Unit Four

Introduction

This unit is about writing emails. You will look at the difference between formal and informal emails. You will write an enquiry.

Objectives:
After this unit you should be able to:
- write a formal email,
- write an informal email,
- write an enquiry,
- write and answer to an enquiry,
- recognize some abbreviations commonly used in emails.

Tasks and Dates

This unit consists of several tasks. Go to the Email forum and discuss the questions:

How often do you write e-mails? Who do you write e-mails to? Have you ever written an e-mail in English? Who did you write it to? Was it difficult? Why? Why not? What is the advantage of writing emails?
Remember that we are talking about writing emails in English.

Then read the expressions used in emails and go to the Expressions quiz to match each expression with a correct heading. When you finish divide the expressions into three groups: FORMAL, LESS FORMAL and INFORMAL. There is one forum for each group. Post your lists in the correct forum. Do the VOCABULARY exercises.

After that study the phrases used when requesting some information. Complete the ENQUIRY exercise. Do the abbreviation quiz and Reading Comprehension exercise.

To complete this unit you should go thought all activities. Contribute to all forums at least once. Go thought the quizzes.

Formal or Informal

Read the expressions and match each of them with a correct heading. Go to the Expressions quiz to check your answers.

Meeting / Peter / Hi Susan / Hope to hear from you soon / Yours sincerely/ Regards / Best wishes / Bye / All the best / Hello Mary/ Best / Looking forward to your reply / I’m writing to … / Just a quick note to … / Dear Mr, Mrs, Ms …/ Dear John / no salutation

a) SUBJECT LINE b) SALUTATION c) OPENING SENTENCE
________________ _______________ _______________________
________________ _______________ _______________________
________________ _______________ _______________________
________________ _______________ _______________________

d) CONCLUSION e) CLOSE

________________ _______________
________________ _______________

When you finish divide the expressions into three groups: FORMAL, LESS FORMAL and INFORMAL. There is one forum for each group. Post your lists in the correct forum.

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Formal or Informal
Colloquial phrases are normally used in less formal or informal emails: How’s it going? See you. Cheers
Vocabulary – formal - less formal
convenient - ok
assistance - help
Abbreviations and symbols are more common in informal mails. However, the abbreviation ASAP can be found in formal emails as well.

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Match the formal words with the less formal. Do the VOCABULARY exercise to check your answers and practice.

convenient / assistance / to inform / to reply / to regret / to contact / to postpone / to arrange / to enquire / to require
a) ok ___________________
b) help __________________
c) to tell _________________
d) to be sorry _____________
e) to answer ______________
f) to get in touch with ____________
g) to put off ____________________
h) to set up _____________________
i) to ask _______________________
j) to need _____________________

Enquiry

Read and learn the phrases used to request some information and reply to an enquiry. Complete the ENQUIRY exercises.

Do not hesitate to contact us if you require further assistance.
We hope you find this satisfactory.
Could you please send me …?
I’d really appreciate a reply ASAP.
Would you be able to help …?
I’m pleased to send you …
Please find the … in the attachment,
Your request is being processed.
Thank you for your interest.
Thank you for your email/enquiry.

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Do the Abbreviation quiz and Reading Comprehension exercise.

Finally write an email. Imagine that you work for a company producing crankshafts. You need new equipment for machining. Write to a company producing lathes. Ask for a catalogue. Explain why you need it. Post your email to the Enquiry forum. Answer a least one email.