Writing a1 a2 dành cho người mới bắt đầu

Writing: A1

An application form
Learn how to fill in an application form.

Before reading
Do the preparation task first. Then read the text and tips and do the exercises.

Preparation task

Choose the five kinds of information you normally have to give to apply for a library card.
first name

last name

nationality

marital status

date of birth

qualifications

job

phone number

address

Library card application
First name

MIKE

Last name

ESPOSA-HERNANDEZ

Date of birth

08/11/1991

Address

4 CHARLES ROAD, GLOUCESTER

Postcode

GL1 3ZE

Phone

07796 345678

Email



I declare the information provided is correct.
Signature Mike Esposa-Hernandez
Date 03/07/2018

© 2019 British Council

www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish


Your checklist
Have you got everything you need?
☑ a passport photo

☑ a copy of my passport or other photo ID
☑ proof of address

Your card will be issued within 15 days and sent to the address provided.
……………………………………………………………………………………………

Tips
1. It’s a good idea to write in capital letters so it’s easy to read, except for your email address
and signature.
2. For dates, in the UK we usually write them DD/MM/YYYY (day-month-year). So, for 1
September 2018 you write 01/09/2018. In the United States it is MM/DD/YYYY so you
write 09/01/2018.
3. If you don’t understand every word on the form, don’t panic. You can probably guess what
information you need to write. Ask someone for help if you need to.

© 2019 British Council

www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish

Tasks
Task 1

Are the sentences true or false?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Mike lives in River Street.
Mike was born in 2008.
Mike has everything he needs for his application.
You can get a library card without a passport.
The card will be ready in about five days.
Mike needs to go to the library to get his library card.

Answer
True
True
True
True
True
True

False
False
False
False

False
False

Task 2

Match the personal details (a–g) with the form headings (1–7)
Headings

Personal details

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.

…… First name
…… Last name
…… Date of birth
…… Address

…… Postcode
…… Phone
…… Email


WILLIAMSON
13A SEAVIEW CLOSE, BRIGHTON
CLARE
01/03/1999
07777 123456
BN1 2EP

Task 3

Complete the form with Jane’s details.
My name’s Jane Short. I was born on 26 May 2000. I live at Flat 2A, 164 Market Street, Oxford,
and my postcode is OX2 5JZ. My mobile number is 07200 329922 and my email address is

First name (1) ……………………………………………….…………
Last name (2)
…………………………………………………………
Date of birth (3) …………………………………………………………
(DD/MM/YYYY)

Address (4) …………………………………………………
Postcode (5) …………………………………………………
Phone (6)
…………………………………………………
Email (7)
…………………………………………………

Discussion

What was the last form you filled in?

© 2019 British Council

www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish


Answers
Preparation task
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

first name
last name
date of birth
phone number
address

Task 1
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

6.

False
False
True
True
False
False

Task 2
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

d
b
e
c
g
f
a

Task 3
1.
2.
3.

4.
5.
6.
7.

Jane
Short
26/05/2000
Flat 2A, 164 Market Street, Oxford
OX2 5JZ
07200 329922


© 2019 British Council

www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish


Writing: A1

An email to book a hotel
Learn how to write an email to book a hotel to practise and improve your writing skills.

Before reading
Do the preparation task first. Then read the text and tips and do the exercises.

Preparation task

Match the definitions (a–f) with the vocabulary (1–6).
Vocabulary

Definition

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

a. to book a room
b. a room that is designed to be easy to use, for example
if you use a wheelchair
c. a special number or password that reduces the price or
increases service levels
d. to say something is definitely true or going to happen
e. to tell someone
f. a metal object used to make clothes flat and smooth

…… to confirm
…… to reserve a room
…… to let someone know
…… an iron
…… a promotional code
…… an accessible room

Reading text: An email to book a hotel
To:
From: David Mathews
Subject: Booking 2 nights next week

Dear Ascot Hotel,
I would like to reserve an accessible single room for two nights with breakfast on the 22 and
23 of April. Could I have a quiet room with a view if possible, please?
I will arrive at about 10 p.m. and I have an early meeting the next morning, so please could
you leave an iron and ironing board in the room?
I have a promotional code (MH2219). Please can you confirm that it is £80 per night with
breakfast included?
Please could you confirm the booking? Let me know if you need any further information.
Many thanks.
With kind regards,
David Mathews

© 2019 British Council

www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish


……………………………………………………………………………………………

Tips
1.
2.
3.
4.

