English for Emails

7. The writer mentions some new

Unit 7: Organising your writing information, which is not connected to
the main topic of the email.
Task 1
Match the beginnings of the emails with the Task 2
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descriptions of the writer's purpose. Put the following elements of an email in the
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typical order.
A. I look forward to speaking to you
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tomorrow. A. The writer thanks the reader for their

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B. I am writing to complain about the email. Or if the reader does not know
delay.
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the writer, the writer explains who

C. Many thanks for your email this they are.
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morning. B. The writer mentions some new

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D. I hope you and your family are well. information, which is not connected to
E. Could you please give the office key the main topic of the email.
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to Jawal? C. The writer explains the topic/purpose

F. By the way, my wife has just had a of the email.
baby, so I’m very happy!
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D. The writer mentions their next

G. My name is Andy Carr, and I am a communication with the reader.
software designer. I saw your advert
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E. The writer greets the reader.

on dazzle.com, and … F. The writer asks the reader to do
or

something.
1. The writer thanks the reader for their
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email.
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Task 3
Complete the sentences.
2. The writer greets the reader (e.g. by
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asking about their health). I am writing about / My name is Andrea

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Ponzi. / Could you please always put /

3. The writer mentions their next I’m writing because / How are you? /
communication (e.g. meeting, phone
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Shall we meet / Could you please confirm /

call or email) with the reader. Could we speak
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4. The writer asks the reader to do 1. Dear Janice,

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something. How are you?

__________________________ I
haven't seen you for ages! I'll be at
5. The writer explains the purpose of the the Global Education seminar next
email. week. I'm glad you're going,

6. If the reader does not know the writer,

Shell we meet
too. __________________________
and have a coffee? Could you let me
the writer explains who they are.

©2016 British Council. The United Kingdom’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. We are
registered in England as a charity. http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/unit-7-organising-your-writing 1
 know? Regards,
With best wishes, Tim Piper
Dana
Task 4
2. Dear Sir or Madam, Match the topics with the paragraphs or
I am writing about
____________________ my sections of the email.
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reservation for 2 March. Unfortunately

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I have to cancel my reservation for reason for writing / request / greeting /

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personal reasons. I hope there will ‘look forward to’ + ending / other news
not be any charge for this. ________
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Could you please confirm this cancellation?

________________ 1. Hello Mrs Hannan,
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I look forward to hearing from you. I hope you are well, and that you are
Yours truly, still teaching at Perrymead School.
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Mary Sinati greeting

___________________________
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3. Dear Professor Stenier, 2. As you may remember, I was in your

my______________________
name is Andrea Ponzi
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I am an English class last year. I am now

MBA student at Bath University in applying for jobs, and I need to give
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England. I would like to ask you some employers a reference. I am writing to

questions about your research. ask if you could possibly do this for
Could you speak
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__________________________ on me.
the phone sometime next week? reason for writing
___________________________
or

Could you please let me know if this

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is convenient for you? 3. Would you mind if I put your name on

I look forward to hearing from you.
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my CV as a referee? Could you let

With best wishes, me know if this is possible?
Andrea Ponzi request
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___________________________
MBA student – Bath University,
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England 4. I also have some good news: I am

engaged, and we’re getting married
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4. Dear Teachers, next February, so of course I am very

I'm writing because
______________________________ excited!
other news
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the cleaners have complained about ___________________________

the classrooms.
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They have found papers and books 5. I look forward to hearing from you
on the floor. Tables and chairs are soon.
often in the wrong place. This gives With best wishes,
them too much extra work. Elena Chaois
Could you please always put the
________________________ look forward to+ending
___________________________
furniture in place? Thank you very
much for your cooperation.

©2016 British Council. The United Kingdom’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. We are
registered in England as a charity. http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/unit-7-organising-your-writing 2