Dear ….

(Name of Employer or University Official): or (TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:)

PARAGRAPH 1:

This reference letter is provided at the written request of (the name of the student, person), who has
asked me to serve as a reference on his/her behalf.

If written to a specific employer or educator:

I am writing this reference at the request of (the name of the student, person) who is applying for
(admission to Cambridge University, job title, graduate program, etc.) (with (company, school, etc.))

If written to whom it may concern:

I am writing this reference at the request of (the name of the student, person). S/he has asked me to
provide this general letter that s/he may show to any prospective (employer, school, etc.) who asks
her/him for references.

PARAGRAPH 2:

I have known (Student, person) for (length of time) in my capacity as (your job title) at (your
organization). (Student, person) took (names of courses) from me and earned (grades) in those classes.
Based on (Student’s) grades, (excellent, good, etc.) attendance and class participation, I would rate
(Student’s) academic performance in my class as (superior; very high; average; above average; below
average; poor; very low). OR (Student, person) worked for me as (job title). OR (Student, person)
belonged to the (organization) which I ran.

(As [his/her] professor, I have had an opportunity to observe the student's participation and interaction in
class and to evaluate the student's knowledge of the subject matter. I would rate the student's overall
performance in these subjects as average. This is evidenced by [his/her] grades--[state the grades].
[One or two specific examples of the student's performance may be appropriate.] As part of [his/her] grade
in [name of course], the student was required to prepare a paper. The paper was designed to measure the
student's ability to research, to analyze the results of the research, and to write. [Discuss how the paper
submitted by the student indicated to you the student's skills in these areas.] Based upon this, I rate the
student's skills competent but not excelling. )

PARAGRAPH 3:

(Student, person) has a number of strengths to offer (an employer, a graduate program). List qualities
here supporting each one with examples. Focus on qualities relevant to the opportunity the student is seeking.

PARAGRAPH 4:

In conclusion, I would (highly) recommend (Student, person). If her/his performance in (my class,
name of position, organization) is any indication of how she/he would perform in (your position, your
graduate program, etc.), (Student, person) will be a positive addition to your (organization, university,
etc.).

(Based upon the student's academic performance and my understanding of the position for which the
student is applying, I believe the student would perform (place overall evaluation here).
If you would like to discuss this further, please feel free to contact me.)
Yours faithfully / sincerely,
First name, last name
To Whom It May Concern:

I am very pleased to be asked to write a reference for Miss Jane Smith who has been a student in
the Bachelor of Commerce degree course at the University of Someplace since 1999. I have had
Jane as a student in two units of accounting and her abilities and attention to her studies has
earned her very good results. Jane has been majoring in (спеціалізуватися) accounting and her
results have been very good, a reflection of her abilities and hard work.

In addition to these academic qualities, Jane has displayed great enthusiasm and initiative; she
has excellent communication skills and has a very friendly and outgoing personality. I am sure
that she will be a dedicated and highly talented asset to the organisation who secures her
services after the completion of her studies at the University.

Yours faithfully,

William Windsor

secure = get, obtain

Dear Ms. Jones,

I am writing this reference at the request of Katie Kingston who is applying for the
Student Volunteer Program at St. Francis Hospital this summer.
I have known Katie for two years in my capacity as a teacher at Smithtown Middle
School. Katie took English and Spanish from me and earned superior grades in those
classes. Based on Katie's grades, attendance and class participation, I'd rate Katie's
academic performance in my class as superior.
Katie has a number of strengths to offer an employer. Katie is always interested in
supporting others. For example, this year when we worked on our class community
service project, Katie was helpful to me in collecting and organizing the food for the food
pantry (комора) here in Smithtown.
In conclusion, I would highly recommend Katie Kingston. If her performance in my
class is any indication of how she would perform in your position, Katie will be a positive
addition to your organization. If you should ever need any additional information you can
feel free to contact me at 555-5555 or by email at email@email.com anytime.

Yours sincerely,

Henry Smith

The letter should address the following questions:

 Performance at work / school / university
 Intellectual characteristics
 Knowledge of field of study
 Ability to communicate
 Industry and self-discipline
 Personal effectiveness
 Potential for graduate study: What is your prediction of the applicant's probable performance? Does
he/she have any specialized skill or studies in the field? Does the applicant have an aptitude (придатність, схильність)
for the chosen field?
 1
One of your friends wants to apply for a job that involves working with foreign
teenagers. Write a letter of recommendation for him/her.
In your letter, express:

 how well you know your friend and how long you have known him / her
 what qualifications he/she has
 why you think she would be suitable for the job
Write at least 150 words.

2
You are a school teacher. One of your students is applying for admission to Oxford
University and asked you to provide information about his/her character and abilities.
Write a letter of reference in which you should include the following details:
 how well you know your student and how long you have known him/her; his/her
performance at your lessons and academic achievements;
 his/her skills and abilities;
 personal qualities and strengths (with examples)

Do not forget to mention how the student would benefit the institution.

Write at least 150 words.