How to complete an application form in English – A1 beginner writing lesson with an example form, tips and exercises
Do the preparation task first. Then read the text and tips and do the exercises.
Preparation
Library card application
| First name | MIKE |
|---|---|
| Last name | ESPOSA-HERNANDEZ |
| Date of birth | 08/11/1991 |
| Address | 4 CHARLES ROAD, GLOUCESTER |
| Postcode | GL1 3ZE |
| Phone | 07796 345678 |
| m.esposa@example.com |
I declare the information provided is correct.
Signature Mike Esposa-Hernandez
Date 03/07/2018
Your checklist
Have you got everything you need?
[ ✔ ] a passport photo
[ ✔ ] a copy of my passport or other photo ID
[ ✔ ] proof of address
Your card will be issued within 15 days and sent to the address provided.
Key vocabulary for forms
When you complete an application form, you often see these words and phrases. Understanding them will help you fill in forms correctly.
Personal Information
- First name
- Last name / Surname
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Age
- Nationality
Contact details
- Address
- Postcode
- Phone number
- Mobile number
- Email address
Identification
- Passport
- Photo ID
- Passport photo
- Proof of address
Vocabulary for completing forms
- Application form
- Signature
- Date
- Information provided
- Declaration
- Required field
- Please complete
- Tick the box
- Submit
Many of these terms appear on real-world forms for libraries, schools, clubs, healthcare services, travel documents and online registrations.
Date Formats and Form Conventions
When filling in forms, it is important to follow local writing conventions and present information clearly.
1. Writing Dates Correctly
Date formats are not the same in every country.
United Kingdom (UK):
- DD/MM/YYYY
- Example: 01/09/2018
- Meaning: 1 September 2018
United States (US):
- MM/DD/YYYY
- Example: 09/01/2018
- Meaning: September 1, 2018
Because the numbers can be interpreted differently, always check which format is required before completing a form.
2. Using Capital Letters
Many paper forms ask you to write in capital letters (BLOCK CAPITALS) because they are easier to read.
Example:
- Mike Esposa-Hernandez → MIKE ESPOSA-HERNANDEZ
- 4 Charles Road → 4 CHARLES ROAD
Email addresses and signatures are usually written in their normal format.
3. Entering Information Exactly
Always copy personal information carefully.
Check:
- spelling of names
- numbers in addresses
- postcode details
- phone numbers
- email addresses
Small mistakes can cause delays or problems with applications.
Before you submit
Use this simple checklist:
- Capital letters used except for email and signature
- Dates written in the correct format
- Ask for help if you don't understand
- All required fields completed
- Names spelled correctly
- Contact details checked
Following these conventions will help you complete English-language forms accurately and professionally.
The last form I filled was about new job
The last form that I filled in was a scholarship form.
What was the last form you filled in?
The last form I filled in was the application form for a membership of supermarket.
The last form I filled out was the scholarship application for a master's degree and I couldn't able to complete it because I don't know how to write about my research plan study, so I ended up not submitting that form.
it was a certificate course
The last form I filled is for my new ID card.
In my country, we have to fill so many forms related to the office. The last form I filled in was one year ago. It was a kind of contract and filled in that form with the company that I work.
The last form I filled was a withholding certificate for the work
the last form i do in my work , there were a training and the trainers need a form
One week ago, I filled a form to sign up for an online voice-over workshop. The form was a little bit long because the workshop is not free for everyone, and it is a bit pricey; only few people will get it for free based on some criteria established by the company that is providing it. thus, the form was full of detailed questions like what do you like the most about voice-over and how do you think this workshop is going to help you fulfill you passion. I filled it anyway and I hope to get selected. Please wish me luck :)