How to Write an Email at C1 Level

What examiners look for

Different exams mark differently, so always read your task instructions first. For the Cambridge C1 Advanced writing paper, answers are assessed on four things: content, communicative achievement, organisation and language. In practice that means:

• Content: you cover every point in the task and keep to the topic.
• Communicative achievement: the tone and register suit the reader and purpose, and the email does what it is supposed to do.
• Organisation: clear paragraphs, logical order and linking between ideas.
• Language: a range of vocabulary and grammar, used accurately.

How to plan a C1 email in five minutes

1. 1

   Underline the key information

   Who are you writing to? Why? What points must you cover? Note every bullet or question in the task.

2. 2

   Choose the register

   Formal for a manager, official or stranger; semi-formal for colleagues or a known organisation; informal for friends. The task usually makes this clear.

3. 3

   Plan the paragraphs

   Opening (purpose), one paragraph per main point, then a closing paragraph with a next step or request.

4. 4

   Pick your language

   Decide on a few phrases and structures for each function (requesting, explaining, suggesting) that you can use naturally.

5. 5

   Write, then check

   Leave time to check greeting and sign-off match, spelling, tenses and the word count.

Useful phrases by function

Use these as models and adapt them — memorised phrases that don't fit the task will hurt your score.

Advanced structures that show C1 range

Examiners want to see variety used naturally, not forced. A few useful options:

• Inversion: “Not only did the event start late, but it was also poorly organised.” / “Should you require further details, please contact me.”
• Conditionals: “If I had known about the change, I would have rearranged my schedule.”
• Passive for formality: “It was agreed that the deadline would be extended.”
• Linking devices: moreover, however, as a result, in addition, nevertheless, consequently.
• Collocations: “raise a concern”, “make a booking”, “fall short of expectations”.

Model answer: formal email of complaint

Task: you booked a weekend course that was cancelled at short notice. Write to the organiser to explain the impact and request a refund and alternative dates.

💡 Formal register, one paragraph per purpose, a range of linking words and structures, and a clear request. Around 150 words — your exam's word count will usually be higher, so develop each point more.

Common mistakes in C1 emails

• Missing one of the points in the task.
• Mixing registers, such as “Dear Sir” followed by contractions and slang.
• Using “Dear Sir/Madam” with “Yours sincerely” (traditional British convention is “Yours faithfully” when you don't know the name, and “Yours sincerely” when you do).
• Over-using memorised phrases that don't suit the question.
• Writing far under or over the word count.
• Careless errors in basic grammar while attempting complex structures.

Using EmailGen AI to practise

EmailGen AI is not affiliated with Cambridge English or any exam board, and you will write your exam answers yourself. But it can help you study: write your own practice email, paste it into the email rewriter, and choose a more formal version to compare wording and structure with your draft. You can also generate model emails for different tasks and note useful phrases.

Skip the blank page

Describe what you want to say and EmailGen AI drafts the subject line and message for you to edit and send.

Frequently asked questions

Related guides and tools