Email
Informal Email Format
1. Salutation or Greeting
Start with Dear, Hey, or Hi and your friend’s first name, followed by a comma.
Example: Dear Ben,
2. Introduction
Greet your friend, show warmth, and explain why you are writing. Be brief and
friendly.
3. Body Paragraphs
Write about the three bullet points in the task. Add details, feelings, explanations, and
make it personal.
4. Conclusion
End the email in a friendly and brief way.
5. Signature
Use a friendly closing (such as Love, With love, Best, Regards) followed by a
comma and your name on the next line.
Example:
With love,
Ali
Writing the Introduction
What to do:
● Use a personal and informal tone.
● Mention something about your friend or a shared memory.
● Avoid saying “I’m writing this email to...”.
Example introductions:
● Sorry I haven’t written sooner. You won’t believe what happened yesterday!
● How have you been? I thought I’d tell you about something exciting.
● I’m glad you got the new iPhone. Anyway, wait until you hear what I did last
weekend.
Body Paragraphs
What to do:
● Write two to three paragraphs. Try to write one paragraph for each bullet point in the
question.
● Use ideas from the task and your own imagination.
● Keep it realistic and convincing.
● Stay focused on the topic.
How to improve your content:
● Add explanations and express feelings
Example: I was amazed to find out that...
● Personalize your email
Examples:
I know you love football, so...
You know me—I always forget to set my alarm!
I wonder what you would have done in my place.
Time sequence phrases for storytelling:
● Just as we arrived...
● The moment I saw him...
● Later that day...
● In the end...
Writing the Conclusion
What to do:
● Keep it short and personal.
● Mention your friend again or ask a question.
Example conclusions:
● That’s all for now. Write back soon!
● I must go now. Let me know what you’ve been up to.
● My mum’s calling for dinner, so I’ll stop here. Take care!
Language Tools for Informal Emails
Useful linking words:
● For transition: anyway, anyhow
● For addition: and, also, plus, not only that, what’s more
● For contrast: but, yet, though
● For reason: because, so
● For casual tone: by the way, you know, well
Contractions: Use them naturally in informal emails.
Examples: I’ve, you’re, can’t, we’ll, didn’t
Informal expressions: Use a few to make your writing lively, but not too many.
Examples:
● You’ll never guess what happened
● I was over the moon
● It totally slipped my mind
Final Tips
Do:
● Write in four to five paragraphs.
● Use contractions and informal tone.
● Vary your sentence lengths.
● Use personal comments and emotional reactions.
● Aim for around 160 to 200 words.
● Spend time planning and checking your work.
Don’t:
● Don’t use abbreviations like OMG, BTW, or how r u.
● Don’t use formal expressions like I would like to inform you.
● Don’t use formal linking words like furthermore or in addition.
● Don’t start every sentence the same way.
● Don’t write too little or go off topic.
● Don’t add an address or subject line.
Essay
1. One-Sided Argument Essay
You agree/disagree with the statement and give reasons.
Structure:
Paragraph 1: Introduction (including your opinion)
Paragraph 2: One or two points supporting your opinion with an explanation
Paragraph 3: One or two points (different from those of the previous paragraph) supporting
your opinion with an explanation
Paragraph 4: Conclusion (including your opinion again but in different words)
2. Two-Sided Argument Essay
You discuss both sides before giving your opinion.
Structure:
Paragraph 1: Introduction (no opinion yet!)
Paragraph 2: Points for one side (2 ideas)
Paragraph 3: Points for the other side (2 ideas)
Paragraph 4: Conclusion (give your opinion)
Writing the Introduction
Include:
● A topic sentence (use time phrases + generalizations):
"Nowadays, most teenagers eat fast food regularly."
● A rhetorical question to engage:
"Should teenagers completely avoid fast food?"
● Your opinion (only in one-sided essays):
"From my perspective, it causes more harm than good."
Body Paragraphs
✔ One-Sided Body Paragraphs:
● Each paragraph = 1 or 2 ideas with explanation and/or examples.
