Openings and sign-offs
Choose by relationship, not by medium: the same rules apply to emails, letters and messages. Уважа́емый agrees in gender: Уважа́емый (to a man), Уважа́емая (to a woman), Уважа́емые (to several people). Tap a row to hear it. The same habits carry over from English; see our guide to writing skills.
| Writing to | Opening | Sign-off |
|---|---|---|
| A teacher, official, stranger | ||
| A company, several people | ||
| Someone you know, neutral | ||
| A friend or relative |
Two model emails
The same news, written twice: once to a friend, once to a teacher. Tap a line to see its gloss; the notes on the right explain the choices.
Linking words for essays
Russian essays (сочине́ние) have a predictable shape, and examiners look for these words. Most introductory phrases are followed by a comma: Во-пе́рвых, …
A model essay (B2)
Topic: Ну́жно ли изуча́ть иностра́нные языки́, е́сли есть перево́дчики? (Is it worth learning foreign languages when translation apps exist?) About 120 words. Linking words are marked in red.
Your turn
Write your answer in the box, then compare it with the model and run through the checklist. Nothing you type leaves your browser.