Improve your A1 English skills with email writing exercises. Practice giving instructions with easy tasks and beginner-friendly examples.
Email Writing Exercises
Writing an email that gives instructions is a useful skill to have in everyday life. You might need to ask a friend to water your plants or give instructions to a classmate or show someone how to do simple things. So a good instruction email should be short, clear and easy to follow. Good structure and simple language will help the reader to understand what you are saying.
How to Organize Your E-mail
When writing for A1, keep your email simple and break it into three parts:
1. Greeting
Begin with a friendly greeting.
Examples:
- Hi Alex,
- Hello Mia,
- Dear Sam,
Then tell me why you are writing.
Examples:
- Thanks for helping me this week.
- I need your help while I’m away.
- Can you help me with a few things?
2. Main Part
Make your instructions clear. Group similar ideas together and use short sentences. Well-organized instructions are easier to follow.
Examples:
- Please feed the cat every morning.
- Water the plants every two days.
- Don’t forget to lock the door.
- Remember to turn off the lights.
3. Closing
Be polite at the end and thank the person.
Examples:
- Thanks for your help.
- See you soon.
- Call me if there is a problem.
- Best,
Anna
Use Imperatives for Instructions
Often we use the imperative form when giving instructions. Use the verb without you or to .
Examples:
- Open the window.
- Feed the dog.
- Take the keys.
Negative form:
- Don’t leave the door open.
- Don’t forget the homework.
- Don’t give too much water.
Adding please makes instructions more friendly.
Examples:
- Please clean the kitchen.
- Please call me later.
Helpful Expressions
Typical phrases used in A1 instruction emails are:
Asking nicely
- Can you please…?
- Could you please…?
- Please remember to…
- Don’t forget to…
The arrangement of ideas
- First,
- Then,
- Next,
- Also,
- Finally,
Connectors will make your email sound more structured and natural.
