TOEFL Email Writing - Примеры писем и структура для успешного написания

Information request

Request / Inquiry

📝 Задача

You need to ask for information, clarification, or permission in an academic or everyday situation.

🏗️ Структура письма

Приветствие

Dear [Title + Last Name],

Первое предложение

I am writing to ask about / to request information regarding...

Заключительное предложение

I would appreciate it if you could let me know...

📧 Пример письма

Dear Professor Williams, I am writing to ask about the extra-credit assignment you mentioned in yesterday’s lecture. I would like to know the exact deadline and whether we should submit it through the online portal or by email. Could you also clarify how many points it can add to our final grade? Thank you very much for your time and help. Sincerely, Alex Kim

💡 Советы

State your purpose in the first sentence (“I am writing to…”).

Group questions logically instead of listing many short sentences.

Use polite modals: could, would, please, I would appreciate it if....

📝 Полезные фразы

I am writing to ask about...

I would like to get more information regarding...

Could you please clarify whether...

I would really appreciate it if you could...

📋 Основная часть письма

Briefly explain who you are and your situation.

Ask 2–3 specific questions related to the prompt.

Add any necessary background (dates, course names, reference numbers).

Service or situation problem

Complaint / Problem

📝 Задача

You need to describe a problem and ask the other person to fix it or suggest a solution.

🏗️ Структура письма

Приветствие

Dear [Sir or Madam] / Dear [Title + Last Name],

Первое предложение

I am writing to express my concern about / to report a problem with...

Заключительное предложение

I hope this issue can be resolved as soon as possible.

📧 Пример письма

Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing to express my concern about a problem with the cafeteria service on campus. Yesterday evening, several hot dishes were unavailable, and the waiting time for the remaining food was more than thirty minutes. As a result, I was late for my evening class. I would appreciate it if you could look into this issue and ensure that enough staff and food are available during peak hours. Sincerely, Maria Torres

💡 Советы

Stay polite and factual; avoid emotional or rude language.

Follow the sequence: reason for writing → what went wrong → what you want.

Use past tenses to describe the problem and modals to suggest solutions.

📝 Полезные фразы

I am writing to complain about...

I am writing to express my concern about...

This situation has caused several problems, including...

I would appreciate it if you could...

📋 Основная часть письма

Describe what happened (when, where, what went wrong).

Explain how the problem affected you.

Clearly state what you want to happen now (refund, replacement, change).

Giving advice or ideas

Recommendation / Suggestion

📝 Задача

You recommend an action, event, or change to help a person, group, or organization.

🏗️ Структура письма

Приветствие

Dear [Title + Last Name] / Dear [Committee Members],

Первое предложение

I am writing to suggest that / to recommend...

Заключительное предложение

I hope you will consider these suggestions.

📧 Пример письма

Dear Campus Activities Coordinator, I am writing to suggest a few changes to the university orientation program for new international students. Many of them find it difficult to understand how to use the library and online learning platforms during the first weeks. I recommend adding a short technology workshop and a campus tour focused on essential services, such as the health center and writing lab. These sessions would help students feel more confident and reduce confusion at the beginning of the semester. Thank you for considering my suggestions. Best regards, Daniel Lee

💡 Советы

Connect each suggestion to a clear benefit or reason.

Use linking words: first, moreover, in addition, as a result.

Keep the tone positive and constructive, not critical.

📝 Полезные фразы

I would like to suggest that...

One possible improvement would be to...

This change would help students because...

I strongly recommend including...

📋 Основная часть письма

Briefly explain the current situation or problem.

Present 2–3 clear suggestions with short reasons.

If relevant, mention possible benefits for students, staff, or the community.

Planning events or meetings

Invitation / Arrangement

📝 Задача

You invite someone to an event or arrange a meeting and provide practical details.

🏗️ Структура письма

Приветствие

Dear [First Name] / Dear [Title + Last Name],

Первое предложение

I am writing to invite you to... / I am writing to see if you would be available to...

Заключительное предложение

Please let me know if this time works for you or if we should choose another option.

📧 Пример письма

Dear Professor Hall, I am writing to invite you to give a short talk at our weekly student research club next Friday. We are organizing a meeting about effective presentation skills for first-year students. The event will take place on March 12 from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. in Room B204. If you are available, we would be honored to hear your advice on how to prepare clear and engaging academic presentations. Please let me know if this time is convenient for you. Best regards, Nina Petrova

💡 Советы

Include all key facts so the reader can easily say yes or suggest changes.

Use polite questions to check availability instead of giving orders.

Match the level of formality to the relationship (professor vs. classmate).

📝 Полезные фразы

I am writing to invite you to...

We are organizing...

The event will take place on...

Please let me know if you are available...

📋 Основная часть письма

Explain the purpose of the event or meeting.

Give key details: date, time, place, and format (online/offline).

Mention what you expect from the person (presentation, feedback, attendance).

Replying and apologizing

Response / Apology

📝 Задача

You answer a previous message, often to apologize, explain, or confirm a decision.

🏗️ Структура письма

Приветствие

Dear [Title + Last Name],

Первое предложение

Thank you for your email about... / I am writing in response to your message regarding...

Заключительное предложение

Thank you for your understanding and patience.

📧 Пример письма

Dear Dr. Brown, Thank you for your email about the group project meeting last week. I am very sorry that I could not attend and that I did not inform you in advance. Unfortunately, I suddenly became ill on the morning of the meeting and had to visit the campus health center. I understand that this caused inconvenience to the group, and I will carefully read the notes and complete my part of the work before Friday. Thank you for your understanding. Kind regards, Lena Moroz

💡 Советы

In the first line, show that you know what email you are answering.

Keep apologies short and focus on what you will do to fix the problem.

Use past tenses for the problem and future forms for your plan.

📝 Полезные фразы

Thank you for your email about...

I am writing in response to...

I am very sorry that...

I will make sure to...

📋 Основная часть письма

Show you understood the original email (summarize the main point).

If you apologize, explain the reason briefly without making many excuses.

State clearly what you will do next (new date, solution, confirmation).