C1 Advanced Letter / Email
Guía completa para adaptar propósito, contenido y registro al destinatario: convenciones, estructura, criterios, lenguaje útil, plantilla, checklist y diez modelos completos.
Consultar el formato oficial de Cambridge English
¿Qué exige una letter o email?
Es una comunicación dirigida a una persona, institución, empresa, publicación o amigo con una finalidad concreta. Puede servir para solicitar información, presentar una queja, dar consejo, responder a una propuesta, recomendar una actuación, agradecer o solicitar ayuda.
La clave no es utilizar muchas fórmulas complejas, sino mantener una relación coherente con el destinatario. Una queja a una empresa exige distancia y cortesía; un mensaje a un amigo necesita un tono natural y cercano.
Cómo analizar el enunciado
| Pregunta | Qué debes identificar | Decisión que condiciona |
|---|---|---|
| Who is the reader? | Amigo, profesor, director, empresa, editor, organizador… | El saludo, el tono, las fórmulas y la despedida. |
| Why are you writing? | Quejarte, pedir, aconsejar, agradecer, solicitar, evaluar… | La apertura y el resultado que debes buscar. |
| What must be included? | Todos los puntos concretos indicados en la consigna. | La organización y el número de párrafos principales. |
| What response do you expect? | Información, actuación, permiso, ayuda, decisión o contacto. | La petición o conclusión final. |
Convenciones según el registro
| Contexto | Apertura posible | Cierre posible |
|---|---|---|
| Formal, nombre desconocido | Dear Sir or Madam, | Yours faithfully, |
| Formal, nombre conocido | Dear Ms Taylor, / Dear Professor Khan, | Yours sincerely, |
| Neutral o profesional | Dear Alex Morgan, / Hello Ms Morgan, | Kind regards, / Best regards, |
| Informal | Hi Lena, / Dear Sam, | All the best, / Take care, |
Estructura flexible recomendada
| Sección | Función | Ejemplos |
|---|---|---|
| Greeting | Establecer la relación adecuada con el lector. | Dear Sir or Madam, / Hi Marta, |
| Opening | Indicar pronto el motivo o conectar con el destinatario. | I am writing regarding… / It was great to hear that… |
| Main paragraphs | Desarrollar todos los puntos con detalle y ejemplos. | Contexto, explicación, valoración, consejo o argumentos. |
| Expected outcome | Expresar la respuesta o actuación esperada. | I would be grateful if… / Let me know what you decide. |
| Closing | Terminar con una despedida coherente. | Yours sincerely, / All the best, |
Cómo se evalúa
Content
Desarrollas todos los puntos y proporcionas al destinatario la información necesaria.
Communicative Achievement
Utilizas las convenciones adecuadas y mantienes una relación convincente con el lector.
Organisation
Ordenas contexto, argumentos, detalles y petición mediante párrafos claros y una progresión lógica.
Language
Empleas vocabulario flexible y estructuras complejas con buen control para explicar, matizar y persuadir.
Lenguaje útil
Formal: indicar el propósito
I am writing regarding…
I wish to raise a concern about…
I am writing to enquire whether…
Formal: solicitar o recomendar
I would be grateful if you could…
I would therefore recommend that…
A possible solution would be to…
Informal: conectar y aconsejar
It was great to hear that…
The best thing about it is…
You might want to…
Matizar y cerrar
Although I understand that…, …
I hope these suggestions are useful.
Let me know how you get on.
Plantilla flexible
Dear / Hi [name or title],
[State the purpose clearly or establish a natural connection with the reader.]
[Develop the first required point with relevant details and explanation.]
[Develop the remaining points, adapting vocabulary and tone to the relationship.]
[State the response, action or next step you expect.]
[Appropriate closing],
[Name]
Lista de comprobación
- He identificado al destinatario y mi relación con él.
- El registro corresponde al propósito y al lector.
- He respondido a todos los puntos del enunciado.
- El motivo aparece claramente al principio.
- Los detalles y ejemplos son relevantes.
- La petición, consejo o conclusión es concreta.
- El saludo y la despedida son compatibles.
- No he mezclado fórmulas muy formales con lenguaje demasiado informal.
- He revisado cohesión, gramática, precisión y puntuación.
- La respuesta completa tiene entre 220 y 260 palabras.
