FCE Unit 4 - Writing ( an email)

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 2

Here we go again! Can you guess what this is?

It's a slug!

Writing for FCE

Here's what you have to do:

answer the question fully ✔

organise the work clearly and logically ✔

adopt the correct level of formality ✔

use an appropriate range of vocabulary ✔

use accurate English ✔

create a positive effect on the target reader. ✔

Writing Paper Part 2. Task Type: Informal Email

Question

You have received the following email from your English-speaking friend.

Write your email of reply to your friend (around 140-190 words).

What you need to do to pass

Writing Criteria:Writing Paper Part 2. Task Type: Informal Email

Content

Should include an explanation of how the friend can reach their destination. It would be usual to describe two or three transport options and then say which you recommend most strongly. Should also describe the weather and suggest suitable clothing.

What you need to do to pass

Writing Criteria:Writing Paper Part 2. Task Type: Informal Email

Communicative achievement

Informal. Contracted forms (e.g. 'I'd' instead of 'I would') are acceptable, as are exclamation marks. The friend would be informed and would be confident about finding their way to the right destination.

What you need to do to pass

Writing Criteria:Writing Paper Part 2. Task Type: Informal Email

Organisation

Should have the layout of an informal email, with appropriate beginning and ending (e.g. 'Dear Jan', 'Best wishes' or 'With love'). Should acknowledge friend's email in the first paragraph. Use a maximum of three paragraphs.

N.B. In the exam there is no need to write addresses.

What you need to do to pass

Writing Criteria:Writing Paper Part 2. Task Type: Informal Email

Language

Language of description ('Go right when you leave the airport....'), comparison (X whereas Y) and recommendation ('If I were you, I'd pack a thick jumper...')

Should not contain major errors that lead to misunderstandings or that irritate the reader.

• What methods of transport would you use to get to and from your nearest airport (e.g. bus, coach, train, taxi)
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of each one? (Consider e.g. length of the journey, frequency of the service, cost, etc.)
• Which option(s) are you going to recommend?
• How would you describe the weather at this time of year (e.g. sunny, cloudy, rainy) and what sort of clothes are suitable (e.g. loose, lots of layers, waterproof)?
• How are you going to end the email?

Ideas for writing

Ask yourself the following questions to help you get started:

Now write your email: 

You have received the following email from your English-speaking friend.

Write your email of reply to your friend (around 140-190 words).

Make a plan

 Note down ideas for each key area in the form of notes or a spidergram . Group your ideas in to paragraphs and choose the best order. Or use  headings and add information 

Make a plan

•  Which tense do you need for writing about recent activities?
• Write down some adjectives which could be used to describe a good trip to a friend. 

Writing Assignment Part 2

• In the FCE exam you have 40 minutes to write a letter or an email. You have to write 140 - 190 words. 
• REMEMBER TO MAKE A PLAN
• Homework: Read pages 58 and 59 about writing an informal email for FCE

Extra help

The exercises in the following slides can be used for extra practice