B1 Upper-Intermediate Writing · Lesson 9
Write an Email Suggesting Solutions to a Problem
Learn to explain a shared problem and suggest several realistic solutions with reasons.
B1 Upper-IntermediateCollaborative email30 min120–130 words
Lesson progress
Explanation · 1 / 4
Study the structure and model before completing the three exercises.
Learning objective
Write a clear email that identifies a problem, proposes practical solutions, explains benefits, and invites the reader to respond.
Model text
Hi Nina,
I have been thinking about the problem with our study group. Recently, several people have arrived late, so we spend too much time repeating things and never finish the planned tasks properly. One possible solution is to move the meeting from 6:00 to 6:30, because some members come directly from work. We could also share the agenda in the group chat the day before, so everyone knows what we need to complete. Another idea is to start each meeting with a five-minute summary instead of explaining everything again to late arrivals. That would keep the group moving without excluding anyone. What do you think? If you agree, we could suggest these changes at our next meeting.
Best,
Daniel
I have been thinking about the problem with our study group. Recently, several people have arrived late, so we spend too much time repeating things and never finish the planned tasks properly. One possible solution is to move the meeting from 6:00 to 6:30, because some members come directly from work. We could also share the agenda in the group chat the day before, so everyone knows what we need to complete. Another idea is to start each meeting with a five-minute summary instead of explaining everything again to late arrivals. That would keep the group moving without excluding anyone. What do you think? If you agree, we could suggest these changes at our next meeting.
Best,
Daniel
How to write
1
State the shared problem clearly
2
Suggest the first solution
3
Explain why it may work
4
Add one or two alternative solutions
5
Invite the reader to respond or agree on next steps
Useful language
I have been thinking about...One possible solution is...We could also...Another idea is to...That would help because...What do you think?
B1 Upper-Intermediate focus: Develop each main idea with a reason, example, consequence, or reflection. Use a wider range of linkers, but keep the text natural and easy to follow.
Exercises:
Exercise 1 · Language in the model text
Write an Email Suggesting Solutions to a Problem
Read the model text closely. Choose the answer that best explains its grammar, vocabulary, linking, or register.
Analyse how the model uses language to achieve the writing purpose.
Exercise 1 · 2 / 4
You need at least 5 correct answers out of 6.
1
What does Present Perfect in “several people have arrived late” show?
2
Why does the writer use “so” after describing lateness?
3
What does “One possible solution is to…” signal?
4
Why is “because some members come directly from work” included?
5
What does “That” refer to in “That would keep the group moving”?
6
Why does the email end with “If you agree, we could suggest…”?
Exercise complete. Your progress has been saved.
Exercise 2 · Structure & development
Write an Email Suggesting Solutions to a Problem
Use the model text to analyse how its ideas are ordered, connected, developed, and supported.
Analyse the organisation of this specific model text and the function of its details.
Exercise 2 · 3 / 4
You need at least 5 correct answers out of 6.
1
What is the first thing Daniel does after the greeting?
2
Why is the consequence of lateness described in the same sentence as the problem?
3
How are the three solutions developed?
4
Why does Daniel explain the benefit of the five-minute summary?
5
What is the purpose of “What do you think?”
6
Which organisation best describes the email?
Exercise complete. Your progress has been saved.
Exercise 3 · Writing
Write an Email Suggesting Solutions to a Problem
Learn to explain a shared problem and suggest several realistic solutions with reasons.
Complete the writing task.
Exercise 3 · 4 / 4
Write 120–130 words and develop your ideas clearly.
Your task
Write an email to a classmate, colleague, or group member about a shared problem. Suggest several solutions and explain why they could work.
- Explain the shared problem clearly.
- Suggest at least three solutions or changes.
- Give a reason or benefit for at least two suggestions.
- Use collaborative language such as we could.
- Organise ideas with linking expressions.
- Ask for the reader’s opinion.
- Finish with a suitable closing.
I have been thinking about...One possible solution is...We could also...Another idea is to...That would help because...What do you think?
Your writing
0 words · Target: 120–130
Your draft is saved automatically on this device.
Quick check
•Write about 120–130 words
•Use a friendly greeting
•Refer clearly to the problem
•Give at least three suggestions
•Explain why a suggestion may help
•Invite a response or encourage the reader
•Use a suitable closing
•Use several linking expressions
•Use at least 7 clear sentences
Exercise complete. Your writing has passed the lesson check and your progress has been saved.
AI feedback
After the lesson check, get detailed feedback appropriate for this B1 Upper-Intermediate task.