| Say why you are writing and what you are responding to (e.g. an advert, a prospectus).
  
 Use a formal, neutral style. (Remember: no contractions, no colloquial language, no direct questions, no informal punctuation such as exclamation marks.)
  
 Be polite and positive, but not too much!
  
 Use a formal ending.
  
 Sign your name and then print your name dearly underneath. | Dear Sir/Madam,
 I would like to apply for one of the scholarships I saw advertised in your prospectus.
 At present I am training to be a secondary school teacher of English and I finish my course at the end of June. However, I feel I still have a lot to learn about the language and culture of the English-speaking world and would benefit considerably from a course in an English-speaking country.
 The reason I am applying for a scholarship is that I cannot' afford the cost of studying abroad. I have no income except for my student grant, so if I am fortunate enough to be given a scholarship, I would have to work part-time to save some personal spending money. My parents will borrow some money for my airfare if I am successful.
 I would appreciate being given the opportunity to study at your college and would be very grateful if you would consider my application.
  
 Yours sincerely,
 Marco Prodi 
 MARCO PRODI |   | If you know the name of the person, begin Dear Mr Smith/Dear Ms Jones, etc. |    | In one paragraph, briefly describe you/your situation, |    | In the next paragraph, make it clear why you are applying for a scholarship and why you would be a suitable candidate. Make sure you cover all the points in the question. |  |