When writing an email to a hotel, you can start with Hello or Dear (hotel name).
Say clearly the dates you want, the room type and whether you want breakfast or not.
Don’t forget to mention any additional information or special requests.
Ask them to confirm your booking. Give them your phone number if you prefer to be
contacted that way.

Tasks
Task 1

Are the sentences true or false?
1. David is travelling alone.
2. The hotel price for David is lower than usual.
3. David wants to iron his business clothes before his meeting the next
morning.
4. The hotel costs £80 for two nights including breakfast.
5. In your email, you should say exactly which dates you want to stay in the
hotel.
6. It’s best to make special requests when you arrive at the hotel.

Answer
True
False
True
False
True
False
True
True

False
False

True

False

Task 2

Put the words in order to make sentences.
1. a double room

2. if possible.

3. I

leave

reserve

room

I would

don’t need

4. a bath, please?

© 2019 British Council

I

I would like

so

Could

for four nights, please.

with a view

I will

a room

like a

very early

have

to

breakfast.

with

www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish


5. to

6. you

use a promotional code.

confirm

the price?

would like

Please

I

could

Task 3

Complete the sentences with words from the box.
to

will

appreciate

would

you

let

1. I would like ……………………………… reserve a double room.
2. I ……………………………… like a quiet room, please.

3. I ……………………………… arrive at about 6 p.m.
4. Please can ……………………………… confirm the price?
5. I would ……………………………… it if you could confirm the booking.
6. Please ……………………………… me know if you need any further information.

Discussion

What things do you ask for when you book a hotel room?

© 2019 British Council

www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish


Answers
Preparation task
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

d
a
e
f
c
b

Task 1
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

True
True
True
False
True
False

Task 2
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

I would like to reserve a double room for four nights, please.
I would like a room with a view if possible.
I will leave very early so I don’t need breakfast.
Could I have a room with a bath, please?
I would like to use a promotional code.
Please could you confirm the price?

Task 3
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

to
would
will
you
appreciate
let

© 2019 British Council

www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish


Writing: A1

An email to confirm an appointment
Learn how to write an email to confirm an appointment.

Before reading
Do the preparation task first. Then read the text and tips and do the exercises.

Preparation task

Write the words in the correct groups.
Arina Marat, HR
Assistant

Sofia Aronov, HR
Manager

reception on the 26th
floor

Astana offices

Emerald Towers

Thursday

3 p.m.

14 March

Who (people)

When (days and times)

Where (places)

An email to confirm an appointment
From: Arina Marat, HR Assistant
To: Jane Claret
Subject: Your appointment on 14 March

Dear Ms Claret,
Thank you for your email.
I am writing to confirm your appointment with our HR manager, Mrs Sofia Aronov.
Your appointment will take place at 3 p.m. on Thursday 14 March at our Astana offices
in Emerald Towers.
When you arrive, please go to the reception on the 26th floor and ask for me. I will take you to
Mrs Aronov’s office.
We look forward to meeting you soon.
Best regards,
Arina Marat
HR Assistant

© 2019 British Council

www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish


……………………………………………………………………………………………

Tips
If you don’t know the person well, start your email with Dear + the person’s name.
For women, use Ms + surname unless you know they prefer to use Miss or Mrs.
Say thank you if you are replying to their email.
At the start of your email, say why you are writing: I’m writing to + verb +… .
Write the day (Thursday), date (14 March) and place (our Astana offices in the Emerald
Towers) clearly.
6. Explain clearly what they should do when they arrive for the appointment.
7. At the end of your email, you can say I/We look forward to meeting/hearing
from/seeing you soon.
8. Use Best regards or Best wishes and sign off with your name and your job title.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

© 2019 British Council

www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish


Tasks
Task 1

Are the sentences true or false?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

We don’t know if Jane is married or not.
Jane will have an appointment with Sofia.
The appointment is at 3 p.m. on Tuesday 12 March.
After she arrives, Jane should go to the reception first.
If you write to someone for the first time about a possible new job, you
should start your email with Hi!
6. When you write an email to ask for information, you can start with I’m
writing to ask for some information about …
7. It is correct to say I look forward to meet you soon.

