The task, quickly
Write an Email gives you a scenario — usually academic or campus-related — and about 7 minutes to write a response. The prompt always contains 2–3 specific points you're expected to cover (a request, an explanation, a proposed next step). Missing one of them caps your score regardless of how polished the writing is.
Scoring criteria
Graded on development (did you address every point in the prompt, with enough detail to be useful?), organization (logical structure and the right tone for the recipient), and language use (grammar, vocabulary, mechanics).
A template that fits almost any prompt
- Greeting matched to the recipient. "Dear Professor [Name]," for faculty/staff; "Hi [Name]," for a classmate or peer.
- State your reason for writing in sentence one. Don't bury it — the reader (and the rater) should know why you're emailing immediately.
- Address each required point, in order. If the prompt asks you to explain, request, and propose, do exactly those three things — one per short paragraph.
- Close with a clear next step or thank-you. Leave the reader knowing what happens next.
- Sign off appropriately. "Best regards," for formal; "Thanks," or "Best," for semi-formal.
Example 1 — Formal (to a professor)
Prompt: You need a one-week extension on a paper due to illness. In your email: explain your situation, request an extension, and propose a new deadline.
Dear Professor Alvarez,
I am writing to request an extension on the research paper due this Friday. Since Monday I have been unwell with a fever, and my doctor has advised me to rest until the end of the week, which has significantly slowed my progress on the assignment.
I would be grateful if you could grant me a short extension. Would it be possible to submit the paper by next Wednesday instead? I am confident this additional time would allow me to complete the work to a high standard.
Thank you for considering my request.
Best regards,
Minh
Why this scores well: all three required points are covered (explanation → request → proposed date), the tone stays formal throughout, and the request is specific rather than open-ended.
Example 2 — Semi-formal (to a classmate)
Prompt: A group-project teammate hasn't submitted their part. Write an email that reminds them of the deadline, explains why it matters, and asks when you can expect it.
Hi Jordan,
I hope you're doing well! I wanted to check in about the group project — our deadline is this Friday, and I haven't received your section on the survey results yet.
The rest of us have finished our parts, but we can't finalize the report without your section, since it connects directly to our conclusion. Could you let me know when you'll be able to send it over? Even a rough draft by tomorrow would really help us stay on track.
Thanks so much, and let me know if you need anything from us!
Best,
Alex
Why this scores well: the tone is friendly but still gets to the point fast, all three required actions (remind, explain, ask) are covered, and it ends with an offer to help rather than a demand.
The one mistake that costs the most points
Writing a polished, grammatically clean email that only addresses one or two of the prompt's required points. Development is graded independently of language quality — before you edit for grammar, check off every bullet point in the prompt first.