Writing Part 2
Writing an Informal Letter
C1 Advanced Exam
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Writing Part 2
Informal Letter
Informal Letter
It’s very common to have the option to write a letter or an email in part 2 of the C1 Advanced Exam.
Emails and letters are essentially the same thing, except that one is digital and the other is on paper.
We use the same techniques for both styles.
Time Management
Time Management
Both texts are the same amount of words, and worth the same amount of points. Spend 45 minutes per text. Give time to both plan and check your work:
Planning - 10 minutes
Writing - 30 minutes
Checking - 5 minutes
Length: 220-260 words
Most people want to skip planning and start writing immediately. However, this often leads to disorganized essays. Since you’re being marked on organization, you should plan. You’ll have fewer problems while writing and your work will be easier to read.
Planning
Planning
Here's an example question:
You have received the following letter from your English-speaking friend.
.............Thanks for inviting me to stay with you when I visit your country next month. I'm not sure how to get to your apartment from the airport. Could you write back giving me some basic instructions? What would be the best method of transport for me? I'd prefer one that isn't too expensive! Just one other thing - what will the weather be like when I get there? (Just so I'll know what clothes to pack!) .........
Write your letter to your friend (around 220-260 words).
What to write about
What to write about
Know your Audience
Know your Audience
In the example above, it clearly states that we are writing to an English-speaking friend.
Because we are writing to a friend, we know we must use an informal tone.
Know the Topic
Know the Topic
The question tells us exactly what to write.
You should take a few minutes to read the question very carefully, and underline topic words and underline the things you must write about in the letter.
Here’s the same letter as before. I’ve underlined the topic words in red and the things we must respond to in green:
.............Thanks for inviting me to stay with you when I visit your country next month. I'm not sure how to get to your apartment from the airport. Could you write back giving me some basic instructions? What would be the best method of transport for me? I'd prefer one that isn't too expensive! Just one other thing - what will the weather be like when I get there? (Just so I'll know what clothes to pack!) .........
Outline
Outline
Since this is a letter for a friend, we’re going to use a casual, informal greeting and sign-off. Here’s the format I use:
Format:
Hi / Dear [First name only of friend],
Paragraph 1- Say why you are writing to them (I’m just writing to let you know that….)
Paragraph 2- Point 1 and supporting details
Paragraph 3- Point 2 and supporting details
Paragraph 4- Point 2 and supporting details
Closing statement (if needed)
All the best,
[Your first name only]
Here are many ways you could organize your paragraphs. I suggest this way:
Each supporting paragraph should have:
One of the points.
Supporting details.
Example or Reason.
Remember, we need to use logical paragraphs to make sure we get good marks for organization.
260 words actually aren’t a lot. You will not be able to write about too many things for each point. Use this to your advantage, because writing less actually means less chance for mistakes.
Plan your Paragraphs
Plan your Paragraphs
I take the three points and quickly brainstorm some ideas.
Outline
Outline
Since this is a letter for a friend, we’re going to use a casual, informal greeting and sign-off. Here’s the format I use:
Format:
Hi / Dear [First name only of friend],
Paragraph 1- Say why you are writing to them (I’m just writing to let you know that….)
Paragraph 2- Point 1 and supporting details
Paragraph 3- Point 2 and supporting details
Paragraph 4- Point 2 and supporting details
Closing statement (if needed)
All the best,
[Your first name only]
Here are many ways you could organize your paragraphs. I suggest this way:
Each supporting paragraph should have:
One of the points.
Supporting details.
Example or Reason.
Remember, we need to use logical paragraphs to make sure we get good marks for organization.
260 words actually aren’t a lot. You will not be able to write about too many things for each point. Use this to your advantage, because writing less actually means less chance for mistakes.
Plan your Paragraphs
Plan your Paragraphs
I take the three points and quickly brainstorm some ideas.
How to get to the airport to apartment
baby sitter
time it takes
major streets
highways
side streets
landmarks
Type of transportation to take
taxi
shuttle service
subway
busses
car rental
Weather
a bit cool - autumn
jacket
jeans
shirts
rain
umbrella footwear
Then, I narrow down what I’ll talk about. It’s always best to pick 1 thing, expand on it, and then give a reason or an example. This will help us create a well-organized letter. Having too many ideas per paragraph is bad and risks confusing the examiner.
