Email Etiquette

1. Write an informative subject line. Write short but informative subject lines that clearly
indicate the purpose of the e mail. Avoid one word subject lines such as Issue,
Problem, Important, or Help. Rather, use a short phrase such as First Homework
Assignment or Request for Meeting on Thursday.

2. I nclude an appropriate salutation and closing. You should always begin professional e
mails with an appropriate salutation. Often Hello Ms. Kates, or simply the persons
name is sufficient. Use a comma after the salutation. Likewise, at the end of the e-mail,
bring it to a close with a cordial word or phrase followed by a comma. Often Thanks,
or Sincerely, works well. Regardless of the closing, be sure to sign your name.

3. I dentify yourself clearly. Even though your e mail address appears in the heading of the
e mail, it may not clearly indicate who you are. Include your name and any important
identification information in the first few sentences of the e mail. E.g., This is Sasha
Obama from your English II, P2 class.

4. Be clear and concise. Explain the information the receiver needs to know at this point in
time, but dont go into great detail that is unnecessary. If you are writing several
sentences, break your ideas into paragraphs.

5. Use standard capitalization, proper spelling, and appropriate punctuation. ALL CAPS
comes across as shouting, and no capitals comes across as laziness. In addition, proper
spelling and punctuation ensure that the reader will understand the content of your
message.

6. Skip lines between paragraphs.

7. Maintain a professional tone. No emoticons (e.g., happy/sad faces), abbreviations, text
talk. U dont want ur prof 2 think u dont care enuff 2 rite a profeshunal email.

8. Proofread. Take a few minutes to review your message or ask someone else to review it.
Spelling errors, missing punctuation, and omitted words send the message that you dont
care enough to check your work. Make sure you are professional and properAsk
yourself, could someone broadcast this email on a billboard on 95? Show it to my
parents? If not, edit!

Sample Email:
To: akates@philasd.org From: pstar@yahoo.com Subject: Meeting to Discuss Final Paper

Hello Ms. Kates,

This is Patrick Star from your English II, P8 class. I would like to request a meeting with you to
discuss my final paper for your class. I have begun gathering my ideas, but I need some direction
regarding the organization of my main points. I am available after school on Wednesday and
Friday. Please let me know if either of these days is convenient for you.

Thank you,
Patrick
Getting to Know You Email Assignment

DUE: Tuesday, September 9
th
by 11:59pm POINTS: 15

As a way to introduce yourself to me, you will write a professional e mail that includes
all of the necessary components detailed above. Please send the e mail from the email
address that you check most regularly, as I may need to e mail you at some point in the
year pertaining to coursework. Please send your e mail to: akates@philasd.org

Your e mail should include:
1. SUBJECT LINE stating purpose of e mail
2. GREETING appropriate salutation, followed by a comma
3. BODY separated into paragraphs with appropriate grammar and punctuation

In the body of the e mail you should tell me about yourself. You should address the
following areas, but please use paragraphs instead of bullet points.
Introduce yourself
What was the best or most memorable part of your summer?
Do you want to share any information about your family?
What brought you to Rushwhat kind of art do you do?
Do you have a job, or are you involved in any extracurricular activities?
Tell me about your academic interests
What are your favorite and least favorite subjects?
What are your favorite kinds of things to read (genre, subject, medium)?
What memoir did you read for your summer reading?
What have you read that I should absolutely read if I havent already (book,
poem, article, comic book, etc.)?
Where there any current events/issues that you followed this summer that you'd
like to discuss in class this fall?
What kinds of writing assignments do you like best/least?
How do you learn bestdo you think you learn better when you see, hear, or do?
What are your strengths and weaknesses in regards to English?
What kind of role do you usually take during group work?
What are your goals for this course, in terms of the grade you hope to receive as
well as the skills you hope to improve on or master?
What are your goals and future plans--what do you plan to do after high school? If
you plan to go to college, do you know what youd like to major in?
What is your access to technology like (in class/at home)?
Questions/Concerns

4. CLOSING some kind of closing word/phrase and then your name. As always, you
should proofread your e mail before you send it (Remember that this assignment is for a
grade). I look forward to hearing from each of you and learning more about you!