Business EnglishBusiness

Seven Words That Sink an Email

Grammar: BE-2

A Business English English lesson exploring business.

businessbe-2

What's in this lesson

A Business English ESL lesson on business, practising be-2. The worksheet has a reading, target vocabulary, a grammar reference with practice and discussion questions.

From the reading: Seven Words That Sink an Email

Roughly 333 billion emails are sent every day, yet most professionals read only the first few words of each one. In that tiny window, a subject line and an opening sentence decide whether a message is acted on or ignored. The Plain English Campaign, an UK group founded in 1979, has spent decades proving that clear writing saves time and money.

Vocabulary

  • clear request
  • main point
  • polite reminder
  • subject line
  • clear writing
  • exactly where to look
  • follow up
  • what to do

Grammar: BE-2

Referring back
Further to our call on Tuesday, I have attached the file. — links to earlier contact
Stating purpose
I am writing to confirm the new date. — opens with the reason

Discussion questions

  1. Would you rather write a long, polite email or a short, direct one?
  2. Is it worse to sound too formal or too casual at work?
  3. Do you prefer sending an email or making a quick call?

Seven Words That Sink an Email

Grammar: BE-2

What's in this lesson:

Full lesson plan with reading, grammar, vocabulary, and discussion.

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