How to get to the airport to apartment
time - 2 hours
major streets
highway 401
side streets .- Rideau
landmarks - train station
bridge
Type of transportation to take
shuttle service - cheapest
cost $40
Weather
a bit cool - autumn / october
suggest some clothes
warm jacket
jeans or long pants
long sleeve shirts
umbrella - rain
boots for rain
Writing the Letter
Writing the Letter
Here's the question again for reference:
You have received the following letter from your English-speaking friend.
.............Thanks for inviting me to stay with you when I visit your country next month. I'm not sure how to get to your apartment from the airport. Could you write back giving me some basic instructions? What would be the best method of transport for me? I'd prefer one that isn't too expensive! Just one other thing - what will the weather be like when I get there? (Just so I'll know what clothes to pack!) .........
Write your letter to your friend (around 220-260 words).
Opening Paragraph
Opening Paragraph
The best way to make an opening paragraph is by making reference to the original letter.
Since the original question doesn’t specify a name, I’ve made one up:
Hi Jeff,
Thanks for getting in touch. I can’t wait for your trip to Canada and I really look forward to seeing you again.
You can see I haven’t added any details. The details will come in the body of the letter.
Body Paragraphs
Body Paragraphs
The easiest way to organize the letter is by dedicating one paragraph per point. Remember to not go off topic or you will lose points.
I decided to describe how to get to one of my old apartments from the major airport in the region.
How to get from the airport to the apartment:
Getting to my apartment from the airport is actually pretty easy. I live 2 hours away, which may seem far, but t's actually not. If you decide to rent a car, just take Highway 401 south and turn off on Exit 2 once you get to Stratford. This will bring you right downtown, just don't leave this road until you reach Main Street — it’s right after the train station, which will be on the left. Turn left onto Main Street and drive 2 more minutes. You’ll go over a bridge and my apartment is the 4th house on the left, right after the bridge.
It’s often easiest to describe something you know, but if you can’t think of something, just make it up! Remember, as long as your responses are plausible, you will never lose points.
In my city, there were several ways you could get from the airport to downtown. However, it’s best to just focus on 1 option. This will make it easier for the examiner. So. just pick something and go with it.
Recommendation of the type of transport to take (cheapest):
An easier option would be to take the shuttle bus. It costs only $40, and I actually think this will be the best and cheapest option for you. Their terminal is only 2 blocks from my house and I can even come and meet you there when you get in.
For the paragraph about weather, I just picked a random month and talked about what one would typically wear during that time. Since our writer mentioned clothes, I made a few recommendations.
Weather:
Finally, it’s a bit chilly here. October can actually get pretty cool, and I know you already know that Canada has pretty chilly winters. You'll want to bring a warm jacket, shirts with long sleeves, some pairs of long pants and possibly a hooded sweatshirt or two. Also, I highly recommend bringing some boots and un umbrella since October can be pretty rainy.
Conclusion
Conclusion
We don’t need to add much for a conclusion. It’s usually easiest to just say you are available to answer questions, and say that you look forward to hearing from them.
If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to write me.
We’ve gone over the word limit. However, remember that that’s okay. You will never lose points for writing too much as long as what you say is on topic and relevant. You will lose marks if you add too many unimportant details. Also, writing more increases the chances for mistakes so try to stay near the word count.
Example
Example
Let’s put it all together with some sequencing words and some editing:
Hi Jeff,
Thanks for getting in touch. I can’t wait for your trip to Canada! It’s been so long since I’ve seen you, so it will be great to hang out again.
Getting to my apartment from the airport is actually pretty easy. I live 2 hours away, which may seem far, but t's actually not. If you decide to rent a car, just take Highway 401 southbound and turn off on Exit 2 once you get to Stratford. This will bring you right downtown, just don't leave this road until you’ve reached Main Street — it’s right after the train station which will be on the left. Turn left onto Main Street and drive for 2 more minutes. You’ll go over a bridge. My apartment is the 4th house on the left after the bridge.
An easier option would be to take the shuttle bus, however. It costs only $40, and I actually think this will be the best and cheapest option for you. Their terminal is only 2 blocks from my house and I can easily come and meet you there when you get in, if you’d like, and help you with your luggage.
Finally, it’s a bit chilly here. October can actually get pretty cool, and I know you know that Canada has pretty chilly winters. You'll want to bring a warm jacket, shirts with long sleeves, some pairs of long pants and possibly a hooded sweatshirt or two. Also, I highly recommend bringing some boots and un umbrella since October can be rather rainy.
If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to write me. I can't wait to see you!
Talk soon,
- Axl
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