litumi
B1+ · Upper-intermediate35 min

Informal email responding to news

Syllabus topic 7: Informal email responding to news

140–190 words · Email. Your friend writes: 'I've been accepted onto a design course in another town! I'm excited, but I'm worried about finding friends and somewhere to live. Can we meet before I leave next month?' Respond to both feelings, suggest one practical step and arrange a meeting.

Your writing task

Write 140–190 words. Your friend writes: 'I've been accepted onto a design course in another town! I'm excited, but I'm worried about finding friends and somewhere to live. Can we meet before I leave next month?' Respond to both feelings, suggest one practical step and arrange a meeting.

Writing focus

A good reply engages with the whole message. Do not spend all the space telling your own story and leave your friend's questions unanswered.

Your progress

Ready to move on?

Mark this lesson as studied when you have finished the explanation.

My plan

Plan, write, revise

Suggested structure

  1. React warmly to the news.
  2. Respond to the worries and offer a practical suggestion.
  3. Suggest a specific meeting and ask for confirmation.

Useful language

  • That's wonderful news!
  • It's understandable that…
  • How about meeting…?

Use these phrases if they fit your ideas. There is no single correct response.

0 words · Suggested: 140–190Restoring your draft…

140 more words to reach the suggested range.

Review your draft

This is guided self-review, not automatic grading. The word range is a guide. Editing your text clears the checklist so you can review the new version; previous lesson completion stays in your history.

See an illustrative response

Hi Lena, That's wonderful news about the design course! I know how much work you put into your application, so you must be really pleased. I'd love to hear which part of the course you are most excited about. It's understandable that you're worried about moving. You won't be the only new student looking for friends. Perhaps you could ask the college whether there is an online group for people starting the course. It might also be a useful place to ask about accommodation, although I would check any offer carefully before agreeing to it. Of course we should meet before you leave. How about having lunch at our usual café next Saturday at one? Afterwards, we could look through the course information together if you would find that helpful. Let me know whether Saturday works for you. I'm really happy for you, and I'm looking forward to celebrating properly! Love, Mia

This example illustrates structure and tone and may be shorter than the suggested range. Develop your own response.

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