WritingCLB 6-8Template 1 — Standard accept or decline

Task 1 — Respond To Invitation/Suggestion

When to use

Accept or decline, give a reason, and suggest an alternative or ask a question.

CLB 9 upgrade

Add one specific detail that shows genuine engagement.

Template 1 — Standard accept or decline Template 2 — Accept with a condition or question Template 3 — Formal decline (work context)

Subject: Re: [Event/Invitation Name]

Dear [Name],

Thank you for your kind invitation to [event]. I am [delighted to accept / sorry that I am unable to attend] due to [brief reason].

If accepting: I look forward to joining you and would like to know [question from bullet point].
If declining: I hope you understand, and I would like to suggest [alternative from bullet point] instead.

Once again, thank you for thinking of me.

Warm regards,
[Your Name]

Sample Answers

Ex 1 — Accepting a retirement party invitation156 words

Subject: Re: Retirement Party for Mr. Hughes

Dear Sandra,

Thank you for your kind invitation to Mr. Hughes's retirement party on June 20 at the Riverside Banquet Hall. I am delighted to accept, as he has been a wonderful mentor to me over the past five years. When I first joined the company, he patiently trained me and always encouraged me to take on new challenges, so this celebration means a great deal to me.

I look forward to joining you and would like to know whether we are organizing a group gift for him. If so, I would be happy to contribute or help collect donations from the team. I could also bring a photo album from our department events if you think he would enjoy it.

Please let me know if there is anything else I can help with before the party.

Once again, thank you for thinking of me.

Warm regards,
Daniel Osei

Ex 2 — Declining a camping trip with an alternative158 words

Subject: Re: Weekend Camping Trip

Dear Priya,

Thank you for your kind invitation to the camping trip at Golden Ears Park next weekend. It sounds like a wonderful plan, especially with the hiking trails and the barbecue you have organized. Unfortunately, I am sorry that I am unable to attend due to a prior family commitment - it is my grandmother's 80th birthday celebration, and relatives are flying in from overseas for the occasion.

I hope you understand, and I would like to suggest a barbecue at my place the following Saturday instead, so I can still hear all about the trip and see your photos. I would be happy to prepare the food and invite the rest of the group as well. Please let me know if that date works for everyone.

Have a fantastic time at the park, and please take plenty of pictures.

Once again, thank you for thinking of me.

Warm regards,
Jason Park

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