RCRC for Lower Intermediate Learners
- Zanurin Mohamad Safar
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
Image credit to: https://blog.flock.com/business-email
This write-up, which focuses on the application of RCRC among lower-intermediate learners, is a continuation of RCRC in Action: A Simple Structure for Stronger Email Responses, shared on 22 January 2026. Therefore, I will not go into a detailed explanation of RCRC here. Instead, I will highlight examples of basic language and simple sentence structures that lower-intermediate learners can use when applying RCRC.
1. RESPOND to the situation (Always acknowledge and offer help)
At the beginning of the email, pupils must react to the situation mentioned by the sender. This shows empathy, interest, and good communication skills. The response should match the emotion or context of the message; whether it is good news, bad news, or a request for help.
Examples of responding to the situation for lower intermediate learners:
Really? That’s great!
Wow! That is very good news!
I am very happy to hear that.
Oh no. I am sorry to hear that.
Thank you for telling me.
Wow! That's awesome!
Congratulations!
After responding, pupils should offer help or support, which is a key requirement in many email-writing tasks.
Examples of offering help for lower intermediate learners:
· I am happy to help you, Jason.
· I am happy to give you advice.
· I am always here to help you.
· You can trust me.
2. CHOICE (Choose what you know best and can explain clearly)
In this part, pupils decide what advice, suggestion, or solution they want to give. They should choose something they understand well and can explain clearly in simple English.
Examples for lower intermediate learners:
I think you should make a study timetable.
You should talk to your teacher about the problem.
You can ask your teacher for help.
You should study a little every day.
You can make a simple study plan.
3. REASONS (Support the choice with 2–3 relevant reasons)
Pupils must explain why they made that choice. They should give 2–3 clear and relevant reasons that directly relate to the situation or problem in the email.
Examples for lower intermediate learners:
First, a study timetable helps you use your time well.
Second, it helps you feel less stress before exams.
Finally, it helps you study all subjects.
It helps you know what to study each day.
It helps you finish your work on time.
It makes studying easier for you.
Remind pupils that reasons must be relevant, not general or unrelated. Each reason should clearly support the choice made. Additionally, pupils must know that when they present two or three reasons, that would allow them to bring in appropriate cohesive devices which are significant for their Organisation mark.
4. CLOSURE (End the email appropriately)
To end the email, pupils should use a closing statement that relates to the situation and sounds friendly and supportive. This helps leave a positive final impression.
Examples of appropriate closures for lower intermediate learners:
I hope my advice helps you. I am happy to help you.
Tell me if you want my help. I can go with you to buy your new watch.
I wish you the best. I know you will pass your test.
I know you will make a good choice. Take care and tell me the news.
Good luck to you.
I am here if you want my help.
Avoid abrupt endings. A good closure should sound warm, polite, and encouraging.
In conclusion, the RCRC framework serves as an effective scaffolding tool that supports pupils within their Zone of Proximal Development, as proposed by Vygotsky (1978). By breaking the email-writing task into manageable and purposeful stages, RCRC reduces learners’ uncertainty and cognitive overload, particularly among weaker pupils. This structured guidance enables learners to respond appropriately to different situations, organise their ideas logically, and convey the intended tone more effectively. Over time, as pupils internalise the RCRC structure, they are able to write email responses more confidently and independently, demonstrating improved writing competence. Therefore, RCRC is a practical and theory-informed approach that can significantly enhance lower secondary pupils’ email writing skills.
Sample 1:
Read the email from your best friend, Adam.
Hi,
I am bored with playing online games. I need a new hobby. Should I try painting, playing chess or cooking? Or do you have another suggestion? Please help me. Thanks, bye.
Write an email to Adam in about 80 words.
To: adamkl@gmail.com
Subject: New hobby
Hi Adam,
You want to have a new hobby? Great! Don’t worry Adam, I can help you. (RESPONSE). I think you should try cooking. You can cook for your family. Maybe you can cook chicken rice and pasta. (CHOICE). First, cooking can release your stress. Besides, cooking helps you to be creative. You can make new recipes (REASONS). I hope you will choose cooking as your new hobby. I can’t wait to eat what you cook! Bye. (CLOSURE).
Siti
Sample 2:
Read the email from your cousin, Jason.
Hi,
I want to try an adventurous activity. I want to challenge myself and see how I can go. Should I choose hiking, long-distance cycling or surfing? Or do you have another suggestion? Let me know what you think! Jason
In about 80 words, write an email to Jason, giving some advice.
Email – Hiking (for lower intermediate learners)
Subject: A New Adventure Awaits: Try Hiking!
Hi Jason!
I hope you are well! Wow! You like adventurous activities now! Don’t worry. I can help you! I know a lot about hiking. (RESPONSE). I want to suggest hiking. You can go hiking at Bukit Kemuning. (CHOICE). It is a fun. Moreover, hiking is not easy and it can challenge you. For example, climbing a hill is not easy. Besides, hiking also helps you feel calm and happy. (REASONS). If you are new to hiking, I can go hiking with you, Jason. Let’s make it a fun adventure together! I wish you all the best! Bye. (CLOSURE).
Dylan
Email – Surfing
Subject: Dive into Adventure: Try Surfing!
Hi Jason,
You like adventurous activities! That is great! I am happy to give you some advice. (RESPONSE).
I think you should try surfing. Many people surf at Teluk Kenanga. (CHOICE). First, I know you can swim well. Surfing can surely challenge yourself. It is a fun way to have adventure too. Don’t worry, you can learn from your mistakes. I know surfing can make you feel happy. (REASONS). If you want to try, I can help you start. Let’s have a fun adventure together! I can’t wait to know what you choose. Bye. (CLOSURE).
Dylan
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