MUET Writing 101: How to Tackle Email Writing Question

How to respond to an email? This is the challenge that is faced by the students. Should you write by just responding to the questions qiven in the task? Or…. Should you write more than what is required? What do you think?

Given the stipulation of writing at least 100 words, what can we write? Or, what do we want to write?

What can we do first?

Well, for the foundation, let’s set the 3 steps in mind…

Step 1: Get to understand the task.

How? Analyse the email (stimulus) and identify the followings:-

• • • a. Identify the keyword(s) in the question / instruction.
    • b. Who sent the email?
    • c. To whom it is sent or written to?
    • d. What is the email really about?

 

Formal or casual language?

When you have identified a, b, c & d then you will know the type of language you need to respond to and the kind of sentences to construct. Formal language, used officially by e.g managers, bankers, CEO etc. While casual language (informal) used informally between friends, family members or some scammers (who act as your friend… DANG!!) haha.

In short, the keywords and the language in the stimulus will specify which register the students ought to use when replying the email later.

 

Ok. Moving ON!!!!!!…

This is the example of the email question.

Your colleague, Rita, was absent from work because she had to attend her sister’s wedding. Read the email from her asking about the Innovative Writing Convention that she missed.

Using all the notes given, write a reply of at least 100 words in an appropriate style.

Step 2: Use all the notes / keywords / details in the email in your reply.

So, let’s read the instruction(s) and the email to identify which notes / keywords to use for responding the email later. Underline them. (observe the underlined sentences in each of the paragraphs)

Your colleague, Rita, was absent from work because she had to attend her sister’s wedding. Read the email from her asking about the Innovative Writing Convention that she missed.                            

 

What are we supposed to do NEXT?

Maybe this will help you to understand on how to write. 

• • After identifying the notes or key ideas ,observe the possible response (refer no 1, 2, 3 & 4).

“Using all the notes given, write a reply of at least 100 words in an appropriate style.”

Based on the above, what you could do:-

• • • Write a proper salutation i.e Hi John / Hello buddy
    • Identify the “notes” first. This is something I would say, “underline the key ideas in the instructions and in each paragraph”.
    • Based on the notes that you have underlined, write a response for each paragraph. In doing so, you need to write a proper response. Remember! Whatever keywords in the instruction, should be adequately mentioned and elaborate in the designated paragraph. 
    • When writing your response, please “AGREE” to the questions asked. For example point no 2, Did you join………?  You should reply “Yes” and then elaborate. Same goes with point no 3, Was it interesting? You should say “Yes” or any other related word to Yes. Then elaborate.
    • You can use informal or casual language style to give your response, since this is an email.

 

STEP 3: Write the response

As always, when we are set to write the response, we should write in paragraphs. We could refer to the each of the notes above to write each of the paragraphs.

 

Sample responses

Note 1 (for paragraph 1)

The convention was indeed a great one! A lot of audience were there and they loved it.

 

Note 2 (for paragraph 2)

Yes it was interesting even though  I was expecting rather new ideas from the presenter. Nonetheless, a few participants were chosen to give a highlight on the topic for a particular session and it was amazing to see the outcome. Our officemate, Mr Zooki, was in the limelight at that time. He even mentioned some quotes in British accent which to me is rather funny since he is the serious type in the office.

 

Note 3 (for paragraph 3)

Well, it was interesting and, actually one of the main ideas in the writing activities as well. I would say, we had different perspective about property investment though it was not part of the main purpose of this convention. But, surprisingly, his ideas on how to use other people’s money and increase your asset is worth to try for people like us.

 

Note 4 (for paragraph 4)

Yes, I would love to. Let me check my schedules first because I have tonnes of paperwork nearing to that occasion. I need to re-organize the workload and I will let you know as soon as possible.

 

So, the email would look like this.

 

Ok, I think that is all. For now, maybe you could observe the following tips:-

1. 1. If the sender asks for the details about a previous event, your reply or response should have  a precise information of the event mentioned in the email. For e.g, the venue, date, the organizer, the details of the event etc)
   2. If you are to describe the event, use relevant adjectives. Perhaps you could describe sensory details as well like what you’ve heard, seen, touched etc.
   3. Use relevant expression for some of the paragraphs like to express a preference, to express a reaction, to express disagreement, to decline, etc.
   4. Try be in an “advance mode” by elaborating some of your main points just to provide more detailed information.

Ok. Goodluck and Adieu……

 

Oh BTW. If you need more samples and exercises, you may get this handy book by clicking the image below.

 

Eh Wait!!! I have something about MUET Reading, if you are up for it. Check out this Video. Hope it helps as well.