A short communicative message is a brief email or note that gives the reader what they need. This section has four lessons and a practice set, and is part of the SPM English guide.
What does this section cover?
Start with answering every point in an email task. Then learn about choosing an appropriate greeting and ending, and giving a reason and suggestion concisely.
The last lesson covers editing a short message for clarity. The practice set mixes all four.
One task, one missed point
Here is an original task. You are writing to your cousin about a school trip. The instruction says: tell him where you are going, say when you leave, and ask what he would like you to bring back.
A first draft: “Hi Amir, our class is going to Melaka next week. It will be fun. See you soon.”
The draft names the place but leaves out the departure day and never asks what to bring back. Two of the three points are missing, even though the tone is friendly.
The repaired draft: “Hi Amir, our class is going to Melaka and we leave on Tuesday morning. What would you like me to bring back for you? Write soon.”
Who should start where?
If your emails sound fine but miss content, start with answering every point. If your tone is too casual or too stiff, start with greetings and endings.
If your reasons and suggestions run long, go to the concise lesson. If your drafts have small errors, finish with editing.
To check your drafts against a task, try the English writing task checklist. If you would like a teacher to read your drafts with you, see online one-to-one English tuition.