● If using a counterargument, try:
"Opponents argue that fast food is cheap, but this ignores the long-term health
costs."
✔ Two-Sided Body Paragraphs:
● First paragraph = one side (e.g., benefits)
● Second paragraph = other side (e.g., drawbacks)
Useful Phrases
Opinion phrases:
● In my opinion / I believe / I am in favour of...
● I am strongly opposed to...
Counterargument starters:
● Some argue that...
● A common counterargument is that...
Refuting counterarguments:
● However, this argument overlooks...
● While this may be true, it is important to consider...
Examples:
● For example / To illustrate / Such as
Linking phrases:
● Firstly / Furthermore / However / Therefore / In conclusion
Conclusion
● Summarize key points using new words
● Clearly state your opinion (even in a two-sided essay)
● Optional: Add a strong final statement or rhetorical question:
"Think about this before you reach for your next snack!"
Do's
● Organize into 4–5 paragraphs
● Keep to the topic and word count (approx. 160 words)
● Use a mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences
● Use a variety of formal vocabulary
● Spend 5 mins planning and 2–3 mins checking
Don’ts
● No headings
● No slang/chatty phrases (e.g., OMG, BTW)
● Don’t list too many points – focus on developing 2–3 well
● Avoid overlong intros or conclusions
● Don’t repeat the same sentence starters (e.g., “The… The… The…”)
Review
Review Format (Restaurant Example)
1. Title
Write a catchy title that reflects your opinion or highlights the restaurant.
Example: “Flavour Explosion at Spice Garden Bistro”
2. Introduction
Introduce the restaurant clearly. Include:
● Name of the restaurant
● Location
● Type of cuisine or restaurant
● A short one-line opinion or impression using strong adjectives
Example: Located in the heart of the city, Spice Garden Bistro offers a cozy and
flavorful Indian fusion dining experience.
3. Brief Description of the Experience
Give a short description of your visit:
● Mention when you went and with whom (if relevant)
● Describe the atmosphere (e.g. lighting, music, décor, crowd)
● Mention the service (friendly, slow, professional, etc.)
● Describe what you ordered and how the food was presented and tasted
● Use the present tense
Example: The restaurant has warm lighting, gentle music, and friendly staff. We
order butter chicken, garlic naan, and mango lassi. The food is well-presented and
bursting with flavour.
4. Opinion
Give your personal reaction to the experience:
● What you liked or didn’t like (explain why)
● Mention the best or worst part of the meal
● How the experience made you feel (relaxed, excited, disappointed, etc.)
● Use adjectives and personal comments
Example: I was especially impressed by the creamy butter chicken—it was rich and
perfectly spiced. The service was quick and welcoming, which made the night even
more enjoyable.
5. Recommendation
State your overall opinion:
● Would you recommend this place?
● Who would enjoy it? (families, couples, foodies, students)
● Mention the occasion (dinner, casual lunch, celebration, etc.) Example: I’d highly
recommend Spice Garden Bistro for couples or small groups who enjoy flavorful
Indian food in a calm setting. It’s perfect for a quiet dinner or special night out.
Report
Write a Report
1. Read the Question Carefully
● Identify exactly what the question is asking you to write.
● Underline key words: the purpose of the report, the topic, and what specific points
you need to cover.
2. Make a Quick Plan (5 Minutes Max)
Your plan should include:
● A short title
● What to include in the introduction (who, what, when, where, why, how)
● The main points for the body (based on the bullet points in the question)
● A brief conclusion (evaluation + suggestion)
3. Title
Your title should be short and relevant.
Example:
Report on Class Visit to the Green Recycling Centre
4. Introduction
Write a brief introduction including:
● Who took part (e.g. our class, Year 10 students)
● What the event was (e.g. a trip to a recycling centre)
● When it happened
● Where it took place
● Why you went (the purpose of the trip)
● How (if necessary)
Example:
Last Thursday, our Year 10 class visited the Green Recycling Centre in Seremban to learn
more about how waste is managed and recycled. The visit was organised by our
Environmental Studies teacher as part of our project on sustainable living.
