WRITING PART 1- B1- EMAIL

The EMAIL is a MANDATORY task in the Cambridge Preliminary Test

1. You must write ca. 100 words. If you write too many words, you may have included irrelevant information, which could lower your score. If you write <100 words, you may lose points because you may not have included all the required information or used an adequate range of language.

2. Every email is different. You will usually write to a friend or teacher. Choose the correct tone: formal, informal, or neutral. NEUTRAL means you can use contractions (I'm, can't, doesn't, wouldn't) and phrasal verbs, but NO SLANG or words not found in a traditional dictionary.

3. Pay attention to the
    a. STRUCTURE: the correct layout, salutations, and paragraphing. 
    b. LANGUAGE and GRAMMAR.  Know the phrases to use when agreeing/disagreeing; giving your opinion; offering to do something; explaining something.

Below is an example from a past test. 
Your teacher, Mrs. Lake, has written to you about ideas for a class party she would like to organize.

BEFORE writing your email, ask yourself these questions: 

A. WHO am I writing to?

        You are writing to your teacher, so the tone can be neutral. 

B. What is the situation? 

C. What are the 4 things I need to include in my email?
        In this case: 1) react to the news that there is a party

                           2) explain your preference (classroom or park?)

                           3) suggest possible games/activities

                           4) give your opinion about which food should be served

Respond in the same format the teacher used in her email.

Here is my response:

Dear Mrs. Lake,

I think a class party is a great idea!  (9)

I would prefer to have the party at the park since we spend so much time in the classroom. (19)

 

Although there are badminton nets and a basketball court at the park, I would suggest organizing some traditional team competitions like sack and egg races, bobbing for apples, and a treasure hunt. (32)

The park has several grills, so in my opinion, we should have a picnic and barbecue. The students can bring the meat and vegetables they like. We can also ask them to bring chips, bread, drinks, and desserts. (38)

I hope I was helpful. See you in class. (9) Ellie

(107 body)