FCE informal email example: replying to a visiting friend
This page shows an original Part 2 informal email task about a friend's visit, a top answer (19/20) and a solid answer (14/20), marked on all four criteria. It is part of our B2 First Writing guide; the FCE email and letter guide covers both formal and informal tasks.
By Eleanor BennettLast updated:
How to approach this task
Jamie asks three questions: what to see, where to stay, and what to pack. Answer each one in its own paragraph.
- Opening: react to the news warmly.
- Paragraph for each question, with a reason for every suggestion.
- Closing: a practical next step (flight details, meeting at the airport).
This is a friend, so use contractions (I'd, you're), phrasal verbs and friendly expressions. "Dear Jamie" and "Best regards" are too formal for this reader.
Top answer (19/20)
The task
This is part of an email you have received from your English-speaking friend, Jamie.
"Great news: I've got five days in your city next month! What should I definitely see while I'm there? Is it better to stay in a hotel in the centre or with you? And what should I pack? Can't wait!"
Write your email in 140–190 words.
Top answer168 words · estimated 19/20
Hi Jamie,
That's fantastic news! I've been hoping you'd come for ages, and next month is perfect because the weather should be warm but not too hot.
There's loads to see, but if I had to choose, I'd say don't miss the old harbour. It's full of tiny fish restaurants and the sunsets there are incredible. We should also take the cable car up to the castle one morning, before the crowds arrive.
As for where to stay, you're more than welcome to stay with me. My flat isn't huge, but the sofa bed is comfortable and it would save you a fortune on hotels. Plus, it's only fifteen minutes from the centre by tram.
In terms of packing, bring comfortable shoes, because we'll be walking a lot, and a light jacket for the evenings, which can get surprisingly chilly near the sea.
Let me know your flight details and I'll come and meet you at the airport. I'm already planning where we'll eat!
Lots of love, Sam
Examiner-style comments
- Content5/5
- All three of Jamie's questions are answered with reasons: two places to see, an offer to stay at the writer's flat, and clear packing advice linked to the activities and weather.
- Communicative Achievement5/5
- A warm, natural informal register throughout ('That's fantastic news!', 'loads to see', 'save you a fortune'). The offer to meet at the airport is exactly what a real friend would write.
- Organisation5/5
- One paragraph per question, introduced with clear informal signposts ('As for where to stay', 'In terms of packing'). The opening and closing frame the email naturally.
- Language4/5
- Accurate and fluent, with good informal collocations and a range of modals and conditionals ('if I had to choose, I'd say'). Few genuinely complex structures, so a strong 4.
A friendly, complete reply that answers every question with useful detail.
Marks are our estimate using the public B2 First writing criteria, not an official Cambridge mark.
Solid answer (14/20)
The task
This is part of an email you have received from your English-speaking friend, Jamie.
"Great news: I've got five days in your city next month! What should I definitely see while I'm there? Is it better to stay in a hotel in the centre or with you? And what should I pack? Can't wait!"
Write your email in 140–190 words.
Solid pass186 words · estimated 14/20
Dear Jamie,
Thank you for your email. I am very happy that you are coming to my city next month, it will be great to see you again!
There are many things to do here. First, you must visit the cathedral, it is very old and beautiful and from the top you can see all the city. Also I recommend you to go to the Science Museum, it is very interesting and the entrance is free for students. In the evening we can go to the old town, there are many bars and restaurants with typical food.
About the accommodation, I think it is better that you stay in my house. My parents agree and we have a spare room, so you don't need to pay for a hotel. My house is not in the centre but the bus is very frequent.
Regarding the clothes, the weather next month is normally hot during the day but it can be cold at night, so take a jacket. Don't forget your swimsuit because we can go to the beach!
I am waiting for your answer.
Best regards, Carla
Examiner-style comments
- Content5/5
- Every question is answered with relevant suggestions and reasons: the cathedral, museum and old town; staying with the family; a jacket and a swimsuit.
- Communicative Achievement3/5
- The register is inconsistent. 'Dear Jamie', 'Regarding the clothes', 'I am waiting for your answer' and 'Best regards' sound formal, while the content is friendly. A real friend would expect contractions and a warmer close.
- Organisation4/5
- Clearly organised, one paragraph per question, with a short opening and closing. Paragraph openers are a little stiff ('About the accommodation').
- Language2/5
- Frequent comma splices ('it is very old and beautiful and from the top…', 'there are many bars…') and errors such as 'all the city', 'I recommend you to go', 'better that you stay'. Vocabulary is adequate but simple.
Complete and well organised, but the formal tone and comma splices don't suit an email to a friend.
Marks are our estimate using the public B2 First writing criteria, not an official Cambridge mark.
What to copy from the top answer
- Sound like a friend. Contractions, "loads to see", "save you a fortune": the reader feels you are happy they are coming.
- Answer each question in its own paragraph. Use friendly signposts such as "As for…" and "In terms of…".
- Give a reason for every suggestion. "Bring comfortable shoes, because we'll be walking a lot."
- End with action. "Let me know your flight details" is far better than "I am waiting for your answer".
Check your own answer
Write your own email or letter for this prompt before you look at the answers again. Then go through the B2 First writing checklist and paste your draft into the writing checker and word counter to make sure you are between 140 and 190 words. More marked answers are in our FCE writing examples.
Questions about this task
How should I start and end an informal email in B2 First?
Start with 'Hi Jamie,' or 'Hello Jamie,' and end with 'Lots of love', 'Take care', 'Best wishes' or 'See you soon'. 'Best regards' and 'Yours sincerely' are too formal for a friend.
Do I need to use contractions in an informal email?
You don't have to, but contractions (I'm, you'll, it's) are a quick way to show the right informal register.
What if the email asks three questions?
Answer all three. A simple plan is one paragraph per question, plus a short opening and closing.
Is 'I recommend you to go' correct?
No. Use 'I recommend going…' or 'I'd recommend that you go…'. In an informal email, 'You should definitely go to…' sounds even more natural.