>» Exam task - Part 2 ‘Accouple of years ago you did a Volunteering Abroad programme in South Africa. Your ‘17-year-old cousin, Dan, is thinking of doing the same thing and has written to you ‘asking about it Read the extract from Dan's email The animal conservation work you did sounds interesting — can you tell me a bit more about it, for example, which animals did you work with? I definitely hope to do a lot of travelli I can visit? I suppose what I'm wondering more than anything is whether you think Pll enjoy it. ig while I’m there too. Can you suggest anywhere Thanks, Paul! Dan +» Approach » The structure of an informal email is less prescribed than a formal email or letter. See the Useful phrases section below for appropriate opening and closing expressions. The main body of your email can be structured as you ‘choose, but keep related points together, include linking words and phrases and use paragraphs to break up the text. » Pay close attention to the points made in the input text as you will be expected to address each one in your reply. » Since the question only shows an extract from Dan's email, you also have the option of ‘inventing’ additional points hhe may have addressed. However, make sure you don't exceed the permitted 260 word limit. > As this is an informal communication your tone should be friendly and you can use contractions and colloquial expressions, but don't be tempted to slip into slang or text-speak: you are still expected to produce grammatically correct English. A good practice isto follow the tone used in the input text. Useful phrases Opening ‘About your question . Hifirst name}, As far as [X1 is concerned .. Helio {frst name}, To your point about. Thanks for your email. Great to hear from yout oe | was delighted to get your email. aes | was 80 glad to hear from you. ee Hesounds ike things ae going Welk ow. Connectors Cheers, By the way, ... Have to run, Oh, and one more thing, .. Drop me a line soon. As | wats saying warller, To tell you the truth, Actually, ... 198 cambridge Enolish: Advoncea Wetting bank>» Model answer Use a casual, informal ‘pening greeting Acknowledge the email you're replying to. Address the speci | points you've been asked about, Don't be afraid to | claborate on what you've been asked: just | — keep an eye on your word count. | Bring the email to an | ‘end in friendly way. Use an appropriate | closing expression. Hiden, Thanks for your ema twas realy great to hear from you yesterday Im 0 glad youre tntng about gong to South Ata ve ust been reading through the travel dary kept when | that Volunteering ‘Abroad programme ard se many memones came Reading back ight, you wantea to ow aout ene animl conservation Werk Ena |was involved in soll start with that. requested aplacement.on a lon reserve inthe east ofthe country because | specifically wanted Include detaits that Us mark wi. ema kul Wu ely Tomar ou eke coe with a brillant team who tracked the animals in the bush. | was given thorough trainingin arial dentfcation and data colectien using ae tho roaoerch aqupriont Honacty, Dan tc abaolvtlyamasing £0 300 these magnificent animals in thelr ratural habit. realy loved and Using intensifying [shirk you would too. ‘adverbs will make your ‘email sound more IF youd ike to try the same project. lt me know anil send you a more detais. The accommodations shared and pretty basic. but its fine, Youll have plenty of opporturties to travel and ave fur. can recommend the spectacular Drakensberg Mountain wich are nearky, ad the Byde River Canyon and beautiful Sodwana Bay, One cof my fiends even traveled to Mozambique. You shoud dit) Mi leave tat that for now. Drop me a inef you have any more Make the offer questions or want any more information, Give my love to your Mum 10 follow up with te ‘sdutional information, itneeded. (Cheers, Dan, Paul Ccambriage english: Advances wrrang bank 199