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CAE – informal letter/email

Paper 2 Writing – Part 2

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A letter or email
(formal or informal) is written in response to the situation outlined in the task.
Letters/emails in the Cambridge English: Advanced Writing paper will require a response
which is consistently appropriate for the speci ed target reader.

When a response is framed as an email, letter-writing conventions such as an opening

salutation, clear paragraphing and closing phrasing are always important.

HINTS

DO begin by giving a reason to write. You would normally start with a greeting, then
acknowledge the letter or some key information given in the letter to which you are
replying.
Use paragraphs in which you cover each of the points mentioned in the task input.
As well as the points mentioned in the task input, think of some of your own ideas.
Identify the function(s) you should use (e.g. advising, reminding, requesting, suggesting…).
Make sure the points covered follow a logical right order so that the whole letter/email is
coherent.
Finish the letter/email in a natural way, by arranging to see or contact the person your are
writing to again soon.
 Remember to use an informal tone.

Model questions and answers

Informal letter/Email – Model question 1

TASK

Read part of an email from a friend who is planning to come and live in your country.

Of course, I’d really need to learn the language. I know you’ve been learning English for years,
so you’ve had loads of experience. Are there any tricks of the trade that might help me pick
up your language a bit more quickly?

Reply to the email message offering your friend some advice. Write your email in 220-260
words in an appropriate style.

Informal letter/Email – Model answer 1

Dear Emma,

Thanks so much for your email. It was so good to hear from you. I’m really sorry not to have
been in touch earlier but I’ve been up to my eyes preparing for my exams.

What great news that you’re nally coming to France – I can’t wait to catch up in person!
And you’re going to learn French too – fantastic!

I’ve bee learning English since I was a kid as you know, and by far the most useful experience
was going to that language school in Brighton for three months last summer. If I were you,
I’d de nitely enrol in a course like that to keep you focused. I’d also suggest reading as widely
as possible, online newspapers, blogs, books, the back of a cereal packet – anything, really!
Don’t be tempted to buy one of those ‘Learn French in a weekend’ courses though – a waste
of time if you ask me. Learning a language takes time and effort.

What seems to work for a lot of peope is learning songs. My brother reckons that he has
learnt more English from the Top 40 than he has at school. And you know my friend Lucie?
She raved about her fortnight with a host family, so that’s worth a try too. Of course, you
could also get a French boyfriend or girlfriend to speed up your progress!
 Anyway, I hope that’s helped give you a few ideas. Do write back as soon as you can – I’d love
to hear all the details of your plans.

Lots of love,

Sandrine

[+/- 255 words]

Informal letter/Email – Model question 2

TASK

You have received a letter from an English friend:

Hi!
I remember that you worked in a ski resort last winter, and I’m thinking of doing the same
this year. Were there any drawbacks? Did you meet interesting people? What opportunities
were there for skiing? Would I gain much from doing it for just four months? Should I apply
for it?
Thanks for your help.
Jack

Write your letter in 220-260 words in an appropriate style. You do not need to include postal
addresses.

Informal letter/Email – Model answer 2

Hi Jack,

Great to hear from you. So, you’re thinking of applying for my old job – there are positive
things about it, but there are a lot of downsides.

I know how much you love skiing, but to be honest you’ll be lucky to get more than a couple
of days in all. And you have to buy your own ski pass, which is pricey – no freebies! I got pretty
frustrated when snow conditions were good and I could’ve been to the slopes.
It can be stressful because you’re dealing with clients the whole time, getting equipment
sorted, stuff like that. They come from all over the world and lots of them are really
interesting to talk to – like one was a professional singer, and another was a journalist who
told fascinating stories. But when snow conditions are poor, you have to nd entertainment
for them, and the may not be thrilled about the situation! When I was there they
complained a lot. It’s true I got the chance to pick up a smattering of other languages but in
four months you don’t learn a whole lot. I guess I improved my people skills, but I hated the
paperwork, which was really time-consuming. Filing isn’t my thing, and there were piles of it.

I don’t really know what to advise. You won’t get much skiing, it’s stressful, but it’s paid
employment and learning to deal with people in different situations is a bonus.

It’s your call! Let me know if I can do anything, or if you want any contact names.

All the best,

Carlo

[+/- 270 words]

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