Dear xx,
Since learning to read from a very young age, literature has been my greatestlove. I am fascinated by the impact that written words have on society, and howthey influence the way that people interpret issues such as war or politics.Literature has shaped our modern world; it is the most diverse subject to studyas it encompasses all aspects of life. My passion for reading and writing hasencouraged me to write creatively and to read a wide variety of novels andpoetry outside school. I enjoy a broad range of classical and modern literatureand my favourite novelists include Jane Austen and Charles Dickens. I have lovedstudying Chaucer and Blake in school but tend to read more modern poetry athome, including the works of Eliot, Heaney and Plath. The interpretation ofliterature from other cultures is pivotal to our exploration and understandingof historical and social contexts throughout the literary world. Frenchliterature complements my study of English, for instance the importance of'courtly love' and the development of poetic style in each country. I have agreat interest in French culture; I enjoy French film and have loved studyingthe work of Truffaut at A2-level as well as reading a few simple novels athome.
My passion for the French culture also extends to my interest in History.This AS-level has not only broadened my knowledge of French history (I studiedthe French Wars of Religion for my coursework) but has also enhanced myanalytical and essay-writing skills. I also study Psychology and have a greatinterest in human interaction, which complements and supports my study ofliterature. In English I have developed my writing skills; my comparative andanalytical skills have been particularly important for this year's courseworkessay, in which I am comparing 'Tess of the d'Urbervilles' by Thomas Hardy and'The Handmaid's Tale' by Margaret Atwood. I enjoy discussing literature andattend a fortnightly reading group at school, which has continued to increase myunderstanding and enjoyment of the classics and introduced me to severalsignificant modern works. Being able to hold discussions in French has alsogiven me great personal satisfaction. I enjoy my conversation classes with thelanguage assistant and I recently went on a French exchange to Compiegne. Thisexperience was hugely beneficial in improving my understanding and speakingskills. I spent the week completely immersed in French language and culture; myconfidence to speak increased enormously and I came love the country and itstraditions all the more.
Outside school, I thoroughly enjoy my musical pursuits. I play the FrenchHorn in a Youth Orchestra and intend to take my Grade 8 in 20xx; I also sing ina Madrigal Choir. I perform in three to four concerts a year, including theschool Christmas concert; this year I will be playing a movement from Mozart'sfourth horn concerto. My interest in music has required good organisationalskills, as I helped to run a choir at school for a competition. I thoroughlyenjoyed this experience, and it allowed me to develop my leadership skillswhilst working in a team. My duties as a prefect have also contributed towardsthese skills; I assist a Year Eight form with a team of other prefects. In JulyI took part in a World Challenge 'Leadership Day', participating in groupactivities where each team member had a chance to act as the 'leader'. I am alsoinvolved in the 'Pyramid' voluntary organisation, which is an after schoolactivity club for children with low self-esteem or mild behavioural problems. Inthis capacity, I work with a team of three other club leaders, and each week weorganise a new activity for the children.
I know that I am ideally suited to a joint degree in English and French, andI intend to use my skills and interests in contributing to universityactivities. I am highly committed to my studies, and look forward to pursuingthem in a challenging course at university.
Yours sincerely,