This document contains an English lesson plan focused on writing emails to friends. The lesson includes activities like quizzes on email facts and colloquial language, reading sample emails, discussing features of informal email writing, and exercises on using modal verbs in emails. Students also practice writing opening and closing paragraphs for emails in different scenarios. The document provides tips for writing replies and maintaining email conversations.

1. English for life
Listening
Entry 3
writing
Unit 1
Emails to friends

2. • Email facts quiz – (5 mins)
• Discussion questions – keeping in touch (10 mins)
• Colloquial language – presentation / discussion (5 mins)
• Reading an email (checking vocabulary) (5 mins)
• Reading an email (highlighting expressions) (5 mins)
• Writing informally – presentation (5 mins)
• Writing email – matching purposes (5 mins)
• Funny email topics quiz (10 mins) 50
• Modal verbs grammar presentation (5 mins)
• Modal verbs exercises (5 mins)
• Modal verbs activity – writing using modal verbs (15 mins)
• Writing practice – Opening / closing (15 mins)
• Homework – Writing practice writing a reply (15 mins)
• Vocabulary from the class quiz (5 mins)

4. • How often do you check your email? Do you prefer
using email or texting to communicate?
• What email service or provider do you use (Gmail,
Yahoo, etc.)? Why did you choose it?
• Do you have different email addresses you use for
school, work, personal? Why?
• Do you use features like CC, attachments, and
folders/labels? Which do you find most useful?
• What do you think the advantages and
disadvantages of communicating via email are?

5. • Emails are a quick and easy way to write to anyone,
wherever they are in the world.
• Because they are so adaptable, you will find that there
are very few rules about what makes a 'good' email.
• However, there are a number of different approaches
you can take when writing emails to a friend - practising
these will help you improve your writing style.

6. Colloquial language
Colloquial language varies considerably from place to place. No one
expects you to learn it all, but don't be afraid to ask the meaning if
you see a phrase you don't understand. Here are a few examples:
USA/Canada: Sure. (= Certainly.)
Australia: See you this arvo. (= We'll meet this afternoon.)
Scotland: Nae bother. (= It's not a problem.)
Ireland: Grand! (= Great, Excellent)
USA/Canada: Yeah, I reckon. (= Yes, I agree, Yes, that's right.)
England (Yorkshire): Eyup. (= Hello.)
England (London): Innit. (= short for 'isn't it?', often used at the end
of a statement)

8. TO… katy.alvarez@cmail.com Subject: New job!
Hi Katy!
How's it going? Thanks for the lovely birthday card you sent - it made me
smile! My sister remembered to send one this year, but it was 2 weeks late - so
typical! ;) (x2)
I hope you're doing fine and that you're settling in okay to your new
apartment. How does it feel to be a homeowner? Tell me all about it.
You won't believe this but I've got a new job! I'm working in a bar right in the
city centre. So far, they seem like good people to work for, because the pay's
great and they're giving me proper training. With bar experience I'll be able to
find work wherever I go. I'm so relieved to have some extra cash. (x1)
I'll wait to see how we get on together, but I think I might eventually look for
a flat with a couple of new friends from work. It'd be good to have somewhere
to call home. What do you think?
Anyway, I start work in an hour so I should go and get ready. Write soon! Miss
you, (x2)
Nicole

9. 2. so typical... This happens all the time. OR I expected this to
happen.
3. You won't believe this but….. I have some news that will surprise
you.
4. Write soon. Please write to me soon.
5 Miss you I miss you OR I wish you were here with me.

10. 1. Hi! OR YO! OR Hey!
2. What's up? OR How's it going? OR How are things?
OR How're you doing?
3. I don't get it. OR What's that all about?
4. What's the story? OR Tell me all about it. OR What's going on?
5. Miss you. OR Wish you were here. OR Can't wait to see you!

12. TO… katy.alvarez@cmail.com Subject: New job!
Hi Katy!
How's it going? Thanks for the lovely birthday card you sent - it made me
smile! My sister remembered to send one this year, but it was 2 weeks late - so
typical! ;)
I hope you're doing fine and that you're settling in okay to your new
apartment. How does it feel to be a homeowner? Tell me all about it.
You won't believe this but I've got a new job! I'm working in a bar right in the
city centre. So far, they seem like good people to work for, because the pay's
great and they're giving me proper training. With bar experience I'll be able to
find work wherever I go. I'm so relieved to have some extra cash.
I'll wait to see how we get on together, but I think I might eventually look for
a flat with a couple of new friends from work. It'd be good to have somewhere
to call home. What do you think?
Anyway, I start work in an hour so I should go and get ready. Write soon! Miss
you,
Nicole

13. 1. To tell her all about how it feels to
be a homeowner.
2. What she thinks about Nicole
moving in with some friends from
work.

