B2 First email example, marked
The same email written twice: first an answer that would get about 10 out of 20 (just below a pass), then the same answer improved to about 18 out of 20. Every problem and every improvement is marked and explained, criterion by criterion.
The task
You have received this email from your English-speaking friend Sam.
Hi! I’m coming to your town for a week in July with my cousin, who’s sixteen. We’d love to do some interesting things while we’re there, but we don’t have much money. What would you recommend? And is there anything we should avoid?
Thanks! Sam
Write your email.
Write your email in 140–190 words.
Answer 1
about 10 / 20Dear Sam,
I am writing to answer your email about your visit.1 I am very happy that you come in July. We can meet when you arrive and I can show you the town.
In my town there are a lot of things to do. You can go to the beach, it is free and is very nice in summer. Also you can visit the old castle, the entry costs only three euros for young people.2 The castle has a nice view of the sea and there is a small museum inside. Also there is a market on Saturday where you can buy cheap food.
Also you can go to the cinema, but is expensive.3 There is a new cinema near the station with very big screens.
I hope you enjoy your visit and your cousin also.4
Best regards,5
Ana
140 words
What goes wrong
- Too formal for a friend: “Great to hear from you!” sounds much more natural.
- A comma joins two sentences here: use a full stop, or “and”.
- “Also” starts the third sentence in a row, and “it is expensive” needs “it”.
- Sam asked two questions, but the email never says what to avoid. Word order too: “I hope you and your cousin enjoy your visit.”
- Too formal for a friend: “See you soon!” or “Love,” would fit better.
The marks
Sam’s first question is answered, but the second one (what to avoid) is missing.
The email mixes a formal opening and ending with an informal message, which feels odd for a friend.
Short paragraphs, but almost every sentence is linked with “Also”.
Simple vocabulary and some errors (is expensive, that you come), but the meaning is clear.
Answer 2: the same ideas, improved
about 18 / 20Hi Sam,
Great to hear from you1 – I’m so glad you’re coming in July!
You’re in luck, because lots of the best things here don’t cost a penny.2 The beach is just ten minutes from the centre, and on summer evenings there are free concerts on the seafront. If you’re into history, the old castle is well worth a visit, and it’s only three euros for anyone under eighteen. On top of that3, there’s a market every Saturday where you can pick up delicious street food for next to nothing.
As for things to avoid4, I’d stay away from the restaurants on the main square – they’re aimed at tourists and the prices are crazy. And whatever you do, don’t hire a car5: parking is a nightmare, and the buses are cheap and reliable.
Let me know your dates and I’ll show you both around!
See you soon,6
Ana
150 words
What makes it better
- A friendly, informal opening that suits an email to a friend.
- Answers Sam’s first question straight away, and shows the money worry has been understood.
- Varied linking instead of “Also… Also… Also”.
- Clearly moves on to Sam’s second question.
- Natural, informal advice for a friend.
- An informal ending that matches the opening.
The marks
Both of Sam’s questions are answered in full, with useful details.
A consistent, friendly tone all the way through – exactly right for an email to a friend.
One paragraph for each question, connected with natural informal linkers.
A good range of everyday expressions (well worth a visit, next to nothing, a nightmare) used accurately.
What made the difference
- Content: The second question – what to avoid – now has its own paragraph.
- Communicative achievement: The tone is informal from beginning to end: “Hi Sam”, “Great to hear from you”, “See you soon”.
- Organisation: Each paragraph answers one question, and “As for…” and “On top of that” replace the chain of “Also”.
- Language: Natural phrases a friend would use: you’re in luck, don’t cost a penny, for next to nothing.
Underline every question in the email you receive before you start. Each one needs an answer – a missing one costs you marks in Content.
Now write your own
Practise with real exam tasks and model answers, and get AI feedback on your email: an estimated mark for each criterion, your mistakes corrected and tips to improve.
More examples
The marks are Levoop’s estimate using the four criteria Cambridge uses for Writing (0–5 each). Only Cambridge English can give an official mark. The texts were written for Levoop.