emails 1

• English
• Secundair onderwijs

Tip #1: Be respectful

An email to your teacher should be professional and polite.  If you want them to do something, ask nicely.  One line emails are often read as bossy demands.  You should show good manners both in your written emails and in class.

Never send an email when you are upset.  If you are frustrated, write your email and save it as a draft.  Re-write and send later after you have had a chance to calm down.

A written message is easy to misinterpret as rude.  When we speak to each other our voice can help us sound polite or respectful.  As you write your email, ask yourself if your teacher could read the message in a negative way.

Tip #2: Drop the text lingo

Ensure your message comes across clearly by using proper grammar and spelling. You may text your friend in incomplete sentences or shorthand, but that style of writing has no business going to teachers.

Never use slang or text lingo while writing an email. For example, spell out the word “you” instead of “u” and say “thank you” instead of “thx.” By doing this, you demonstrate respect for your teacher.

When a student isn’t clear in their email, it makes it difficult for teacher to understand what the student needs and how to help them.

Tip #3: Be clear about your purpose

Be specific about why you are sending the email.  If you are asking about an assignment, be clear about which assignment.  Include direct questions and share how you have tried to solve the problem. 

Unclear	Specific
I need help with math.	I don’t understand the long division assignment from yesterday. Can you help me figure it out?
I turned in my homework.	I finished my homework and turned it in. Can you please let me know if I’m missing anything else? Also, how long do you think it will take to be graded?

Tip #4: Open with a proper greeting

Starting an email with “HEY” is not okay.  A good email usually opens with “Dear”.  But, a polite “Hello” or “Hi” is usually acceptable.  Address the teacher with the correct title such as “Mr.”, “Ms.”, or “Dr.”  Skipping the greeting is considered rude.  Using their first name is not appropriate.

Proper Greetings	Not Okay
Dear Ms. Smith Hi Mr. Jones Hello Dr. Williams	Hey Hi Mary Skipping the greeting

Tip #5: Sign off with your full name

A sign off is the correct way to end an email.  Writing “Thank you” is always welcome.  Include your full name.  Remember, your teacher may have hundreds of students.

Good Email Sign Offs:

Best

Bob Ross

Sincerely
Julia Jame

Thank you

Mary Williams

Thanks
Joe Adams

Tip #6: Spelling and grammar matter

Take the time to write something worth reading.  An email with spelling and grammar mistakes is unprofessional and difficult to take seriously.  

•     Write in complete sentences. This includes capital letters and punctuation.
•     Avoid texting phrases such as OMG, or LOL.  
•     Do not replace words with single letters.  For example, write “you” instead of “U”.
•     Writing in all capital letters may be read as yelling and is considered rude.

Tip #7: Always proofread your emails

Take the time to check for spelling or grammar mistakes.  Make sure your email is polite and professional.  A mistake could mean your teacher does not understand the purpose of your message.

Tip #8: Timing matters

You may be up at 2:00 am finishing homework.  Your teacher is likely asleep.  Try this tip to schedule your email to arrive at a more reasonable time.  Your teacher may appreciate receiving your message during normal working hours.

An example email

Describe both emails:

Task

Send an e-mail to your teacher