Studying

Writing task: Write a formal email

Look at the advertisement for a summer school. Choose a course and write Useful language
an email to the director (around 100 words). Ask for information about course Useful phrases
dates, the number of students in a class, and activities in Bath. • Dear Sir / Madam / Mr /
Ms / Mrs…
Use the Useful language and the notes you made in the Engage task to help you • Regards (Ana Sanchez)
prepare. • I am writing to…
• I would like to…
SUMMER SCHOOL IN • I am at (elementary)
THE CITY OF BATH level.
• Lots of different courses in cookery, photography, • Please could you send
sport, and music the information to…
• Courses for all levels
• Excellent teachers
Contact Ms Victoria Lee for more information.

Tip  A formal email is polite and uses formal vocabulary. There are no contractions.
Emails are organized into paragraphs. Plan each paragraph before you start writing. Use
the example email in Explore 2 to help you.
Follow this structure:
• Say why you are writing. Ask about course dates.
• Ask about the number of students in a class.
• Ask about activities in Bath.
• Ask Ms Lee to send you some information.
Check it!  Did you start and end your email correctly? Did you organize the information
into paragraphs?

Oxford Online
Skills Program