Writing Skills

Write clear English — emails, essays, and everyday messages

Copy-and-adapt templates plus the sentence patterns that unlock writing fluency. Start with structure, then make it your own.

6 patterns that unlock English writing

Cause & effect

“Because Sara studied hard, she passed the exam.”

Use because / so / therefore to link reason and result.

Contrast

“Although it was raining, we went for a walk.”

Use although / however / but to show opposite ideas.

Adding info

“She speaks English. Moreover, she writes well.”

Use also / moreover / in addition for extra points.

Giving examples

“Many fruits, such as apples and bananas, are sweet.”

Use such as / for example / for instance to show examples.

Sequencing

“First, boil water. Next, add tea. Finally, add milk.”

Use first / next / then / finally to order steps.

Conclusion

“In conclusion, regular practice is the key.”

Use in conclusion / overall / to sum up at the end.

Templates you can copy

Formal email (to a teacher / boss / company)

B1 → C1 · Polite, professional, gets straight to the point.

Subject: [Clear subject — e.g. Request for leave on 12 May]

Dear [Mr./Ms. Last Name],

I hope this email finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I am writing to [reason: request, ask, inform…].

[Body — 2–4 short sentences with key details, dates, or attached documents.]

I would greatly appreciate it if you could [specific request]. Please let me know if you need any further information.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best regards,
[Your Full Name]

Friendly email (to a colleague / classmate)

A2 → B2 · Warm, casual, but still respectful.

Subject: [Casual subject — e.g. Lunch on Friday?]

Hi [First Name],

How are you doing? I hope your week is going well!

I just wanted to [reason — invite, ask, share update]. [Brief detail in 1–2 sentences.]

Let me know what you think — happy to chat anytime.

Cheers,
[Your First Name]

Opinion essay (5 paragraphs)

B2 → C1 · Standard structure used in IELTS, school essays, and blog posts.

¶1 Introduction
   • Hook (interesting fact, question, or quote)
   • Background — set up the topic in 1–2 sentences
   • Thesis — state YOUR opinion clearly

¶2 First reason + example
   • Topic sentence: my first reason is…
   • Explain & give a real-world example

¶3 Second reason + example
   • Topic sentence: another important point is…
   • Explain & give an example

¶4 Counter-argument + rebuttal
   • Some people argue that… However, I believe…
   • Show why your view is stronger

¶5 Conclusion
   • Restate thesis in different words
   • Summarise main reasons
   • End with a call to action or thought

Job application email

B2 → C1 · Cover-letter-style email with confident structure.

Subject: Application for [Job Title] — [Your Name]

Dear [Hiring Manager / HR Team],

I am writing to apply for the [Job Title] position advertised on [where you saw it]. With [X years] of experience in [field] and a strong background in [skill], I am confident I can contribute to your team.

In my current role at [Company], I have [achievement 1] and [achievement 2]. I am particularly drawn to [Company Name] because [specific reason — values, mission, projects].

Please find my CV attached for your review. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experience aligns with your needs.

Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Phone]   [Email]   [LinkedIn]

Apology message

A2 → B1 · When you need to say sorry sincerely — short and warm.

Hi [Name],

I want to sincerely apologise for [what happened — e.g. missing the call yesterday]. It was completely my fault, and I understand it caused [problem].

I have already [action you took to fix it / will take]. It will not happen again.

Thank you for your understanding.

Best,
[Your Name]

Thank-you note

A1 → B1 · After an interview, gift, or any kindness.

Hi [Name],

I just wanted to say a huge thank you for [what they did]. It really means a lot to me, especially [why it mattered].

[Optional: how it helped you / next step.]

Looking forward to staying in touch.

Warm regards,
[Your Name]

6 golden rules for cleaner writing

1

One idea per sentence

Bad: I went to the market and I bought apples and they were red and sweet. Good: I went to the market and bought apples. They were red and sweet.

2

Subject + verb agreement

“She write…” → “She writes…” · “The team are happy…” → “The team is happy…”

3

Use active voice when possible

Passive: The cake was eaten by John. Active: John ate the cake. (clearer + shorter)

4

Capitalise correctly

Sentences, names, places, days, months, “I”. Not random words.

5

Punctuate every sentence

Every sentence ends with . ? or ! · Use commas to separate lists and clauses.

6

Read it OUT LOUD

If you stumble while reading, the sentence is too long or unclear. Rewrite it.