Szabó-Barefield:

ECL Examination Topics English Level C1 Book 1 Including updated tasks and DIY tasks
ISBN: 978-615-5386-14-5

The individual – Writing task

You’d like to work as a volunteer and help people in need in your area. Write a formal letter of 200 words
to the municipality. Ask for guidance with regard to your plan. You can think of:
 your motivation to volunteer
 why you could be useful
 personal touch
 type of work

Model answer

Dear Sir / Madam,

I am a 43-year-old kindergarten teacher. I have been working as a nanny in a crèche in the Transdanubian
region, and now as the number of children lessens every year we are on the verge of closing up.
I love working with people, most of all with children, and thus being made redundant, I thought I might opt
for voluntary work. I saw reports of families who have lost their homes and the situation of children in such
families moved me much. In times like that parents are often too stressed to provide the necessary support
for children, so it is extra confusing for them.
Things that money can buy are important – but not as important as a personal touch or a helping hand.
How long can these people hold on? I do not know. They need mental support; they have to see that they
are not alone. They have to understand that they are not neglected by society, but are needed by the country
and its inhabitants.
I am not averse to physical work, either. If that is needed, I can gladly help with that, too.
Please kindly consider my application.
Yours faithfully,
Éva Jancsó
(Words 200)