The Unified State Exam in English
2024
C2 Letter
C1 Writing a Letter
Objective: to measure general ability to express your opinion on a given
topic
And structure your ideas in coherent way
Points: 6 points max
 Content (structure) 2 points
 Coherence and cohesion 2 points
 Grammar & Vocabulary 2 points
Register: informal
Number of words: 100 – 140 words ± 10%
Number of words: 100 – 140 words ± 10%
Less than 90 words → 0 points
More than 154 words → only the part above the line will be assessed
→ task not completed!
Number of words include:
Auxiliary verbs, prepositions, articles, particles, etc.
Counted as 1 word
•
•
•
•
Numbers written like 345, 34, 124, 3.5, 100% 10%
Compound words like good-looking, English-speaking
Abbreviations like USA, e-mail, CD-Rom
Contracted verbs like can’t, don’t, she’s
Task completion
1. Follow the structure
2. Cover all aspects stated in the task
3. Use appropriate (informal) style.
The task is not completed if
the contents does not cover all aspects indicated in the task (e.g.
you did not answer the questons / gave inappropriate answer, you
did not ask 3 questions)
the number of words is not sufficient (less than 90)
the content of the letter does not correspond to the task, contains
information of the nonproductive nature, the style is too formal
If you get 0 points for task completion you get 0 points for other parts as
well
You have received a letter from your English-speaking pen friend
(name) who writes:
Write a letter to ....

In your letter answer his questions

Ask 3 questions about ...
Write 100−140 words.
Remember the rules of letter writing.
Structure
1. Address
2. Date
3. Greeting (Dear …,)
4. Introduction (Thank for the letter.)
5. Answer his / her questions (item 1 of the task)
6. Ask 3 questions (item 2 of the task)
}
Main part
7. Finish your letter (2 sentences) (Well, I have to go now… Take care…)
8. Best wishes
9. Your name
Address & Date
28, Lenina Street,
Almetyevsk
Russia
423450
16/06/2017
Almetyevsk
Russia
16 June, 2017
Greeting
Dear (name of your friend),
Introduction
•
•
•
Thanks for your letter. It was lovely to hear from you.
Thanks a lot for your last letter. It was great to hear from you!
Thanks for you letter. Sorry I haven’t written for so long but …/
Sorry I haven’t been in touch for so long. /
I'm sorry I haven't answered earlier but I was really
busy with my school.
Main part
• Answer his questions (item 1 of the task)
• You asked me about [subject]. Well, [answer the questions ~ 40
words].
• Ask 3 questions (item 2 of the task ~ 20 words)
•
•
Anyway, you’ve mentioned …
As I understand you …
(WH)
AV
modal
S
V
…?
How
was
Did
would
Do
Do
it?
you …
you
you
you
V
like
plan
like
with or…?
to V…?
to V…?
Ving / noun
What
Finish your letter (2 sentences)
1. Explain why you have to finish the letter.
• Well, I’d better go now as I have to do my homework. /
• Anyway, I have to go now because my Mum asked me to help
her with the washing up. /
• I’ve got to go now! It’s time for my favourite TV show. /
2. Mention further contacts
• Write (back) soon!
• Take care and keep in touch!
• Drop me a letter when you have a chance.
• Hope to hear from you soon.
• I can’t wait to hear from you!
Best wishes
• Love,
• Lots of love,
• All my love,
• All the best,
• Best wishes,
• With best wishes,
• Yours,
Your name
Almetyevsk
Russia
05.06.2017
Dear [name],
Thanks for your letter. It was lovely to hear from you.
You asked me about [subject]. Well, [answer the questions ~ 40
words].
By the way, [ask 3 questions ~ 20 words].
Well, I have to go now. I promised my Mom to clean the kitchen.
Looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Best wishes,
Masha
Make your own template!
Almetyevsk
Russia
16 June, 2017
Dear John,
Thanks for your letter. It was lovely to hear from you.
You asked me about my attitude to sports. Well, I do physical exercises about 3
times a week at home. But my parents want me to spend much time on sports.
My friends don’t do many sports because they are preparing to their exams to
enter the university.
By the way, you told me that you Dad is going to Africa. What country is he
going to visit? Is it a business or a resort trip? Why is he going alone?
Well, I have to go now. I promised my Mom to clean the kitchen.
Looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Best wishes,
Masha
You have received a letter from your English-speaking pen friend Bill who writes
...I don't think it will be a problem for me to choose a good job in the future as I'm
really interested in foreign languages, cultures and countries and I hope I'll work as a
translator or teacher of foreign languages some day. Have you already decided on
your career? What job are you going to choose? Why?
I've lived in the USA my whole life but I'd really love to travel to other countries...
Write a letter to Bill. In your letter answer his questions, ask 3 questions about his
plans for travelling. Write 100−140 words. Remember the rules of letter writing.
Must DOs
Before the exam
1. Make your own template!
2. Count the words in your template
3. Learn and practice writing only with this template
(you will save time and you will know the number of words)
During the exam
1. Read the task carefully and make sure you understand
• What you have to write about
• What you have to ask about
2. Write the letter using your template
Keep your language informal, use phrases like
well, by the way, anyway, so, guess what!
2. After you write the letter
• check spelling and grammar
• Make sure you have all the structure items