Polite Emails for Everyday Tasks
1. Warm-up discussion
Discuss these questions:
- How important is it to be polite when you communicate with others, especially in writing?
- When do you usually send emails in English? (e.g., for school, work, customer service)
- Have you ever received an email that you felt was impolite? How did it make you feel?
2. Listening: Polite email phrases
Listen to the audio and fill in the gaps with the exact words you hear.
Writing polite emails is really important for everyday . You often need to ask for help or . It's good to start with 'I hope this email finds you '. When you make a request, try saying 'Would you be able to help me ...?'. If you need information, 'Could you please let me know ' works well. Always remember to the person at the end. Being polite makes a big in how people respond. Keep your emails clear and to the .
3. Key vocabulary
Drag the terms from the word bank to match them with their correct definitions.
4. Grammar focus: Polite Requests with 'Would' and 'Could'
When you want to make a request politely in an email, especially to someone you don't know well or in a formal situation, you can use modal verbs like 'Would' and 'Could'.
Structure for requests:
- Would you be able to + base verb...? (e.g., Would you be able to send me the report?)
- Could you please + base verb...? (e.g., Could you please let me know the details?)
- I would like to + base verb... (e.g., I would like to ask for an extension.)
Choose the most polite option for each sentence:
1. _______ you please help me with this task?
2. _______ you be able to meet tomorrow instead of today?
3. I _______ like to request more information about the course.
4. _______ you mind sending me the agenda?
5. _______ you tell me when the meeting starts?
5. Reading: The Power of a Polite Email
Read the blog article below and fill in the blanks with appropriate words from the word bank provided. You can use some words more than once.
The Power of a Polite Email: Getting What You Need
In today's fast-paced world, sending an email seems like a simple task. But mastering the art of the polite email can really (1) in your professional and personal life. Whether you're asking for (2) from a colleague or making a (3) to a service provider, your tone matters.
Always start with a polite greeting like 'I hope this email finds you well.' This sets a positive tone. When you ask for something, use phrases like 'Would you be able to help me with...?' or 'Could you please let me know...?' These modal verbs soften your (4) and show respect.
Remember to keep your emails clear and (5). People are busy, so get straight to the main reason for your email without unnecessary details. Finally, always (6) the person for their time and help. A polite email is more likely to get a positive (7), helping you achieve your everyday (8) more smoothly.
6. Email Writing Practice
Write short, polite emails for the following situations. Use phrases and grammar from this lesson.
- You need to ask your English teacher for an extension on an assignment because you were sick.
- You want to ask a classmate for their notes from a lesson you missed last week.
- You need to ask a customer service representative for some information about a product you bought online.