CAMBRIDGE · WRITING TASK GUIDE
Short Email or Note
A2 Key Part 6: write an email or a note of 25 words or more. It is the shortest writing task in any Cambridge exam, and it is marked on one thing above all — whether you covered all three things the task asks for.
Where It Appears
| Exam | Paper and part | Questions | Marks | Counts towards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A2 Key | Reading and Writing, Part 6 | Q31 | 15 | Writing |
What You See
The task sets a situation (a friend has invited you somewhere, you need to tell a classmate about a change of plan) and gives three bullet points. All three must appear in your message. It is marked out of 15: Content, Organisation and Language, 0-5 each.
Worked Example
A complete short email or note task at A2 Key level. Work it with the answers closed, then open the key.
A2 Key — Moving to a new flat
Question 31
Question 31
You are moving to a new flat next month. Write an email to your English friend, Robin.
In your email: • say where your new flat is • tell Robin what you like about the flat • ask Robin to help you move.
Write Write 25 words or more..
Show model answers
Model answers
Model answer — Question 31 (email) (51 words, 15/15 marks)
| Subscale | Band |
|---|---|
| Content | 5 / 5 |
| Organisation | 5 / 5 |
| Language | 5 / 5 |
All three points are covered clearly: where the flat is (on Park Road, near the station), what the writer likes (a big kitchen and a balcony) and a request for help with a date. Robin is fully informed. The email has a natural opening and closing, and it uses simple linking words (because, and, too). Vocabulary is everyday and accurate, and simple grammar (present continuous for a plan, “Could you …?”, “I’ll …”) is used with good control.
Strategy
- Write one or two sentences for each bullet point, in the order given.
- Open and close like a real message: Hi Sam, and See you soon, with your name.
- Join ideas with and, but, because, so.
- Aim for 30 to 40 words. Much longer invites mistakes.
- Check that every bullet has an answer.
Common Mistakes
- Missing one of the three points, which limits Content.
- Answering a point that was not asked.
- Only listing short, unconnected sentences.
- Writing fewer than 25 words.
How to Practise
More practice at every level is on the Cambridge Writing samples page. The whole section in context is on the Cambridge Writing page, and how it is marked is on the scoring page.
