Writing an informal email or message

Cover the bullets, in order

The task gives three points. Devote one short paragraph to each. Markers look for all three; a beautifully written email that misses one cannot reach the top band.

Informal register

Use short forms (I'm, don't, we've), everyday words (get, tell, a lot of), direct questions to the reader (What do you think?) and an exclamation or two. Avoid furthermore, I would be grateful if — those belong in a formal letter and sound odd to a friend.

Opening and closing

Open with a greeting and a friendly line (Hi Minh, how are you? Sorry for the slow reply.). Close with a forward-looking line and a sign-off (Write back soon! Love, Lan). These two lines cost fifteen seconds and lift the organisation mark.