Learn how to write one of the SIMPLEST text types.
What is it?
In case you've never written an email (which I doubt), an email is a short digital letter to someone. For a formal email, use the same style as you would when writing a formal letter.
Purpose:
The purpose of an email is to transmit a message (usually given in the prompt) to a specific person or persons. In the IB, this can range from recounting your Summer vacation to a friend, to challenging and offering alternatives to a specific government decision.
Audience:
The audience is a specific person or group, so NEVER pick the email when your audience is non-specific or wide.
Register
Formal (if writing to an organization or someone you don't know.)
Informal (if writing to a friend).
Read the prompt CAREFULLY, as the audience IS stated in it (you must know who you're writing to.)
Every opinion must be justified and explained.
Conventions (include these to get points!):
Addressee (Who you are sending this to. Given in the prompt.)
Sender (Your fake Hispanic name.)
Subject (WHY YOU ARE WRITING TO THEM)
Greeting
FORMAL: Estimado/Estimada (singular) OR Estimados/Estimadas (plural) + name given in the prompt.
INFORMAL: Querido/Querida (singular) OR Queridos/Queridas (plural) + name given in the prompt.
Farewell
FORMAL: Cordialmente….
INFORMAL: Un abrazo....
There are more than just these two, but, if you're desperate, use them.
Your fake Hispanic name. (NO SIGNATURE.)
Word count:
Ab initio | 70-150 |
SL | 250-400 |
HL | 450-600 |
Structure tips:
First paragraph: Explain why you're writing to this person. If it's formal, make sure this is clear. You usually get this "context" from the prompt.
Second paragraph: Start offering your opinion/perspective. This is either given by the prompt or up to you. When giving an opinion, aim for 3 reasons why you think that (SL) and 4 in HL. Make sure to explain them!
Third paragraph: Propose (3-4) solutions to the prompt or a result of your opinion.
SPECIFICALLY FOR SL AND ESPECIALLY FOR HL: For example, if you're writing to the government to complain about the new McDonald's being built next to your house, offer some solutions: relocate the restaurant, give the inhabitants of the neighborhood a hotel stay while it's being built, have it be built when people are at work so as to not bother them. Make sure to mention the IMPACT of these measures. This is less detailed for ab initio students.
DO NOT ADD A SIGNATURE, POSTAL CODE, ETC. You do this in a letter, NOT AN EMAIL. In an email, you just write your name at the end. THAT'S ALL.
Have any more questions? Write a comment! :)
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