next quarter. So, please accept my situation.
Thank you for your cooperation
Sincerely
M. Abdul
Examiner’s Comment
The reason for writing is very clear in this letter but it is not clear who the letter is to. The writer gives information to cover all three bullet points, but only one is well extended, and the whole response is underlength at 135 words, so it loses marks for this.
The information is organised and it is easy to follow the message. A range of linkers is used across the answer and they are generally accurate, but in some places, especially the first paragraph, sentences are not well-linked.
The range of vocabulary is sufficient for the task and there are some quite precise expressions. There are no errors in word form, but some very basic spelling errors occur. In terms of grammar, the range is rather limited with many very short sentences and few complex structures. Grammar is generally well-controlled, however, with only a few minor errors and occasional inappropriate punctuation.
