Step 1: Identify the Type of Communication

 Determine if it's formal or informal: Understand the recipient and

the context. Formal emails or letters are usually for someone you don’t
know well or for professional settings. Informal ones are for friends,
family, or people you have an informal relationship with.

Step 2: Understand the Task Requirements

 Identify the main task: Read the prompt carefully to understand
exactly what is being asked. This might include writing to request
information, complain, apologize, invite someone, or give advice.

Step 3: Plan Your Content

 Brainstorm and organize ideas: List out the points you need to
cover. Organize these ideas into a logical sequence that fits the type of
writing (email or letter).

Step 4: Begin Writing

 Introduction: Briefly mention the purpose of your communication.
 Body: Expand on the points you’ve planned. Each paragraph should
cover a specific point.
 Conclusion: End with a suitable closing statement based on the
formality of the letter or email.

Step 5: Review and Revise

 Check for grammar and spelling mistakes.
 Ensure the language and tone are appropriate for the recipient
and purpose.
 Make sure all parts of the task are completed and the
information flows logically.
Informal letter/email:

1. Salutation
 How to Start: Begin with "Dear [First Name]," for letters, or "Hi [First
Name]," for a more casual email tone.
 Tips: Use the first name to keep it friendly and informal. Avoid formal
titles like "Mr." or "Mrs."

2. Opening Paragraph

When writing an informal letter, you are usually replying to another

letter. You would normally start with a greeting, then
acknowledge the letter some key information in the letter to
which you are replying.

 Purpose: Set a friendly tone and reconnect with the reader.

 Structure:
 Acknowledge the recipient’s last correspondence or your recent
interaction.
 Express enthusiasm or gratitude for the relationship or
communication.
 Suggestions for Opening Lines:
 “How have you been?”
 “It was great to hear from you recently.”
 “Thank you / Many thanks for your (recent/last)
letter/postcard—it made my day!”
 “How are you? / How have the family been? / I hope you
are well.”
 “It was good /nice/great to hear from you again.”
 “It’s been too long since we last caught up! How’s everything
going with you?”
 “I was so pleased to receive your email the other day—it’s
always such a joy to hear from you!”

3. Main Body
 Purpose: The key purpose of this paragraph is to you discuss the main
topics or tasks prompted by the exam question.
  Approach:
1. Paragraph 1: Respond directly to a question or topic raised by
the recipient.
 Example: “Regarding your question about my lifestyle, I
also try to stay active and healthy. I jog in the park every
morning and have recently joined a yoga class.”
2. Paragraph 2: Provide additional information or introduce new
topics of interest.
 Example: “On a different note, I’ve started volunteering at
an animal shelter on weekends, which has been incredibly
rewarding.”
 Useful Expressions:
 “I wanted to tell you about…”
 “Remember when we talked about…? Well, I…”
 “I thought you might be interested to hear about…”

4. Closing Paragraph
 Goal: To wrap up the letter while looking forward to future
interactions.
 Content:
 Summarize the main points.
 Give a reason why you’re ending the letter:
Anyway, I must go and get on with my work. / I guess it’s
time I got on with that studying I’ve been avoiding.
 Send greetings and/or make reference for future
contact:
Give my love /regards to… / Say hello to… / Anyway,
don’t forget to let me know the dates of the party. / I’ll try
and phone you at the wee”end to check the times. / We
must try and meet up soon.

6. Sign-Off
 Purpose: To end the letter on a warm, personal note.
 Possible Options:
 “Best regards,”
 “Lots of love,” (for very close relationships)
  “Cheers,” (casual and friendly)
 "Best wishes,"
 "Cheers,"
 "Lots of love," (for very close relationships)
 Signature: Your first name on the next line.

7. Post-Writing Checklist
 Review for Clarity and Tone: Ensure the language is informal,
friendly, and clear. Verify the use of informal language, including phrasal
verbs, idioms, and contractions.
 Content Review: Ensure all required points are covered and only
relevant information is included.
 Grammar and Spelling Check: Verify that there are no spelling
mistakes and that informal grammar structures are used correctly, like
contractions and colloquial expressions.
 Organisation: Confirm that the letter is well-organized with clear
paragraphs and logical transitions.
 Word Count: Ensure your writing fits within the 140-190 words
guideline, allowing for a buffer of about 10-20 words if needed.

