Explanation
Exercises
B1 Writing · Lesson 12

Write a Formal Email Asking for Information

Learn to write a clear formal enquiry with a professional opening, polite requests, several specific questions, and a formal closing.

B1Formal enquiry email25 min100–110 words
Lesson progress
Explanation · 1 / 4

Study the structure and model before completing the three exercises.

Learning objective

Write a formal email asking for information using an appropriate greeting, clear purpose, polite request structures, organised questions, context, and formal sign-off.

Model text

Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing to ask for more information about the weekend business English course advertised on your website. Could you please tell me what time the Saturday classes begin and how many students are usually in each group? I would also like to know whether course materials are included in the price. Finally, do students receive a certificate after completing the course? I am hoping to join the September group, so I would be grateful if you could also confirm whether places are still available. I work full-time during the week, which is why the weekend schedule is particularly suitable for me. Kind regards, Anna Petrosyan

How to write

1
Use a formal greeting

Dear Sir or Madam,

2
State why you are writing

I am writing to ask for...

3
Ask two or three specific questions politely

Could you please tell me...?

4
Add relevant context or timing

I would also like to know...

5
Thank the reader and use a formal closing

Could you confirm whether...?

Useful phrases

Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to ask for...
Could you please tell me...?
I would also like to know...
Could you confirm whether...?
I would be grateful if...
Finally,...
Thank you for your help.
Kind regards,

Language focus

Build connected B1 writing:

Use clear topic sentences and support them with specific details.

Connect ideas with words such as because, however, for example, although, finally when they fit the task.

Develop, do not only list:

Explain why, add an example, or show a result.

Use a mix of simple and longer sentences, but keep every sentence easy to understand.

Remember:
At B1, your reader should be able to follow the text from beginning to end without guessing how the ideas connect.
Specific details and reasons make your writing stronger than general statements.
Exercises:
1
2
3
Exercise 1 · Language

Choose the best B1 language

Choose natural language that fits this writing task.

Practise useful language.
Exercise 1 · 2 / 4

You need at least 5 correct answers out of 6 to complete this exercise.

1
Which option is the best language for this part of the task?
2
Which option is the best language for this part of the task?
3
Which option is the best language for this part of the task?
4
Which option is the best language for this part of the task?
5
Which option is the best language for this part of the task?
6
Which option is the best language for this part of the task?
Exercise 2 · Structure

Build the text in a clear order

Choose the clearest organisation for this type of B1 writing.

Practise the five-step structure.
Exercise 2 · 3 / 4

You need at least 5 correct answers out of 6 to complete this exercise.

1
What should you do first?
2
What is the best second step?
3
Which step belongs in the middle of the text?
4
What should come before the final sentence or closing?
5
What is the best final step?
6
Which order is clearest?
Exercise 3 · Writing

Write a Formal Email Asking for Information

Learn to write a clear formal enquiry with a professional opening, polite requests, several specific questions, and a formal closing.

Complete the twelfth B1 Writing lesson.
Exercise 3 · 4 / 4

Write about 100–110 words and develop your ideas clearly.

Your task

Write a formal email asking an organisation for information. Ask at least three specific questions and explain any relevant context.

  • Use a formal greeting.
  • State the purpose clearly.
  • Ask at least three specific questions or requests.
  • Use polite request language.
  • Add relevant context.
  • Use a formal closing.
Dear Sir or Madam,I am writing to ask for...Could you please tell me...?I would also like to know...Could you confirm whether...?I would be grateful if...Finally,...Thank you for your help.Kind regards,
Your writing
0 words · Target: 100–110

Your draft is saved automatically on this device.

Quick check
•Write about 100–110 words
•Use a formal greeting
•State the purpose
•Ask at least three things
•Use polite request language
•Add relevant context
•Use a formal closing
•Use clear complete sentences and connected ideas
AI feedback

Pass the lesson check first, then get detailed AI feedback.