C1 Letter / Email: 10 modelos completos
Los modelos incluyen correspondencia formal, neutral e informal: quejas, consejos, solicitudes, opiniones, agradecimientos y propuestas de mejora. Los recuentos incluyen saludo, despedida, firma y asunto cuando aparecen.
Letter / Email C1 – Ejemplo 01
Writing Part 2
You recently attended a weekend course at a training centre, but several aspects did not match the information in the advertisement. Write a letter to the centre manager explaining the problems, describing how they affected you, and stating what action you would like the centre to take.
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to express my disappointment with the digital photography course I attended at Westbridge Training Centre last weekend. I chose the course because the advertisement promised practical tuition in a fully equipped computer room and individual guidance from an experienced professional. Unfortunately, neither promise was fulfilled.
To begin with, several computers were not working, so participants had to share in groups of three. As a result, I had very little opportunity to practise editing photographs myself. Furthermore, the instructor spent most of the first day giving a general lecture that covered material already included in the pre-course notes. When practical work finally began, there was insufficient time for questions or individual feedback.
This was particularly frustrating because I had travelled a considerable distance and paid an additional fee for accommodation nearby. Had the facilities and timetable been described accurately, I would have chosen a different course.
I would therefore be grateful if the centre could offer either a partial refund or a place on a future course at no extra cost, preferably one that includes the practical editing sessions originally advertised. I also recommend checking the equipment before each session and limiting group size so that every participant can complete the practical tasks independently.
I look forward to receiving your response.
Yours faithfully,
Daniel Morris
Letter / Email C1 – Ejemplo 02
Writing Part 2
A friend from another country is considering spending a term at your college and has asked for advice. Write an email describing college life, explaining what may be challenging, and suggesting how your friend could prepare.
Hi Lena,
It was great to hear that you might spend a term at my college. I honestly think you would enjoy it, especially because there are students from so many different countries and plenty of clubs to join.
The classes are quite interactive, so teachers expect everyone to contribute rather than simply take notes. That felt unusual to me at first, but it soon became one of the best parts of studying here. Group projects are common too, which means you meet people quickly and learn how to organise work with different personalities.
The biggest challenge will probably be managing your time. Deadlines sometimes arrive close together, and nobody reminds you constantly. I would suggest using a calendar from the first week and starting assignments earlier than you think necessary. Accommodation can also be expensive, so apply for a room in the student residence as soon as possible and check whether meal plans are included before accepting an offer.
Before you come, practise listening to a range of accents, since some lecturers speak quickly. It would also help to read about the modules in advance and bring any documents the international office requests.
Overall, college life is busy but extremely rewarding. Let me know when you make your decision, and I’ll happily answer any other questions.
All the best,
Marta
Letter / Email C1 – Ejemplo 03
Writing Part 2
An international magazine has invited readers to comment on whether towns should invest more money in public green spaces. Write a letter to the editor explaining your opinion, giving examples, and suggesting how such spaces could be improved.
Dear Editor,
I am writing in response to your recent article on public spending and urban green spaces. In my view, parks and community gardens should be treated as essential infrastructure rather than optional decoration.
Well-designed green areas provide several benefits at once. They offer residents somewhere to exercise, meet friends and escape traffic without having to spend money. They can also reduce heat during the summer and create habitats for birds and insects. In my own neighbourhood, the renovation of a neglected park has encouraged families to spend more time outdoors and has made the surrounding streets feel safer in the evenings.
However, simply creating a lawn and adding a few benches is not enough. Local authorities should consult residents before deciding how an area will be used. Some communities may need playgrounds, whereas others would benefit more from sports facilities, shaded seating or accessible paths. Regular maintenance is equally important; damaged lighting and overflowing bins quickly discourage visitors.
I would also suggest involving schools and volunteer groups in planting projects. This would reduce some costs while giving residents a stronger sense of responsibility for the space.
Although councils face many financial pressures, investment in attractive, accessible green areas improves both public health and community life. For that reason, it should remain a clear priority.
Yours sincerely,
Olivia Grant
Letter / Email C1 – Ejemplo 04
Writing Part 2
You have seen an advertisement for volunteers to help at an international arts festival. Write an email to the organiser explaining why you are interested, describing relevant experience, and stating when you would be available.
