Writing a short message: an email and a note

Cover every point in the task

A writing task usually gives you three bullet points to include. Marks are given for each one, so a beautiful email that misses a bullet scores lower than a plain one that covers all three. Tick them off as you write.

The shape of a short email

Greeting (Hi Lan,) — reason for writing (I'm writing to tell you about…) — the points — a closing (See you soon, Nam). Four short parts, and the reader knows immediately why the message exists.

Friendly or polite?

To a friend you can write Hi, use short forms (I'm, don't) and finish with See you. To a teacher you write Dear Mr Nam, avoid short forms and finish with Best wishes. Choosing the wrong one costs marks even when the grammar is perfect.