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.
Practice
What must you do with every prompt in the task?
Miss a prompt and you lose content marks.
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
Explore
Anatomy of an informal email
Five parts, top to bottom: greeting, warm opener, body paragraphs, sign-off, name.
Practice
Put the parts of an informal email in order.
Greeting first, then the message, then a friendly closing and your name.
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.
Practice
An informal email should be one long paragraph.
No — use short paragraphs, one idea each.
Practice
Write the first sentence of an email telling a friend some good news. Use a warm, friendly tone.
Example: 'Guess what — I passed my exam!'
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.
Practice
Match the job to a friendly phrase that does it.
Keep a pocket of ready phrases — they make the email flow and sound natural.
Key idea
- Cover every prompt in the task.
- Greeting → short paragraphs → friendly closing.
- Develop your ideas; keep the tone warm.