Saturday, March 9, 2013

Tagged Under:

Email Writing Activity


Teaching students how important it is to stop and check before sending an email sometimes seems like banging my head against the wall. But I try. Here's an activity I did with my low-intermediate writing class on email writing. They were given a set of 4-5 sample emails to evaluate using the following checklist. Then, with a partner, they chose one to re-write and send to me.
-->

Email #1

Subject
(no subject)
Message
Dear Heather,
 
How are you today?
I am Johnny, and sorry about today that I no come to class.
 
When I can come talk to you about this?
If so, let know that I can come today. 

 
Thank you & have nice day,
 
Best Regards
Johnny.

Email #2

Subject
Hello
Message
Der. Torrie

I am Davy. I can not open my blackboard to do homework. Also, I 
sake 
ask my friend, and he has same my problem,so would you pleas give some instruction to open my blackboard.

Pleas let me know if you have idea about it.

thank you 
Davy

-->
Email Checklist

Subject
Yes
No
There is a subject


The subject tells the topic


The subject tells which class this is for (especially important emails at the beginning of the semester)


Greeting
Yes
No
Dear / Hi / Hello is spelled correctly and capitalized


The first letter of the name is capitalized (Heather, not heather)


The name is spelled correctly


Comma AFTER the name


The student’s name is ONLY at the bottom of the email (not in the middle, “I am Wang.”)


Message Body
Yes
No
No unnecessary sentences


Quickly and clearly tells the problem


Takes responsibility for the problem (offers to DO something—turn in the homework, take the test early, etc)


No inappropriate information (eg, details about sickness if it is gross)


Grammar/Mechanics
Yes
No
Good grammar with no mistakes
*If there are mistakes, fix them in the emails


Capital letters – first letter of each sentence; I (not i )


Space after the greeting, and after the message.


Font is professional looking