Informal letter/email tips and questions

CAE - informal letter/email

Paper 2 Part 2 - Informal letter/email

A LETTER/AN EMAIL (formal or informal) is written in response to the situation outlined in the task. Letters/emails in the Cambridge English: Advanced Writing paper will require a response which is consistently appropriate for the specified target reader.

When a response is framed as an email, letter-writing conventions such as an opening salutation, clear paragraphing and closing phrasing are always important.

Hints

• DO begin by giving a reason to write. You would normally start with a greeting, then acknowledge the letter or some key information given in the letter to which you are replying.
• Use paragraphs in which you cover each of the points mentioned in the task input.
• As well as the points mentioned in the task input, think of some of your own ideas.
• Identify the function(s) you should use (e.g. advising, reminding, requesting, suggesting...).
• Make sure the points covered follow a logical right order so that the whole letter/email is coherent.
• Finish the letter/email in a natural way, by arranging to see or contact the person your are writing to again soon.
• Remember to use an informal tone.

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Model questions and answers

Informal letter/Email - Model question

TASK

Read part of an email from a friend who is planning to come and live in your country.

Of course, I'd really need to learn the language. I know you've been learning English for years, so you've had loads of experience. Are there any tricks of the trade that might help me pick up your language a bit more quickly?

Reply to the email message offering your friend some advice. Write your email in 220-260 words in an appropriate style.

Informal letter/Email - Model answer

Dear Emma,

Thanks so much for your email. It was so good to hear from you. I'm really sorry not to have been in touch earlier but I've been up to my eyes preparing for my exams.

What great news that you're finally coming to France - I can't wait to catch up in person! And you're going to learn French too - fantastic!

I've bee learning English since I was a kid as you know, and by far the most useful experience was going to that language school in Brighton for three months last summer. If I were you, I'd definitely enrol in a course like that to keep you focused. I'd also suggest reading as widely as possible, online newspapers, blogs, books, the back of a cereal packet - anything, really! Don't be tempted to buy one of those 'Learn French in a weekend' courses though - a waste of time if you ask me. Learning a language takes time and effort.

What seems to work for a lot of peope is learning songs. My brother reckons that he has learnt more English from the Top 40 than he has at school. And you know my frien Lucie? She raved about her fortnight with a host family, so that's worth a try too. Of course, you could also get a French boyfriend or girlfriend to speed up your progress!

Anyway, I hope that's helped give you a few ideas. Do write back as soon as you can - I'd love to hear all the details of your plans.

Lots of love,

Sandrine

[+/- 255 words]

- See more at: http://www.rubenvalero.com/english/content/cae-informal-letteremail#sthash.TMolrQd1.dpuf

Proposal tips and questions

CAE - proposal

Paper 2 Part 2 - Proposal

PROPOSALS and reports have a similar layout (see reports in this same section). Reports are based on current circumstances or situations whereas proposals are action plans for the future. You give more space to the current situation in a report and more space to recommendations for future actions in a proposal.

Hints

First things first...

1. Begin by brainstorming ideas, in any order, and don't worry about language at this stage.
2. Group your ideas under headings for each section of your proposal.
3. Write a first draft, paying attention to the level of formality of the language.

Don't forget!

• Begin by stating the purpose of your proposal.
• Use an impersonal, semi-formal style.
• Use clear layout with headings.
• Express opinions and make recommendations in the last section of your proposal.
• Include a final sentence summarising your opinion.
• Use bullet points but not too many.

Useful language for a proposal

Stating the purpose of the proposal

• The principal aims/objectives of this proposal are to...
• This proposal is intended to...
• In this proposal I describe/evaluate/present/assess...

Background information

• Comments made at the end of the questionnaires suggest...
• Following a survey among families of young children...
• Concerned members of the local community were invited to attend...
• A number of concerns with regard to the most recent street party were expressed by locals...

Making recommendations and suggestions

• A working group should be set up by...
• There should be an enquiry into...
• I recommend that a larger survey should be conducted before a final decision is reached...

Final recommendations

• The results of the survey/questionnaire suggest that the introduction of heavier fines would seem to be the best option/choice/solution.
• If these recommendations are implemented, the situation is bound to improve.
• Unless these suggestions are implemented, it is unlikely that there will be any improvement in the short term.

