B2 First Formal Letter / Email
Guía completa para responder a una tarea formal de carta o correo: registro, estructura, fórmulas útiles, criterios de evaluación, práctica interactiva y diez modelos de 140–190 palabras.
Consultar el formato oficial de Cambridge English
¿En qué consiste una tarea formal?
Escribes a una persona con autoridad, una organización, una empresa, un responsable académico o alguien con quien no tienes una relación cercana. El propósito puede ser solicitar información, presentar una queja, solicitar algo, hacer sugerencias, agradecer formalmente o presentar una candidatura.
Estructura recomendada
| Parte | Función | Ejemplos |
|---|---|---|
| Salutation | Dirigirte al destinatario con el grado de formalidad adecuado. | Dear Sir or Madam, / Dear Ms Taylor, |
| Opening | Indicar inmediatamente por qué escribes. | I am writing to enquire about… / I am writing to complain about… |
| Main paragraphs | Desarrollar todos los puntos del enunciado con detalles relevantes. | Firstly… / I would also like to know… / In addition… |
| Requested action | Explicar qué respuesta, información o solución esperas. | I would be grateful if you could… |
| Closing | Cerrar con cortesía y emplear una despedida coherente. | I look forward to hearing from you. / Yours faithfully, |
Saludo y despedida
| Destinatario | Saludo seguro | Despedida habitual |
|---|---|---|
| No conoces el nombre | Dear Sir or Madam, | Yours faithfully, |
| Conoces el apellido | Dear Mr Brown, / Dear Ms Taylor, | Yours sincerely, |
| Conoces el cargo, no el nombre | Dear Course Coordinator, | Yours sincerely, o Yours faithfully, según el contexto |
Cómo se evalúa
Content
Incluyes todos los puntos solicitados y el destinatario recibe la información necesaria para responder o actuar.
Communicative Achievement
Utilizas las convenciones de una carta o email formal y mantienes un registro apropiado para el destinatario y el propósito.
Organisation
Organizas la información en párrafos claros y conectas las ideas con recursos variados y naturales.
Language
Empleas vocabulario adecuado y estructuras sencillas y complejas con suficiente control para el nivel B2.
Lenguaje útil según el propósito
Solicitar información
I am writing to enquire about…
Could you please tell me…?
I would also like to know whether…
I would appreciate further details about…
Presentar una queja
I am writing to complain about…
I was disappointed to discover that…
I would be grateful if you could investigate…
I hope appropriate action will be taken.
Solicitar o presentar una candidatura
I am writing to apply for…
I believe I would be a suitable candidate because…
I would be grateful if you could…
Please find my CV attached.
Sugerir y cerrar
I would like to suggest…
It might be beneficial to…
Thank you for considering my suggestions.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Plantilla flexible
I am writing to [state the purpose clearly].
Firstly, [develop the first required point with relevant details].
I would also like to [develop the next point]. In addition, [include any remaining information].
I would be grateful if you could [state the action or reply expected].
Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully / Yours sincerely,
[Full name]
Lista de comprobación
- He identificado al destinatario y el propósito.
- He respondido a todos los puntos del enunciado.
- El saludo y la despedida son coherentes.
- He explicado claramente por qué escribo.
- He indicado qué respuesta o acción espero.
- El registro se mantiene formal en todo el texto.
- He organizado la información en párrafos.
- He utilizado vocabulario y estructuras variadas.
- He revisado gramática, puntuación y ortografía.
- El texto tiene entre 140 y 190 palabras.
Generador de modelos para practicar
Escribe el enunciado de una tarea, no tu respuesta. La herramienta generará un modelo formal de nivel B2 para que puedas estudiar su organización y lenguaje.
Was the result satisfactory?
Model Formal Letters and Emails
Los modelos responden a todos los puntos, mantienen un registro formal y tienen entre 140 y 190 palabras, contando saludo y despedida.
