B2 First Informal Email Guide
Cambridge B2 First — Writing Part 2 · 140–190 Words
Master the informal email format for B2 First Writing Part 2 — answering every question your friend asks with a natural, warm, and well-organised reply.
- Task requirements — how to decode a B2 First email prompt
- Email structure — greeting, opening, body paragraphs, closing, sign-off
- Answering all questions — no point missed, no mark lost
- Informal register — contractions, conversational phrases, personal tone
- Writing with detail — specific suggestions that sound genuinely helpful
- Word count management — hitting 140–190 precisely
Time management
Planning: 5 min · Writing: 30–35 min · Checking: 5 min · Total: ~40 minutes
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Understanding the Task
B2 First Writing Part 2 may ask you to write an informal email replying to a message from an English-speaking friend. You must answer every question they ask and match their friendly, conversational tone.
I'm so excited — I've finally booked my trip to visit you next month! I'll be staying for a whole week. Can you suggest some things we could do together? Are there any places I should definitely visit while I'm there? And is there anything I should know before I arrive — like what to pack or what the weather will be like?
See you soon, Sam
- What can we do together? — suggest shared activities
- What places should I visit? — recommend specific sights or spots
- What should I know before arriving? — practical advice: weather, packing, etc.
B2 First emails are longer (140–190 vs 120–160), expect more specific and developed detail in each answer, and reward a wider range of vocabulary and grammatical structures throughout.
Email Structure at B2 First
A B2 First informal email has six clear components. The word count is tighter than it looks — every sentence must contribute.
Greeting
Dear [name], — 2–3 words, not counted in total
Opening line
~15–20 words · warm reaction to their news
Main para 1
~40–50 words · answer questions 1–2 with specific detail
Main para 2
~40–50 words · answer question 3 + any extras
Closing line
~15–20 words · warm ending, look forward to visit
Sign-off
Love, / Best wishes, [name] — not counted
Total: 140–190 words (greeting and sign-off not counted)
Aim for 160–175 — enough room to be specific without padding.
One long undivided block of text · wrong sign-off ("Yours sincerely") · opening too abrupt or too long · closing that just stops suddenly without warmth
Greeting, Opening & Sign-off
These frame your email and signal your register immediately. Get them right and the examiner knows from line one that you understand informal writing.
Informal — use ✓
Greeting: Dear Sam, / Hi Sam,
Sign-off: Love, / Lots of love, / Best wishes, / Take care,
Opening: "What brilliant news — I can't believe you're finally coming!"
Closing: "Can't wait to see you! Write back soon."
Formal — avoid ✗
Greeting: Dear Sir/Madam, / To whom it may concern,
Sign-off: Yours faithfully, / Yours sincerely, / Kind regards,
Opening: "I am writing in response to your recent correspondence."
Closing: "I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience."
Express genuine excitement: "What fantastic news — a whole week is going to be amazing!"
React to their specific news: "I've been so excited since I saw your message — you're finally coming!"
Use a rhetorical question: "Can you believe it's only a month away? I've been making plans all week!"
Main Paragraphs: Answer Every Question
The most important rule: answer every question your friend has asked. Missing one costs significant Content marks. Plan which paragraph covers which question before you write.
Para 1 — Q1 + Q2: Things to do together + places to visit
Para 2 — Q3: Practical advice — weather, what to pack
There's so much we can do! I thought we could start with a day in the city centre — the old quarter is really beautiful and there's a great street food market on Saturdays. I'd also love to take you to the coastal path; the views are absolutely stunning, especially at sunset.
As for practical things — the weather in May is usually warm and sunny, so pack light clothes, but definitely bring a jacket for the evenings as it can get quite cool. Oh, and comfortable walking shoes are essential! We'll be doing a lot of exploring, I promise you that.
Useful connecting phrases for B2 emails
Moving between points: As for… / Regarding your question about… / Oh, and… / Also,
Recommending: You absolutely have to… / I'd highly recommend… / Whatever you do, don't miss…
Giving advice: Make sure you… / It's worth… / Don't forget to…
Practice: Write your two main paragraphs (80–100 words total)
Opening & Closing Lines
These are the first and last things the examiner reads. A warm, natural opening and a friendly close signal confident informal writing — and cost no extra words.
Opening line options (15–20 words)
"What brilliant news — I've been smiling all day since I saw your message!"
"I can't believe you're finally coming! A whole week is going to be amazing."
"Your email made my day — I've already started planning everything we're going to do!"
Closing line options (15–20 words)
"I'm counting down the days already! Let me know if you have any other questions."
"Can't wait to show you around. Write back if you think of anything else you need!"
"Only a month to go — I honestly can't wait. See you very soon!"
