Opening the learning hub
Tip: Speaking Task 5: pick one option and stay with it. Comparing both is fine, switching sides isn't.
Tip: Speaking Task 5: pick one option and stay with it. Comparing both is fine, switching sides isn't.
Vocabulary to help you understand the tone, intent, and hidden meanings in emails and letters.
/ˌkɒrɪˈspɒndəns/
Communication by exchanging letters or emails.
The official CELPIP term for 'emails and letters'.
/dɪˈspætʃ/
An official report on state or military affairs. The sending of someone or something to a destination.
A formal word for an official message or sending an item.
/ˈmɪsɪv/
A letter, especially a long or official one.
A highly formal word for a letter.
/ˌmɛməˈrændəm/
A written message in business or diplomacy.
Often shortened to 'memo'.
/ˈbʊlɪtɪn/
A short official statement or broadcast summary of news.
Use for company-wide announcements.
/ɪnˈkwaɪər/
Ask for information from someone.
If the email is asking a question, its intent is to inquire.
/proʊb/
Seek to uncover information about someone or something.
A strong word for asking deep or difficult questions.
/səˈlɪsɪt/
Ask for or try to obtain (something) from someone.
Commonly used when asking for money, opinions, or help.
/rɪˈkwɛst/
Politely or formally ask for.
The most common intent for formal emails.
/pəˈtɪʃən/
Make or present a formal request to (an authority) with respect to a particular cause.
A very strong, formal request, often from many people.
/kəmˈpleɪn/
Express dissatisfaction or annoyance about something.
If the tone is angry, the intent is likely to complain.
/ˈɡrʌmbəl/
Complain about something in a bad-tempered way.
A slightly informal word for complaining quietly.
/ɡraɪp/
Complain about something in a persistent, irritating way.
Often used as a noun meaning 'a complaint'.
/ˈproʊtɛst/
Express an objection to what someone has said or done.
A strong, formal word for complaining about a rule.
/əbˈdʒɛkt/
Say something to express one's disapproval of or disagreement with something.
The formal replacement for 'say you disagree'.
/ˈklærɪfaɪ/
Make (a statement or situation) less confused and more clearly comprehensible.
If the email is explaining a rule, its intent is to clarify.
/ɪˈluːsɪdeɪt/
Make (something) clear; explain.
A highly advanced synonym for explain.
/ɪˈluːmɪneɪt/
Help to clarify or explain.
Often used metaphorically to mean 'shed light on' an issue.
/ˈspɛsɪfaɪ/
Identify clearly and definitely.
Use when an email gives exact details.
/ˈdiːteɪl/
Describe item by item; give the full particulars of.
Often used as a verb meaning 'to explain fully'.