Organizing a Block Party

The task

You and some other residents are organizing a party for everyone who lives on your street. A family moved into a house near yours recently, and you have not met them yet. Write an email to your new neighbours in about 150-200 words. In your email, do the following:

• Give details about the event.
• Explain why you would like them to come.
• Ask them to help with something for the party.

Length

150–200 words

Time

27 minutes

Question

12 of 15

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Santos, I hope you are settling in well after your move. I'm Chloe from number 17, and I wanted to let you know that a few of us are organizing a block party for the whole street. It will be on Saturday, June 14, from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m., and the city has given us permission to close off the section of Birch Lane between our houses and the park. I would really love for you both to come. Since you're new to the neighbourhood, it would be a relaxed way to meet everyone without having to knock on twenty doors! There will be a barbecue, games for the children and some live music from a neighbour's band. I also wanted to ask a small favour. We are a little short of tables and chairs, so if you happen to have any folding ones, would you mind lending them for the afternoon? If not, perhaps you could bring a salad or dessert to share instead. Please let me know if you can make it. I hope to see you there! Best wishes, Chloe

Why this answer works

• The writer introduces herself before inviting, and then gives every event detail (date, time and the closed section of Birch Lane) in one well-organised paragraph.
• The semi-formal register fits new neighbours: friendly and welcoming, with titles in the greeting and a light touch of humour about knocking on twenty doors.
• The favour is requested politely with "would you mind" and softened with an alternative, showing good control of polite request forms.