Here are some examples of effective introductions. Congratulations on your award! So sorry I couldn’t write to you earlier; it’s been a hectic week over here. You won’t believe/imagine what happened yesterday! Prepare to have your jaw drop! I’m sorry I haven’t written for so long, but I’ve been busy settling into my new house. Hope you’ve got over the flu. Anyway, I thought I’d drop you a line to let you know … How’re things? It’s been ages since we last talked! I thought I’d share with you a once-in-alifetime experience I had yesterday. Trust me, you’re going to be amazed! How’re you? I’m sorry I’ve been a little on the quiet side—you know how hectic life gets sometimes. Anyhow, … I’m sorry I haven’t written (for ages/since we last met/for a long time), but I’ve been busy studying and haven’t had the time. Guess what! … It was lovely to hear from you last week. Hope you’re feeling better after your injury. I can’t wait to tell you … // I’m dying to tell you … It was good to hear from you. I’m glad you finally got your driving license! How about taking me for a ride next Friday? Anyways, … I’m glad you convinced Aunt Sara to get you the new iPhone you wanted! How is it going so far? Anyway, buckle up because you’re in for some gripping news! I haven’t heard from you in a bit. Things (are/have been) (okay/uneventful/super busy/pretty stressful/pretty exciting/up and down) on (my/this end). As you probably know, … Just read your email and I’m terribly sorry to hear of the loss of your pet cat Luna; she was very special. So, I thought I might drop you a line to cheer you up a bit. How’ve you been? We should get together soon to catch up on all the news. In the meantime, I have an interesting story to tell you. I’ve been meaning to write since your graduation day, but what with one thing or another I’m afraid I just haven’t had the time. Anyway, you’ll never believe/guess … I hope you’re doing well. Sorry for not replying sooner—I have been busy as a bee preparing for my exams. I know this may sound unbelievable but … Write 2-3 body paragraphs. It’s best to write 3 paragraphs, each covering a bullet point in the order given in the question. However, you can still combine bullet 1 and bullet 2 in the 2nd paragraph and write bullet 3 in the 3rd paragraph. I was surprised to see that… I was amazed to find that … I was disappointed to realize that … We were delighted to learn that … We were horrified to hear that … To my astonishment/delight/horror, … Giving explanations where appropriate, for example, “I couldn’t pull myself together. You know me—I always panic in emergencies.” You should aim to use 3-4 personalizing phrases in your letter. You can personalize by: 1. Mentioning something you know about your friend E.g. I know you’re a nature lover, so why don’t you come along? 2. Mentioning something your friend knows about you E.g. You know me—always the adventurer! 3. Mentioning previously shared experiences where relevant E.g. Do you remember that orphanage we visited? 4. Just including your friend in your thoughts E.g. I wonder what you would have done. Here are some useful personalizing phrases: As you probably know, … As you can imagine, … As you might have guessed, … Wait until you meet/see/taste … You’ll be glad/pleased to know that … You’ll really enjoy … I know you love football, so I’ve… You know how I’m afraid of being alone/you know how scared I am of heights You know me—I always … I don’t need to tell you how excited I was when… I wish you’d seen the look on my grandma’s face when… Don’t you wish you’d been there? I wonder what you would have done. I was delighted to hear that you got your driving license. By the way, have you heard about Karim’s car accident? Use time sequence phrases to organize the events of your story (if applicable). Here are some examples: We’d just sat down at our desks when the fire alarm went off. The moment I walked into the room I noticed something strange. Just as we were about to catch the bus there was a deafening noise. As I opened the door, I heard a scream. I was driving at top speed when, to my horror, I noticed my brakes were not working When my mother and I were at the City Centre Mall last night, I happened to notice… Anyhow, last Friday turned out to be totally different. It all started when my brother Peter went out to buy groceries and… We were waiting for the school bus this afternoon and as the bus drew up at the usual place near the school’s main entrance, we heard a deafening noise. After what seemed like ages … Later that afternoon … Shortly after that … The minute I walked in the door… It wasn’t until sometime later… By this time … In the end … Here are some effective examples of conclusions (some might not be suitable for every topic such as the 1st example): I really wish you were there! You would have loved it! Give my regards to James and Uncle Joe. Reply soon! That’s it for now. See you soon! Catch you soon. Speak soon. Shoot me an email soon. I must dash now. Update me on your trip to London! I’ve got to go. Write back! I must go now. Stay blessed! Don’t you wish you’d been there? Must dash to see if there is anything about it on the local news. What are your plans for later this week? Let’s grab a coffee on Friday if you’re free. Before I close, did you see the new exhibit at Ithra? Want to check it out sometime? Time to stop. I have my assignment to complete; the last day of submission is tomorrow. Well, I must stop now. My annoying brother is banging on the door. Got to open it before he breaks it down. My mum’s calling for dinner, so I’ll cut this letter short. Take care! I’m looking forward to seeing you soon/ hearing from you soon. How’re things on your end? Let me know what’s been going on with you. Important points to keep in mind Dos: Organize your letter into 4-5 paragraphs. Leave a line between paragraphs or indent the first line of each new paragraph. Don’t do both! Take care of spelling, punctuation, and grammar. This is important as the examiner will look at the accuracy of your language. Use informal cohesive devices and linking words. Here are some examples. Transition: anyway, anyhow Addition: and, also, plus, next, what’s more, not only that, but that’s not all, above all, and best of all, and one of the best things … Contrast: but, yet, though Reasoning: because, so Other: fortunately, luckily, you know, well, by the way, you see Ben (or your friend’s first name), etc.