Subject: Application for Festival Volunteer Position
Dear Ms Patel,
I am writing to apply for a volunteer position at the Riverside International Arts Festival. I am particularly interested in the role because it would allow me to support a major cultural event while gaining further experience of working with visitors from different backgrounds.
For the past year, I have volunteered at my local community theatre, where my responsibilities include welcoming audiences, checking tickets and providing information about performances. This has taught me to remain calm when events are busy and to respond politely to unexpected requests. I also speak Spanish and French in addition to English, which may be useful when assisting international artists or visitors.
I would be especially interested in helping with guest reception or audience services, although I would be willing to undertake any necessary task. I am comfortable using booking systems, handling basic enquiries and working as part of a team. Last summer, I also helped coordinate a school exhibition, so I have some experience of preparing spaces and following a detailed schedule.
I am available every evening during the festival and throughout both weekends. I could also attend the volunteer training session advertised for 12 June.
Please let me know if you require any further information or references. I would be delighted to contribute to the event and look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Leo Martínez
Letter / Email C1 – Ejemplo 05
Writing Part 2
The director of your college is considering replacing some face-to-face lessons with online classes and has asked students for their views. Write an email evaluating the idea, explaining possible advantages and disadvantages, and making recommendations.
Dear Dr Wilson,
Thank you for inviting students to comment on the proposal to replace some face-to-face lessons with online classes. Although greater flexibility would be welcome, I believe the change should be introduced selectively rather than across all subjects.
Online lessons could benefit students who travel long distances or combine study with part-time work. Recorded explanations and digital resources would also allow learners to review difficult material at their own pace. In addition, reducing the number of journeys to campus could lower both costs and environmental impact.
Nevertheless, some classes depend heavily on immediate interaction. Discussions, practical activities and language practice are often less effective when participants have technical problems or are reluctant to speak online. There is also a risk that students with limited access to a quiet room or reliable internet connection would be placed at a disadvantage.
I would therefore recommend using online teaching mainly for lectures, revision sessions and individual tutorials. Seminars, laboratory work and collaborative classes should normally remain face to face. It would also be sensible to conduct a short pilot programme and collect feedback before making permanent changes.
A balanced system could offer genuine flexibility without weakening the social and practical aspects of college life. I hope these suggestions will be useful when the final decision is made.
Yours sincerely,
Amelia Chen
Letter / Email C1 – Ejemplo 06
Writing Part 2
You are applying for a summer programme and need a reference. Write an email to a former teacher reminding them who you are, explaining the programme and why it interests you, and asking whether they would be willing to provide a reference.
Subject: Request for a Reference
Dear Mr Bennett,
I hope you are well. I was a student in your Advanced English class last year, and you also supervised my final presentation on the impact of tourism on historic cities. I am writing to ask whether you would be willing to provide an academic reference for my application to the Global Communication Summer Programme.
The programme is organised by Northbridge University and brings together students from several countries for four weeks of workshops, lectures and group projects. Its main focus is communication across cultures, particularly in educational and professional settings. I am keen to apply because I hope to study international relations in the future, and the course would give me valuable experience of collaborating in English with people from different backgrounds.
The organisers are looking for applicants who can work independently, contribute constructively to group tasks and communicate clearly. As you taught me for two years and observed both my written work and presentations, I thought you would be well placed to comment on these areas.
The reference must be submitted through an online form by 18 May. I can send you the programme description, my personal statement and the link to the form immediately.
I completely understand if your schedule does not allow this, but I would be extremely grateful for your support.
Yours sincerely,
Nadia Ruiz
Letter / Email C1 – Ejemplo 07
Writing Part 2
You recently attended a careers event organised by your local council. The organiser has asked participants for feedback. Write a letter describing what was useful, identifying weaknesses, and suggesting improvements for future events.
Dear Mr Hughes,
I am writing to provide feedback on the Future Careers Day held at the civic centre last Saturday. Overall, the event was informative and well organised, although several changes could make future editions more effective.
The strongest feature was the range of speakers. Representatives from technology, healthcare and environmental organisations gave realistic accounts of their work rather than simply promoting their companies. I also found the workshop on interview techniques particularly useful, since participants received practical advice and had the opportunity to practise answering difficult questions.
