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French: writing the short letter

A three-paragraph structure and a bank of ten polite formulas gets you most of the marks.

The short-letter task rewards formality more than eloquence. The examiner wants to see that you can open, deliver information, and close in appropriate register.

Paragraph one: state your purpose in one sentence. 'Je vous écris pour vous inviter à…' or 'Je vous écris pour poser ma candidature à…'. Do not warm up.

Paragraph two: the specifics — dates, times, requests. Two or three sentences. Use linking words: 'D'abord', 'Ensuite', 'Enfin', 'En outre'.

Paragraph three: close politely. 'Je vous serais reconnaissant(e) de bien vouloir confirmer votre présence.' 'Je vous prie d'agréer, Madame/Monsieur, l'expression de mes salutations distinguées.'

Memorise ten polite formulas and rotate them across practice essays so no two of yours start the same way. Examiners notice.

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