✅ ¿Qué es una Formal Letter or Email?
Una formal letter or email es un tipo de texto que puede aparecer ocasionalmente en la Part 2 del Writing del C2 Proficiency. No es una de las opciones más frecuentes, pero sí una posibilidad real, especialmente en contextos profesionales, académicos o institucionales.
Este tipo de texto debe:
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Ser formal y respetuoso en el tono
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Seguir una estructura clara y lógica
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Estar dirigido a una persona o entidad específica (aunque ficticia)
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Tener un objetivo concreto: queja, solicitud, agradecimiento, recomendación, etc.
🧩 Estructura recomendada para una Formal Letter o Email (nivel C2)
| Sección | Función principal | Ejemplos de frases útiles |
|---|---|---|
| Opening line | Saludo y motivo del mensaje | Dear Sir or Madam, / To whom it may concern, |
| Introduction | Presentación clara del motivo del escrito | I am writing in response to... / I would like to express... |
| Main body | Desarrollo del tema: hechos, argumentos, explicaciones | Firstly... / Furthermore... / It should be noted that... |
| Suggestions or action | Solicitudes concretas o propuestas | I would appreciate it if... / I strongly recommend that... |
| Closing paragraph | Cierre adecuado y educado | I hope this matter will be considered promptly. |
| Farewell | Despedida formal | Yours faithfully, / Yours sincerely, |
| Signature | Nombre (real o inventado, según instrucciones) | Maria González / John Smith |
✨ Expresiones útiles para cartas o correos formales (C2)
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I am writing to express my concern / dissatisfaction / appreciation regarding…
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I would be grateful if you could... / I would like to request...
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It has come to my attention that... / I would like to draw your attention to...
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Please do not hesitate to contact me should you require any further information.
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I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.
A continuación verás ejemplos que te ayudarán a interiorizar el estilo adecuado para obtener la nota más alta en el Writing del nivel Proficiency.
10 ejemplos:
✍️ Formal letter/email C2 – Ejemplo 1
Part 2 – Writing
Write your answer in 280–320 words in an appropriate style.You recently stayed in a hotel during a business trip and were dissatisfied with several aspects of the service. Write a letter of complaint to the hotel manager.
In your letter, explain what went wrong, describe how it affected your stay, and suggest what the hotel should do to address the issue.
Formal Letter of Complaint
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with the service I received during my recent stay at your hotel, The Oakridge Grand, from 12th to 15th March. Although I had chosen your establishment based on its positive online reputation and central location, several issues significantly affected the quality of my visit and did not reflect the standards expected of a four-star hotel.
Firstly, the room I was assigned was not properly cleaned prior to my arrival. Upon entering, I noticed several stains on the carpet, a strong musty odour, and a clear layer of dust on the desk and window ledges. The bathroom, in particular, was in unacceptable condition, with a dirty shower curtain and poorly maintained tiles. I immediately informed reception, but the matter was not addressed until the following afternoon, and only after I had made two additional complaints.
Secondly, the Wi-Fi service—advertised as reliable and high-speed—was almost unusable. I repeatedly lost connection while attempting to attend work meetings and upload documents. Given that this was a business trip, the poor internet service caused me considerable stress and disrupted my productivity.
In addition, I found the customer service to be well below professional standards. When I requested a room change, the receptionist responded in a disinterested manner, offering no real assistance and appearing unwilling to resolve the issue.
In light of these problems, I kindly request a partial refund for my stay or an equivalent voucher for future use. Furthermore, I strongly urge you to review your housekeeping protocols and staff training procedures to ensure that future guests receive the level of service your hotel claims to offer.
I trust you will take my concerns seriously and respond at your earliest convenience.
Yours faithfully,
Mark Dawson
(294 words)
✍️ Formal letter/email – Ejemplo 2
Part 2 – Writing
Write your answer in 280–320 words in an appropriate style.You are organising a student conference on climate change and wish to invite a well-known environmental expert to speak at the event.
