FCE- Writing / Informal transactional letter

Useful tips!!
* First, check if you are asked to write an informal letter to inform the
reader on a topic or you are also expected to write a transactional
letter. Because the examiners give marks for appropriacy, grammar and vocabulary. Remember you need to
bare in mind that you’re combining informal style and responding to writing imput. Always check the rubric
requirements =)
* Format
1- Start you letter by saying why you are writing in the introduction. This must be always included in the
introduction of your letter.
Examples: Hi, there!....I thought I’d write and let you know that…
This is just a quick letter to tell you.. / I have so much to tell you about…
I thought I’d better write to give you the information you asked for…
Thanks for writing, it’s always nice to get a message from you!
Great news/ idea/plan! I’m really pleased for you! / Well my main news is that…
2- Organise the information clearly into paragraphs. Each paragraph should have a specific purpose. Make a
plan and put your best ideas under short paragraph headings. Remember to check: do they cover all the
points in the question?
Note down some ambitious words and phrases for each paragraph. Remember that even if there are no
mistakes you won’t get a good grade if you use only the language and vocabulary that you learnt at
elementary level. There is a good range of language that you should use. For instance, the present perfect
continuous to give news, conditionals to make suggestions, question tags to check information, etc.
3- State clearly and politely what action you want the other part to take in the conclusion. Your letter must
have a positive effect on the reader to take the corresponding action.
Examples: That’s all my news for now. Write back soon
I can’t wait to hear from you. Please drop me a line soon.
Looking forward to hearing from you again!
4- On a new line you should write the final salutation
Examples: Take care Best wishes
All my love All the best
Yours,

5- If you have forgotten sth important, add it at the end after your name using PS:
6- Remarks for informal introductions and conclusions
Opening remarks may include
* Questions/ wishes/ comments about
recent events
* A thank you for the last letter
* An apology for a delay in writing
Closing remarks may include
* The reason why you must end
the letter
* Greetings to the person / family, etc.
* A promise / an invitation

7- Mind content!
Make sure that your letter contains all the information asked for in the exam question. But remember that
sometimes you will have to summarise the information you need to give. If not your letter will be too long!
Focus on avoiding irrelevant comments, too.
8- Impress the examiner at the level of structure!
Expand your notes into sentences that are accurate and well-constructed. Make good use of linking
words to connect your sentences. Make good use of paraphrasing! Use key words from the input but
don’t copy whole phrases from the question! Use your own words as much as possible.
* Remember informal style characteristics!
1- Everyday vocabulary ( a great time/ get instead of receive/ guess instead of think)
2- Colloquial expressions / idioms ( drop sb a line/ get in touch/ sorry but I can’t make it)
3- Phrasal verbs ( get on well)
4- Contractions/short forms (can’t)
5- Expressions to change the topic ( as for…, now about…, when it comes to, by the way,)
6- Omission of pronouns ( looking forward to… / hope to hear from you soon)
7- Imperatives ( Don’t bother to pack…)
8- Direct questions for a conversational tone ( Can you buy me…?)
9- Intensifying adjectives to show enthusiasm ( I’ve got a fantastic new job…)
10- A wide range of vocabulary relevant to the question
11- Variety of sentence length and beginnings. Also of expressions, eg. I want
to/ I’d like to/ What I’d enjoy…/ It’d be a good idea to
12- Useful language phrases ( NEVER OVERDO IT- SHOW YOUR PRODUCTION)
13- Punctuation- exclamation marks to convey emotion & dashes to add commentaries.
14- Paraphrasing- instead of the expressions taken from the rubric, always choose to use synonyms or
similar words.
* Typical functions in transactional letters- variety is a must!
Requesting Giving Asking for Giving Inviting
information information advice advice
* I want you to tell * This is what I * I’m writing to ask * I just got your * I’d love it if you
me … found out about… for your advice letter and I think could come to…
* Can you let me * Remember the * Can you give me I can help you * I hope you’ll be
know…? information you your advice * Here’s what I able to make it
* Can you send me/ wanted ? * I’ve got a problem think you should * Hope you can come
tell me…? * You wanted me to and I need your do * Looking forward
* I also want to tell you a few help/advice * It’d be a good to seeing you then
know… things about… * What do you think idea to.. * Thanks for the
* Can you also find * Here I’m writing I should do? * The best advice invitation- sounds
out…? to fill you in… * Please, tell me what I can give you is lovely!
* Please, send me * I hope this to do * You should/ * Really sorry I’ll have
the details… will help you ought to to miss it!
* Let me know if * Why don’t/not?
you need any more * How about..?
help

Let’s be critical on these examples: Why are the words/phrases in bold appropriate?

1- Anyway, to answer your question: the sport I like best is definitely handball, which is massively
popular here.
2- Do try handball- I’m sure you’ll love it! Looking forward to hearing from you again.
3- Things have been getting on top of me lately! Sorry I know it’s been ages since we last
managed to meet up.
4- By the way, did you know Tom’s got a new job? Now where was I? Oh, yes I nearly forgot to…
5- I have a cousin called Lorenzo who’s about my age and we get on really well. He’s a student -
though not at the same college as me.
6- What time should they set off in the morning?