Writing Emails for A2: Templates and Grammar Tips
The A2 writing exam often asks you to write an email or note. Master the format with ready-to-use templates and the grammar patterns that make your writing sound natural.paragraphs
Introduction
The A2 writing section frequently asks you to write a short email, note, or message — typically 40-80 words. This is not creative writing: it tests whether you can communicate basic information clearly using correct grammar. The secret is templates and structure.
Standard Email Structure
Every A2 email follows the same pattern: Greeting, Opening sentence (reason for writing), Body (details), Closing line, Sign-off. Keep it to 5-7 sentences. Examiners mark on task completion, grammar accuracy, and appropriate register — not length.
Template 1: Making a Request
Subject: Aanvraag informatie. Body: Geachte [Name], Ik schrijf u omdat ik graag meer informatie zou willen over [topic]. [Specific question]. Alvast hartelijk dank voor uw tijd. Met vriendelijke groet, [Your name]. Replace the bracketed parts with your specific information. This template covers landlord inquiries, government requests, and customer service.
Template 2: Apology or Rescheduling
Subject: Afspraak verzetten. Body: Beste [Name], Het spijt me, maar ik kan onze afspraak op [date] niet nakomen door [reason]. Zou het mogelijk zijn om een nieuwe afspraak te plannen? Ik hoop dat dit geen ongemak geeft. Alvast bedankt, [Your name]. The key phrase is zou het mogelijk zijn om (would it be possible to) — a polite conditional form that sounds polished.
Template 3: Describing a Problem
Subject: Probleem met [product/service]. Body: Geachte [Name], Ik heb een probleem met [item/service]. [Describe the problem briefly: 1-2 sentences]. Ik zou graag [what you want: replacement, refund, explanation] willen. Graag hoor ik van u. Met vriendelijke groet, [Your name]. Keep the problem factual and the request clear.
Key Grammar Patterns for Email Writing
Three grammar patterns make emails sound natural at A2: (1) Ik zou graag willen (I would like to...) — polite conditional. (2) Het spijt me, maar (I am sorry, but...) — apology opener. (3) Graag hoor ik van u (I would gladly hear from you) — polite close. Practice inserting these into every template you write.
Common Mistakes in Exam Emails
The most frequent errors: starting with Hoi in a formal context (use Geachte or Beste), forgetting to sign off, and writing in English sentence structure. Dutch email conventions are more formal than English. If unsure, err on the side of formality.
Practice Strategy
Write one email per day using a different template. Set a 15-minute timer — this mirrors exam conditions. After writing, check your grammar against a model answer. DutchExam.xyz writing practice provides model answers with grammar annotations.
Conclusion
A2 email writing is a learnable skill. With 3 solid templates, awareness of key grammar patterns, and daily practice under timed conditions, you can score reliably in the top band. Focus on accuracy over ambition — clear and correct beats complex and error-prone.