Curriculum
- 5 Sections
- 41 Lessons
- 10 Weeks
- Guidelines to Crack the CELPIP Writing Section1
- Structure for Writing Responses0
- Vocabulary & Grammar Tips0
- Task 1: Writing an Email Assignments20
- 4.21. Email to a Friend: Invite a friend to a dinner party, explaining the details.
- 4.32. Complaint Email: Write a complaint to a store about a defective product.
- 4.43. Workplace Request: Request time off from your manager for personal reasons.
- 4.54. Follow-up Email: Write a follow-up email after a job interview.
- 4.65. Customer Service Email: Complain about poor service in a restaurant.
- 4.76. Holiday Request: Write to your boss requesting a change in vacation days.
- 4.87. Appointment Email: Reschedule a doctor’s appointment.
- 4.98. Recommendation Request: Ask a professor to write a recommendation letter.
- 4.109. Volunteer Application: Apply for a volunteer position at a local charity.
- 4.1110. Email to Landlord: Report maintenance issues in your apartment.
- 4.1211. Event Cancellation: Inform your colleagues about a meeting cancellation.
- 4.1312. Job Application: Write a formal email applying for a job position.
- 4.1413. Request for Information: Ask for details about a university course.
- 4.1514. Feedback Email: Give feedback to a hotel after a stay.
- 4.1615. Thank You Email: Thank a colleague for helping you with a work project.
- 4.1716. Request for Refund: Request a refund from an online store.
- 4.1817. Invitation to Event: Invite your colleagues to a corporate event.
- 4.1918. Email to a Neighbor: Politely ask your neighbor to reduce noise levels.
- 4.2019. Community Event Participation: Write an email volunteering for a community event.
- 4.2120. Travel Inquiry: Ask a travel agency for information about vacation packages.
- Task 2: Responding to Survey Questions Assignments20
- 5.221. Survey on Work-from-Home: Do you think working from home is more productive? Why?
- 5.322. City Development: Should the city build more parks or shopping centers? Why?
- 5.423. Public Transport: Should public transport be free for all citizens? Explain your opinion.
- 5.524. Restaurant Choices: Do you prefer fast food or home-cooked meals? Why?
- 5.625. Fitness Classes: Should fitness classes be mandatory in schools? Why or why not?
- 5.726. Technology in Schools: Should children be allowed to use technology in classrooms? Explain.
- 5.827. Health Benefits: Should employers offer gym memberships to their employees? Why?
- 5.928. Social Media: Is social media beneficial or harmful to society? Explain your opinion.
- 5.1029. Travel Preference: Do you prefer solo travel or group travel? Explain your choice.
- 5.1130. Shopping Preferences: Do you prefer shopping online or in physical stores? Explain your reasons.
- 5.1231. Exercise Habits: Should people exercise daily for better health? Why?
- 5.1333. Learning a Language: Is it important to learn a second language? Why or why not?
- 5.1434. Green Energy: Should governments invest in renewable energy? Why or why not?
- 5.1535. City Life vs. Countryside: Do you prefer living in a big citcy or a small town? Why?
- 5.1636. Saving Money: Is it better to save money or spend it on experiences? Explain your opinion.
- 5.1737. Self-Driving Cars: Should self-driving cars be widely adopted? Why or why not?
- 5.1838. Pets at Work: Should pets be allowed in workplaces? Why or why not?
- 5.1939. University Education: Is it necessary for everyone to attend university? Explain.
- 5.2040. Healthy Diets: Should governments promote healthy diets? Why?
- 5.2141. Television: Is television becoming less important in today’s world? Explain.
8. Recommendation Request: Ask a professor to write a recommendation letter.
Objective
To help students practice writing a formal and respectful email requesting a recommendation letter from a professor, focusing on clear communication, politeness, and providing necessary details for the letter.
Sample Response
Subject: Request for a Recommendation Letter
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope you are doing well. I am reaching out to kindly ask if you would be willing to write a recommendation letter for me. I am applying for [mention the program, job, or scholarship], and your recommendation would be invaluable due to your knowledge of my academic performance and commitment to the course.
Throughout your [mention the course or project], I believe you observed my work ethic and skills, and I would be grateful if you could highlight these in your letter. The deadline for submission is [mention the deadline], so I would need to submit the letter by [date]. If you require any further information or materials, such as my resume or details of the program, please do not hesitate to let me know.
Thank you for considering my request. I would greatly appreciate your support and look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Course Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Difficult Words, Their Meanings, and Usage
- Invaluable
- Meaning: Extremely valuable or useful.
- Sentence: Your recommendation would be invaluable in supporting my application.
- Willing
- Meaning: Ready or inclined to do something.
- Sentence: I would be very grateful if you are willing to write the recommendation letter.
- Performance
- Meaning: The way in which someone does something, particularly in an academic or professional context.
- Sentence: I believe you can highlight my performance in your class in the letter.
- Ethic
- Meaning: The moral principles that govern someone’s behavior.
- Sentence: I hope you can mention my strong work ethic throughout the course.
- Submission
- Meaning: The act of presenting something for review or consideration.
- Sentence: The submission deadline for my application is approaching, so I would need the letter by [date].
Grammar Tips
- Use Polite Requests:
- Example: “I would be very grateful if you could write a recommendation letter for me.”
- Be Clear About Deadlines:
- Example: “The deadline for submission is [date], and I would need to submit the letter by [date].”
- Provide Context and Specific Details:
- Example: “I am applying for [program/job], and I believe your recommendation would carry great weight.”
- Use Professional Tone:
- Example: “Thank you for considering my request.”
- Offer to Provide Supporting Materials:
- Example: “If you require my resume or additional information, please let me know.”
Tips to Develop Thought Process
- Explain Why You Are Asking the Professor:
- Mention how the professor’s knowledge of your work and achievements makes their recommendation valuable.
- Be Specific About What You Need:
- Clarify what the recommendation letter is for, such as a program, scholarship, or job application.
- Give Sufficient Time:
- Make sure you give the professor ample time to write the letter, and clearly mention the submission deadline.
- Offer Supporting Information:
- Provide your resume, academic achievements, or any other information that could help the professor write a strong letter.
- Be Grateful and Considerate:
- Acknowledge that writing a recommendation letter is a favor and express appreciation for their time and support.
Student Task
Instructions:
Write an email requesting a recommendation letter from your professor. Include:
- A clear subject line indicating your request.
- A polite introduction and explanation of why you are asking the professor.
- Details about the program, scholarship, or job you are applying for.
- The deadline for submitting the letter and any additional information they might need.
- A courteous closing expressing appreciation for their time and support.
Time Limit: 20 minutes (5 minutes planning, 12 minutes writing, 3 minutes revising).
Note for Students:
Ensure your email is polite, clear, and respectful. Be specific about the request and provide enough information for the professor to write a strong recommendation. Proofread your email for grammar and spelling errors before sending it.