Unit 1. ​Practice

1.2 Tasks

Task 1. Answer the questions.  

1.     What is a motivational letter? 

2.     Which information do you need before starting your letter? 

3.     How to structure your motivation letter? 

4.     What should you include there? 

5.     How to check your letter?  

Task 2. Choose the right option.  

Task 3. Fill in the gaps.  

appointment / could / afraid/ could / hesitate / faithfully / due to / / please / sincerely / grateful / forward / unable  

CHECK

Task 4. Study the sample letter. 

Motivation Letter of Student Applying to a Master in History 

Dear sir or madam, 

I am writing to apply for the Master’s Programme in History and Oriental Studies at [university name 1]. I would like to express my appreciation to this program because it gives me the opportunity to obtain my Master’s degree and achieve my goal. I have graduated from the faculty of Tourism and Hotels, [university name 2], Egypt. 

Egypt has a lot of civilisations like Pharaonic, Roman, Greek, Coptic, Islamic and these civilisations made me very interested in ancient history and archaeology so I specialised in Tourist Guidance within the field of Ancient History and Archaeology. I checked the prerequisites for applying to the Master’s program and I found that I meet almost all of it. During the four academic years I studied the history and archaeology of Roman Empire in Ancient Egypt, also the Greek, Pharaonic, Coptic and Islamic history and archaeology, and had a lot of training by [university name 2], the Supreme Council of Antiquities and different museums such as the Greco-Roman Museum and the National Museum in Alexandria. This gave me a deep background that supported my academic studies. Also, I studied the ancient Egyptian language (Hieroglyphics) and Literature besides the Roman and Coptic fine arts during the Ancient Egyptian History. My native language is Arabic, my first language is English and I studied French at the Faculty and had a course in Italian language at Dante Alighieri and I have a great intent to improve myself at anything that supports my studies and help me to have my Master’s degree abroad. 

I have been working more than two years since my graduation. I spent the first year as a tourist guide to provide assistance, information and cultural, historical and contemporary heritage interpretation to people on organised tours in different nationalities and got promoted to be a branch manager at the same agency. I am seeking a career with an international dimension that gives me an opportunity to work for an international organisation so that after graduation I decided with a great desire to complete my studies by having a Master’s degree from an international university outside of Egypt. I preferred to have my Master from an Italian University because Italy is the main place of the Roman Empire so that having my Master from [university name 1] is something perfect because I will study the history inside its place of birth. It is not the first time that I hear about [university name 1]. I know about it since I was in the faculty because of the mobility system between [university name 2] and [university name 1] during that period, but I preferred to wait for a chance to have my Master’s degree from [university name 1]. I will be very grateful and lucky if I got this chance that I was seeking two years ago and I am sure that studying in [university name 1] will give me a chance to deepen my knowledge in an inspiring, creative environment of one of the largest Italian universities. 

I chose [university name 1] specifically because it is the oldest university in the Western world and it is a keystone and a point of reference for European culture. Also, because of its outstanding educational system with full support of the international students and the friendly atmosphere at both the university as well as the city. I appreciate your time and it will be a great honour for me to be a Master’s student at [university name 1].  

Have a look at another sample and make corrections (think how to improve it) so that it corresponds to the rules given in the beginning. 

Motivation letter for an International MBA 

Why this program and why at EAE Business School? 

I want to do this program because I want to change my career path. My goal in life is to be useful to others, for me that is the ultimate success. I study to become useful, to develop skills that others need. Learning business management and administration will make me useful to many. Managing and administration are meta-skills, and people will always need them. Learning them gives me options. Options are opportunities, and I am an absolute opportunist. The best plan for me is the one that lets me change my plans. I consider an International MBA to be the best move I can do for my career, and I am extremely motivated to pursue one. 

EAE Business School is the number one option for my Master’s Degree. What I value highest is the location, as I have wanted to go live in Spain for years. I am an advanced learner of Spanish. This is an opportunity to take my Spanish to C1- level. Living in Barcelona for a year would be a dream come true. I am impressed by the school’s international rankings and the praise of the former students. It ensures me that the school will propel my career in the right direction. The curriculum is exactly what I am looking for, as it will give me many different career options. The focus on entrepreneurship interests me, as I am a creative person who constantly tries to think outside of the box. 

What do you think you can contribute to the class group and program? 

I can contribute with effective and efficient work methods. School has always been easy for me. My trick is to recognize what is important, and focus on that. I approach everything I do systematically. I always look for ways to simplify, and I question everything I do. My ability to be both effective and efficient will be an asset. 

I can contribute with eagerness to learn, active participation and intensive focus. I have an unlimited passion for learning. The desire to learn skills that are useful to others drives me and motivates me. I always participate actively in class, and will surely share my opinions. I can also focus intensively on one task for a long time period. My attention span is extremely long. That is an asset both to me and those I work with. 

I can contribute with leadership abilities. I tend to take charge in social and professional situations. I consider myself a natural leader, based on my work as a football coach and as a group instructor.  

Task 5. Choose a foreign university and write your own motivation letter.