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A well-structured friendly letter typically contains:

1. Address & Date (top right or left)
2. Salutation (Dear.../Hi...)
3. Opening Paragraph (state purpose, connect)
4. Main Content (sharing news, asking questions, main message)
5. Closing Paragraph (wishes, plans, or summary)
6. Sign-off (Best wishes/Love/Take care)
7. Signature (your name or nickname)

Pay attention to paragraphing and clarity!

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Each paragraph serves a function:
- 1st: Greet and connect, possibly refer to previous contact.
- 2nd-3rd: Main news, questions, stories, reactions.
- Final: End on a positive or forward-looking note, invite response.

Logical progression is as valued as linguistic accuracy at C1!

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Traditional: Dear John, / Best wishes,
Modern: Hi John, / Cheers, Take care, See you soon

More informal but still warm! Match to your relationship.

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- How have you been?
- It’s been ages since I last wrote!
- I was so pleased to get your letter.
- I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to reply.
- Thanks so much for your last message.

Personalization is key at this level.

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Developing the Content: Sharing News & Feelings

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Developing the Content: Sharing News & Feelings

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- You won’t believe what happened last week…
- I just wanted to share some good news.
- Things have been hectic lately because…
- I’d love to hear your opinion on…
- If you ever visit (my city), I’d show you around!

Use topic-specific vocabulary to demonstrate your range.

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- How are things with your family/job/studies?
- Have you made any summer plans yet?
- By the way, did you ever manage to…?
- What do you think about…?
- I’d be interested to know your thoughts on…

Don’t forget to ask questions for reciprocity!

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- Hope to hear from you soon.
- Let’s catch up soon, maybe a video call?
- Give my regards to your family.
- Looking forward to your next message.
- Take care and write back when you can!

A warm closing encourages ongoing communication.

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- Holiday experiences
- Family events (weddings, birthdays)
- Describing daily life
- Sharing successes and challenges
- Memories of school or childhood
- Hobbies and interests

Choose relatable, meaningful topics.

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Modern & Trendy Topics in Friendly Letters

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Modern & Trendy Topics in Friendly Letters

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- Online life: social media trends, digital detox
- Sustainable living and climate awareness
- Mental health and well-being
- International travel or expat experiences
- Music, streaming, podcasts
- Technology and apps for staying in touch

Highlight your contemporary vocabulary!

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Modern Friendly Letter Example (Part 1/4)

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Modern Friendly Letter Example (Part 1/4)

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Budapest, 2 April 2024

Dear Sophie,

How have you been? I hope this letter finds you well. It’s been ages since I last wrote, and so much has happened since then that I hardly know where to begin! I was delighted to receive your email last month—reading about your recent adventures in Barcelona made my day.

Since you asked about life here in Hungary, I’ll try to give you a clear picture. The last few months have been an amazing whirlwind: juggling my new job as an English teacher, exploring the city, and learning to appreciate Hungarian culture in all its forms. I even picked up a few words in Hungarian—enough to get by at the market, though I’m sure my accent makes the sellers smile!

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Modern Friendly Letter Example (Part 2/4)

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Modern Friendly Letter Example (Part 2/4)

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Living abroad has its challenges, as you know well. At first, I felt a bit isolated, but gradually I’ve made wonderful friends among both locals and fellow expats. There’s a small café near the Danube where we often meet for coffee and deep conversations about everything, from climate change and sustainable living (very trendy here!) to favorite Hungarian desserts. I never thought I’d crave Dobos torte, but it’s become a guilty pleasure.

Work has kept me busy—teaching English in Hungary comes with unique joys and occasional frustrations. The students are curious and often surprise me with their wit. Have I told you about my creative writing project with C1 students? They’re currently writing friendly letters, and some of their expressions made me laugh out loud. It’s heartwarming to see them debating which modern phrases are appropriate, or whether to sign off with ‘Cheers’ or ‘Kind regards.’ It’s a generational thing, I suppose!

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Modern Friendly Letter Example (Part 3/4)

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Modern Friendly Letter Example (Part 3/4)

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On a personal note, I’ve been exploring Budapest’s lesser-known neighborhoods and documenting my experiences on social media. Have you heard of the Buda Hills? The hiking trails offer incredible views of the city, and I even stumbled upon a tiny book café that serves as a hub for local artists. It’s fascinating to see how the creative community is thriving—even during these uncertain times. Social media has been invaluable for discovering events and connecting with people. Are you using any new apps to keep up with friends across the globe?

I’d love to know how your own projects are going. Your volunteering stories always inspire me—especially your recent involvement with environmental education. If you have tips for making sustainability engaging for young people, please share! My students would benefit greatly, too.

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Modern Friendly Letter Example (Part 4/4)

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Modern Friendly Letter Example (Part 4/4)

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Before I sign off, let me share a funny story from last week. I tried to order lunch in Hungarian and accidentally mixed up my words, ending up with a plate of pickled peppers instead of chicken paprikás. The waiter was kind and we both laughed about it—those small moments make expat life memorable!

Anyway, I’m planning to visit the thermal baths soon and will send you photos. Perhaps you could come visit this summer? We could explore together, just like old times. Give my best to your family and keep me updated—I’d love to hear all about your latest adventures, both online and offline.

Take care, Sophie, and write back when you have a spare moment. I look forward to your letter, as always.

