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INFORMAL E-MAIL

STRUCTURE

1. GREETINGS = we greet the other person

Hi, ..
Hello, …
Dear, …

2. OPENING PARAGRAPH = we react to the other person’s news and ask them how they
are feeling and whatever else you feel is appropriate.
How are you? / How are you doing?
How are things going?
It’s great/nice/good to hear from you.
I’m sorry to hear that…
It’s great to heat that…
Thanks a lot for writing!
It’s been ages since we last wrote to each other.

3. MAIN PARAGRAPH = in this paragraph we deal with the first important point, which
we can identify in the instructions. Remember to use common connectors (but, and, so,
because, however…). If there are several points to write about, you can write 2 main
paragraphs.

4. CLOSING PARAGRAPH = in this paragraph we «start» to say goodbye by wishing the

other person well and asking them to reply to your email.
Well, that’s all for now. Don’t take too long to reply

5. GOODBYE = we use a short expression to say goodbye.

See you soon
Love,
Take care,
Bye for now,

6. SIGNATURE = our name.

TIPS TO WRITE A PERFECT E-MAIL:

• Read carefully the instruction and identify what you have to write about and answer to.
• Write a well-structured and visually-appealing email (remember to divide it into clear
paragraphs).
• Learn and memorise a set of expressions that you can use.
• Use informal language.
 AROUND 100 WORDS
STORY

STRUCTURE

1. TITLE = it should either summarise the whole story (without spoilers!) or have
something to do with the main theme. Write it using CAPITAL LETTERS.

2. INTRODUCTION = the beginning/introduction of the story, where characters and

setting are described. You generally already have the beginning, but you can still use
them later.
It all began…
When I first…
At the beginning…
It was a hot/cold summer/winter day.

3. ACTION = the development of the story. There may be a conflict that needs to be
solved.

4. RESOLUTION = the conflict is resolved and the story concludes with an ending.
In the end
Finally
When it was all over
After everything that happened
Luckily, …

TIPS TO WRITE A STORY:

• Use catchy and interesting vocabulary. A story needs to be interesting, not boring! You
can create suspense using some of the following expressions (suddenly, all of a sudden,
out of nowhere, right away, unexpectedly…).
• Use time phrases (then, after that, while, some time later, a moment later, in the afternoon,
just then…)
• Use direct speech to make characters interact («Don’t do it!» he screamed.)
• You can write a story using either past tenses or present tenses BUT remember to stick
to what you’re given in the instruction or to what you use at the beginning.
• You can use informal language.
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ARTICLE

1. TITLE = It has to be simple and give a general idea of what the article is about.
Home cinema or the big screen?
How to best watch the films you love?
Home or cinema — How do you watch your favourite films?

2. INTRODUCTION = here you need to catch the reader’s attention. To do that, you can
ask a question.
Have you ever..?
What would live be like if…
Just imagine…
Have you ever thought about…?
How would you feel if …?

3. BODY = this is the longest paragraph, that contains most of the information. Here you
develop your points and you can also give some of your personal opinions. You can also
make recommendations or suggestions.
Another advantage of.. is…
Above all, …
Let’s start with…
In my opinion…
My view/opinion/belief is that..
I find/believe/reckon/feel/suppose/guess that…
It seems to me that..
I would say that…
Wouldn’t it be better to…?
It would be a good idea to…

4. CONCLUSION = Finish your article with a nice final sentence. It doesn’t have to be
anything special you can simply summarise your article or you can also try to be a little bit
funny or end in a more surprising way.
Everybody loves films, I think you can enjoy them anywhere, even if not at the cinema, it’s still
Netflix!

TIPS TO WRITE AN ARTICLE:

• Read carefully the instruction and identify what you have to write about/answer to. Be
clear on who you are writing for (who’s the target reader).
• Divide into clear paragraphs.
• Language should be informal / semi-formal (you can use contractions). Use linkers
(because, as, but, however, for example, like, and, in addition…). Remember to use
catchy vocabulary to make the article interesting (for example, using adverbs such as
importantly, absolutely, amazingly, the most amazing…).
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OTHER TYPES OF WRITING

FOR-AND-AGAINST ESSAY

STRUCTURE

1. INTRODUCTION = what you’re going to write about.

2. ARGUMENTS IN FAVOUR (REASONS FOR) = at least a couple of reasons in favour of

the given statement.

3. ARGUMENTS AGAINST (REASONS AGAINST) = at least a couple of reasons against

the given statement.

4. CONCLUSION = here you can give a personal opinion

TIPS TO WRITE A FOR-AND-AGAINST ESSAY:

• Read carefully the instruction and identify what you have to write about. Think about
your reasons for and against the given statement.
• Formal language (no contractions, use of linkers: despite the fact that, however, on the
one hand - on the other hand, in addition, furthermore, moreover, what’s more…).
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LETTER OF APPLICATION

STRUCTURE

1. GREETINGS
Dear Sir/Madam…,
To whom it may concern

2. INTRODUCTION = tell the reader where you saw the advertisement

I saw your post advertised on your website/Instagram page…
I’m writing to apply for the post/position of…as advertised in…
I’m writing in connection with your advertisement

3. BODY = list your experience, qualifications, abilities. Try to understand what skills
match the company/position you’re applying for. Use examples to explain how you meet
the required qualifications. You can also say why you’re interested in that position/job/
organisation. You can divide the main body into 2 paragraphs to subdivide the content.
I would be perfect for.. because…
I believe…
My qualifications include …
I have a diploma in …
I am currently working as …
As you can see from the attached CV …

4. CONCLUSION = close your letter with an appropriate expression

I look forward to receiving your reply
I look forward to hearing from you

5. GOODBYE
Yours faithfully (if you don’t know the name of the person you’re writing to)
Your sincerely (if you know the name of the person you’re writing to)

6. SIGNATURE = your name

TIPS TO WRITE A LETTER OF APPLICATION:

• Read carefully the instruction and identify what you have to write about.
• Formal language (no contractions, use of linkers: despite the fact that, however, on the
one hand - on the other hand, in addition, furthermore, moreover, what’s more…).