Writing an informal email

Email a friend

• The first writing task is an informal email to a friend or family.
• The task gives prompts — points you must write about.
• Cover every prompt, or you lose marks.

Your friend cannot answer a prompt you forgot to mention.

Shape of the email

• Start with a greeting: Hi Sam,
• Middle: short paragraphs, one idea each.
• End with a friendly closing: Write back soon, + your name.

The shape of a good informal email

Make it friendly and full

• Use a warm tone, and ask the reader questions.
• Do not just list — add a reason or an example.
• Aim for 120–160 words.

A model in miniature

• Task prompts: where you went · who you met · what you plan next.
• "Hi Sam, You'll never guess where I spent Saturday — the new science museum! I bumped into our old coach there, and he hasn't changed a bit. Fancy coming with me next month when the space hall opens? Write back soon, Anna"
• Every prompt is covered, each in its own little paragraph.
• Notice the warm glue: You'll never guess, a question for Sam, contractions everywhere.

A full exam answer

Exercise 5 task: Your friend Sam missed the class trip to the new science museum. Write an email to Sam. Say what you liked most, describe someone you met there, and suggest a plan for next month.

• Content: all three prompts are covered, and each has a detail or reason, not just a fact.
• Language: a warm, informal register (You'll never guess, contractions, a question to Sam) and one idea per paragraph.