How to complete an application form in English – A1 beginner writing lesson with an example form, tips and exercises

An application form

In this A1 beginner English writing lesson, you'll learn how to fill in an application form in English. Many organisations, such as libraries, schools, clubs and services, ask you to complete forms with your personal information.

In this lesson, you'll study a model application form, learn common vocabulary used on English-language forms, and practise important writing skills such as entering personal details, writing dates, using capital letters and completing form fields correctly. You'll also complete exercises to help you understand how forms are organised and what information is required.

By the end of the lesson, you'll be able to complete simple application forms confidently and accurately in English.

Do the preparation task first. Then read the text and tips and do the exercises.

Reading text

Library card application

First nameMIKE
Last nameESPOSA-HERNANDEZ
Date of birth08/11/1991
Address4 CHARLES ROAD, GLOUCESTER
PostcodeGL1 3ZE
Phone07796 345678
Emailm.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:

  1. Capital letters used except for email and signature
  2. Dates written in the correct format
  3. Ask for help if you don't understand
  4. All required fields completed
  5. Names spelled correctly
  6. Contact details checked

Following these conventions will help you complete English-language forms accurately and professionally.

Task 1

Task 2

Task 3

Discussion

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Average: 4.2 (19 votes)

Submitted by mayb on Sun, 16/03/2025 - 14:33

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The last form I filled out was a application for work form. They asked about formal information such as name and nationality, but also about work experience and past education.

Submitted by Sa Wan on Thu, 06/03/2025 - 16:02

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What was the last form you filled in?

The last form I filled out was a flight destination form. It contained a lot of information such as my name, date of birth, passport number, the country I departed from, the places I will stay in the destination country and so on.  

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Submitted by YulissaVarela on Sun, 02/03/2025 - 17:40

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I filled a form when I started working ar my last job, and I remember to spend so much time filling the form.

Also in my job people needs to fill a lot of forms, for example when they need to leave early or arrvie late in the morning, it is a request for some activities in the company.

When I was a kid I hated to fill forms because I always wrote something wrong so I needed to start again. 

 

Submitted by halahmuba on Wed, 05/02/2025 - 08:41

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The last form I filled was accepting my new job. To be honest, I wasn’t happy when I filled the form because recently i left job that i was truly enjoyed every single day🥲

Submitted by Nang Aye Thin Khaing on Fri, 17/01/2025 - 03:43

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The last form I filled in is Curriculum vitae application form. This is included a lot of information such as Name, Address, Contact no, Education, Experience etc. Then prepared Coved letter and History of my profile. Fortunately, they offer me the job. I have worked for 6 months in the new job. Good luck and I am studying English language and will continue for learning.

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Submitted by mariam-rezaye on Fri, 15/11/2024 - 13:16

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The last form I filled was a scholarship form for bachelor's degree. It asked for my first name, last name, a copy of my passport and the transcript of my last three years in high school.

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Submitted by ASSAMOI on Tue, 22/10/2024 - 10:27

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The last form I filled was the applicatin for being member of EWA NGO

Submitted by haqi29 on Wed, 25/09/2024 - 05:58

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The last time I filled form was a document for extending the validity of my passport.

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Submitted by ah_fth on Sat, 21/09/2024 - 13:57

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1 day ago it was something about family why they did this idk

 

Submitted by albertmary on Fri, 20/09/2024 - 14:26

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It was the application form for a study permit