Exam Buster
Writing an email
Study Tips
The main difference between letters and emails is at the beginning of the email where you must put:
• your email address (which in real life appears automatically);
• the email address of the person you are writing to;
• a subject line which says what the main topic of the email is.
Fill the gaps
1 Read the email below and complete the spaces in an appropriate way.
To:
@scmc.org
From: ............... @ ...............
Subject: ...............
Dear Mr Weiss,
This summer I would like to do your Summer Camp programme Filmmaking at your Manhattan Campus. However, before I apply* I have some questions.
I am more interested in directing* than writing. But I saw on your website that it recommends first doing the screenwriting* course and then the filmmaking course. If I do not do the screenwriting course, will I find it difficult to do the filmmaking course?
Secondly, my first language is not English. Will this be a problem?
Finally, I am going to arrive from Europe one day before the course begins. Will it be possible for you to organise accommodation for me?
Thank you for your help.
Yours sincerely,
Marta FrisoniThe correct one
2 Use the email you have just read to choose the correct alternative about writing formal emails.
1 There are / are not contractions
2 Begins with Dear + title + first name / Dear + title + surname
3 Finish with yours sincerely / Yours sincerely
Reading comprehension
3 Read the email again and answer the following questions.
1 Who is Mr Weiss?
2 What does Marta want to study?
Words to remember
apply: presento la domanda, la candidatura directing: curare la regia screenwriting: scrivere la sceneggiatura
3 Where does Marta want to study?
4 Is English Marta’s first language?
5 When is Marta going to arrive in the USA?
6 Where is Marta going to stay in the USA?
Writing
4 Write a reply to Marta’s email or imagine you are Marta writing an email to a friend about her plans for the summer. Remember to use the correct style – formal or informal.