However, the programme allowed too little time for individual conversations with employers. The information area became extremely crowded, and some visitors waited nearly half an hour before speaking to anyone. In addition, several talks were scheduled at the same time, so it was impossible to attend all the sessions that interested me.
For future events, I would recommend introducing a simple booking system for short conversations with employers. Repeating the most popular talks at different times would also give participants greater choice. Finally, publishing the full timetable a week in advance would allow visitors to plan their day more effectively.
Despite these limitations, the event gave young people valuable access to professionals and career information. I hope the council will continue the initiative and consider these suggestions.
Yours sincerely,
Thomas Reed
Letter / Email C1 – Ejemplo 08
Writing Part 2
A friend wants to improve their spoken English during the holidays and has asked whether joining a language exchange would be worthwhile. Write an email describing your experience, explaining the benefits and possible difficulties, and giving advice.
Hi Sam,
You asked whether joining a language exchange is worth it, and based on my experience, I’d definitely say yes. I started going to one at a local café three months ago, and it has helped me speak much more naturally.
The main advantage is that conversations are real rather than planned like textbook exercises. Every week I meet different people and talk about anything from films to travel or work. This has improved my listening because I hear several accents, and I’m now less worried about making mistakes. I’ve also learned expressions that rarely appear in course books.
There are a few difficulties. Some participants switch back to their own language too quickly, while others dominate the conversation. The first meeting can also feel awkward when you do not know anyone. I found it helpful to prepare two or three questions beforehand and sit with a small group rather than a large one.
Try to find an exchange with a coordinator who makes sure both languages receive equal time. Go regularly, even if the first session is not perfect, and note down useful phrases afterwards so that you can use them again.
It will not replace a proper course, but it is an excellent way to build confidence and meet people. Let me know which group you choose!
Take care,
Alex
Letter / Email C1 – Ejemplo 09
Writing Part 2
You ordered equipment from an online company for an important event, but it arrived late and one item was damaged. Write an email to customer services explaining what happened, describing the consequences, and requesting a suitable solution.
Subject: Order 78431 – Late Delivery and Damaged Item
Dear Customer Services Team,
I am writing regarding order 78431, which contained audio equipment for a charity event held last Friday. The order was guaranteed to arrive by Wednesday, but it was not delivered until Friday afternoon. In addition, one of the two wireless microphones was damaged and could not be used.
The delay caused considerable difficulty because the equipment was required for speeches and a musical performance. As there was no time to arrange a replacement, we had to hire a microphone locally at short notice, which cost an additional €65. The damaged item also appeared to have been packed without sufficient protection, as the box was crushed on one side.
I contacted your delivery helpline twice on Thursday but received no clear information about the location of the parcel. This was especially disappointing because I had selected and paid for guaranteed delivery.
I would therefore like a refund of the express delivery charge and reimbursement of the €65 hire cost. I would also be grateful if you could replace the damaged microphone without further postage charges. Photographs of the packaging, the microphone and the hire receipt are attached for your reference.
I trust that this matter can be resolved promptly and look forward to your response.
Yours faithfully,
Sofia Laurent
Letter / Email C1 – Ejemplo 10
Writing Part 2
You recently completed a work-experience placement. Write an email to the person who supervised you, thanking them, explaining what you learned, and suggesting one way the placement could be improved for future students.
Dear Ms Morgan,
I am writing to thank you for the opportunity to spend two weeks with the communications team at Brightwell Media. The placement gave me a far clearer understanding of the industry than I could have gained from classroom study alone.
I particularly appreciated being included in genuine projects rather than being limited to observation. Helping to prepare social media content taught me how carefully messages must be adapted for different audiences. I also learned a great deal from attending the weekly planning meeting, where I saw how designers, writers and account managers coordinate their work under tight deadlines.
Your feedback on my draft article was especially useful. You explained not only which sections needed improvement but also why certain changes would make the text more effective. As a result, I now feel more confident editing my own work and responding constructively to criticism.
One possible improvement would be to give future students a short overview of the company’s departments on their first day. Although everyone was welcoming, it took me several days to understand how the different teams were connected. A brief introduction or organisation chart would make the experience even more valuable.
Thank you again for your patience, encouragement and time. The placement confirmed my interest in communications, and I hope to use the skills I developed in my future studies.
Yours sincerely,
Eva Collins
