Every artist was at first an amateur.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Sunday, June 19, 2011

How to Write an Email

This semester, you will probably write me an email.  ALWAYS write your name, student ID and class (ABCDEF) on the subject line.

Here is how you write an email:


Dear Pamila,

I will miss class on Thursday, November 12.  I will be doing my military duty. Can I bring my homework to you when I return?  Also, I will bring you a letter that says I was at military duty. Thank you.

See you in class!
Joe Q. Public
Class C
20010001

Notice that it is polite.  There are no demands such as  "Write to me. / Tell me now."  These are RUDE.  When you write to a teacher, you should ask instead.  "Can you write to me and let me know?  I'm waiting for your reply." That is the polite way to write it.

Notice that the letter has the following things:

• Salutation, name, and comma                                 Dear Pamila,
• Body of the letter
– This can be short (1-2 sentences or long)              
– Specific info (date, why, specific question)
– Begin a new sentence on the same line.
• The Closing                                                           See you in class!
• Signature / Identifying Information                          Joe Q. Public
– Include your class                                                 Class C
– Include your student ID #                                      20010001