8. Only use Best regards with people you know well.

Answer
True
True
True
True
True

False
False
False
False
False

True

False

True
True

False
False

Task 2

Put the words and phrases in order to make sentences.
1. ,

Ibrahim

2. your
3. to

.

Ms
for

Thank

I’m writing

4. Our meeting
5. you arrive,
6. I

Dear
email

confirm

your

will take place on
me

look forward to

© 2019 British Council

please ask
.

you

you

.

appointment

2 September
When

for

Monday

.

.

meeting

www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish


Task 3

Write words to complete the email.
From:
To:
Subject: Re: Your appointment on 14 March
(1) ……………………………… Ms Marat,
(2) ……………………………… you for your email confirming my (3) ………………………………
with Mrs Aronov. I’m (4) ……………………………… to check if I should bring any ID with me on Thursday
14 March.
I look (5) ……………………………… to meeting you soon.
Best (6) ………………………………,
Jane Claret

Discussion

Do you ever receive or write emails like this one to confirm an appointment?

© 2019 British Council

www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish


Answers
Preparation task

Who (people)

When (days and times)

Where (places)

Arina Marat, HR Assistant

3 p.m.

Astana offices

Sofia Aronov, HR Manager

Thursday

Emerald Towers

14 March

Reception on the 26th floor

Task 1
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

True
True
False

True
False
True
False
False

Task 2
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Dear Ms Ibrahim,
Thank you for your email.
I’m writing to confirm your appointment.
Our meeting will take place on Monday 2 September.
When you arrive, please ask for me.
I look forward to meeting you.

Task 3
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Dear,

Thank
appointment | meeting
writing
forward
regards | wishes

© 2019 British Council

www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish


Writing: A1

An email to congratulate a colleague
Learn how to write an email to congratulate a colleague to practise and improve your writing
skills.

Before reading
Do the preparation task first. Then read the text and tips and do the exercises.

Preparation task

Match the definitions (a–f) with the vocabulary (1–6).
Vocabulary

Definition

1.
2.
3.

4.
5.
6.

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.

…… the content
…… easy to follow
…… a task
…… glad
…… impressed
…… relevant

a piece of work to be done
pleased and happy
the ideas that are contained in something
connected with what is happening
easy to understand
feeling respect or admiration

Reading text: An email to congratulate a colleague
To: Jon
From: Sue
Subject: Great presentation!
Hi Jon

I’m just writing to say well done on your presentation this morning. It was not an easy task and
I’m glad it went well.
You were well prepared. The content was relevant and easy to follow. You also thought about
the questions people would have. I think they were impressed! I’m sure everyone feels
happier about the new system now.
If you have time, please could you listen to my presentation for next week?
See you later
Sue
……………………………………………………………………………………………

© 2019 British Council

www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish


Tips
1. Write a clear subject line.
2. It’s OK to start with Hi for an informal or friendly email.
3. Start with your reason for writing:
I’m just writing to say …
4. Give specific feedback about things that went well:
The content was relevant and interesting …
It was easy to follow …
… you thought about the questions people would have.
5. Say what effect their work has had:
I think they were impressed!
I’m sure everyone feels happier about the new system now.
6. You can finish with See you later or Speak soon.

Tasks

Task 1

Are the sentences true or false?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Answer
True
True
True
True
True
True

The presentation was easy.
Jon worked hard on the presentation.
The information was useful and easy to understand.
Jon didn’t think people would ask questions.
Some people didn’t like Jon’s presentation.
Sue would like help with her presentation next week.

