FCE Letter and Email Writing 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the main purpose of the opening paragraph in an FCE letter or email?
- To list all the writer's complaints in detail
- To state the reason for writing and establish context (Correct answer)
- To provide a detailed conclusion to the task
- To apologize for any inconvenience caused
Correct answer: To state the reason for writing and establish context
The opening paragraph tells the reader immediately why you are writing, setting the context for everything that follows.
Question 2: Which discourse marker is appropriate in a formal letter to introduce an additional point?
- Anyway,
- So basically,
- Furthermore, (Correct answer)
- Oh, and another thing,
Correct answer: Furthermore,
'Furthermore' is a formal linking word used to add or extend a point in professional and academic writing.
Question 3: In FCE, 'register' refers to which of the following?
- The handwriting style used in written letters
- The level of formality appropriate to the context and audience (Correct answer)
- The exact word count of the writing task
- The number of paragraphs required in a letter
Correct answer: The level of formality appropriate to the context and audience
Register describes how formal or informal your language should be, based on who you are writing to and why.
Question 4: Which closing phrase is correct for a formal letter when you know the recipient's name?
- Yours faithfully,
- Yours sincerely, (Correct answer)
- Best wishes,
- Take care,
Correct answer: Yours sincerely,
'Yours sincerely' pairs with 'Dear [Name],' while 'Yours faithfully' pairs with 'Dear Sir/Madam.'
Question 5: Which of the following is a clear sign of poor register management in an FCE letter?
- Using a topic sentence at the start of each paragraph
- Writing 'Dear Sir/Madam' to open a formal letter
- Mixing 'I am writing to complain' with 'Btw, it was really bad lol' (Correct answer)
- Organizing ideas into well-developed paragraphs
Correct answer: Mixing 'I am writing to complain' with 'Btw, it was really bad lol'
Mixing formal phrases with text-message language creates an inconsistent register, which is penalized under Communicative Achievement.
Question 6: What does a well-structured FCE email typically include?
- A subject line, greeting, body paragraphs, and closing (Correct answer)
- A title page, table of contents, and bibliography
- An abstract, introduction, methodology, and conclusion
- A headline, subheadings, and bullet points only
Correct answer: A subject line, greeting, body paragraphs, and closing
A well-organized email has a subject line, an appropriate greeting, developed body paragraphs addressing the task, and a suitable closing.
Question 7: In a semi-formal letter to a local newspaper, which tone is most appropriate?
- Very casual with slang and humor
- Extremely formal with archaic language
- Polite and clear with standard formal vocabulary but accessible phrasing (Correct answer)
- Aggressive and confrontational to make the strongest possible point
Correct answer: Polite and clear with standard formal vocabulary but accessible phrasing
A semi-formal newspaper letter should be polite and clear, using standard formal vocabulary without being overly academic or old-fashioned.
FCE Letter and Email Writing 2
What is the main purpose of the opening paragraph in an FCE letter or email?