FCE Letter and Email Writing 2

Question 1

What is the main purpose of the opening paragraph in an FCE letter or email?

Accepted Answer

To state the reason for writing and establish context

Answer

The opening paragraph tells the reader immediately why you are writing, setting the context for everything that follows.

Question 2

Which discourse marker is appropriate in a formal letter to introduce an additional point?

Accepted Answer

Furthermore,

Answer

'Furthermore' is a formal linking word used to add or extend a point in professional and academic writing.

Question 3

In FCE, 'register' refers to which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The level of formality appropriate to the context and audience

Answer

Register describes how formal or informal your language should be, based on who you are writing to and why.

Question 4

Which closing phrase is correct for a formal letter when you know the recipient's name?

Accepted Answer

Yours sincerely,

Answer

'Yours sincerely' pairs with 'Dear [Name],' while 'Yours faithfully' pairs with 'Dear Sir/Madam.'

Question 5

Which of the following is a clear sign of poor register management in an FCE letter?

Accepted Answer

Mixing 'I am writing to complain' with 'Btw, it was really bad lol'

Answer

Mixing formal phrases with text-message language creates an inconsistent register, which is penalized under Communicative Achievement.

Cambridge FCE Practice Test