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 tania.fungambuto on Wed, 03/11/2021 - 17:31

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The last application form I filled was for a curse provided by Citylit, about writing skills in practice.

Submitted by linhchinbk on Mon, 01/11/2021 - 15:59

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Actually last month, I filled in a CV form. At that time I just gratuated from the university and I applied for the sale position at the ABC company.

Submitted by Suraj paliwal on Fri, 29/10/2021 - 10:18

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The last application form I filled was driving licence form. I learned to driving both car and bike so I filled the application form. It's very lengthy. There was 5 process so I can fill this form. Document varification and other things I do.

Submitted by LamVanPhuong on Mon, 25/10/2021 - 11:16

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i am not sure, maybe it is my job application.

Submitted by avenesra on Sat, 14/08/2021 - 06:38

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The last form I filled was documents in the bank to take off a loan.

Submitted by DW on Mon, 21/06/2021 - 04:26

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The last form I filled in was an extracurricular activities application form. Actually, there are a lot of forms we need to fill in in our daily life. For example: a library card application form, a job application form, a bank account application form… So I think knowing the basic technical of form filling is a must in the real world. But one thing I always mixed up! It is hard for me to distinguish between first name, surname and first name! Whenever I pick up an application form, I do have to think for a long time for how to fill in my name!
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Submitted by Marce-English on Sun, 23/05/2021 - 15:33

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I think that's when I was searched for the pool, they made me fill out a way in it I also asked if I had health problems.
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Submitted by PuenteD on Thu, 20/05/2021 - 20:40

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The topic is really useful because to show the way you can will walk. Step by step...