Course enquiry
Task
You have seen an advertisement for an English summer course in London. Write to the school asking about accommodation, course content, free-time activities and any materials students need to bring.
Write 140–190 words.
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to request further information about the English summer course advertised on your website. I am interested in attending, but I would appreciate a few details before making a final decision.
Firstly, could you tell me what type of accommodation is available? I would like to know whether students stay with host families or in a residence and whether meals are included.
I would also be grateful if you could send me an outline of the course content. I am particularly interested in improving my speaking and listening skills, so please let me know how much class time is devoted to these areas.
Finally, are any excursions or social activities included in the price, and do students need to bring any course materials?
Thank you for your assistance. I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully,
Elena Martínez
Hostel complaint
Task
You recently stayed at a youth hostel during a school trip and were not satisfied. Write to the manager explaining the problems and suggesting improvements.
Write 140–190 words.
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to complain about my recent stay at your youth hostel during a school trip from 10 to 12 June.
The room assigned to my group was not clean. The bed linen appeared to have been used, and the bathroom had not been properly prepared. In addition, there was no hot water in the showers on either morning.
We were also disappointed with the meals. The food was often cold and offered very little variety. Moreover, we had not been informed that vegetarian meals needed to be requested in advance.
I would appreciate it if you could review your cleaning procedures and check all rooms before guests arrive. I also suggest improving the meals and providing clearer information about dietary requirements when bookings are made.
I hope you will investigate these problems and inform me of the action you intend to take.
Yours faithfully,
Carlos Romero
Online course enquiry
Task
You are interested in an online creative writing course. Write to the organiser asking about its duration, weekly workload, entry requirements and certificate.
Write 140–190 words.
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to request further details about the online creative writing course advertised on your website.
Firstly, could you tell me how long the course lasts and how many hours of study are expected each week? As I am currently studying full-time, I need to know whether the timetable is flexible.
I would also appreciate clarification about the entry requirements. I have written short stories for my school magazine, but I have never attended a formal writing course. Please let me know whether previous experience is necessary and whether applicants must submit a sample of their work.
Finally, I would like to know whether students receive a certificate after completing the course and whether it is recognised by any educational institution.
Thank you in advance for your assistance. I look forward to receiving the information.
Yours faithfully,
Lucía Torres
Job application
Task
You have seen an advertisement for a summer camp assistant. Apply for the position, explaining your interest, relevant experience, qualities and availability.
Write 140–190 words.
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to apply for the position of summer camp assistant advertised on your website. I am a seventeen-year-old student with a strong interest in working with children and improving my English.
This opportunity particularly interests me because I hope to study education in the future. I also enjoy sports, team games and creative activities, which I understand form an important part of your camp programme.
I believe I would be a suitable candidate because I have volunteered at a local youth centre, where I helped organise activities for children aged six to twelve. This experience taught me to be patient, responsible and flexible. I am also comfortable working as part of a team.
Please find my CV attached. I would be available from mid-July until the end of August.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully,
Sofía Delgado
Suggestions to the council
Task
Your local council is planning a new community centre. Write suggesting useful facilities and explaining how residents would benefit.
Write 140–190 words.
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to offer some suggestions for the new community centre that the council is planning to build in our area.
Firstly, I recommend including a quiet study room where students can complete homework or prepare for examinations. Many young people do not have a suitable place to work at home, so this facility would be extremely useful.
A multipurpose hall would also benefit residents of different ages. It could be used for fitness classes, dance workshops, meetings and indoor sports. In addition, free internet access would help people who need to apply for jobs or use online public services.
Finally, a small café could make the centre more welcoming and provide a place for residents to meet.
I believe these facilities would support education, health and social contact. Thank you for inviting local residents to contribute ideas.
Yours faithfully,
Daniel Herrera
Exchange programme enquiry
Task
Your school has announced an international exchange programme. Write to the coordinator asking about the destination, dates, accommodation and application requirements.
