for the B1 Cambridge test (PET) or the General Training IELTS test

Informal emails are the ones that people write to their friends, family members or people they know well. The language used in this type of emails is more casual and similar to the way that we speak.

informal email	formal email
friends family members people we know well	people we don’t know bosses or managers doctors, teachers and professors

Informal emails have a standard format, so they must include the following parts:

1. Greetings: We say hi! to the other person.

2. Opening paragraph: we react to the news that the other person has shared or we apologize and explain why we didn’t reply earlier.

3. Main paragraph 1: Here you answer the main question or request

4. Main paragraph 2: If there is more information or a different idea to deal with, you can write it in this paragraph (you can add more paragraphs if needed)

5. Closing paragraph: In this paragraph you start the farewell by sending good wishes to the other person and asking them to reply soon

6. Goodbye: We say goodbye! to the other person

7. Signature: write down your name/ nickname

Now that you know which parts should be included in an informal email reply, let’s see an example:

This is a part of an email you received from your Canadian friend Sandy.

Now write an email to her.

Below you can find a list of formulaic expressions and connectors that you can include to replace the phrases in red in the example.

Pro tips for writing informal emails

• Use the standard format that English speakers use to write informal emails.
• Use formulaic expressions.
• Use contractions (I’m, I’ve, I’d, don’t, can’t, won’t, etc.).
• Use informal words and expressions.
• Don’t forget to ANSWER the questions that your friend has asked you.

Time to practice

The best way to improve your writing is to practice. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes. Remember that practice makes progress.

Now it’s your turn to write an informal email.

You have just received an email from a friend you have not spoken to in a long while. Write a two or three-paragraph response to your friend explaining to your friend that you have started an English course. Share your experience learning English and your future goals with your friend.

Type your answer in the reply section and I will give you personalized feedback.