How to write a letter/email to a friend

Malcolm Corbin
11 hours ago
2 min read

General information

Cambridge 140-190 words

However you should write at least 180 words and maximum 200

Trinity 150-180 words

However you should write at least 170 words and maximum 190

You need to write this much otherwise you won't be including enough detail or including enough variety of grammar in your writing!

How to start writing a letter/email

Structure

Introduction

Hi/Hello/Hey [Their first name]

Ask how they are.

How're you?
How's it going?
What's up?

Say why you're writing and introduce the topic.

I just wanted to write to tell you about...
I was writing to let you know about...
Have you heard about [important event]?

Main body

State key ideas

Use informal language, but don't use slang

Conclusion

Ask your friend a question to invite a response to what you've written.

What's been happening where you are?
Have you ever...?
What about you? How would you feel about [the situation]?

Sign off

All the best / Wishing you well / Best wishes

[Your first name]

Example Letter/Email

Plan

Good

safer
fewer cars = less traffic

Bad

closed a road = annoying
noisy

If you're writing an email, include a subject line eg: "New cycleway in my town - thoughts?"

Hi Alex,

How are you? I just wanted to tell you about something new happening here. They’ve started building a cycleway that will go through the town and all the way to the park and, I have to say, I feel a bit torn about it.

On one hand, it’s a great idea. It should make cycling safer and might even encourage more people to leave their cars at home. I like the thought of being able to ride to the park without worrying about busy traffic, so I’m looking forward to that.

However, the work is quite noisy and they’ve closed a road, which has annoyed a few people as it now takes longer to get around, which I understand. That said, I think when everything is finished, it will actually improve life here.

So, even though it’s a bit inconvenient now, I believe the cycleway will be worth it. What about you? What's going on where you are?

All the best,

Malcolm