14. Writing informally
Although emails to friends are generally informal, that doesn't
mean they should all be written the same way.
For example, you would write differently to a friend you have known
since childhood and a friend you met two weeks ago.
You shouldn't necessarily always write in the same way to the same
friend, either.
As an example, if your friend is unhappy and needs cheering up, you
might write more seriously, and miss out your usual jokes.

15. 1. a
2. d
3. c
4. b

17. What was the first web-based email service
launched in 1996?
A)Yahoo Mail
B) Gmail
C) Hotmail

18. What does BCC stand for in email?
A) Blind Carbon Copy
B) Blank Courtesy Copy
C) Blind Copy Centre

19. What percentage of work emails are
accessed via mobile devices today?
A) 30%
B) 50%
C) 80%

20. What does a yellow envelope icon indicate in
an email inbox?
A) Priority mail
B) Read mail
C) Unread mail

21. What colour was the first email
inbox in Netscape Messenger?
A) Red
B) Blue
C) Green

22. What was the first email system
created in 1971 called?
A) Internet Mail
B) Electronic Mail
C) Email

23. How many of these do you
recognise?

24. Modal verbs
Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that we use to show how
likely something is to happen, as well as to express ability,
permission and obligation.
Modal verbs behave differently from regular verbs: they
do not take an 's' in the third person, and we use 'not' to
make them negative.

25. Read these sentences. What are the functions of the underlined words?
David can speak three languages.
He could speak fluent French when he was 5.
Can I sit in that chair please?
Could I open the window?
May I borrow your dictionary?
You should visit your dentist at least twice a year.
You should try to lose weight
I must memorize all of these rules about emails.
You have to pay your council tax every month.
It looks nice, but it might be very expensive.
Richard may be coming to see us tomorrow.
Advice
Permission
Ability
Obligation
possibility

26. function Modal Verbs Examples
Ability Can Could David can speak three languages.
He could speak fluent French when he was 5.
Permission Can, Could,
May
Can I sit in that chair please?
Could I open the window?
May I borrow your dictionary?
Advice Should You should visit your dentist at least twice a year.
You should try to lose weight.
Obligation Must, Have to I must memorize all of these rules about emails.
You have to pay your council tax every month.
Possibility Might, May,
Could, Can
It looks nice, but it might be very expensive.
Richard may be coming to see us tomorrow.

27. should
will
can
might
can / could

28. USEFUL TIPS
•When you write a reply, include the original email that
was sent to you. That way, even if your replies are very
short, they will make sense to the reader.
•Even in informal emails, it is good practice to complete
the 'Subject' field. Keep the Subject details short but
informative, so your reader can tell immediately what you
are writing about and whether you need a quick reply.

29. USEFUL TIPS
•Update your subject field if the email conversation moves away
from its original topic.
•Remember, an email can't show your facial expression or tone of
voice, so be very careful if you are trying to express a complicated
or sensitive idea. If you aren't sure, ask yourself: 'How would I feel
if someone wrote this to me?'.
•Unless your email is very urgent, you may have to wait a few days
for a reply. Think carefully before you send another email to ask
for a response. If it is very urgent, consider making a quick phone
call instead.

30. Get writing
(1) It can be hard to get the opening paragraph of an email right. Choose two of the
following scenarios and write the opening paragraph and closing sentence of your
email.
1. You met a new friend several weeks ago and they mentioned that they were having a
party this weekend. You would like an invitation to the party.
2. Your best friend from childhood is having a hard time at work. You want to cheer
your friend up.
3. You have a very funny story to share with a good friend.
4. You borrowed your best friend's T-shirt and accidentally ripped it!
5. A friend you haven't spoken to for a while has moved into a flat with someone you
like. You want to contact your friend again, but you would also like to visit and meet
their housemate!

31. 1 Sample answers:
1. Hi Colin,
I'm Rachel - remember me? We met at
your friend Estelle's art show recently.
Anyway, you very kindly mentioned that
you were having a party this weekend,
and I wondered if it would be ok for me
to come along?
All the best,
Rachel

32. 2. Hey Miguel.
All the stuff that's happening in
your job sounds awful - poor you!
Is there anything I can do to help
out?
All my love,
Nancy

33. 3. Simone, You are not going to believe this, but you remember that girl that Mark likes
(the really pretty one)? Well this morning when he was walking the dog in the park, he saw
her sitting under a tree, and- this is hilarious - the dog ran straight up to her and began
wagging its tail and barking! What do you think of that could it be love?
Give me a call later,
Maggie.
4. Hi Dom. Um,
I'm really sorry to have to tell you this, but I'm afraid I managed to rip that T-shirt of
yours that I borrowed. Really sorry about that, mate. Tell me where you got it and I'll buy
you a new one. I'll sort it.
Anyway, see you soon.
Sorry again!
Kevin
5. Hi Martin.
Long time no see! It's been far too long if you ask me. Time I came round to yours for a
coffee and a catch up, maybe? By the way, I hear you've moved in with Sara. How is she
doing these days?
All the best,
Yishay

34. (2) Read the email from Nicole to Katy again.
Write Katy's reply. Make sure you respond to the
questions Nicole asked.
Type your response using your preferred email
software, and print out your work.

