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Letter and Email Writing Flashcards

7 cards from real FCE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Letter and Email Writing flashcards as text

  1. Which FCE Writing task is most likely to require the language of suggestion and recommendation?

    Answer: A formal letter to a manager proposing workplace changes

    Formal letters proposing changes or improvements naturally require recommendation language such as 'I would suggest...' or 'It would be beneficial to...'

  2. When writing an email of apology in FCE, which element is most essential?

    Answer: A clear acknowledgment of the problem and a sincere apology

    An effective apology email must acknowledge what went wrong and express genuine regret to be persuasive and appropriate in register.

  3. What is the main function of the concluding paragraph in an FCE letter or email?

    Answer: To round off the letter and indicate a follow-up action or friendly close

    The conclusion wraps up the letter and often suggests next steps, such as 'I look forward to hearing from you,' giving the reader clear guidance.

  4. Which phrase would best open a formal letter of application in FCE?

    Answer: I am writing to apply for the position advertised in your recent listing.

    'I am writing to apply for the position...' immediately states the purpose in formal register, which is essential for a letter of application.

  5. If asked to write a letter giving advice to a friend in FCE, which approach is best?

    Answer: Write in a warm, informal tone using personal examples and encouragement

    Advice to a friend should be warm, personal, and informal — friendly language and relatable examples make the advice feel genuine and convincing.

  6. What four criteria does FCE use to assess the Writing component?

    Answer: Content, Communicative Achievement, Organization, and Language

    FCE Writing is assessed on Content, Communicative Achievement, Organization, and Language — all four are equally weighted.

  7. A candidate writes a formal complaint letter but includes phrases like 'I wanna' and 'it was super annoying.' Which marking criterion is most violated?

    Answer: Communicative Achievement — the register is inappropriate for a formal complaint

    Using colloquial expressions in a formal complaint violates Communicative Achievement, specifically the requirement to use a register appropriate to the task.