PSLE Situational Writing Guide: How to Write Informal Email

Situational Writing can seem daunting to students, and for good reason. The task requires them to navigate multiple considerations simultaneously: What format should I use? Should my tone be formal or informal? Have I addressed all the content points? Am I organizing my ideas clearly? With so much to think about, it’s completely understandable that students feel anxious when they see a Situational Writing question.

The pressure intensifies because, unlike composition writing where students have more creative freedom, Situational Writing comes with specific requirements that must be met. Missing a content point, using the wrong tone, or choosing an inappropriate format can all affect their score. The good news is that mastering Situational Writing doesn’t mean you have to conquer everything at once. The best approach is to build confidence one format at a time, understanding its unique features and requirements thoroughly before moving on to the next.

In this guide, we focus specifically on informal emails. Email has become one of the most common ways we communicate in everyday life. Whether it’s your parents emailing a family member, your teacher sending updates to the class, or even you reaching out to a friend online, emails are everywhere. We will walk you through everything you need to know to write a confident, well-structured informal email for your PSLE. From choosing the right greeting to ending with the perfect sign-off, you’ll learn practical tips and strategies that will help you approach this format with ease and clarity. By the end, you’ll see that informal email writing is manageable and can actually be one of the more enjoyable parts of Situational Writing.

Step By Step Guide to Writing an Informal Email for PSLE

Step 1: Read the Question Carefully and Identify Key Information

Before you start writing, take a moment to thoroughly read the question. This might seem obvious, but it’s the most crucial step that many students rush through.

What to Look for

• Who are you writing to? (A friend, cousin, classmate, pen pal?)

• What is your purpose? (Giving advice, inviting someone, sharing news, making a request?)
  What are your content points? (The question will typically give you 3-4 bullet points that you must address in your email.)

• Any specific details mentioned? (Any dates, events, locations that you need to include?)

Step 2: Start with an Appropriate Salutation

For an informal email, begin with a simple and polite greeting that addresses the person you are writing to. Remember, this is not a formal email, so avoid using “Dear Sir/Madam”. At the same time, don’t be overly casual with greetings like “Hey”, “Wassup”, or “Yo”.

A simple “Dear [First Name],” works best, and don’t forget the comma after the name.

Step 3: Write an Engaging Opening Line

Your opening line should include a brief friendly greeting and immediately tell the reader why you’re writing. This sets the context and draws them into your email.

A good opening typically follows this pattern:

• A warm, personal comment: Ask how they are (“How have you been?”), tell them you miss them (“I’ve been thinking about you!”), or reference your last interaction (“It was great seeing you last week!”)

• Your purpose: Immediately follow with why you’re writing (“I’m writing to invite you…” or “I wanted to share some exciting news…”)

Don’t start too abruptly (like diving straight into your request), but also avoid writing an overly long introduction that delays getting to your point.

Step 4: Develop Your Body Paragraph

This is where you address each content point given in the question. Content points may include details such as the name of an activity or place, the date and time, duration, costs, and reasons for doing something. Expand on each point with clear details, examples, or explanations where appropriate. Remember, if the question asks for specific details, don’t forget to include it!

Use friendly and natural language throughout the email, but avoid being overly casual. Don’t use slang, abbreviated forms such as “LOL” or “OMG”, or text-style expressions, as these are not suitable for an exam setting. Instead, aim for a tone that sounds warm, polite, and clear.

Step 5: Link Back to Purpose and Write a Warm Closing Line

In your final paragraph, you should link back to the purpose of your email and wrap things up naturally. Your closing line may include a friendly comment, question, or call to action.

Good closing lines:

• I look forward to your reply!

• I really hope you can make it. Let me know soon!

• What do you think of…? Do let me know!

• Hope to hear from you soon!

• Take care and see you soon!

Step 6: End with an Appropriate Sign-Off

The sign-off is the final touch that reinforces the friendly tone of your informal email. Avoid overly formal sign-offs such as “Yours faithfully” as these are used for formal emails to unknown recipients. Remember to write your name after the sign off!

Good sign-offs:

• Best wishes,

• Love,

• Yours sincerely,

• Cheers,

Need Extra Support? Join WRITERS AT WORK

If you’d like more personalized guidance and practice with PSLE Situational Writing, WRITERS AT WORK is here to help you succeed! We support students in building strong writing foundations by focusing on skills, not shortcuts or rigid templates.

Students can practise Situational Writing through our Comprehensive English Programmes, and receive detailed, personalised feedback from experienced teachers. This guided practice helps them understand exam requirements, apply the right tone confidently, and express their ideas clearly.

Join WRITERS AT WORK today and get the guidance you need to tackle every email, letter, report, and article with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How many marks is Situational Writing worth in PSLE?

Situational Writing is worth 14 marks out of the total 50 marks for PSLE English Paper 1 (Writing). While it’s fewer marks than Composition (36 marks), it’s still a significant component that can make a difference to your overall grade.

Q2. How much time should I spend on Situational Writing?

It’s recommended to spend about 20-25 minutes on Situational Writing. This includes time for planning (5 minutes), writing (10-15 minutes), and checking your work (5 minutes). Remember to manage your time wisely so you have enough time for the Composition section as well.

Q3. How do I know if I should write an informal or formal email?

Look at who you’re writing to. If the question says you’re writing to a friend, cousin, classmate, or pen pal, it’s informal. If you’re writing to a teacher, principal, or any other figure of authority, it’s formal.

Q4. How can I score well for Situational Writing?

To score well in Situational Writing, you need to meet both the content and language criteria. A good way to ensure you meet both criteria is to follow this checklist before submitting your work.