Writing B1
Informal email / letter1 (80-100 words | 32 minutes)
STRUCTURE USEFUL PHRASES
GREETINGS Dear Sally,
(don't forget to write a comma Hello John,
right after the greeting) Hi Alex,
It's great to hear from you.
I'm glad to hear your news.
I'm sorry to hear that... (+ clause = SVO)
I'm really sorry to read your news.
OPENING PARAGRAPH
Thank you very much for your email.
(it depends on the task: we
---
usually react to the other
I hope you're doing well.
person's news and ask how
How are you doing?
they are feeling)
---
It's taken me ages to reply, but...
I've been meaning to get back to you, but...
Sorry I haven't written for ages, but I've been really busy.
I was wondering if you'd like to...
• Invitations: Thank you very much for the
◦ Accepting. invitation. I'd love to come.
◦ Refusing. Thank you for inviting me to..., but
BODY (2-3 paragraphs) • Thank you. I'm afraid I can't make it.
(it depends on the task: read
• Congratulations. Congratulations on passing your
the activity very carefully to
• Giving news. exams!
include all the ideas needed)
• Requests. I'm writing to tell you about...
• Apologies. Could you do something for me?
• Recommendations. I'm writing to apologize for + ing... /
I'm really sorry about...
CLOSING PARAGRAPH
(we usually start to say Well, that's all for now.
goodbye by wishing the other I must go now.
person well and asking them to Well, that's all my news. Write back soon, telling me what you've
reply to your email. If you still been up to.
have to write more words, you I'm looking forward to hearing from you.
can add a question for a I hope you write back soon.
subsequent email. This I really hope to hear from you soon.
question should be related to Drop me a line.
the topic of your task)
Love,
FAREWELL Best wishes,
(we use a short expression to Take care,
say goodbye followed by Bye for now,
comma) All the best,
See you soon,
SIGNATURE
Sam
(we sign the email with a name)
1 Sources: https://kseacademy.com/cambridge/b1-preliminary-pet/writing/email-english/ and EOI Alcoy.
Writing B1
Informal email / letter: examples2
1. Reflection task: think about the structure of the text and the language used.
You have received this email from your Sandy.
Hi there,
I'm so excited that you're coming to stay with me for a week!
On your first day here, there's a rock concert in our town. Would you like to go to the concert or
would you prefer us to relax at home?
Also, shall we go climbing in the mountains while you're here?
Let me know what you want to do or if you have any questions.
See you soon,
Sandy
Write your email and answer in 80-100 words
Hi Sandy,
Thanks a lot for writing back. I'm also really excited about visiting you!
On my first day, I'd like to relax at home. I will probably be very tired from the trip, so I need to rest and
get ready for the other days. Is that okay?
As for climbing, I'm afraid I can't. I forgot to tell you, but I hurt my knee last week, so I can't do sport
now. How about visiting some art galleries? You know I love art!
I have to go now, but please let me know what you think.
Take care,
Luis Word count: 101
2. Read the following email and add commas, full stops, exclamation marks and question marks.
Hi George
I'm writing to you because I'm having a party for my birthday on 27 th June at 5pm We're going to have a
barbecue in the garden and watch a movie A few of my friends from work and college are coming It
would be great if you could come too
If you come by train I'll pick you up from the station Would you like to stay the night If so you're
welcome to sleep on the sofa in the living room
Write back soon telling me if you can come I'm looking forward to hearing from you
Bye for now
Sam
Word count: 104 words
2 Adapted from: https://kseacademy.com/cambridge/b1-preliminary-pet/writing/email-english/ and https://test-english.com/
