Writing an E-mail about an Important Issue
Read the paragraph from an e-mail. (1) The torrential rain that postponed the festival has finally ceased, but it left a trail of disaster. (2) Rescheduling the annual Pickle Palooza is going to be a huge undertaking. (3) The ceremonial pickle podium floated off during the downpour and hasn't been seen since. (4) A flock of ducks have taken up residence on it and have been chasing off anyone who comes near them. (5) And, there is a puddle the size of a small lake where the festival field was. What is the best way to reorganize the paragraph to make the writer's viewpoint clear to the reader?
2, 1, 3, 5, 4
Read the e-mail. In the interest of public safety, Griffin Avenue should have a traffic light installed. There have been many traffic accidents recently at Griffin Avenue and 32nd Street. Statistics show that overall traffic in the area has also increased. Installing a traffic signal at Roman Avenue reduced accidents by ten percent, so it is likely that installing one at Griffin Avenue, which has similar conditions, will also result in fewer accidents. At your next council meeting, please consider my suggestion for making this intersection safer. What viewpoint is being expressed in the e-mail?
Due to the number of accidents, the writer feels that Griffin Avenue needs a traffic light.
A formal letter that you print and mail begins with a
Heading
Read the salutation from a formal letter. Dear Mr. Garcia What is the correct way to punctuate the salutation? Dear Mr. Garcia. Dear Mr. Garcia, Dear Mr. Garcia; Dear Mr. Garcia:
Not Dear Mr. Garcia, Dear Mr. Garcia;
Read the sentence. You have to agree that paving over that muddy, gross area where we wait before school is a good idea. Which revision makes the tone of the sentence appropriate for a formal e-mail?
Please review our suggestion for paving over the muddy area where students wait before school.
Read the paragraph from an e-mail. Students who visit the school library can't find the materials they need for reports or projects. There are also so few fiction books available that most students don't even consider visiting the library for their own reading pleasure. Which viewpoint would be the best addition to the paragraph?
The school library needs an update in order to be an effective resource for the students.
In any kind of formal writing, the writer should be sure to use a formal ____________or attitude, toward the subject.
Tone
Read the sentence from a letter. Harrington City Park has recently become quite run-down. This sentence is an example of the writer's _________, or perspective, on the topic.
Viewpoint
Which is the correct format for a formal letter?
heading, salutation, body, closing, signature
Read the first paragraph from a letter arguing for pothole repairs. It's that time of year again, known locally as "pothole season." Each winter, harsh weather, snow plows, and salt on the roads work together to create potholes. Now that the snow is melting, this year's potholes are being revealed. So far, the large pothole on Main Street has caused two flat tires and a big traffic snarl. And that's just one pothole among the many that riddle the downtown area. What should be added to this paragraph to make the writer's argument more effective?
the author's viewpoint
Which part of a formal e-mail is optional?
the contact information
Read the paragraph from a formal letter. Please drop students off no more than fifteen minutes prior to the start of the dance, which will last two hours. After the dance, the school will remain open for an additional thirty minutes, although we prefer that students do not linger until the last minute. If you would like to help with the dance, please contact the principal for volunteer opportunities. Who is most likely the intended audience of the letter?
the students' parents
Read the prompt for a formal e-mail. Write a letter to the school board in which you propose turning part of the schoolyard into a garden. What is the purpose of the e-mail?
to persuade the school board