False
False
False
False
False

False

Task 2

Write a number (1–6) to put the sentences in order to make an email.
I’m just writing to say congratulations on your report.
When you have time, please could you show me how to use the software you used
to make the tables?
It will help me explain the new plan to the director.
Thanks a lot, Mike
Hi Linda
The structure is clear and the information is very useful for our new marketing plan.
© 2019 British Council

www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish


Task 3

Complete the sentences with words from the box.
a

about

could

you

to

everyone

was

well

were

have

on

lot

1. I’m just writing ……………………………… say well done ……………………………… your presentation
yesterday.
2. It was ……………………………… difficult task and I’m glad it went ……………………………… .
3. The information ……………………………… relevant and you thought ……………………………… how to
explain the information clearly.
4. I’m sure ……………………………… understands our work better now. I think they ………………………………
impressed!
5. If you ……………………………… time, please ……………………………… you help me with the presentation to
the director next week?
6. Thanks a ……………………………… . See ……………………………… later.

Discussion

Do you congratulate your colleagues? What for?

© 2019 British Council

www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish


Answers
Preparation task
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

c
e
a
b
f
d

Task 1
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

False
True

True
False
False
True

Task 2
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Hi Linda
I’m just writing to say congratulations on your report.
The structure is clear and the information is very useful for our new marketing plan.
It will help me explain the new plan to the director.
When you have time, please could you show me how to use the software you used to
make the tables?
6. Thanks a lot, Mike

Task 3
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

to | on
a | well

was | about
everyone | were
have | could
lot | you

© 2019 British Council

www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish


Writing: A1

Emails about studying in the UK
Learn how to write an email to find out about language courses in the UK.

Before reading
Do the preparation task first. Then read the text and tips and do the exercises.

Preparation task

Write the phrases in the correct group.
Dear Susan,

Hi Susan,

Regards,

Best wishes,

Thank you for your

help.

Dear Sir or Madam,

I look forward to
hearing from you.

Dear Ms Colworth,

Starting an email

Ending an email

Emails about studying in the UK
From: Simona Reggia
To: City Language School
Subject: Courses in August
Dear Sir or Madam,
I have seen your website and I would like to know more about your English courses.
I am interested in taking a two-week course in August. Are there any places available, and
what are the start dates?
Also, do you have any accommodation for those dates?
Thank you for your help.
Regards,
Simona
© 2019 British Council

www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish

From: Susan Colworth, City Language School
To: Simona Reggia
Subject: Re: Courses in August
Attachment: accommodation_info.pdf
Dear Simona,
Thank you for your interest in our courses.
Courses
•

Yes, we have places on all our August courses.

•

Start dates are 7, 14 and 21 August (Mondays).

Accommodation
•

Yes, we have rooms for students near the school. I am attaching some more
information, photos and the prices.

Which course would you like, and which start date? If you would like accommodation, please
let me know soon, as it is very popular.
Feel free to email me with any other questions.
Regards,
Susan Colworth
Course Administrator
City Language School
……………………………………………………………………………………………

Tips
1. If you don’t know the name of the person you’re writing to, write Dear Sir or Madam.
2. If the person who wrote to you gave you their first name, you can use it. Hi is less formal
than Dear.
3. To reply to someone’s email, start with Thank you for your email / your interest / the
information.
4. Say I am attaching … or Please find attached … to tell someone what you have attached to
the email.
5. Finish with Regards, and your name.

© 2019 British Council

www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish


Tasks
Task 1

Are the sentences true or false?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Simona is writing to Susan for the first time.
She wants to study for a month.
She also needs somewhere to stay.
Simona can start any day in August.

Susan has attached more information about accommodation.
Simona can ask Susan more questions by email.

Answer
True
True
True
True
True
True

False
False
False
False
False
False

Task 2

Complete the sentences.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Thank

have

attaching

email

let me know

taking

Are

know

I would like to ……………………………… more about your English courses
I am interested in ……………………………… a two-week course in August.
……………………………… there any places available?
……………………………… you for your help.
We ……………………………… rooms for students near the school.
I am ……………………………… some more information, photos and the prices.
If you would like accommodation, please ……………………………… soon.
Feel free to ……………………………… me with any other questions.