With warmest wishes,

Anna

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📝 Friendly Letter Template

[Greeting]
Dear ___,

[Opening lines]
How are you? I hope ___. Thanks a lot for your last letter about ___. It was great to hear from you!

[Main news / personal update]
I’m writing to tell you about ___. Recently, I ___. It was really ___.
At the moment, I’m busy with ___. By the way, my family ___.

[Shared experiences / questions]
Have you ever ___? What about you? Do you ___. I’d love to hear your opinion.
Also, can you tell me more about ___?

[Plans / invitation]
Next month, I’m planning to ___. Why don’t you join me? It would be wonderful to ___.

[Closing]
That’s all my news for now. Write soon and tell me about ___.
Take care and give my regards to your family.

Lots of love,

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✅ Example

Dear Anna,

How are you? I hope everything is going well at school. Thanks a lot for your last letter about your trip to London. It was great to hear from you!

I’m writing to tell you about my new hobby. Recently, I started playing the guitar. It was really exciting at first, although a bit difficult.
At the moment, I’m busy with schoolwork, but I always try to practice in the evenings. By the way, my brother has just started learning piano, so our house is full of music.

Have you ever played a musical instrument? What about you — do you prefer guitar or piano? I’d love to hear your opinion. Also, can you tell me more about your English course?

Next month, I’m planning to visit your city. Why don’t you show me your favourite places? It would be wonderful to spend time together.

That’s all my news for now. Write soon and tell me about your new friends at school.
Take care and give my regards to your family.

Lots of love,
Sophie

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💡 Tips for Writing Friendly Letters (B1–B2)

Use an informal but polite tone → contractions (“I’m, don’t, we’ll”) are natural.

Start with a greeting and a personal question (“How are you?”).

Answer your friend’s questions if you’re replying to their letter.

Organize into short paragraphs: greeting, main news, questions, closing.

Use linking words to connect ideas: by the way, also, in fact, anyway, actually, finally.

Ask at least 2–3 questions → keeps the conversation alive.

Close warmly: “Write soon”, “Looking forward to hearing from you”.

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Reading Comprehension Test 1

Friendly Letter – Holidays

Dear Anna,

How are you? I hope everything is going well at school. I wanted to tell you about my holiday in Spain. We stayed in a small hotel near the beach, and the weather was wonderful. Every morning, we went swimming in the sea, and in the evenings we walked around the town.

One day, we took a trip to the mountains. It was hard to climb, but the view was amazing. I also tried Spanish food, like paella and churros. I really loved it!

I wish you could have come with us. Maybe next summer we can go somewhere together. Write soon and tell me about your summer!

Best wishes,
Sophie

📝 TEST
A. Multiple Choice (1–4)

1. Where did Sophie stay in Spain?
a) In the mountains
b) At a campsite
c) In a small hotel near the beach
d) In her friend’s house

2. What activity did Sophie do in the mornings?
a) Walking around town
b) Swimming in the sea
c) Eating churros
d) Climbing mountains

3. What Spanish dish did Sophie try?
a) Pizza
b) Paella
c) Sushi
d) Hamburgers

4. What does Sophie hope for the next summer?
a) To travel with Anna
b) To stay home
c) To study Spanish
d) To visit her grandparents

Reading Comprehension Test 2

Friendly Letter – New School

Hi James,

Thanks for your last letter! You asked me about my new school, so here are some details. The building is quite modern, and the classrooms are big and bright. My favourite subject is history because the teacher makes the lessons interesting with stories and pictures.

At first, I was nervous because I didn’t know anyone, but now I have some friends. We usually eat lunch together in the cafeteria. There is also a football club after school, and I’ve decided to join it.

Next week we are going on a school trip to the science museum. I’ll tell you all about it in my next letter!

Take care,
Mark

📝 TEST
A. Multiple Choice (1–4)

1. What does Mark say about his school building?
a) It is old and small
b) It is modern with bright classrooms
c) It is in another city
d) It has no cafeteria

2. Which subject does Mark like best?
a) English
b) Science
c) History
d) Football

3. What helped Mark feel less nervous at school?
a) The science museum trip
b) Making new friends
c) The cafeteria food
d) Moving to a new classroom

4. What will Mark write about in his next letter?
a) The football club
b) The cafeteria
c) The school trip
d) The history teacher

Reading Comprehension Test 3

Friendly Letter – Birthday Party

Dear Clara,

How are you? I’m writing to invite you to my birthday party next Saturday. It will start at 4 p.m. in my garden. We’ll have snacks, music, and some fun games. In the evening, we plan to watch a film outdoors if the weather is good.

Please bring your favourite board game, so we can all play together. Don’t worry about food — my mum and dad are preparing pizza and a big chocolate cake.

I really hope you can come. It wouldn’t be the same without you! Let me know if you can make it.

Love,
Emily

📝 TEST
A. Multiple Choice (1–4)

1. When will Emily’s party start?
a) At 2 p.m.
b) At 3 p.m.
c) At 4 p.m.
d) At 5 p.m.

2. What activity is planned for the evening?
a) Playing football
b) Watching a film outdoors
c) Singing karaoke
d) Going to a restaurant

3. What should Clara bring to the party?
a) Pizza
b) A board game
c) A chocolate cake
d) Drinks

4. What kind of cake will there be?
a) Vanilla
b) Lemon
c) Chocolate

d, Strawberry