Skip to main content
20% off your first payment$5.99 for your first week, then $7.49 · Ends November 15, 2026See plans

Write an Email prompt

Inquiry About Summer Research Opportunities

Every scored sample answer Reach120 publishes for this prompt, banded so you can see the range rather than one version of "good".

3 sample answersInquiry

The prompt

As it appears in practice

You are a sophomore majoring in Environmental Science at Greenfield University. You've recently become interested in marine ecosystems and are eager to gain hands-on experience. You learned that Dr. Sarah Benson, who teaches 'Marine Biology 202', is involved in a research project studying coral reef restoration in the Caribbean. You want to inquire about the possibility of joining her research team for the upcoming summer. Write an email to Dr. Benson inquiring about available research assistant positions.

What the response has to do

  • Introduce yourself and mention your major and current year of study
  • Express your interest in Dr. Benson's coral reef restoration project
  • Ask about the possibility of joining the research team for the summer

Written to: employer

Sample answers, by band

3 published

Reach120 practice band estimate — not an official ETS score How we estimate

Strong response

Band 5.04.0/5 rubric
To
sbenson@greenfield.edu
Subject
Inquiry About Summer Research Opportunities
Dear Dr. Benson, I hope this email finds you well. My name is [name withheld]. I am a sophomore at Greenfield University, and I am majoring in Environmental Science. I recently became interested in marine ecosystems, and I am eager to gain hands-on experience. I learned that you are involved in a research project on coral reef restoration in the Caribbean through your course, Marine Biology 202. I am definitely interested in your coral reef restoration project. I would greatly appreciate it if you could let me know whether there are any opportunities to join your research team this summer. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response. Best regards, [name withheld]
Read the full feedback on this answer

Middle response

Band 4.53.5/5 rubric
To
sbenson@greenfield.edu
Subject
Inquiry About Summer Research Opportunities
Respected Dr Benson, I am a sophomore at Greenfield University majoring in Environmantal Science. I am writing to you regarding your recent research project STUDYING CORAL REEF RESTORATION in the Carribean. I have recently developed an interest in this field from attending one of your captivating lectures in Marine Biology 202 . I would like to inquire about the possibility of joining your research team in these upcoming summer holidays as a research assistant. Eagerly awaiting your positive response, [name withheld]

What worked

  • Clear Introduction
  • Expresses Interest
  • Polite Closing

What cost points

  • Spelling Errors
  • Spelling Errors
Read the full feedback on this answer

Middle response

Band 4.53.5/5 rubric
To
sbenson@greenfield.edu
Subject
Inquiry About Summer Research Opportunities
Dear Dr. Benson Hello my name is [name withheld], I was a student in your Marine Biology class. Also, I am a sophomore majoring in Environmental Science. I am writing this email regarding the research project coral restoration in the Caribbean. I would like to inform you that I am really interested in this project, because I will have a similar project on my thesis. Therefore, I would like to ask you if there is a possibility of joining the team in this summer. I must inform you I have been in other researches due to my university, and I have experience in order to support you. Thank you for your time and dedication. Best regards [name withheld]

What worked

  • Clear introduction
  • Expresses interest
  • Polite closing

What cost points

  • Awkward phrasing
  • Lack of specificity
Read the full feedback on this answer

Write your own answer to this prompt and have it scored.

Try this prompt

Reach120 is an independent practice tool. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or approved by ETS, and it does not provide official TOEFL® test scores.

TOEFL® is a registered trademark of ETS. This product is not endorsed or approved by ETS.