FCE Letter and Email Writing 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In FCE Writing, which part gives candidates the option to write a letter or email?
- Part 1 (compulsory essay)
- Part 2 (candidate's choice) (Correct answer)
- Part 3 (extended task)
- Part 4 (integrated skills)
Correct answer: Part 2 (candidate's choice)
FCE Writing Part 2 presents a choice of task types, one of which may be a letter or email.
Question 2: Which closing phrase correctly pairs with 'Dear Sir/Madam' in a formal letter?
- Yours sincerely,
- Best wishes,
- Yours faithfully, (Correct answer)
- Cheers,
Correct answer: Yours faithfully,
'Yours faithfully' is the correct close when you opened with 'Dear Sir/Madam' and do not know the recipient's name.
Question 3: What is a key language feature that distinguishes informal from formal emails in FCE?
- Informal emails use passive voice throughout
- Informal emails use contractions such as 'I'm' and 'we've' (Correct answer)
- Formal emails must be shorter than informal ones
- Informal emails require impersonal constructions
Correct answer: Informal emails use contractions such as 'I'm' and 'we've'
Contractions are a hallmark of informal register; formal writing avoids them to maintain a professional tone.
Question 4: What is the recommended word count for a Part 2 task in FCE Writing?
- 80–120 words
- 140–190 words (Correct answer)
- 220–260 words
- 300–400 words
Correct answer: 140–190 words
FCE Part 2 tasks require 140–190 words — long enough to develop ideas but concise enough to stay on task.
Question 5: Which salutation is correct when writing a formal letter to someone named Mr. Johnson?
- Hi Mr. Johnson!
- Dear Mr. Johnson, (Correct answer)
- Hello Johnson,
- Greetings, Sir Johnson,
Correct answer: Dear Mr. Johnson,
'Dear Mr. Johnson,' is the standard formal salutation when you know the recipient's title and surname.
Question 6: In an informal email to a friend, which opening line is most appropriate?
- I am writing to you with regard to your recent correspondence.
- It was great to hear from you! (Correct answer)
- I hope this letter finds you in good health.
- To Whom It May Concern,
Correct answer: It was great to hear from you!
'It was great to hear from you!' is natural, friendly, and appropriate for informal communication with someone you know.
Question 7: When requesting information in a formal FCE letter, which phrase is most appropriate?
- Can you send me some stuff about this?
- BTW, could you tell me more?
- I would be grateful if you could provide further details. (Correct answer)
- Gimme more info please.
Correct answer: I would be grateful if you could provide further details.
'I would be grateful if you could provide further details' uses polite modal language appropriate for a formal request.
FCE Letter and Email Writing 1
In FCE Writing, which part gives candidates the option to write a letter or email?