Mastering AP Chinese Email Writing: A Step-by-Step Guide + Downloadable Template

Email writing is a key component of the AP Chinese exam, testing your ability to communicate clearly, politely, and effectively in a formal or semi-formal context. Whether you're emailing a teacher, a university admissions officer, or a program coordinator, using the right structure and tone is crucial.

In this guide, we’ll break down the essential elements of a high-scoring AP Chinese email, provide a ready-to-use template, and share tips to impress the graders.

Why Email Writing Matters in AP Chinese

The email task typically requires you to:
✔ Write at least 150 characters
✔ Use appropriate greetings and closings
✔ Maintain polite and formal language (when needed)
✔ Clearly state your purpose and ask questions

A well-structured email can earn you full 6 points for task completion, language use, and cultural appropriateness.

AP Chinese Email Template

1. 主题 (Subject Line)

Keep it short and clear.

  • Example:

    • 关于暑期课程申请的询问 (Inquiry About Summer Program Application)

    • 回复：您的建议 (Re: Your Advice)

2. 称呼 (Greeting)

  • Formal (for teachers, officials):

    • 尊敬的[姓名/职位]，

    • 您好：

  • Semi-formal (for familiar contacts):

    • [姓名]，你好！

3. 开头 (Opening Lines)

  • If replying to an email:

    • 感谢您的来信！ (Thank you for your email!)

    • 很抱歉未能及时回复。 (Sorry for the delayed response.)

  • General opening (optional):

    • 希望您一切顺利！ (Hope you're doing well!)

4. 正文 (Body)

  • State your purpose clearly:

    • 我写信是想询问… (I’m writing to ask about…)

    • 关于[具体事项]，我有几个问题… (Regarding [topic], I have a few questions…)

  • Ask specific questions:

    • 请问[详细问题]？ (May I ask [specific question]?)

    • 您对[某件事]有什么建议？ (What do you suggest about [topic]?)

5. 结尾 (Closing)

  • Polite closing phrases:

    • 期待您的回复！ (Looking forward to your reply!)

    • 如有其他建议，请随时告诉我。 (If you have further suggestions, please let me know.)

  • Contact info (if needed):

    • 我的邮箱是[地址]，电话是[号码]。 (My email is [address], and phone is [number].)

6. 署名 (Signature)

  • Formal:

    • 此致 (Sincerely,)

    • 敬礼 (Best regards,)

    • [你的全名]

  • Semi-formal:

    • 祝好！ (Best wishes!)

    • [你的名字]

Example Email (AP-Style Prompt)

主题: 关于文化交流项目的申请咨询

尊敬的王老师：

您好！我是[学校名称]的学生[你的名字]，对贵校今年的文化交流项目非常感兴趣。

我在官网上看到申请需要两封推荐信，请问是否有指定的推荐人要求？另外，申请截止日期是6月15日吗？

感谢您的帮助！期待您的回复。

此致
敬礼
[你的全名]
your.email@example.com

Tips for a High-Scoring Email

✅ Use polite language (您, 请教, 感谢) – Avoid sounding too casual.
✅ Answer questions with clear and specific responses – Vague responses without explanations lose points.
✅ Keep it concise but complete – Aim for 150-200 characters.
✅ Proofread for tone and grammar – No slang or English-influenced phrasing.

With this template and strategy, you can confidently tackle the AP Chinese email task. Practice writing emails on different topics (e.g., school applications, event invitations, advice requests) to improve fluency and speed.

Download Full AP Chinese Email Writing Template Here

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