B2 Writing Guide - Informal Emails

B2 Writing Guide

Informal emails

Let's go!

Questions you may have about the writing exam

How much time do I have?

80 minutes

How long should my texts be?

around 140 - 190 words each

How many parts are there?

minimum 2

• (Both text have the same marks)

all the info you need about the exam

WRITING LETTERs & EMAILs

PAY ATTENTION

• Who are you writing to?
• What are you writing about?

GET TO IT

TAKE INTO ACCOUNT

• You may be writing an answer to a previous letter or email
• Do you need to ask questions?

• Greet and say goodbye
• Use fixed expressions

Depending on these things, the register and tone will be very different!

writing tips

Tips for writing any letter or email

Be coherent

Goal

• Separate your text in paragraphs.
• keep your talking points organised and neat.

You are speaking directly to someone, either to answer a previous message, or to ask or say something for the first time.

Writing Style

Structure

• Always greet the addressee.
• Add the information pertinent to the prompt.
• Always say goodbye! You may want to use fixed expressions.

• DEPENDS ON THE PROMPT!!
• Address your reader (You, your)

Example of INFORMAL email

We only use first names, never titles (Mr, Miss) nor surnames!

Start by greeting the person you are writing to, and (if relevant) react to what they said. Remember to be friendly!

Dear Jim, I was really happy to get your letter, thanks for writing! Sorry I didn't write back sooner, I've been really busy lately. But I am really happy for you, or really sorry that happened. First of all, I need to mention all the things I'm supposed to. Perhaps I need to give you some advice, or do you a favor! I'm happy to give you information about what you asked me about, or maybe I should ask some questions to you myself! Also, it's quite important that I come across as friendly and that it sounds like we really know each other. I'll use tons of contractions and certain expressions to show the informal nature of the text. That's all for now. Please, write back soon! All the best, - My name

Include the pointsrelevant to the prompt

Use a fixed expression to say goodbye and sign off, and sign your name

Expressions for INFORMAL emails

TO SAY HELLO

TO SAY GOODBYE

TO SIGN OFF

It’s nice / great / good to hear from you. It’s nice / great / good to read your letter. I’m glad to hear your news. It’s great to hear that… I’m sorry to hear that… Just thought I’d drop you a line. Thanks a lot for writing! It was good to receive your letter. Thank you very much for your letter. Sorry it's taken me so long to write back. How are you? / How are things (with you)? / How's it going? / How’s life?

Well, it’s time to say goodbye. Anyway, I have to go now. Well, it’s time to go. Anyway, gotta go. I really hope to hear from you soon. I’m looking forward to hearing from you. I hope you write back soon. Make sure you write back soon.

Best wishes, / Best, / All the best, Yours, / Your friend, Take care,All my love, / Lots of love, / Love,Hugs, / Hugs and kisses, See you soon, Bye for now,