Cambridge English: First

Writing Task (go to Checklist)

Writing Paper Part 2. Task Type: Informal Email

Question
You have received the following email from your English penfriend:

Write an email of reply to your penfriend (around 140-190 words).

What you need to do to pass
Read our checklist first to understand what the examiner is looking for in a good answer.

Ideas for writing
Ask yourself the following questions to help you get started:

• What kind of subject are you going to study? (e.g. an English course, a computer course, or a business course). Offer an idea and give a reason for it.
  I'm really keen to learn English with design as it will help me when I start university.
• What kind of location do you want? (e.g. a quiet town or a lively city?)
• What type of accommodation are you interested in? (e.g. staying with a host family, in a halls of residence with other students, or a bed and breakfast?)
• What other things do you need? (e.g. access to the internet for sending email? special food? busy social programme for the evenings?)
• Do you have an idea of how much you want to pay? Tell your friend in the email.
  I'd prefer nothing too expensive!
• Think about how you can thank your friend at the end of your email for all his/her help.

Drafting and proofreading your work

You should look at your first draft of the task and decide:

• Have you given your penfriend enough information?
• Is the email organised in a clear and logical way?
• Is the language accurate with a good range of structures?
• Is the style OK?
• Will your penfriend still be willing to help you after reading your email?

If the answer is 'no' to any of these questions then you will need to do some more drafting!