What is the Cambridge B2 First formal email?
The formal email is a familiar writing task in Cambridge exams and there are two types of questions you may find in an exam; an application email and an information email. Like other letter and email forms, it is now a possible option in Part 2. Before we look at each formal email eaxmple let’s review the fundamentals that you need to know.
B2 Formal Email Basics
- Write 140-190 words
- Style: Semi-formal or formal language
- Include information from the exam question in your email
- As you are writing to someone unknown make sure your writing style is appropriate
- In Cambridge exams you do not include an email address or an email subject line for formal or informal emails
Things to think about in a formal email
Starting and ending a formal email
The parts of any email writing that are most affected by the style are the greetings and endings we use. These examples to start and end below are acceptable in a formal email or letter. When we think of formal writing, certain greetings have specific endings. This example here is when you have no name and it is the only option you should use.
When we know a person’s name we have a few more options to choose from. With the names John White and Mary White as examples we can use the following. However, we do not use first names with these titles.
Note: We only use Mrs for a woman if we know she is married. Ms is a a more common title for all circumstances.
Things to think about in a formal email
Starting and ending a formal email
The parts of any email writing that are most affected by the style are the greetings and endings we use. These examples to start and end below are acceptable in formal email or letter. When we think of formal writing, certain greetings have specific endings. This example here is when you have no name and it is the only option you should use.
When we know a person’s name we have a few more options to choose from. With the names John White and Mary White as examples we can use the following. However, we do not use first names with these titles.
Note: We only use Mrs for a woman if we know she is married. Ms is a a more common title for all circumstances.
Application Email Example
Let’s now look at a sample question. You can typically expect an application email like this.
CAMP HELPERS WANTED!
(Summer)
- Would you like to work with teenagers aged 13-18?
- Do you have lots of energy and enthusiasm?
- Are you sporting or do you play any musical instruments?
We are looking for helpers for our summer camp to work with teenagers on a range of activities. Please apply to Mike Wilson saying why you are suitable for the job.
Application Email Format
An application email is a real life task and the organisation we present here is how you can write an email for a job application. This type of email is also called a covering email.
Paragraph 1 Why am I writing?
In formal email writing in English the first paragraph is always an explanation of why you are sending a letter to email. For an application letter this can be very simple. These two examples show different levels of formality but both would be appropriate.
Dear Mr Wilson,
I am writing to apply for the post/position of helper, which was advertised on jobs.com.
This makes it clear to someone reading what the purpose of the letter/email is.
Dear Mr Wilson,
I am writing in reply/response to your advertisement on jobs.com. I would like to apply for the position/post of helper in your summer camp.
In our second example the same information is a little more detailed and formal. It is an example of what can be used in real life covering letters.
Paragraph 2
In this paragraph you should present any qualifications and experience that are relevant to the job. Don’t include anything that is not.
Paragraph 3
Here you can add the special skills you have that are relevant to this job.
Paragraph 4
This is the place where you can say why you would be good for the job. Typically you would add comments about attitude, work ability and anything else that could be of interest to an employer.
Final paragraph
The final paragraph is where you can mention a CV and talk about interviews and contact by the potential employer. There is a standard way you can write this and this example suggests what you can include.
I have attached my CV for your attention. I am available for interview at any time. If/Should you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact me.
I look forward to hearing from you you.
Note: While we have used a five paragraph model here, you can choose to combine information together. The purpose here is to show you how you can organise the information and that you can use the right type of formal language.
Take a look at the example of an email writing plan below. You can also learn more with our B2 writing course.
Application Email Plan
Example Cambridge B2 application email answer
Purpose of letter
Dear Mr Wilson,
I am writing in reply to your advertisement on jobs.com for summer camp helpers and I would like to apply for one of these positions.
Personal Details & Experience
I am 19 years old and a university student. In the evenings and some weekends, I work as a team leader in my local youth club , where I have helped for the last three years. The activities there include sports and a social club.
Relevant skills
Music is a passion of mine so I play guitar in my free time. I have given guitar lessons to young children during school holidays. I am keen on sports, especially outdoor sports. As well as being a good swimmer I also play tennis.
Personal qualities
I feel I am a very positive, motivated person who always wants to learn new things. I also believe that I work well with rest of the youth leaders and although we share responsibility in organizing the activities it is skill I have myself.
Suitable ending
I am available for interview at any time and I have attached my CV for your attention. Should you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours sincerely
You can also practise your own email writing on the B2 email practice page.
Information Email Example
An information email is the second type of formal email, although it is much less common as a Part 2 question at B2. The style can be formal or semi-formal, depending on who you are writing to and it generally asks you to provide answers to a number of questions. You can typically expect an information email like this.
You are organising an adventure weekend holiday for a group of friends. You have seen this information online but you would like to know more. Write to Alain Richard at Adventure Weekend, giving relevant details and asking for further information.
A DIFFERENT HOLIDAY!
Mountain climbing, sailing, walking and lots more!
Our prices include almost everything
All you need to bring is appropriate clothes
We can cater for any age, interests, levels of fitness as well as special requests. So contact us for the best adventure weekend for you!
Write your email
Information Email Plan
Cambridge B2 formal information email answer
Suitable start
Dear Mr Richard,
Reason for writing
I read with great interest about the outdoor activities centre you manage and I would like to request some further information.
Information about the group and a question about experience levels
Firstly, I would like to mention that we have a group of 6-8 young adults who are interested in doing adventure activities over a weekend. However, most are not incredibly active so could you please confirm the minimum level of experience participants should have?
Questions about appropriate clothes and a special request
In addition, we would also like to know more about the appropriate clothes you suggest. Would these clothes be the same for all activities? I ask this as some of our group say they have an interest in canoeing if it is an option and want to know if they need special clothing.
Question about what is part of the cost, in particular, food
We plan to spend all the time at your centre and so we want to bring anything extra that is not provided. I would appreciate if you could confirm if meals are included in the overall cost of the visit.
Suitable ending
For now we have no specific date but we believe it will in a weekend in April or May. Once we receive your information, we can confirm the exact date and the number of people.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Regards
Cristina Vieiera
200 words
Want to Improve Your B2 Writing Skills?
Some Final Thoughts
- The application email has a very specific organisation to it and much of it can be learnt or planned.
- As the application email is only one of three possible types of emails, you should consider other options for Part 2 as there may not be a formal email in your exam.
- An information email is not a very common question in the B2 exam and most writing exams would include an application as a formal email choice.