What raters reward
Raters score Content & Coherence (every required point covered and logically ordered), Vocabulary (range and precision), Readability (grammar, sentence variety, punctuation, and a tone that fits the reader), and Task Fulfillment (right purpose, register, and length). The biggest lever is developing each required point with a real detail instead of a single bare line.
Your time plan
How to structure it
Fill the [slots] with your own ideas — adapt the frames, don't recite them.
The greeting silently signals your register to the rater — see the matched greeting/sign-off pairs below.
Grammar Salutation + comma
- Dear Mr./Ms. [last name],
- Dear Sir or Madam,
- Hi [first name],
Name the situation in the first sentence so the point lands immediately — don't bury it after small talk.
Grammar Present perfect for background: 'I have been a … for …'
- My name is [name], and I have been a [tenant / customer / member] for [duration].
- I am writing to [request / report / suggest / apologize for] [the matter].
- I hope you're well — I'm reaching out about [topic].
Give every bullet its own short paragraph and signpost the move between them. Develop the idea — 'the heat has been off for five days and the apartment drops below 15°C at night' beats 'the heat is broken'.
Grammar Past simple + complex sentences (because, which, although)
- To start with, [what happened], which [why it matters].
- On [date], I [noticed / experienced] [specific detail].
- Furthermore, [a second supporting detail or consequence].
Make the action concrete and, where it fits, time-bound — this lifts Task Fulfillment because the email actually does its job.
Grammar Modals of request (could, would) + a deadline
- Could you please [action] by [date]?
- I would be grateful if you could [action].
- Please let me know whether [the resolution] is possible.
Use a closing that mirrors the opening register, then your name.
Grammar Closing phrase + name
- Sincerely, [name]
- Best regards, [name]
- Thanks again, [name]
Match your greeting & sign-off
| Situation | Greeting | Sign-off |
|---|---|---|
| Formal · name unknown | Dear Sir or Madam, | Yours faithfully, |
| Formal · name known | Dear Mr./Ms. [last name], | Sincerely, |
| Workplace / semi-formal | Dear [first name], / Hello [first name], | Best regards, |
| Friend / informal | Hi [first name], | Take care, / Cheers, |
Openers & closers by email purpose
Most prompts are one of these five. Adapt the matching opener and closer.
- Open: I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with [issue].
- Close: I trust this will be resolved promptly.
- Open: I am writing to request [service / information] regarding [topic].
- Close: I look forward to your reply.
- Open: I am writing to suggest [idea], which I believe would benefit [group].
- Close: I hope you'll consider this proposal.
- Open: I am writing to sincerely apologize for [what happened].
- Close: Again, I'm sorry for any inconvenience this caused.
- Open: I am writing to inform you of [event] that occurred on [date].
- Close: Please let me know if you need further details.
A worked model answer
A high-scoring sample that follows this shape — use it as a model, not a script.
Dear Editor,
My name is Jordan Lee, and I work for Northwind Apparel, a Canadian clothing company that has designed warm, affordable outerwear for more than twenty years. I am writing to introduce our newest product, the Northwind Glide coat.
The Glide is a lightweight winter coat made from recycled, water-resistant fabric. Although it weighs under one kilogram, it keeps wearers comfortable in temperatures as low as minus twenty, and it folds neatly into its own pocket for easy carrying. It is available in six colours and sells for $129.
We believe the Glide would appeal to busy commuters and students who want a coat that is light enough to carry all day yet warm enough for a Canadian winter. Its packable design also makes it ideal for travellers.
I would like to invite your staff to try the Glide and feature it in an upcoming issue. We would gladly send samples in any sizes your team prefers. Please let me know if you are interested.
Sincerely, Jordan Lee Northwind Apparel
Useful vocabulary
Vocabulary is one of the four scored dimensions — weave a few in (don't force all of them).
Common mistakes to avoid
- Missing or under-developing one of the three required points — this caps Task Fulfillment hard.
- One-line answers with no reason, example, or consequence.
- Register mismatch — too casual to an official, or stiff and cold to a friend.
- Copying phrases straight from the prompt instead of paraphrasing.
- No paragraphing — a single block hides whether each point was covered.
- Running well under 150 or over 200 words.
Quick tips
- Match tone to the reader and keep it consistent from greeting to sign-off.
- Signpost between points (First, … In addition, … Finally, …) so coverage is obvious.
- Swap repeated words for precise ones (frustrated not bad; malfunctioning not broken).
- Always reserve ~3 minutes to proofread — small grammar fixes move the Readability score.