Writing an email (Part 1) B1 Preliminary

In this part of the test, you are given an email from an English friend or relative, and
you are asked to respond to it in about 100 words.

1.
2.

3.

4.

Structure

● Greetings: we greet the other person (i.e. say “hi” or “hello”).

● 1. Opening paragraph: we react to the other person’s news and ask them
how they are feeling and whatever else you feel is appropriate.
● 2. Main paragraph 1: in this paragraph we deal with the first important
point, which we can identify in the instructions.
● 3. Main paragraph 2: if there is a different point to deal with, this paragraph
will do so.
● 4. Closing paragraph: in this paragraph we “start” to say goodbye by wishing
the other person well and asking them to reply to your email.
● Goodbye: we use a short expression to say goodbye.
● Signature: we sign the email with our name.
Useful language

Opening paragraph ● Thanks for you email

● I’m glad to hear your news
● I’m excited about your news
● Great to hear from you!
● I’m sorry to hear that
● I hope you’re well/ How are you doing?
● How are things going?
● I’m sorry I didn’t write earlier
● Thanks a lot for writing
●
Closing paragraph ● Well, it’s time to say goodbye
● (X) says hello/Give my love to (X) or Say hi to (X)
● Anyway, I have to go now
● I really hope to hear from you soon
● That’s all for now
● I hope to see you soon
● Look after yourself
● Email me soon

Goodbye ● Lots of love/ Love/ sincerely

● Best wishes /regards
● Take care/ see you son

Your turn