3 - formal writing - email 2025

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• havo, vwo
• Leerjaar 3

3 - Formal email writing

The structure of a good argumentative email (on paper...)

Lesson goals

- I know what the structure of a good argumentative email is.

- I can describe what makes an email strong/weak, good/bad.

Just to be clear: What is the purpose of an argumentative email?

1. to compare and contrast two different or similar things.
2. to convince the reader by using logic and evidence
3. to answer a question through research of the relevant literature
4. to analyze a piece of literature from different angles

Argumentative Email Structure

• Different structures are possible. Usually 3 - 4 paragraphs.
  
•  Your test will be a three paragraph email.

- Salutation (aanhef)

- 1. Introduction

- 2. Main argument 

(Counterargument)

- 3. Conclusion

- Closing

Introduction

Reason for writing

• Thank you for your letter informing me that …

• I am contacting you to enquire about …

• I am contacting you to ask for …

• In response to your email informing me that …

• In response to your email about …

• In response to the article I read about …

Starting the email politely

• Dear Sir, if it’s a man and you don’t know his name

• Dear Madam, if it’s a woman and you don’t know her name

• Dear Mr + surname, if it’s a man and you’ve got his surname

• Dear Mrs + surname, if it’s a married woman and you’ve got her surname

• Dear Ms + surname, if it’s an unmarried woman / you’re not sure

Thesis statement / main argument

• The thesis statement is that one sentence that contains the focus of your email and tells your reader what the email is going to be about.

• Example: There should be an absolute ban against smoking in public because second-hand smoke endangers the health of non-smokers.
• 
  
• Your main argument should be: 
• clear, concrete
• without using first person singular (I).
  
• affirmative or negative sentence sentence. Not a question!!! 

Why is or isn't this a good thesis statement:

Junk food should not be banned in schools
because it tastes good.

Why is or isn't this a good thesis statement:

Junk food should be banned in schools because
it contributes to childhood obesity rates.

Why is or isn't this a good thesis statement:

Grades should be eliminated because they cause anxiety and put unnecessary pressure on students.

The Body

• Each paragraph is focused on one (counter)argument
• Structure for each paragraph:   
• PEEL (see next slide)

Try to link your paragraphs with content and linking words to create flow.

How to structure your body paragraphs using the PEEL method? 

Point: start your sentence with a clear topic sentence that establishes what your paragraph is about. 

Evidence/ Example: here you should use a piece of evidence that helps to reaffirm your iniitial point and develop the argument. 

Explain: next you need to explain exactly how your evidence supports your point. 

Link: you need to link the point you have just made back to your thesis or the following paragraph using a linking word

This is a tool to help your writing to become more clear. 

Linking words

Conclusion

• Thesis and arguments restated in a different, interesting manner. (ability to reformulate)
• Preserve, modify or reject the thesis statement. 
• Possibly call to some sort of action or response. 
• Thought -provoking ending. 

Do not ...

...simply repeat your introduction or thesis.

 

...introduce any new or significant evidence or example for your main argument. 

Ending your email

Call-to-action

• Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any further questions.

• I look forward to discuss this matter in person.

• I look forward to receiving your reply soon.

• I look forward to receiving your feedback.

• I look forward to meeting you.

• I look forward to your response.

• I await your response with interest.

Closing the email politely

• Yours sincerely, 

[your name]

if you know the name of the person you’re writing to

• Yours faithfully, 

[your name]

if you don’t know the name of the person you’re writing to

Language use

• avoid slang, colloquialisms, clichés
  
• no abbreviations or contractions 
• I'm > I am     -     can't > cannot     -     didn't > did not        etc.
• full sentences
• no bullet points/lists
• skip a line between §s
• 2,3,2nd,4th

Linking word

Rubric

Let's practice!

Read the article on the next page. 

Write your argumentative email in 150-160 words

Should Everyone Get a Second Chance? - by Katharine Viner

In the film Coach Carter, a basketball coach benches his entire team—not because they’re losing, but because they aren’t meeting academic expectations. His decision surprises many, including the players themselves. Some call him too strict, while others admire his focus on education over sports. But the most powerful message in the film is about second chances.

Many of the players had poor attendance, bad grades, or negative attitudes when Coach Carter arrived. However, he believed in their potential. He gave them strict rules but also a new chance to succeed—on and off the court.

This raises a big question: should people always get a second chance? Some say yes, because young people often make mistakes and can learn from them. Others argue that second chances should be earned, not simply given.

At school, in sports, and even in life, we are often judged by our past actions. But isn’t it more important who we choose to become?

What do you think? Should schools, teachers, and coaches always give second chances—or are some mistakes too serious?

Your time

Write an email to the author of the article. Share your opinion and explain whether you agree or disagree with the idea that everyone deserves a second chance. Give examples to support your answer.

- write your email in Word

- it is formal so start your letter with: Dear sir/madam,

- don't copy ChatGPT or Google translate, you may use it for some inspiration/

- 80/100 words, you are allowed to use more words. 

- Submit your email in magister elo-opdrachten