Write 140–190 words.
Dear Programme Coordinator,
I am writing to request further information about the international exchange programme mentioned during last week's school assembly. I am very interested in taking part and would appreciate some clarification before applying.
Firstly, could you tell me which country students will visit and how long the exchange is expected to last? I would also like to know the proposed travel dates.
Secondly, please could you explain what type of accommodation will be provided? Will participants stay with host families or in student residences, and will meals be included?
Finally, I would be grateful for details of the application requirements. Are there minimum academic results or language qualifications, and will applicants need to attend an interview?
The programme appears to be an excellent opportunity to experience another culture and use English in real situations. Thank you for your assistance. I look forward to your reply.
Yours sincerely,
María González
Requesting a reference
Task
You are applying for a scholarship and need a reference. Write to a teacher explaining the scholarship, why you are a suitable candidate and what the reference should include.
Write 140–190 words.
Dear Mr Stevens,
I am writing to ask whether you would be willing to provide a reference for my application for a scholarship to study English in Canada this summer.
The scholarship is offered by an international education foundation and covers travel, accommodation and tuition for a four-week course in Toronto. Applicants must submit an academic reference from a teacher who knows their work well.
I believe I would be a strong candidate because I am highly motivated to improve my English and have achieved consistently good results in your class. I also participate regularly in discussions and enjoy presentations and group projects.
I would be very grateful if your reference could comment on my current language level, attitude to study and ability to work with others. The application deadline is 18 March, and I can provide any additional information you require.
Thank you very much for your time and support.
Yours sincerely,
Andrea Ruiz
Registration complaint
Task
You paid for an online English course but have not received access details or materials. Write to the provider explaining the situation and requesting a solution.
Write 140–190 words.
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to complain about a problem with my registration for your online English course. I enrolled through your website on 3 April and received confirmation of my payment, but I have not received any further information.
According to the course description, students should receive their login details and digital materials within forty-eight hours. However, more than a week has passed, and I am still unable to access the learning platform.
I would be grateful if you could investigate this matter urgently and send me the necessary login information. Please also confirm that my place on the course is secure and that I will not miss any of the introductory activities.
I chose your course because it was highly recommended, and I am keen to begin as soon as possible.
Thank you for your attention. I look forward to your prompt reply.
Yours faithfully,
Luis Ortega
Thanking a course coordinator
Task
You have completed a short language course. Write to the coordinator thanking them, describing what you enjoyed and suggesting one improvement.
Write 140–190 words.
Dear Ms Bennett,
I am writing to thank you and your team for the language course I attended at your school in Brighton last week. It was both valuable and enjoyable, and I am grateful for the experience.
I particularly appreciated the small classes and friendly atmosphere. The teachers were professional and encouraging, while the practical lessons gave everyone many opportunities to speak. I also enjoyed the afternoon conversation club, where I met students from several countries.
I would, however, like to suggest offering a wider choice of evening activities. Students staying with host families sometimes had little to do after dinner, so an optional film night or guided walk could improve the programme.
Overall, I feel that my speaking and listening skills developed considerably during the week, and I would happily recommend the course to other learners.
Thank you again for your help.
Yours sincerely,
Natalia Ríos
Requesting an absence
Task
You need to miss several classes because of a family matter. Write to the school director requesting permission and asking how to catch up.
Write 140–190 words.
Dear Ms Taylor,
I am writing to request permission to be absent from class for several days because I need to return to my country for an urgent family matter.
A close relative is having surgery, and my family has asked me to be at home. I expect to be away from 14 to 18 March and plan to return to class on Monday 21 March.
I understand the importance of attending lessons regularly and do not want to fall behind. I would therefore be grateful if you could tell me which units will be covered during my absence and whether there are any assignments I should complete. If possible, I would also like to receive copies of the class materials by email.
I apologise for any inconvenience this absence may cause and appreciate your understanding.
Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely,
Marina López
