Emails and messages
Informal emails to friends, polite requests, invitations and replies, from short A1 notes to B1 emails, each with useful phrases and a model answer.
A1 Beginner
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A1
A Note on the Fridge
Leave a short note for your flatmate: where you are, when you're back and one thing you need them to do.
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A1
A Postcard From Holiday
Write a holiday postcard to a friend: where you are, the weather, the food and what you're doing.
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A1
Join the Sports Club
Fill in a sports club form and write a short message saying which sport you want to try and when you are free.
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A1
A Birthday Party Invitation
Write a short invitation to your birthday party with the day, time, place and what to bring.
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A1
Lost Cat Poster
Make a short "lost cat" poster describing the cat, where you lost it and how to contact you.
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A1
My Weekend Plans
Write a short message to a friend about your plans for the weekend using "I'm going to".
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A1
Where Are You? A Text to a Friend
You are waiting for a friend outside the cinema and the film starts soon. Write a short text message to your friend.
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A1
Join the Library: Fill In the Form
Fill in a library membership form with your personal details and write one sentence about the books you like.
A2 Elementary
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A2
An Email to a New Friend
Reply to an email from a student in another country. Answer her questions about your school, your free time and your town.
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A2
Yes or No? Replying to a Party Invitation
Read a birthday invitation and write two short replies: one accepting and one saying sorry, you can't come.
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A2
Cooking Class Advert: Ask for Information
Read an advert for a weekend cooking course, answer four questions, then write an email asking for the information that's missing.
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A2
Sorry, I Can't Make It
Write a message to your teacher or group to say you can't come to a meeting, explain why and say what you will do instead.
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A2
Booking a Hotel Room by Email
Write a polite email to a small hotel to book a room and ask two questions.
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A2
The Wrong Size: Email to an Online Shop
You ordered trainers online but they sent the wrong size. Write a polite email to the shop explaining the problem and saying what you want.
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A2
Thank You for Having Me: Email to a Host Family
You stayed with a host family on a language trip. Write an email to thank them and tell them about your journey home.
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A2
On the Phone: Take a Message
Someone phoned for your mother while she was out. Write a note with the message: who called, why, and what she should do.
B1 Intermediate
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B1
B1 Preliminary Part 1: Email About a Weekend Visit
Reply to a friend's email using all four notes, exactly as in B1 Preliminary Writing Part 1 (about 100 words).
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B1
Advice for a Friend Who Is Moving School
Answer an email from a worried friend who is starting at a new school. Give advice and encourage them.
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B1
My Order Arrived Broken: A Complaint Email
Write a polite but firm email to an online shop about a damaged order. Explain the problem and say what you want them to do.
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B1
An Apology Email to a Friend
Apologise to a friend for missing an important event, explain what happened and suggest a way to make up for it.
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B1
Volunteers Wanted: Write an Application
Read an advert for summer volunteers at an animal shelter, answer questions, then write an email applying for a place.
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B1
School Life: A Welcome Email to a New Student
A student from another country is joining your class next week. Write an email to welcome them and tell them what to expect at your school.