Write a clear functional message
Answer a short writing prompt completely in an appropriate practical format and within 100–120 Chinese characters.
Section P1-E4 · Paper 1 Exercise 4 · functional writing
Exam scope and assessment notes
This original online sequence is a starter, not the complete approximately 130 guided learning hours or a Cambridge coursebook. Chinese-language examples, scripts, character forms, register and pronunciation guidance need review by a qualified Mandarin teacher before publication. Browser speech synthesis is not Cambridge audio and may not provide exam-quality Mandarin; it cannot reproduce the invigilator-controlled recordings. StudyForA practice and speaking self-review do not award Cambridge marks. The centre must conduct, assess, record and submit the Component 3 Speaking test for external moderation. Full-length timed papers, official examiner marking and a complete reviewed vocabulary-in-context progression remain outstanding.
Before you begin
Work on paper. Try each question before revealing help, and explain why your method works.
Quick readiness check
Which approach best supports this Mandarin task?
What you will learn
- W1: communicate information, ideas and opinions clearly, accurately and effectively.
- Address every requested content point in a compact response.
- Keep the response relevant to the stated task.
Plan to the task
Paper 1 Exercise 4 is functional prose such as an email. The prompt supplies a purpose, format and audience and may include short prompts or pictures. The required response is 100–120 Chinese characters.
Underline each required point before writing. A short response can still have a greeting, clear information and a courteous ending when the format calls for them.
Count characters after drafting
A response that is fluent but misses a requested point is incomplete. After drafting, check the content first, then review length and language.
The mini-model below is a planning demonstration, not a Cambridge model answer or a calibrated mark. Cambridge materials allow simplified or traditional characters; use one form consistently.
Sources for this lesson
Pause and explain
What should you check before polishing grammar?
Worked example
Prompt for a friend: explain why you missed a club meeting and suggest another time. What must your message do?
Show the worked solution
- Acknowledge the missed meeting.
- Give a concise reason.
- Propose a specific alternative time.
Answer A complete plan says that you missed the meeting, gives the real reason and suggests a new day or time. Do not invent a reason just to fill space.
Try a topic test
Choose Easy, Normal or Difficult. Save your answers and open worked review after finishing.
Test this topic →From guided practice to a new situation
Write your answer and reasoning first. Use a hint only if you are stuck. The model solution is for self-checking; your written work is not automatically marked.
A classmate asks about a study-group change. Write a plan for a 100–120-character reply that gives the new time, explains the reason and invites a response.
Give me a hint
Mark three required points before drafting.
Compare my reasoning
- State the new time.
- Give the supplied reason, not a guessed one.
- Add a question or invitation.
A successful plan includes the new meeting time, the stated reason for the change and a polite invitation for the classmate to reply. Count characters in Chinese after drafting; this plan is not an official mark.
Look for these in your work
- Includes all three points
- Uses an appropriate friendly tone
- Plans a final character count
A draft confirms a visit date but forgets to answer what the writer will bring. What revision is needed?
Give me a hint
Compare the draft with every prompt bullet.
Compare my reasoning
- List the prompt's required points.
- Mark which are already answered.
- Add a concise sentence about the missing item.
Add the requested information about what the writer will bring, using a detail the task supplies. Then recount the response to keep it within 100–120 characters.
Look for these in your work
- Identifies the missing point
- Uses supplied information
- Checks the required length
Write a short message to a teacher requesting a meeting: state the topic, offer two available times and use a respectful closing.
Give me a hint
Match the relationship with a polite register.
Compare my reasoning
- Name the topic clearly.
- Offer two specific times.
- Close respectfully and check the character range.
A suitable message names the topic, gives two possible times and closes politely. The exact Chinese wording should be checked by a qualified teacher; verify 100–120 characters for the paper task.
Look for these in your work
- Makes the purpose clear
- Offers two times
- Uses respectful language and checks length
Common mistakes
- Answering only one half of the prompt
- Using a formal report tone in a friendly email
- Adding unsupported reasons
What can you explain now?
What should you check before polishing grammar?
Compare with the explanation
Whether every required content point is present
A beautiful sentence cannot replace missing task content.
After trying it yourself, choose your next review. This is your self-assessment.
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Make it stick
Before leaving write a clear functional message, explain one strategy from memory and identify a detail you still need to practise.
If you needed the solution, close it and solve the problem again from a blank page. A correct answer is stronger when you can explain the reason for each step.