Additional Tips
 Linking Words: Use informal connectors like “anyway,” “so,” or
“plus” to make your writing flow naturally.
 Engaging Language: Include questions to make the letter feel
interactive, e.g., “How’s your dog, Milo?”
 Personal Touch: Add a personal comment or a light-hearted remark
to enhance the connection, such as “I still laugh every time I think
about our last trip!”

Formal letter/email
Formal letters are structured to address specific purposes such as job applications,
scholarship requests, complaints, suggestions, or information requests.

1. Salutation
 If name is known: Use "Dear Mr. [Surname]," or "Dear Ms. [Surname],"
depending on the gender and information given. If marital status is unknown,
"Ms." is a safe and respectful option.
 If name is unknown: Use "Dear Sir or Madam," to maintain formality.

2. Opening Paragraph
 Clearly state why you are writing the letter/ what you are responding to.
 Phrases to use:
 "I am writing to apply for [the position] that I saw advertised in
[source]."
 "I am writing to complain about..."
 "I am writing to request further information regarding..."
 "I am writing in response to your recent advertisement concerning..."

3. Main Content
 Paragraph Structure:
 First Point: Elaborate on your main reason for writing.
 Subsequent Points: Provide details that support your initial
statement, such as qualifications, experiences, or specific grievances.
 Linking Words: Use formal transitions like "Furthermore," "Moreover,"
"In addition," to connect ideas smoothly.
 Modal Verbs: Utilize 'would', 'could', 'should' to keep the tone polite and
respectful, particularly in complaint letters.

4. Concluding Paragraph
 Summarize your request or the intended outcome.
 Politely prompt a response or further action: "I look forward to your prompt
reply."
 If needed, thank them for their time
5. Closing and Signing Off
 If name is known: "Yours sincerely," followed by your full name.
 If name is unknown: "Yours faithfully," followed by your full name.

Writing Checklist:
 Content: Ensure all key information required by the task is included.
  Communicative Achievement: Check if the text achieves the purpose
effectively, using a suitable register and tone.
 Organisation: Ensure the letter is well-organized, with clear paragraphs and
logical progression.
 Language: Use appropriate vocabulary and grammatical structures. Ensure
spelling and punctuation are correct.

Tips:
 Start by outlining the main points you need to cover to stay on topic.
 Keep the language formal: avoid contractions (use "I am" instead of "I’m")
and colloquialisms.
 Be concise but thorough in explaining your situation or request.
 Proofread for any grammatical or typographical errors to maintain
professionalism.

Useful Phrases:
 Initiating: "I am writing to inquire about..."
 Requesting: "Could you possibly provide more details on..."
 Complaining: "I must express my dissatisfaction with..."
 Closing: "I trust this matter will be resolved swiftly."

Essay
An FCE essay requires a balanced argument on a given topic, addressing prompts
provided in the question. It should be formally structured and should logically
present your opinions with supporting arguments.
Structure

1. Introduction (1 paragraph)
 Background: Introduce the topic.
 Thesis: State the points you will cover (including the two provided and
one of your own).

2. Body (3 paragraphs)
 Paragraph 1: Discuss the first point with reasons and examples.
 Paragraph 2: Discuss the second point with reasons and examples.
 Paragraph 3: Introduce and explain your own point with reasons and
examples.

3. Conclusion (1 paragraph)
 Summarize your arguments.
 Restate your opinion or give a concluding thought.
Writing Tips:
 Understand the Prompt: Carefully read the essay prompt and make sure to
address all the points asked.
 Plan Your Essay: Before you start writing, outline your main points and
examples to ensure a coherent structure.
 Use Formal Language: Maintain a formal tone throughout your essay and
avoid colloquial language.
 Linking Words: Use linking phrases such as "Furthermore," "However," and
"In conclusion," to connect your ideas smoothly.
Useful Phrases & Expressions:
 Introducing Points: "Firstly," "Secondly," "Another significant point is..."
 Adding Information: "In addition," "Moreover," "Besides,"
 Expressing Opinion: "I believe," "In my opinion," "It seems to me that..."
 Concluding: "To sum up," "In conclusion," "Overall,"