VSTEP Writing Task 1: Letter Structure, Useful Phrases and a Sample
Quick answer: VSTEP Writing Task 1 asks you to write a letter or email of at least 120 words in about 20 minutes in response to a situation. High-scoring answers cover every point asked for, use the right tone (formal or informal) and follow a clear structure: greeting – reason for writing – main content – closing.
Identify the type of letter
| Type | Recipient | Opening | Closing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Informal | Friends, family | Dear Lan, / Hi Tom, | Best wishes, / Love, |
| Semi-formal | Colleagues, teachers, neighbours | Dear Ms Hoa, | Kind regards, |
| Formal | Companies, organisations, strangers | Dear Sir or Madam, | Yours faithfully, |
The wrong tone (such as "Hey!" in a complaint letter) is a common way to lose marks for task fulfilment.
A 4-part structure
- Greeting that suits the reader.
- Opening (1–2 sentences): why you are writing. I am writing to enquire about… / Thanks for your email about…
- Body (2 paragraphs): answer each point the task asks for, in order. Underline the points in the prompt first so you don't miss one.
- Closing: a final line and your name. I look forward to hearing from you. / Let me know what you think!
Useful phrases by purpose
- Asking for information: Could you please let me know whether…? I would be grateful if you could…
- Complaining: I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with… I would appreciate a full refund.
- Apologising: I'm really sorry that I couldn't… The reason was that…
- Giving advice: If I were you, I would… Why don't you…?
- Inviting / accepting: Would you like to join…? I'd be delighted to come.
Model answer (informal, ~130 words)
Task: A friend is visiting your city for three days and asks where to go, what to eat and how to get around.
Hi Tom,
Thanks for your email — I'm so excited you're finally visiting Hanoi!
For sightseeing, I'd definitely start with the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake. On your second day, you could visit the Temple of Literature and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, which are close to each other.
As for food, you have to try pho for breakfast and bun cha for lunch. There's a small place near my house that serves the best bun cha in town, so I'll take you there.
Getting around is easy. Grab is cheap and convenient, but walking is the best way to explore the Old Quarter.
Let me know your flight details and I'll pick you up from the airport.
Best wishes,
Minh
Checklist before you move on
- Have you answered every point in the prompt?
- Is your tone consistent with the reader?
- At least 120 words, in clear paragraphs?
- No more than 20 minutes — Task 2 is worth more.