Unlike the IGCSE email, a B2 First closing line can also do light work — a brief reference to future contact, an invitation to ask more questions, or simply expressing excitement. Keep it warm and genuine, not formulaic ("I look forward to your response").
Practice: Write your opening and closing lines (30–40 words combined)
Complete Model Email
I'm so excited — I've finally booked my trip to visit you next month! I'll be staying for a whole week. Can you suggest some things we could do together? Are there any places I should definitely visit while I'm there? And is there anything I should know before I arrive — like what to pack or what the weather will be like?
See you soon, Sam
Dear Sam,
Opening (18 words)What brilliant news — I've been so excited since I read your message! A whole week is going to be amazing.
Main paragraph 1 — activities + places (52 words)There's so much I want to show you! I thought we could start with a day in the old town — the architecture is stunning and there's a fantastic street food market on Saturdays. We should also take the coastal path to the lighthouse; the views are absolutely breathtaking, especially at sunset. You'll love it, I promise.
Main paragraph 2 — practical advice (47 words)As for practical things, May is usually warm and sunny here, so pack light clothes — but definitely bring a jacket for the evenings as it can get surprisingly cool near the coast. Oh, and comfortable walking shoes are absolutely essential. We'll be exploring a lot, so come prepared!
Closing (18 words)I'm counting down the days already! Let me know if you think of any other questions before you arrive.
Love,
Jamie
Warm, excited opening that feels genuine · all three questions answered with specific detail · natural connecting phrases ("As for…", "Oh, and…") · contractions throughout · enthusiastic closing · appropriate sign-off · no question left unanswered · 168 words ✓
Informal Language at B2 Level
B2 First informal emails must sound natural but demonstrate range. The examiner wants to see you can handle both registers — not just casual, but confidently casual.
Too stiff ✗
"I am writing to suggest some activities. We could visit the museum. The weather will be warm. Please bring appropriate clothing."
Full forms throughout · formal phrasing · no personalityNatural B2 register ✓
"There's so much I want to show you! The old town is stunning, and whatever you do, don't miss the Saturday market — the food is incredible."
Contractions · enthusiasm · exclamation · specific detailContractions — essential throughout
Always use: I'm · you're · it's · we'll · I've · you'll · can't · don't · won't · I'd · there's · that's
Never write: "I am writing" / "You are going to" / "It is important" / "Do not forget"
Vocabulary that shows range at B2
Instead of "nice/good": stunning, breathtaking, fantastic, brilliant, wonderful
Instead of "I think you should": Whatever you do, don't miss… / You absolutely have to… / I'd highly recommend…
Instead of "Also": Oh, and… / By the way, / As for… / I should also mention…
Text speak (lol, btw, gonna) · very informal slang that might confuse an international reader · dramatic overuse of exclamation marks (one or two per email is enough)
Being Specific: The B2 Difference
The gap between a B1 and a B2 email is almost always specificity. Vague answers fill words without impressing examiners. Specific answers demonstrate genuine communicative ability.
Vague — B1 level ✗
"There are many nice places to visit. The weather is warm. You should bring some clothes. We can do lots of fun things together."
No detail · not helpful · not convincing · no rangeSpecific — B2 level ✓
"The old quarter is stunning — particularly the cathedral square in the evening. May is usually around 22°C, perfect for walking, but pack a light jacket for the coast."
Named places · specific temperature · practical detail · feels genuineHow to add specificity
Name things: "the Saturday market" not "a market" · "the coastal path" not "a nice walk"
Give detail: "around 20–25°C" not "warm" · "pack a light jacket" not "suitable clothing"
Add a reason: "the views are absolutely breathtaking, especially at sunset" not just "the views are nice"
Create anticipation: "I promise you'll love it" / "you won't regret it" / "trust me on this one"
Practice Questions
Choose one and write a complete email (140–190 words, ~40 minutes)
Q1 — Visit planning (Sam's email above): Suggest things to do, places to visit, and give practical advice about weather and packing.
Q2 — Study advice: Your friend Alex is about to start learning your language. They ask: what's the best way to learn, which apps or resources would you recommend, and how long did it take you to reach a good level?
Q3 — Job advice: Your friend Jordan is looking for a part-time job and asks: what kinds of jobs are available for students in your area, which would you recommend and why, and any tips for a successful application?
Q4 — Moving to a new city: Your friend Morgan is moving to your city for a year. They ask: which neighbourhood is best to live in, what's the transport like, and are there any things they should know before arriving?
Write your complete email here
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Missing a question
Sam asked three things. If you answer only two, you have not completed the task — Content marks drop immediately. Underline each question before writing and tick them off as you go.
