Thanks for your email — it was great to hear from you!
Answers
one short paragraph for each question in the task
Question
What about you? · When are you free?
Closing
Can't wait to see you! · Write back soon!
Sign-off
Love, · Best wishes, · Take care,
Useful phrases
Ready to use
Apologising
Sorry I haven't written for so long — I've been really busy.
Giving news
Guess what? · You'll never believe it, but…
Suggesting
Why don't we…? · How about + -ing? · Shall we…?
Answering
You asked me about… Well, …
Model
The task: Tom asks what you did in the holidays and if you want to visit him
A reply — 86 words
Hi Tom, Thanks for your email — it was great to hear from you! Sorry I haven't written for so long. You asked about my holidays. Well, I went camping in the mountains with my cousins. We swam in a lake every day and cooked on a fire — it was brilliant! I'd love to visit you in July. How about going to the beach? I've never been to your town, so you can show me around. Can't wait to see you! Write back soon. Best wishes, Ana
Common mistakes
Where learners go wrong most often
Dear Sir or Madam,
→
Hi Tom, · Dear Tom,
informal: use the first name
Yours faithfully,
→
Best wishes, · Love, · Take care,
formal sign-offs are wrong here
Answering only one question
→
Answer every question in the email
missing points lose marks
I am writing to inform you that…
→
Guess what? / I wanted to tell you…
too formal for a friend
Your turn
Say it first, then write it
Your friend writes: "What do you usually do at the weekend? Shall we meet next Saturday?" Answer out loud, then write about 100 words.