35. 2 Sample answer:
From: katyalvarez@cmail.com
Sent: 02 April 2012
To: nic.moreau 99@dotmail.com
Subject: Re: New job!
Nicole! Congratulations on the new job! It was great to hear from you and
I'm so glad things are going well.
To answer your question - being a homeowner at last feels amazing! The
apartment is beginning to feel like a proper home. We unpacked the very
last box yesterday afternoon, then went to that amazing Thai restaurant
on Bayard Street to celebrate. Do you remember it? The food was
fantastic; I ate far too much, as usual! I wish you could have been there
with us - it just wasn't the same without you.
Looking for a flat of your own sounds great, but I think you should take
things slowly and get to know your friends a little better first. You've got
plenty of time and anything can happen!
Keep in touch Love,
Katy

38. A. Match each modal verb of deduction or speculation with its
function.
1. must (be) a. something you
think will happen
2. can't (be) b. something
you're certain is
true
3. may/might/could
(be)
c. something that
is possibly true
4. should (be) d. something
you're certain
isn't true
B
D
C
A

39. 1. You and your best friend have a dinner reservation at a
restaurant downtown. Your best friend is over an hour late.
He/She can't be ......................... because ...................................................
He/She might be ......................... because ..................................................
He/She must be ......................... because ...................................................
He/She should be .........................................................................................

40. 2. Your neighbour's door is open but they are on holiday in the Bahamas.
He/She can't be ......................... because ...................................................
He/She might be ......................... because ..................................................
He/She must be ......................... because ...................................................
He/She should be .........................................................................................

41. 3. Your sister called the family together because she has a big
surprise for everyone.
He/She can't be ......................... because ...................................................
He/She might be ......................... because ..................................................
He/She must be ......................... because ...................................................
He/She should be .........................................................................................

42. C. Complete the following information. Write the names
of two people you know: 1. ............................... 2. ......................
Write the name of a location:
.........................................................................................
Write six random objects:
..............................................................................................
.............................................................................................................

43. D. Complete the gaps with the information from Exercise C.
............................... (Person 1) is missing and ............................... (Person
2) is helping the detectives find him/her. ............................... (Person
2) has been given some information by an unknown caller that
............................... (Person 1) was last seen in/at ...............................
(Location). As police searched around the area, they found
................................................................
............................................................................................... (Six objects).

45. Extras

47. ?
A) email B) bother C) message

48. ?
?
?
A) most B) best C) hardest

49. ?
A) stupid B) lazy C) blind

50. A
B

51. ?
A) friendly B) polite C) kind

52. ?
A)Email address
B) signature
C) Phone number

53. ?
A) friendly B) polite C) kind

55. • Almost ____ million emails are sent per second.
• After 24 hours, the chance of an email being opened
is ____%
• Working people spend ___ hours/day checking email
• ___% of people check email before getting out of
bed
• ___ % of email is spam or junk emails
2.7
1
5.4
26
60

56. • Here are the opening paragraphs and closing sentences for the 5 email
scenarios:
1.Hey there! I hope you've been well. I was just thinking about when we met a
few weeks ago and you mentioned you were having a party this weekend. I'd
love to come if the invitation's still open! Let me know the details if you don't
mind an extra guest.
• Looking forward to hopefully celebrating with you soon,
2.Hi friend, I wanted to check in and see how you're holding up. I know work
has been really stressful for you lately, so I'm here if you need someone to
talk to or just to listen. Things will get better, I promise. Chin up!
• Wishing you brighter days ahead,
3.You'll never believe what happened to me yesterday! I have to tell you the
whole hilarious story.
• I can't stop laughing just thinking about it. More details coming your way
soon!
• Hoping this gives you a good laugh,
4.Hey, I have a bit of an awkward confession...I'm so sorry, but I accidentally
ripped the T-shirt you lent me. I feel awful about it. Let me know if there's any
way I can replace it or make it up to you. I'll totally understand if you're upset.
• Wishing I could turn back time,
5.Long time no talk! I hope you've been well. I heard you moved in with [name]
- they seem really cool from what you've told me. We should catch up over
coffee soon so I can hear all about the new place. Maybe I could swing by
sometime to say hi to your new flatmate too if that's alright!
• Looking forward to reconnecting soon,