Vague answers
"There are lots of nice places to see." → Name a specific place, explain why it's worth visiting, and add a personal touch. Specificity is what separates B2 from B1 writing.
No contractions
"I am very happy you are coming. It is going to be great. We will have so much fun." → Every "I am" should be "I'm", every "It is" should be "It's". No exceptions in an informal email.
Wrong sign-off
"Yours sincerely," or "Kind regards," — these are formal. Use "Love," / "Best wishes," / "Take care," and always include your name.
One long paragraph
All your answers merged into a single block loses Organisation marks. Use at least two clear body paragraphs — one per topic group.
Under or over the word count
Under 140 — you haven't developed your answers enough. Over 190 — cut repetition or unnecessary phrases. Aim for 160–175 as your target zone.
Checking Your Work
1. Count words — 140–190?
2. Tick off every question the friend asked — all answered?
3. Scan for full forms — replace every "I am / it is / we will" with contraction
4. Check greeting and sign-off — informal?
5. Check two clear body paragraphs — organised?
6. Grammar and spelling — subject-verb, article use, spelling
Common grammar errors to fix
✗ "I'm so excited for see you" → ✓ "I'm so excited to see you"
✗ "The weather it is warm in May" → ✓ "The weather is warm in May"
✗ "You should to bring a jacket" → ✓ "You should bring a jacket"
✗ "I look forward to see you" → ✓ "I'm looking forward to seeing you"
How Your Email is Marked
B2 First Writing is marked on four equal criteria, each worth 5 points.
Content
- Every question the friend asked is answered
- Answers are specific and developed, not vague
- Information is accurate and relevant
- The reader is genuinely informed and helped
Communicative Achievement
- Register is consistently informal throughout
- Contractions used naturally everywhere
- Tone is warm, friendly, and personal
- The email sounds like a real friend wrote it
Organisation
- Clear paragraph structure
- Appropriate greeting and sign-off
- Smooth transitions between answers
- Opening and closing feel natural, not abrupt
Language
- Varied vocabulary showing range (B2–C1)
- Range of grammatical structures
- Accurate spelling and punctuation
- Minor errors that don't impede communication
Missing a question (Content) · no contractions (Communicative Achievement) · one long paragraph (Organisation) · repetitive vocabulary ("nice, nice, nice") (Language)
Quick Reference Guide
Greeting: Dear [name], (not counted)
Opening (15–20 words): Warm reaction to their news — genuine enthusiasm
Para 1 (40–50 words): Answer questions 1–2 with specific detail
Para 2 (40–50 words): Answer question 3 (+ any remaining) with specific detail
Closing (15–20 words): Warm ending + look forward to the visit / invite questions
Sign-off: Love, / Best wishes, [your name] (not counted)
Total: 140–190 words · aim for 160–175
Essential informal language for B2 emails
Openings: What brilliant news! / I've been so excited since… / I can't believe you're finally coming!
Recommending: You absolutely have to… / Whatever you do, don't miss… / I'd highly recommend…
Transitioning: As for… / Regarding your question about… / Oh, and… / I should also mention…
Closings: I'm counting down the days! / Can't wait to see you! / Let me know if you have any other questions.
Must-do checklist
- Informal greeting (Dear [name],) and sign-off (Love, / Best wishes,)
- Contractions used naturally throughout — no exceptions
- Every question the friend asked is answered
- Answers are specific — names, details, reasons
- Two clear body paragraphs
- 140–190 words — aim for 160–175
Self-Assessment Checklist
Content
- I answered every question the friend asked (ticked off as I wrote)
- Each answer is specific — I named things and gave detail
- I gave reasons for recommendations, not just lists
- My information is genuinely helpful
Communicative achievement
- My register is warm and informal throughout
- I used contractions everywhere (I'm, you'll, it's, we'll…)
- My email sounds like a genuine friend wrote it
- My opening and closing are warm, not abrupt or formulaic
Organisation
- I used an appropriate informal greeting and sign-off
- I have at least two clear body paragraphs
- Transitions between paragraphs are smooth
- The email feels complete — beginning, middle, end
Language
- My word count is between 140–190 (ideally 160–175)
- I used varied vocabulary — not the same words repeated
- I used a range of grammatical structures
- My spelling and punctuation are accurate
Final Tips for Success
Week 1–2: Practise opening lines and specific answers for different question types (10 min daily)
Week 3–4: Write complete emails without a time limit — focus on specificity and range
Week 5–6: Timed practice — 40 minutes per email, then self-assess against the four criteria
Week 7–8: Exam conditions — 40 minutes, no dictionary, strict word count
Good luck with your Cambridge B2 First exam.