Email Writing Worksheet for Adults — Formal, Informal, Complaints

Email Writing Worksheet for Adults — Formal, Informal, Complaints

Email is the #1 written skill adult ESL students need. Whether they’re applying for jobs, communicating with clients, or just keeping in touch with colleagues, they need to write clear, professional emails. But most textbooks teach “Dear Sir/Madam” and stop there.

This worksheet teaches the email structure that actually works: opening lines, body paragraphs, closing lines, and the phrases professionals use every day.

What This Worksheet Covers

• Email structure (subject, greeting, body, closing, signature)
• Opening lines for different contexts (formal, informal, complaint, request)
• Body paragraphs (making requests, giving information, apologizing)
• Closing lines (formal vs informal)
• 10 practice scenarios with model answers

Includes templates for: job application, complaint, request, follow-up, thank you, apology, confirmation, invitation, proposal, and resignation.

How to Use This Worksheet

Warm-up (10 min): Show 2 emails — one formal, one informal. Ask: “Which would you send to your boss? Your friend? Why?”

Section 1 (15 min): Email structure. Students label the parts of a model email (subject, greeting, opening, body, closing, signature).

Section 2-3 (30 min): Practice writing emails for the 10 scenarios. Students write individually, then compare with a partner.

Peer review (15 min): Students exchange emails and give feedback using a checklist (greeting clear? body organized? closing polite?).

Why Adults Need This Worksheet

Adult professionals write emails constantly. Bad emails cost them jobs, clients, and credibility. This worksheet teaches them to write emails that get opened, read, and answered. The scenarios are realistic and reflect actual workplace situations.

Worksheet Sections (PDF Preview)

Section 1: Email Structure (label the parts)

Label the subject, greeting, opening, body, closing, and signature in a model email.

Section 2: Opening and Closing Lines (match the tone)

Match formal and informal opening/closing lines to the appropriate email type.

Section 3: Body Paragraphs (make requests, give information, apologize)

Practice writing body paragraphs for common scenarios: requesting information, providing information, apologizing for a mistake.

Section 4: Full Email Practice (10 scenarios)

Write a complete email for each scenario: job application, complaint, request, follow-up, thank you, apology, confirmation, invitation, proposal, resignation.

Section 5: Production Activity

Students create their own emails.

FAQ

What does this worksheet cover?

Email structure, opening/closing lines, body paragraphs, and 10 practice scenarios. Includes templates for job application, complaint, request, follow-up, thank you, apology, confirmation, invitation, proposal, and resignation.

What level is this worksheet for?

B1-B2. Students should know basic tenses and common vocabulary. The focus is on structure and appropriate tone, not on advanced grammar.

Can I modify it for my students?

Yes. The PDF is for personal classroom use. You can adapt the exercises to match your students’ needs, interests, and current topics.

How long does this worksheet take?

60-90 minutes for the full worksheet, 30 minutes per section. Can be split across 3 classes.

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About This Worksheet

This worksheet is part of eslmaterials.org’s library of free, printable ESL resources for adult learners. All worksheets are designed by experienced teachers and tested in real classrooms.

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