Write a formal letter to the expert explaining the purpose of the event, the role you would like them to play, and how their participation would benefit the audience.
Formal Letter of Invitation and Request
Dear Dr Jensen,
I am writing on behalf of the organising committee of the 2024 Student Conference on Climate Awareness, which will take place at Westbridge University on 6–7 April. We would be truly honoured to invite you to serve as our keynote speaker, given your internationally recognised work in environmental science, biodiversity preservation, and public education.
The conference is being planned as a two-day academic and civic engagement event, aimed at raising awareness of critical environmental issues and promoting collaborative thinking among students, academics, and policy influencers. The programme will include keynote speeches, panel discussions, and student presentations, and is expected to attract over 400 participants from across the region, including university students, faculty members, local NGOs, and government representatives.
We would be deeply grateful if you could deliver a 30-minute keynote address on the morning of 6 April, followed by a 15-minute Q&A session with the audience. Your recent work on urban biodiversity and sustainable design has generated significant interest in our institution, and we believe your presence would greatly enrich the experience of attendees and stimulate high-level discussion.
In addition to the keynote, we would be pleased to arrange an optional interview with the university press, as well as an informal meet-and-greet with selected students, should your schedule permit. Naturally, all travel and accommodation expenses will be covered, and our team will provide full logistical support throughout your visit.
Please do not hesitate to contact me should you require further details regarding the conference programme, travel arrangements, or other matters. We sincerely hope that you will consider this invitation, as your contribution would be an invaluable highlight of the event.
I look forward to your reply and very much hope to welcome you to Westbridge University this spring.
Yours sincerely,
Laura Bennet
Conference Coordinator
Westbridge University
(300 words)
✍️ Formal letter/email – Ejemplo 3
Part 2 – Writing
Write your answer in 280–320 words in an appropriate style.You have been asked to write a letter of recommendation for a student who is applying for a postgraduate scholarship abroad.
Write a letter recommending the student, describing their strengths, and explaining why they would be a suitable candidate.
Formal Letter of Recommendation
To whom it may concern,
I am writing to provide my full and enthusiastic recommendation for Ms Sarah López, who has applied for a postgraduate scholarship in the field of Environmental Economics. I have had the pleasure of working with Sarah for the past three years, both as her lecturer in Environmental Policy and as her research supervisor during her final year at the University of Castilla.
Throughout this time, Sarah has consistently demonstrated exceptional academic ability, motivation and critical thinking skills. She graduated top of her class, with a final average of 9.7/10, and received two departmental awards in recognition of her outstanding coursework and research contributions.
Her undergraduate thesis, which examined policy incentives for sustainable agriculture in Mediterranean regions, stood out not only for its empirical rigour but also for its originality. What impressed me most was her ability to synthesise complex environmental data and translate it into actionable policy recommendations—a skill rarely seen at undergraduate level. Her work was subsequently selected for presentation at the National Student Research Conference, where it was highly praised.
Beyond her academic excellence, Sarah has also displayed remarkable leadership and interpersonal skills. She was elected student representative for two consecutive years, where she advocated effectively for both academic and student welfare concerns. She also volunteered as a peer tutor, supporting students who struggled with quantitative research methods, always demonstrating patience and clarity.
I am confident that Sarah will thrive in any international academic environment. She is intellectually curious, culturally aware, and fully capable of working independently and collaboratively. Her drive, discipline and humility make her an ideal candidate for postgraduate study abroad.
Please do not hesitate to contact me should you require any further information.
Yours faithfully,
Dr Isabel Romero
Department of Economics
University of Castilla
(295 words)
✍️ Formal letter/email – Ejemplo 4
✍️ Enunciado de ejemplo – Formal Letter or Email C2 (Ejemplo 4)
Part 2 – Writing
Write your answer in 280–320 words in an appropriate style.You recently completed an internship organised by an international company. Write a formal letter to thank the person who supervised you.
