Email Letters

The letters below are written for you to notice certain aspects of Email letter writing that you will have to perform during your CELPIP exam. You will always write a greeting, a sign-off, and your name (full or first name). You must memorize all of these letter reference points, so you can use them on your exam.

In the letters that follow the purpose, detail, and outcome have all been highlighted. Also, please note only the compound and/or compound-complex sentences have been underlined.

TIPS

1. Note the greeting – Is it Formal or Informal (both formal and semi-formal letters are written in the same manner – just the greeting is different).
2. Follow the 6 points of a letter

3. Try to use 3 types of English sentence structures

4. Write the email as an authentic Email – as if you are involved in your life, use language you would use – change your language to formal writing a formal/semi-formal letter

5. Stay focused on answering the question!

6. Check your grammar (verb tenses) and punctuation

7. Check your word count

Informal Letters

Example 1:

You have recently been to stay with an old friend for a few days. You hadn’t seen each other for a long time.

Write a letter to the friend:
* say how you felt about the visit
* refer to something enjoyable that you did while staying with him/her
* invite your friend to visit you.

Dear Mary,

I just wanted to write to you to mention how marvelous it was to see you again after all these years. It was just wonderful to spend last weekend together, and I really enjoyed seeing your children again.

Your mountain cottage was the perfect place to catch up for the time that we have missed these past few years. The hike to the lake and the picnic we shared on the island were very picturesque. I am so glad that employment has turned out so well for you and your husband and family. To think that Mark and Marla are soon to graduate from university now; this speaks to just how much time we missed together as I was there when they were both born.

I would like you and your family to join our family at our cottage on Lake Michigan this fall. We have rented a huge cabin for the last two weeks of August. Please let us know if you can make it at any time during this period.

Love always,

Joan

Dear Mary, (informal greeting)

• (Purpose): I just wanted to write to you to mention how marvelous it was to see you again after all these years. It was just wonderful to spend last weekend together, and I really enjoyed seeing your children again.
• (Friendly sociable detail): Your mountain cottage was the perfect place to catch up for the time we have missed these past few years. The hike to the lake and the picnic we shared on the island were very picturesque. I am so glad that employment has turned out so well for you and your husband and family. To think that Mark and Marla are soon to graduate from university; this speaks to just how much time we missed together as I was there when they were both born.
• (Outcome: Tone – pleasant): I would like you and your family to join our family at our cottage on Lake Michigan this fall. We have rented a huge cabin for the last two weeks of August. Please let us know if you can make it at any time during this period.

Love always,

Joan.

(173 words)