#4. Task 1 Essentials: Writing an Email

Task 1 is a short, semi-formal email on an everyday topic. You type your response on the computer within about 27 minutes and aim for 150–200 words. The screen shows a word counter and basic spell check.

The right tone: semi-formal

• Respectful and clear; not too stiff, not too casual.
• Avoid slang, emojis, and chatty short forms.
• Be polite and direct: “Could you please…”, “I would appreciate…”, “Thank you for your help.”

Common greetings

• Hello Ms. Chen,
• Dear Customer Service Team,
• Hello Mr. Alvarez,

Common sign-offs

• Sincerely,
• Kind regards,
• Best regards,

Cover every “do the following” bullet

1. Underline or list each bullet from the prompt.
2. Write one simple sentence for each bullet first.
3. Expand each sentence with a short detail or example.
4. Check off each bullet before you submit.

The 6-part email map

1. Greeting
2. Purpose line (why you’re writing)
3. Body A (reason/details + example)
4. Body B (new reason/details + example)
5. Action/next steps (what you want the reader to do)
6. Sign-off + name

Tip: You don’t need “To/From/Subject” unless the prompt asks for it.

Etiquette for requests, reasons, and next steps

• Requests: “Could you please arrange…?”, “Would it be possible to…?”
• Reasons: “because…”, “so that…”, “This affects…”
• Next steps: “Please let me know by…”, “Kindly confirm…”, “If needed, I can…”

Mini language bank (copy/paste friendly)

• Purpose: I’m writing to report / request / follow up on…
• Explaining impact: This causes delays for residents / This makes it hard for customers…
• Offering help: I’m happy to provide photos / receipts / availability…

Model Task 1 (≈180 words)

Prompt: Write an email to the building manager about repeated elevator breakdowns. Do the following: describe the problem, explain how it affects residents, request two actions and ask for next steps.

Hello Ms. Chen,

I’m writing about the north-tower elevator, which has been out of service several times this month, including yesterday evening. The notice in the lobby says the part is “on order,” but there isn’t a repair date.

The breakdowns affect many residents on higher floors. For example, my neighbor on the 12th floor uses a cane and had to climb the stairs twice last week. Deliveries are also piling up in the lobby because drivers can’t reach upper floors.

Could you please arrange a temporary technician visit to stabilize the elevator while we wait for the part? Also, would it be possible to post daily updates with an estimated repair timeline so residents can plan accordingly?

Please let me know the expected repair date and whether you need photos, incident times, or unit numbers to support a service request. I appreciate your help with this.

Kind regards,
Amir Rahimi

Error fixes (learn from common mistakes)

Too casual: “Hey, the elevator is busted again lol.”
→ Fix: “Hello Ms. Chen, I’m writing about repeated elevator breakdowns in the north tower.”

Missing bullets: No request for action.
→ Fix: Add a clear ask: “Could you please arrange a temporary technician visit and post daily updates?”

Vague reasons: “This is inconvenient.”
→ Fix: Add a concrete detail: “Residents on higher floors, including one who uses a cane, must climb multiple flights.”

Wall of text: One long paragraph.
→ Fix: Use short paragraphs: purpose → impact → requests → next steps.

Quick checklist (before you submit)

• Greeting + purpose in the first lines
• Every bullet covered (I can point to each one)
• Two short body paragraphs with specific details
• Polite request(s) + clear next step
• Semi-formal tone throughout
• ~150–200 words, no slang, basic spell check

5-minute practice

1. Copy the prompt into your notes and highlight each bullet.
2. Write one sentence per bullet.
3. Expand each with one detail or example.
4. Add greeting, sign-off, and a next-step question.
5. Paste into the box, run a quick spell check, and submit.