Email Etiquette as Writing Hook
I like to use email writing to introduce students to many of the finer points of writing, like: voice, purpose, format, and even professionalism.
I use the digital projector to show anonymous emails (it’s in Word, but tabled to look like an email) that contain common email errors, including buried requests, ambiguous or rude language, etc. We deconstruct the email in groups before moving on.
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Example:
Subject: Why I Forgot to Print Your Essay for You Although I Said I Would
Hi Jimmy,
I’m sorry that I forgot to print your essay for you and that the teacher yelled at you because of it.
However, wasn’t it your responsibility to hand in the essay anyway? ;)
See you tomorrow,
Sarah
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Everyone is ready to learn about the finer points of writing after we deconstruct this.