In your letter, express your appreciation, highlight what you learned, and explain how the experience will help you in your future career.
📝 Formal Letter of Thanks
Dear Ms Richards,
I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to complete a summer internship in the Communications Department at Genovia Global. The experience proved to be both professionally enriching and personally inspiring, and I would like to thank you for your support, guidance and encouragement throughout my time with the team.
From the very beginning, I felt welcomed and included, and I particularly appreciated the way you made time to answer my questions, offer constructive feedback and involve me in meaningful discussions. Your willingness to share your professional experience, particularly during strategy briefings and campaign planning meetings, gave me invaluable insight into how communication functions in a high-level international setting.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the internship was the opportunity to contribute to real, high-impact projects. I was especially proud to assist in preparing media content for the company’s environmental initiative. This hands-on experience taught me how to manage deadlines, adapt content for different audiences, and present ideas clearly across platforms—skills I am confident will serve me well in any future communications role.
Furthermore, observing your leadership style and the way you interacted with colleagues, clients and external partners left a lasting impression. You consistently modelled professionalism, clarity, and empathy in equal measure. I learned not only about communication strategy, but also about the importance of diplomacy, team-building and attention to detail—qualities that often go unmentioned but make a tremendous difference in the workplace.
Please convey my warmest thanks to the entire department for making me feel like a valued member of the team. I truly enjoyed every moment of the experience, and I am confident that it will remain a pivotal step in my academic and professional journey.
Yours sincerely,
David Esteban
(292 words)
✍️ Formal letter/email – Ejemplo 5
Part 2 – Writing
Write your answer in 280–320 words in an appropriate style.You wish to apply for a postgraduate scholarship at an international university. Write a formal letter to the university’s admissions office.
In your letter, explain why you are applying, outline your academic background, and describe how the scholarship would help you achieve your goals.
Formal Letter – Scholarship Application
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to formally apply for the Global Postgraduate Scholarship at Northfield International University for the academic year 2024–2025. I recently completed my undergraduate studies in International Relations at the University of Valencia and am now seeking support to pursue a Master’s degree in Global Governance at your institution.
During my undergraduate degree, I consistently ranked in the top 5% of my class and graduated with distinction. My coursework focused on international law, migration policy and human rights, and I completed an honours thesis on European responses to refugee crises. In addition to my academic achievements, I undertook internships at both the United Nations Office in Geneva and a local NGO, experiences that deepened my commitment to working in public service at the international level.
Northfield’s Global Governance programme aligns perfectly with my interests in multilateral diplomacy and international cooperation. The curriculum’s strong emphasis on practical training, combined with your institution’s diverse academic environment, makes it the ideal setting to further my education.
As I come from a modest financial background, receiving this scholarship would be essential to cover tuition and living expenses abroad. More importantly, it would enable me to dedicate myself fully to my studies and make the most of the academic and professional opportunities available.
I am confident that I can make a valuable contribution to the university community and that the scholarship would be an investment in a committed and capable student with a clear vision of future impact.
Please find enclosed all required documents, including academic transcripts and reference letters. I would be honoured to be considered for this opportunity.
Yours faithfully,
Elena Márquez
(280 words)
✍️ Formal letter/email – Ejemplo 6
Part 2 – Writing
Write your answer in 280–320 words in an appropriate style.You are planning to attend a summer course in another country. Write a formal letter to the language school requesting detailed information before registering.
In your letter, explain your interest, ask for specific details, and request advice on accommodation options.
Formal Letter – Request for Information
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to request detailed information regarding the Intensive English Summer Programme offered by your language school in Brighton, which I found via the Study Abroad Europe platform. I am currently considering enrolling in the July session and would be very grateful if you could clarify several aspects of the programme before I proceed with the application process.
