How to write an informal letter or

email for New FCE exam

How to write the informal letter or email for the New FCE exam? Heres a sample topic that has been divided
into paragraphs and each of the sections explained.

Part 2
You must answer this question. Write your answer in 140- 190 words in an appropriate style on the separate
answer sheet.

Last week, you organised a surprise birthday party for someone in your family, and your friend from Australia
wants to hear about it. Write an email to your friend, describing what kind of party you organised, who you
invited and how it went. Write your letter. Do not write any addresses.

Sample answer:

Dear John,
Thanks for your email- it was great to hear from you. Hows your new job?,
hope youre still enjoying it. Apologise for not writing sooner, but Ive been
extremely busy at work for the last few weeks.

You start with Paragraph 1- Introduction

In the introduction you:
- need to use a first name, invent it if its not given. Dont write Dear friend
- start with a fixed phrase showing the situation with the reader
- mention an email or letter you have received from the person youre writing to or refer to a shared experience
or add a general comment

- say what youve been doing recently

Phrases you can use in the introduction:

* Many thanks for your letter (- it was really nice to hear from you again)
* I thought Id better write (and give you some more details about)
* Its been such a long time since we wrote to each other
* I thought Id drop you a line
* How are you and your family?
* How are things with you?
* How was (your holiday)?

Do you remember in your email you asked about the party I was organising for
my mothers birthday? Well, it was a fantastic success. I told mother we were
taking her out for a quiet meal at a local restaurant, but in fact Id hired a
large room in a hotel and invited all her old friends!

In the 2nd Paragraph you :

- add some specific details to include in each paragraph- this will make your letter more interesting.
- ask a question directly
- use some exclamation marks (but not too many) to express emotions.
- use contractions
Phrases you can use to introduce the topic in the 2nd paragraph:
* I know youre longing to hear all about (my holiday)
* You remember I told you in my last letter (that I was going to)

Anyway, I picked mother up and told her Id changed my mind. We were going
to have a meal in a hotel. You should have seen her face when she walked into
the room and everyone cheered! She just couldnt believe it and burst into
tears. Then the party got going, and it didnt finish until four in the morning.
We were absolutely exhausted but mother had had wonderful time.

In the 3rd Paragraph you :

- start a new paragraph, as the topic has changed slightly. Use informal linking expressions.
- use a range of appropriate vocabulary and informal expressions

Must dash now, Ive got to go and prepare a lecture which I m going to be
presenting next Monday. Hope to hear from you soon.
All the best,
Sandra

In the last paragraph you :

- can use short sentences
- when you close make an excuse to finish and/or refer to the current situation with the
reader again
- make sure you finish with an informal phrase
- mention the next time you will see the person you are writing to

Phrases you can use to end the email/ letter

* Once again, (thanks very much for all your help)
* Give my love/ regards to (your family)
* Please write/ drop me a line soon.
* I look forward to (meeting up again soon)
* Dont write Yours sincerely, but rather write: Love. All the best, Best wishes

USEFUL EXPRESSIONS: informal writing

Starting Dear / Hi! / Hello

Refer to a previous letter / email Thanks for your / Great to hear from you again. Thanks
for sending me
Introducing news The big news is / Did I tell you that ?/ I cant wait!/ Guess what?
Linkers Anyway / But/Apparently / Maybe / By the way/ Unfortunately/ Clearly / Naturally / In
fact / To be honest / Before I forget / Incidentally / /All the same / Even so / However
Enclose (with a letter) / Attach (with an email) Ive attached / enclosed a
Inviting Will you be able to come? Can you come? I want to invite you to
Asking for a reply Let me know if you can come. Tell me if youre coming or not.
Making arrangements Im available/free on .. When are you available/free? Lets go together.
If youre interested in Let me know which suit(s) you.
Asking for favours Could you call them/let me know/find out ? Could you do me a favour
and ?
 Asking for additional information Do we need to have a membership card to.? Have you
enrolled in ? I was wondering if/whether You dont happen to know when/where/if do
you?
Ending I need to go now Bye for now / Best wishes / Write soon