KET - Key English Writing: Replying to an Email Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Read this email from your friend, Alex: Hi, I'm having a party next Saturday at my house. Can you come? It starts at 7 p.m. Please tell me if you can bring some snacks. Which is the BEST reply to Alex?
- Hi Alex, I will go to your party. I start at 7 p.m. I can bring snacks.
- Dear Alex, Thanks for the invitation! I'd love to come on Saturday. I can bring some crisps and nuts. See you then! (Correct answer)
- Hello Alex, Yes. I come. I bring snacks for the party next Saturday. It is at 7 p.m.
- To Alex, I am writing to inform you that I will attend your party. I will procure some snacks to contribute.
Correct answer: Dear Alex, Thanks for the invitation! I'd love to come on Saturday. I can bring some crisps and nuts. See you then!
This answer is the best because it uses a friendly and informal tone suitable for an email to a friend. It clearly accepts the invitation, confirms understanding of the day, offers to bring specific snacks, and uses an appropriate closing. The other options are either too formal, grammatically incorrect, or unnatural.
Question 2: You are replying to an email from your English teacher about a missed class. Which of the following is the most appropriate opening?
- What's up?
- Hey Teacher,
- Dear Mr. Smith, (Correct answer)
- Hi friend,
Correct answer: Dear Mr. Smith,
'Dear Mr. Smith,' is the most appropriate and respectful way to begin an email to a teacher. It is formal and polite. The other options are too informal for this situation.
Question 3: Your friend Sam has emailed to ask for help with his homework. He asks: 'Can you help me with my maths homework tonight?' Which reply correctly and politely says NO?
- No, I can't.
- I will not help you tonight.
- Hi Sam, Thanks for asking, but I'm really sorry, I can't help tonight. I have to study for a test. How about tomorrow? (Correct answer)
- Hi Sam, I'm busy so I can't.
Correct answer: Hi Sam, Thanks for asking, but I'm really sorry, I can't help tonight. I have to study for a test. How about tomorrow?
This is the best answer because it is polite and gives a reason for refusing. It also suggests an alternative time, which is helpful and friendly. The other options are too direct and could sound rude.
Question 4: In the KET Writing task, you need to reply to an email and answer three specific points. What is the most important thing to do in your reply?
- Write more than 50 words.
- Use very long and complex sentences.
- Make sure you answer all three points from the original email. (Correct answer)
- Use a very formal and serious tone.
Correct answer: Make sure you answer all three points from the original email.
The primary goal of the KET email writing task is to show you can communicate effectively. This means you must address all the questions or points mentioned in the prompt to provide a complete and relevant response.
Question 5: Which of the following is the best way to end an informal email to a friend you will see soon?
- Yours sincerely,
- I look forward to your reply.
- Best regards,
- See you soon! (Correct answer)
Correct answer: See you soon!
'See you soon!' is a friendly and common closing for an informal email to a friend, especially when you have plans to meet. The other options are more formal and less suitable for this context.
Question 6: You receive an email that says: 'I'm coming to your town next week. What's the weather like? What clothes should I bring?' What information MUST you include in your reply?
- Ask your friend about their travel plans.
- Describe the weather and suggest some clothes. (Correct answer)
- Tell your friend about the best restaurants in your town.
- A description of your house.
Correct answer: Describe the weather and suggest some clothes.
The original email asks two direct questions: one about the weather and one about clothes. A good reply must answer these specific questions to be helpful and complete.
KET - Key English Writing: Replying to an Email Questions and Answers
Read this email from your friend, Alex:
Hi,
I'm having a party next Saturday at my house.
Can you come? It starts at 7 p.m.
Please tell me if you can bring some snacks.
Which is the BEST reply to Alex?