Even to advanced learners, producing texts are
kinda* difficult, however this skill is more than required when you're applying for a job, for instance. Emails are preferred by plenty of companies to keep in touch with their employees or customers.
On Internet, IM's (Instant messaging) like MSN, Google Talk, AIM are quite common when you're chatting to your friends, but sometimes it's difficult to chat with either international pals, because of the time zone, or local friends, because of the simple reason that we cannot get online all the time, then emails still are used for friends-friends contact.
So here it goes some hints about how to write a good email:
It's good starting an email with a salutation: Hi, Dear, Dearest. i.e Hi/Dear/Dearest Lilian.
(do NOT forget to use the right treatment when writing a formal email, like Mr., Mrs., Ms.)
Use slang, abbreviations and idioms at ease while writing an email to your
FRIENDS ONLY!
In a formal email avoid using abbreviations like gonna, outta, gotta. Use "may" instead "can" when possible.
In the end, thank promptly the recipient with "Thank you", "Thanks", "Thank you for your patience and cooperation" or "Thank you for your consideration", and if you want him/her to reply, you can use "I look forward to hearing from you" which means you're waiting anxiously for the answer.
Finally, finish your email with a regard, like "Best Regards", "Sincerely" in formal emails or "Cheers", "Best Wishes", "Yours", otherwise, and sign it right after.
Let's see how it goes:
(personal)
Hi Lilian,
I didn't get ur last msg, could u please send me again?
Thanks.
Yours,
Jimmy Carter
(formal)
Dear Mrs. Thompson,
I am writing to enquire about your article in the newspaper. I've got interested about your research, do you mind if I send you my paper? It'd be a pleasure if you could comment on my article.
Thank you for your consideration, I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Harry Johnson
It's done! Now you're able to write an outstanding email in English. =)
Enjoy it!
Teacher Thiago (CNA Boulevard)
*kinda colloquial form of "kind of"
