Students receive emails from English-speaking pen-friends Ben and Lily. Topics include pets, learning foreign languages, holidays, housework, news. Each email contains 3 questions for students to answer
Letters can be formal, informal, or semi-formal. Formal letters are sent to official people. Informal letters are sent to friends. Semi-formal letters are sent to magazine advice columns
Letters/emails must be appropriate in register and tone for target reader. Candidates write to friends, employers, principals or magazine editors
Begin with a brief introduction including personal information and reason for writing. Clearly state the purpose of your letter using polite language. Include 3-5 specific questions to be answered. Keep the letter between 300-400 words. End with a thank you and contact information
Business letters must maintain formal tone and specific salutation requirements. Use professional titles like "Dr." or "Rev." when addressing women. Use "Dear Madam" when recipient's name is unknown. Avoid using "Miss." as it can be considered condescending
"Sincerely" works for both professional and personal letters. "Regards" conveys sincerity and respect for new contacts. "Best regards" balances formal and friendly tones. "Hope to talk soon" encourages quick response. "Thank you for your time" shows appreciation for reader's time