To begin with, I would appreciate a full breakdown of the course’s structure and academic methodology. Could you kindly send a sample timetable indicating how many hours per week are dedicated to grammar, conversation, vocabulary building, listening practice and exam preparation? I would also like to know whether elective modules are available, and how personalised the programme is in terms of addressing students’ specific language goals.
In addition, I would like to ask about the size and composition of the classes. Are the class sizes fixed or flexible depending on demand? What is the average age and proficiency level of your typical participants during the summer sessions? My current level is B2, and my aim is to reach a strong C1 by the end of the course.
Moreover, I am interested in learning more about accommodation options. I noticed that you offer host family placements as well as student residence facilities. Could you please clarify what is included in each option (e.g. meals, laundry, internet access, transport links)? If possible, I would also appreciate recommendations based on language immersion opportunities.
Lastly, I would like to know if the programme includes any cultural or recreational activities, such as guided tours, weekend excursions, or workshops. If so, are these included in the total price, or are they optional and paid separately?
Thank you in advance for your time and assistance. I look forward to your response and hope to join your programme this summer.
Yours faithfully,
María Antonia Fernández
(310 words)
✍️ Formal letter/email – Ejemplo 7
Part 2 – Writing
Write your answer in 280–320 words in an appropriate style.You recently received a final grade for a university course which you believe is unfair. Write a letter to the head of department to formally request a review.
In your letter, explain why you are dissatisfied, refer to specific concerns, and propose what you would like to happen next.
Formal Letter – Academic Complaint and Request for Grade Review
Dear Professor Grant,
I am writing to formally express my concern regarding the final grade I received for the module “European Political Systems” (code POL307), which I completed during the spring semester. According to the results published last week, I was awarded a final grade of 62%, which I believe does not accurately reflect the quality of my work or the feedback received during the course.
Firstly, I would like to highlight that my coursework, which accounted for 60% of the final grade, received consistent marks above 75%. In particular, the group presentation on federalism was awarded 80%, and my midterm essay received 78% with detailed written feedback describing it as “analytically strong and well-argued.” Based on this, I expected a significantly higher overall grade.
Secondly, I suspect that there may have been a clerical error in the inclusion of my exam score. I have not yet received any feedback or detailed breakdown for the final written exam, which accounted for the remaining 40%. Given that my exam performance typically aligns with my coursework, the final result appears inconsistent.
I would be grateful if you could initiate a formal review of my final grade, particularly with regard to the exam component. I would also appreciate access to the exam script and marking rubric, as outlined in the university’s academic regulations.
I understand the pressures involved in end-of-term assessment, and I raise this issue with full respect for the marking process. Nevertheless, I believe that a review is justified in this case to ensure fairness and transparency.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely,
Carla Martín
(280 words)
✍️ Formal letter/email – Ejemplo 8
Part 2 – Writing
Write your answer in 280–320 words in an appropriate style.You recently attended an online job interview for an international graduate programme. Write a formal follow-up email to the interviewer.
In your email, thank them for the opportunity, briefly reflect on the interview, and restate your interest in the position.
📝 Formal Email – Post-Interview Follow-Up
Subject: Thank You – Interview for International Graduate Programme
Dear Ms Thompson,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to thank you sincerely for the opportunity to attend the interview for the International Graduate Programme at Ardent Global, which took place on 14 March via Zoom. I greatly appreciated the chance to speak with you and learn more about the company’s mission, the values that guide its international operations, and the specific expectations associated with the graduate role.
The conversation confirmed and strengthened my interest in joining your organisation. I was particularly impressed by the emphasis placed on cross-cultural collaboration, structured professional development, and the long-term vision for career growth within the company. These align strongly with my personal and professional goals.
I was also grateful for your transparency regarding the challenges new recruits might face, such as the rotational nature of the programme and the steep learning curve during the initial phases. Far from discouraging me, these aspects highlighted the programme’s depth and potential for growth, and I would welcome the opportunity to take on such a dynamic role.