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Model questions and answers

Proposal- Model question 1

TASK

Your college currently doesn't provide enough support for students planning to spend time studying in another country. You see this notice in the library.

The college is planning to introduce a special course for students planning to spend time studying in another country. The college principal invites students to send a proposal outlining any problems students may face whe studying abroad and suggesting ways in which the course could address these problems. A decision can then be made about what to include on the course.

Write your proposal in 220-260 words in an appropriate style.

Proposal- Model answer 1

Introduction

This proposal is intended to outline common issues students have when studying abroad, and suggest ways that a course could help them to deal with these. The final section makes recommendations about what should be included in the course curriculum.

Problems when studying abroad

Interviews were conducted with 20 students who have recently completed a student exchange programme. The majority of students were of the opinion that overcoming the language barrier in their new country was the biggest challenge and nearly half also said that they experienced culture shock. Other problems cited included unrealistic expectations, loneliness and packing the wrong things - particularly being unprepared for a different climate.

Ways a course could address these

A course could prepare students for culture shock by raising awareness of the phenomenon and describing cultural differences that students may encounter in their host country. To aid participants with language, a course could include some useful phrases for the first days after arrival, in addition to some resources for language learning. The course could also include a discussion about combating isolation and adjusting expectations.

Recommendations

I would like to make the following recommendations:

• Invite students who have previously studied abroad to share aspects of the culture they found surprising and give advice on what to take.
• Provide a list of useful phrases, together with suggestions of useful resources for language learning such as websites, blogs or e-books.
• Facilitate a discussion about engaging with people to avoid loneliness and isolation.

If these recommendations are implemented, young people are bound to feel more prepared for their experience.

[+/- 265 words]

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Proposal- Model question 2

TASK

Students at your college have to give a spoken presentation as part of their final assessment and need some help. The school director has invited you to send a proposal outlining any problems students have with presentations and suggesting how these problems could be overcome.

Write your proposal in 220-260 words in an appropriate style.

Proposal- Model answer 2

Helping with students presentations: a proposal

Introduction

In this proposal I will describe some of the difficulties students at this school have with preparing their final presentations, present the key needs to be addressed and conclude by making by making a series of recommendations on how teachers at the school could assist students with overcoming the obstacles to giving a successful presentation confidently.

Current situation

Following discussion among the students, it has become clear that many of them are feeling very nervous about the upcoming presentations. A number of students are struggling to select an appropriate structure. Comments made suggest that students lack previous experience in public speaking and would like opportunities to practise before the final assessment.

Key needs to be addressed

Students require additional help with topic selection and presentation structure, and opportunities need to be provided for students to gain experience in front of others.

Recommendations

I would suggest the following actions to teachers at the school:

• Provide students with a list of possible presentation topics.
• There should be a lesson or workshop on structuring a presentation for those who are interested.
• I recommend that students are given time during class to practise their presentations in small groups.
• Additional upfront speaking opportunities should be incorporated into classes including plays and games.

If these suggestions are implemented, it will lead to increased student confidence and performance for the final presentations.

[+/- 225 words]

- See more at: http://www.rubenvalero.com/english/content/cae-proposal#sthash.1DNoSzSR.dpuf

Writing models and tips for class

Follow these links for useful expressions, tips and model answers

Letter to the editor

http://www.flo-joe.com/cae/students/writing/makeover/makeover27.htm

You have read an article in your college magazine about the effects of the internet on studying. The article focuses on the negative effects, in particular the influence of social-networking sites and email. You feel the article has too negative a view of the way students use the internet, and decide to write a letter to the editor explaining your opinion.
Write your letter.

Proposal

http://www.rubenvalero.com/english/content/cae-proposal

New vocab and expressions from class

Week 30/03/16

A seven figure sum = an amount of 1 million or more

To allure = To attract

Firm = business/company

To encounter = To come across

Reef = Collection of colourful rocks made of shells in the sea

To bear in mind = To take into consideration

It gets themselves talked about

It’s all very well letting people choose the price but…

The meal was spoilt