Email/Informal Letter Writing

Email format:

Subject: [Brief description of the email's purpose]

Dear [Name],

[Opening line — establish context or respond to their message]

[Body paragraph 1]

[Body paragraph 2]

[Body paragraph 3 / Closing paragraph]

[Sign-off],
[Your name]

Informal letter format:

[Your address — top right, 3 lines]
[Date — below address]

Dear [Name],

[Opening line]

[Body paragraphs]

[Closing sign-off]

[Your name]

Key format points:

• Include the subject line for emails (e.g., Subject: My holiday plans).
• Dear [Name] not 'Dear Sir/Madam' — this is an informal letter.
• Sign off with: Best wishes / Take care / Speak soon / Lots of love (depending on closeness).
• Do NOT sign off with 'Yours faithfully' or 'Yours sincerely' — these are for formal letters.
• Your address and date are optional in exam conditions — include if time allows.

Weak openings (avoid):

• "I am writing this letter to you." (too formal, states the obvious)
• "Hello. This is my letter." (incomplete, flat)
• "I hope you are well." (overused and generic)

Strong informal openings:

• "It was so great to hear from you — your last email made me laugh out loud!"
• "I can't believe it's been three months since we last spoke. So much has happened!"
• "Thanks for your message — I've been meaning to write back for ages."
• "I'm so excited to hear about your trip — it sounds absolutely incredible!"

When replying to a scenario: Cambridge often asks you to write in response to a situation. Your opening should acknowledge that situation:

• "I heard the news about your new school — I can imagine how nervous you must feel."
• "Thanks for asking for my advice — I've been in a similar situation myself."

Referencing the task prompts: If the question says 'tell your friend about your holiday', your opening should lead naturally into that topic — not just state you're going to talk about it.

How to handle multiple task prompts: Cambridge will typically give you 3 bullet points to address. Treat each as a paragraph focus.

Example task: "Write an email to your English-speaking friend about your school's new policy on mobile phones." Prompts:

• Describe what the new policy involves
• Explain your reaction to it
• Ask your friend for their opinion

How to develop each paragraph (not just list):

Weak (listing): "The new policy means no phones in class. I don't like it. What do you think?"

Strong (developed): "Our school has just introduced a strict new mobile phone policy — from next term, all phones must be switched off and stored in our bags from 8am to 3pm. No exceptions. As you can imagine, most students are horrified! Personally, I have mixed feelings. On one hand, I can see why teachers are frustrated by constant distractions. On the other, my phone is how I organise everything — my planner, my reminders, my music on the way home. I genuinely don't know how I'll manage without it. What about you — does your school have a similar rule? Do you think it actually helps students focus, or is it just another restriction?"

Notice: the strong response develops each point with specific detail, personal reaction, and reflection.

1. Contractions: I'm, it's, don't, wouldn't, they're, we've, I've, that's, I'd, you'll. Without contractions: "I am not sure that it is the right decision." With contractions: "I'm not sure it's the right decision." The contracted version sounds natural and appropriately informal.

2. Colloquial expressions and idioms:

• "I was absolutely gutted when I heard."
• "It went really well, all things considered."
• "To be honest, I had my doubts at first."
• "I was over the moon!"

3. Direct questions to the reader:

• "What do you think?"
• "Can you believe it?"
• "Have you ever been in that situation?" These create a conversational feel and show you're engaging with your reader.

4. Hedging and softening language:

• "I think…", "In my opinion…", "To be honest…", "I'm not sure but…" These sound natural and show personal voice.

5. Exclamation for enthusiasm: Used sparingly: "It was amazing!" / "I can't wait!" — one or two per letter is enough.

6. Informal connectives: Also, Anyway, Plus, By the way, Speaking of which, Oh, and another thing — These replicate natural speech patterns.

What NOT to include:

• Very formal vocabulary (utilise, endeavour, furthermore in formal sense).
• Passive voice throughout ("It was decided that…").
• Overly complex, legalistic sentence structures.

Closing paragraph functions:

1. Wrap up the main topic briefly.
2. Express anticipation of a reply or next contact.
3. Wish them well.

Strong closing lines:

• "Anyway, I'd better go — I have a pile of homework waiting for me! Write back soon and tell me everything that's been happening on your end."
• "I really hope things improve for you. I know it's tough right now, but you always manage to come through the other side. Let me know how it goes!"
• "I can't wait to hear what you decide. Let's catch up properly soon — maybe over a video call?"

Sign-off phrases (informal):

Closeness	Sign-off
Close friend	Lots of love / Take care / See you soon
Good friend	Best wishes / All the best / Speak soon
Pen pal / acquaintance	Best regards / Kind regards (semi-formal)

What NOT to write:

• "Yours faithfully" → formal only, used when you don't know the name.
• "Yours sincerely" → formal, used when you know the name.
• "Goodbye" → too abrupt for a letter.

Task: Your English-speaking friend is starting at a new school next month and is feeling nervous. Write an email to your friend giving advice and encouragement.

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Subject: Starting Fresh — You've Got This!

Dear Jamie,

I was so glad to hear from you — and I completely understand why you're feeling nervous. Starting at a new school is one of the most daunting things a teenager can do. But honestly? You're going to be absolutely fine.

The most important thing, from my own experience, is to give yourself time. Those first few days might feel overwhelming — so many new faces, new rooms, new routines. But within a week, it starts to make sense. Try to smile at people and say hello first; most students are friendlier than they look when they're rushing to class. Joining a club or team in the first week is another thing I'd strongly recommend — it gives you an instant group of people with a shared interest, which makes conversations so much easier.

I know it can be tempting to stay quiet and hope nobody notices you, but in my experience that just makes things harder. The friends I've kept longest are the ones I introduced myself to on day one.

Anyway, write back and let me know how the first week goes — I'll be rooting for you from here! And remember, everyone around you is also navigating a new place. You're not as alone as you think.

Best wishes, Alex

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Why this response works:

• Correct format (subject, greeting, sign-off, name).
• Warm, engaging opening that acknowledges the friend's situation.
• Three developed body paragraphs — each addressing a different aspect of advice.
• Specific and personal ('from my own experience').
• Ends with encouragement and invitation to reply.
• Consistent semi-formal/informal register throughout.
• Contractions used naturally. Direct questions to the reader. Appropriate sign-off.