Having recently completed my Master’s degree in International Business and gained experience during a six-month internship abroad, I feel well prepared to contribute meaningfully to a global team and to adapt quickly to the demands of a fast-paced work environment.
If any additional materials are required to support my application—such as references, academic transcripts or writing samples—I would be more than happy to provide them.
Once again, thank you for your time, insight and hospitality during the interview. Regardless of the outcome, I truly appreciated the opportunity to connect with you and to learn more about Ardent Global’s vision for the future.
I look forward to hearing from you in due course.
Yours sincerely,
Adriana Gómez
(300 words)
✍️ Formal letter/email – Ejemplo 9
Part 2 – Writing
Write your answer in 280–320 words in an appropriate style.You are currently studying abroad and need to request permission to return home temporarily due to a family matter.
Write a formal email to your academic coordinator explaining the situation, requesting leave, and suggesting how you will keep up with your coursework.
📝 Formal Email – Request for Temporary Leave
Subject: Request for Leave of Absence – MSc Programme
Dear Dr Morgan,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to formally request a short leave of absence from the MSc in Sustainable Development programme at Eastbourne University, due to a personal matter that requires my temporary presence in my home country.
Specifically, I would like to request leave from 3 to 14 May. During this period, I would need to travel to Spain in order to assist my mother, who is scheduled to undergo minor but necessary surgery. As she will be recovering at home and lives alone, I am the only available family member able to provide post-operative care and logistical support during her recovery.
I fully understand the academic demands and expectations of the programme and have already taken steps to ensure that my absence does not disrupt my progress. I have arranged with several classmates to share lecture notes and recordings, and I have spoken with my group project partners to delegate responsibilities for the period I will be away. I also plan to submit all individual assignments due during that time in advance or via the university’s online platform.
In addition, I would be grateful if I could receive access to any reading materials or preparatory content that will be covered during my absence, so I can study independently and remain aligned with the syllabus. If necessary, I am available for a brief meeting before or after the absence to confirm my academic engagement and discuss any concerns.
I sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this request may cause and greatly appreciate your understanding. Please let me know if any documentation, such as a medical note or travel confirmation, is required to formalise the request.
Yours sincerely,
Lucía Torres
(294 words)
✍️ Formal letter/email – Ejemplo 10
Part 2 – Writing
Write your answer in 280–320 words in an appropriate style.You are applying for a research internship and need a letter of recommendation. Write a formal email to a former professor asking for a reference.
In your email, remind them who you are, explain why you are requesting the reference, and provide details of the programme.
📝 Formal Email – Request for Letter of Recommendation
Subject: Request for Academic Reference – Research Internship Application
Dear Professor Evans,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to respectfully request a letter of recommendation in support of my application for the Summer Research Internship in Public Policy, offered by the European Centre for Policy Innovation (ECPI). The deadline for submission is 25 April, and the application requires one academic reference from a former professor familiar with the applicant’s academic and analytical abilities.
I was a student in your course “Comparative Political Systems” during my second year at the University of Bath (2021–2022), and I also took part in the policy simulation workshop you organised in collaboration with the Civic Engagement Lab. Both experiences had a profound influence on my academic development. I especially appreciated your feedback on my final paper on constitutional design in emerging democracies, which motivated me to explore applied research further.
The ECPI internship is a highly selective programme that involves students in real-world research projects on democratic resilience, institutional design and evidence-based policymaking. The organisers emphasise the importance of academic rigour, critical thinking, and clarity in written communication—all skills you helped me strengthen during my time in your course.
If you are willing to support my application, I would be happy to provide a copy of my CV, the internship description, my statement of motivation, and any additional information that might assist in writing the reference. Letters are submitted directly via a secure online portal, and I can share the access link and instructions should you agree to assist me.
I understand that you are likely to receive many similar requests, and I genuinely appreciate your time and consideration. It would mean a great deal to have your support as I take this next step in my academic journey.
Yours sincerely,
Julian S. Monroe
(304 words)