How to write an informal letter or an e-mail (B1 - B2 - C1)

 



En este artículo os voy a enseñar cómo hacer un e-mail o una informal letter para vuestros writings. Es fundamental conocer bien la estructura de nuestra redacción, así cómo los conectores o linkers y las expresiones que podemos utilizar a lo largo del mismo. 

Esta estructura es válida para los niveles B1, B2 y C1, tanto de los exámenes de Cambridge, como de la Escuela Oficial de Idiomas, de Aptis o del CUID.

¡Espero que os sea de ayuda!

1. Introduction

When writing an e-mail you must use a style which is suitable for the person you are writing to, for example the editor of a newspaper or magazine, the director of a company or college or a friend of yours. In your letter, you may have to recount some personal experience or give factual information.

Now we will concentrate on the characteristics of informal writing:

  • Informal writing takes on the features of spoken language. This means that includes colloquial words or expressions, slang, clichés, incomplete sentences, etc.

  • You can address the reader directly and use a personal tone.

  • You can use first or third person point-of-view, and you’re likely to address the reader using second person pronouns (e.g. you, your).

  • Short sentences are acceptable and active voice preferred.

  • Words can be simplified using contractions (e.g. you’re, couldn’t, it’s) and abbreviations (e.g. TV, photos).

  • You should get straight to the point.

  • Think of a natural way to finish the letter.


2. Starting and finishing emails

Here are a few expressions which may be useful when you write an informal e-mail:

  • Start your e-mail with 'Dear' or 'Hi' and the name of the person you are writing to, for example:

      Dear Mark,

      Dear Jane,

      Hi Daisy,

  • You can use these opening expressions, too:

Great to hear from you!

How are things with you?

How's it going?

  • A way to refer to a previous message you have receive is:

      Thanks for your e-mail/ present/ invitation

      Sorry it's taken me so long to write.

      I'm sorry I haven't written for ages, but...

      Thanks for the invite. I'd love to...

      Sorry, but I can't... because...

      That sounds like a great idea.

      Of course! No problem.

      I hope you're well.

      Good to see you again last week.

  • Some frequent ways of finishing an informal email are:

    Anyway, that's all for now.

    Look forward to seeing you soon!

    Can't wait to see you again / catch up!

    See you soon.

    Bye for now.

    Take care, / All the best,

      Best wishes,

      Kind regards,

  • If you are writing to a member of your family or a close friend, you can finish with:

      Love,

      Lots of love,