Question 11
GCE_MODEL_QUESTIONS_VOL1
•
2018
•
ENGLISH_LANGUAGE
•
objective
Write a formal letter of complaint to a university admissions office about a mistaken rejection. Include the applicant's reference number, the date of the decision letter, the correct A‑level grades, and a request for reconsideration. The letter should be between (180)-(200) words and conclude with a suitable closing. After the letter, list three features of a formal letter that you have used.
Answer Options
A.
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to contest the decision to reject my application for the BSc Computer Science programme at XYZ University for the September 2026 intake. My application reference is CS2026/0999, and I received the decision letter on 12 July 2026. I believe the decision is based on outdated information, as my final A‑level results, released on 30 June 2026, show grades ABB, which I thought met the entry requirements. The supporting portfolio I submitted on 2 July was also considered.
I kindly ask that the admissions team review my file again, taking into account the grades and portfolio. If the original decision stands, I would like an explanation of the criteria used.
I look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely,
Chinedu Okafor
Features used:
1. Formal salutation (Dear Sir/Madam).
2. Reference to applicant's details.
3. Courteous closing (Yours sincerely).
B.
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing regarding the rejection of my application for the BSc Computer Science programme at XYZ University for the September 2026 intake. My application reference is CS2026/0456, and I was notified on 5 July 2026. My final A‑level results, released on 30 June 2026, are AAB, which meet the entry requirements. However, I do not request a re‑examination of my file; I simply seek clarification on why my portfolio submitted on 2 July was not mentioned.
Thank you for your time.
Yours faithfully,
Chinedu Okafor
Features used:
1. Formal salutation.
2. Reference details.
3. Closing.
C.
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am disappointed with the decision to reject my application for the BSc Computer Science programme at XYZ University. My reference is CS2026/0456 and the decision was sent on 5 July 2026. My A‑level grades are AAB, meeting the requirements. I request that the committee reconsider my application.
Yours faithfully,
Chinedu Okafor
Features used:
1. Salutation.
2. Reference.
3. Closing.
Correct Answer
D.
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to express my disappointment at the recent decision to reject my application for the BSc Computer Science programme at XYZ University for the September 2026 intake. My application reference is CS2026/0456, and I was informed of the outcome on 5 July 2026. I believe this decision results from an administrative error, as my final A‑level results, released on 30 June 2026, show grades AAB, meeting the entry requirements. Moreover, the supporting portfolio I submitted on 2 July was not acknowledged in the decision letter.
I respectfully request that the admissions committee re‑examine my file, taking into account the updated grades and portfolio. Should the original assessment be upheld, I would appreciate a detailed explanation of the criteria applied, so I may address any shortcomings.
I am eager to contribute to the university community and am confident that my academic record and extracurricular experience align with the programme's standards. I look forward to a favourable resolution within the next two weeks. I would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss my application in person at your earliest convenience.
Yours faithfully,
Chinedu Okafor
Features used:
1. Formal salutation (Dear Sir/Madam).
2. Reference to the applicant's details and subject (application reference, dates, grades).
3. Courteous closing (Yours faithfully).
Correct Answer
D
Correct Option:
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to express my disappointment at the recent decision to reject my application for the BSc Computer Science programme at XYZ University for the September 2026 intake. My application reference is CS2026/0456, and I was informed of the outcome on 5 July 2026. I believe this decision results from an administrative error, as my final A‑level results, released on 30 June 2026, show grades AAB, meeting the entry requirements. Moreover, the supporting portfolio I submitted on 2 July was not acknowledged in the decision letter.
I respectfully request that the admissions committee re‑examine my file, taking into account the updated grades and portfolio. Should the original assessment be upheld, I would appreciate a detailed explanation of the criteria applied, so I may address any shortcomings.
I am eager to contribute to the university community and am confident that my academic record and extracurricular experience align with the programme's standards. I look forward to a favourable resolution within the next two weeks. I would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss my application in person at your earliest convenience.
Yours faithfully,
Chinedu Okafor
Features used:
1. Formal salutation (Dear Sir/Madam).
2. Reference to the applicant's details and subject (application reference, dates, grades).
3. Courteous closing (Yours faithfully).
About This Question
This is
Gce Model Questions Vol1
2018
English Language
Question 11.
It is one of the
objective
questions from the
2018
Gce Model Questions Vol1
English Language
examination.
Difficulty level:
Hard
.