5. Body Paragraphs
Structure the body based on what the question asks. You will usually write about:
A. What You Did on the Trip
Mention 2–3 activities in detail.
Example:
During the trip, we spoke to employees about their daily tasks, visited the sorting area where
paper and plastic are separated, and watched a demonstration on how plastic bottles are
turned into pellets.
B. What You Learned from It
Mention 2 things you found interesting or surprising.
Example:
We learned that only around 50% of the materials brought to the centre are actually recycled
due to contamination. We also discovered how recycling plays a key role in reducing landfill
waste and protecting the environment.
6. Conclusion
End the report by:
● Giving your overall impression
● Making one or two realistic suggestions for improvement (only if the question asks
for it)
Example:
The trip was highly informative and gave us a clear idea of how recycling works. However,
it could have been more engaging if we had a chance to try sorting materials ourselves or
watched an educational video before the tour.
Final Tips
Do:
● Use subheadings if allowed by the question (optional)
● Write in a formal and factual tone
● Be concise and clear (150–200 words only)
● Use past tense for the visit and present tense for facts
● Use linking words like first, then, afterwards, finally, as a result
Don’t:
● Use overly informal language or personal opinions
● Include unnecessary details
● Overcomplicate your sentences
● Forget the word count
Article
Writing an Article
Step 1: Planning
1. Who is the audience?
Usually, it's for your school magazine. Keep your tone clear and relatable.
2. One-sided or two-sided?
If you know a lot about both sides of the issue, write a two-sided article. If not, stick to one
side.
3. How do I introduce the topic?
Explain why the topic matters today. Why is it important or controversial?
4. What points will I include in the body?
● Write down three or four clear points.
● If it’s two-sided, prepare two pros and two cons.
● You can use the ideas given in the question (but paraphrase them).
5. How will I conclude?
Summarise your points and clearly give your final opinion.
Step 2: Organizing Your Article
One-sided Article Structure
Paragraph 1: Introduction
Introduce the topic and explain its importance.
Paragraph 2: First point and justification
Paragraph 3: Second point and justification
Paragraph 4: Opposing point + counterargument
Mention a common opposing view, then explain why you disagree.
Paragraph 5: Conclusion
Summarise your points, repeat your opinion, and suggest a solution if suitable.
Two-sided Article Structure
Paragraph 1: Introduction
Introduce the topic and explain its importance.
Paragraph 2: Arguments in favour
Give 2 reasons why people support the topic.
Paragraph 3: Arguments against
Give 2 reasons why people are against it.
Paragraph 4: Conclusion
Summarise both sides and give your final opinion.
Step 3: Writing the Article
Useful Phrases
Expressing your opinion:
● I believe that...
● In my opinion...
● I agree/disagree with the idea that...
● I am strongly against/in favour of...
Presenting and linking ideas:
● First of all
● Furthermore / Moreover
● In addition / Besides
● However / Nevertheless
● On the other hand / On the contrary
● Despite the fact that...
● What is more...
Giving reasons and results:
● Because of / Due to
● As a result of / Consequently
● Therefore / Hence
Concluding:
● To sum up / To conclude
● It can be concluded that...
● Thus, I am of the opinion that...
Argument verbs (stronger than “say” or “think”):
● Claim / Assert / Argue / Point out / Maintain
Example: Many people argue that technology has made teenagers less active.
Final Tips
Do:
● Use a mix of simple and complex sentences.
● Use formal and precise vocabulary.
● Stay focused on the topic.
● Keep your article within 150–200 words.
● Use linking words and clear paragraphing.
Don’t:
● Use overly casual or chatty language.
● Include irrelevant personal stories or jokes.
● Use contractions if you're aiming for a formal tone.
● Repeat the same ideas or words too often.
