Email writing is an important part of the KSSM SPM English Paper 2. In this section, you are required to write an email based on the prompts given. Below are simple and insightful tips to help you excel in email writing.
An email has a specific structure. Follow this format:
a. Greeting
Begin your email with a polite greeting.
E.g., Dear Ali, Hi Ali
b. Introduction
Introduce the purpose of your email briefly.
E.g., I hope you are doing well. I’m writing to share some ideas about…
c. Body
Provide detailed information based on the task or question.
Use clear paragraphs to organise your ideas.
Include cohesive devices like Firstly, In addition, However, or Finally.
d. Conclusion
End the email politely, summarising your main point or action.
E.g., I hope this helps! Let me know if you have more questions.
e. Closing and Name
Close the email with a phrase like Best regards, or Yours sincerely, and your name.
E.g., Best regards, Ali.
Politeness: Be polite and formal (if required).
Clarity: Make your points clear and easy to understand.
Relevance: Focus on the points asked in the task.
Cohesion: Use linking words to connect your ideas.
Use simple and clear language.
Avoid slang or informal abbreviations like OMG or LOL.
Use the correct tone:
Friendly and polite for informal emails (to friends or family).
Formal and polite for formal emails (to teachers or someone you respect).
Here are common scenarios for email writing tasks:
Giving advice:
E.g., You should try joining a club to meet new friends.
Inviting someone:
E.g., I would like to invite you to the restaurant.
Explaining or sharing information:
E.g., The event will start at 8 a.m. at the foyer.
Expressing gratitude:
E.g., Thank you for helping me with my project.
Sample Task
You received an email from your new friend, Amy who has just moved to your hometown.
Hi,
The school holiday is finally here! Let’s go for a picnic with our friends. Where shall we go and what can we do there? What should we bring?
I’ll be waiting for your reply.
Bye!
Now write an email to your friend in about 80 words.
To: Amy@gmail.com
Subject: Picnic
Hi,
How are you? Hope you are fine there. I am writing this email to share with you some ideas pertaining to our picnic on the school holiday.
Regarding our plan to have a picnic with our friends, I would suggest that we go to Damai Beach. It is not far from our hometown, and we can use a bus to go there. Besides, I intend to go there because it has beautiful scenery, and we can do some interesting activities. For your information, we can do some interesting activities there. We can swim in the crystal clear water and take a stroll along the beach to enjoy the beauty of nature. We can also unwind and refresh our mind from the hustle and bustle of the city. Apart from that, we will play a few interesting water games. There are a few things that you need to prepare before we go there. I think you can bring some food such as sandwiches, sausages, chicken wings and drinks. We might have a barbecue. As we will do interesting activities such as swimming and snorkeling, please do not forget to bring your swimsuits. You can also bring your handphone to snap interesting photos during the picnic.
I hope you would agree to having a picnic there. I look forward to your reply. Bye.
Your friend,
Danny