HKDSE WRITING

Formal Email / Letter

Write clear, appropriately formal emails and letters for common Paper 2 tasks.

Register & appropriacy

Polite, purposeful and audience-aware. Keep requests specific and avoid conversational slang.

Format checklist

  • Clear subject and salutation
  • Purpose stated early
  • One main function per paragraph
  • Appropriate closing

Exam note: task instructions always take priority over a memorised format.

Subject: ______

Dear Mr / Ms ______,

I am writing on behalf of ______ to ______.

First, ...

Furthermore, ...

I would therefore recommend ...

Yours sincerely,

Chris Wong

Why this structure works

It makes purpose, progression and audience awareness visible to the reader.

BasicI think the school should reduce plastic waste.

BetterI believe the school should take practical steps to reduce plastic waste.

StrongerI strongly recommend that the school introduce practical measures to reduce its reliance on single-use plastics.

The stronger version gives a precise action and uses an appropriate formal recommendation.

DSE-style prompt

Write for a school audience and propose practical improvements supported by clear reasons.

Dear Ms Lee,

I am writing on behalf of the Environmental Club to recommend practical ways our school can reduce its reliance on single-use plastics.

First, the school could install clearly labelled refill stations on every floor. This would make reusing bottles more convenient and reduce the number of disposable drinks containers bought each day.

Furthermore, class representatives could collect student feedback after a four-week trial. The school could then improve the scheme using evidence rather than assumptions.

Yours sincerely,
Chris Wong

Content

Each paragraph answers a task requirement and develops it with a relevant reason.

Language

Register remains purposeful and appropriately formal.

Organisation

The response moves from purpose to evidence, recommendation and close.

Exam checklist

  • □ Did I answer all task requirements?
  • □ Is my register appropriate?
  • □ Does each paragraph have one clear purpose?
  • □ Are my ideas sufficiently developed?
  • □ Did I check grammar and spelling?