Task 3

Match the replies (a–e) with the sentences or questions (1–5).
Questions

1. …… Do you have any places on your
course?
2. …… What are the start dates?
3. …… Do you have accommodation?
4. …… I am interested in taking a course.
5. …… What will we study on the course?

Replies
a. Please find attached more information
about the lessons.
b. Yes, we offer single and double rooms.
c. Courses start on 7, 14 and 21 August.
d. Thanks for your interest in our courses.
e. Yes, we have three places available.

Discussion

Would you like to study in the UK?
© 2019 British Council

www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish


Answers
Preparation task
Starting an email

Ending an email

Dear Susan,

Thank you for your help.

Dear Ms Colworth,

Regards,

Hi Susan,

Best wishes,

Dear Sir or Madam,

I look forward to hearing from you.

Task 1
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

True
False
True
False
True
True

Task 2
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

know
taking
Are
Thank
have
attaching
let me know
email

Task 3
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

e
c
b
d

a

© 2019 British Council

www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish


Writing: A1

A message to say you’re late
Learn how to write text messages to tell a friend you’re going to be late.

Before reading
Do the preparation task first. Then read the text and tips and do the exercises.

Preparation task

Put the phrases in the correct groups.
I’m running late.

No problem.

It’s fine.

This is not my day.

Don’t worry.

Sorry!

It’s OK.

I’ll be there in 10
minutes.

Phrases for somebody who is late

Phrases for somebody who is waiting

A message to say you’re late
I’m running 10 mins late, sorry!
No problem!
Aargh! Traffic is really bad. I’ll be more than 10 mins late now, sorry again!!
It’s OK, don’t worry. I’m in the café already so it’s fine

© 2019 British Council

www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish


This is not my day! I’m here but can’t find a place to park. I’m
looking for a different car park. Not sure how long I’ll be
OK, LMK when you find a place
I might get something to eat tho
Of course! I’ll be as quick as I can
OK!
Found one! Be there in 10 mins
Well done! See you soon
Thx for waiting
……………………………………………………………………………………………

Tips
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

You don’t need to write complete sentences for text messages.
Use abbreviations like LMK (= let me know) or use emojis to save time writing.
You don’t need to use full stops (.) at the end of messages.
Say how many minutes you think you’ll need, e.g. I’m running 10 minutes late.
It’s good to say sorry and sorry again, but you don’t need to say sorry in every message.

© 2019 British Council

www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish


Tasks
Task 1

Circle the correct answer.
1.

What is ‘mins’ short for?
a. minimum

2.

b. You’re sorry.

c. You really mean what you’re saying.

b. let me know

c. love more kisses

b. there

c. though

b. thanks

c. taxi

What is ‘tho’ short for?
a. therefore

6.

c. I’m happy.

What does ‘LMK’ mean?
a. leave my key

5.

b. I’m sad.

What does it mean if you write two or more exclamation (!) marks?
a. You’re angry.

4.

c. minutes

What does ‘aargh’ mean?
a. I’m angry.

3.

b. minute

What is ‘thx’ short for?
a. this

Task 2

Read the message and choose the correct response.
1.

I’m running a bit late, sorry!
a. Sorry!

2.

c. Yes.

I’ll be about 15 mins late, sorry again!!

a. I’m sorry too.

3.

b. No problem!

b. I’m fine.

c. It’s OK, don’t worry.

I can’t find anywhere to park. Not sure how long I’ll be.
a. I know.

© 2019 British Council

b. OK, LMK when you find
a place.

c. Well done! See you soon.

www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish


4.

I’ll be there in 5 mins.
a. OK, see you soon.

5.

b. OK, I will.

c. Of course!

b. Yes.

c. Well done!

Thx for waiting.
a. No problem.

Task 3

Put the words in the correct order.
1. mins

running

2. sure

how

3. as quick
4. mins

I

late

I’ll

be

long

I’ll

can

be

as

Be

when
soon

I’m

Not

there

5. you’re
6. you

10

here

10

in
LMK

See

Discussion

Are you usually on time or late? How many minutes is ‘late’ for you?

© 2019 British Council

www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish