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How to Write a Professional Email: "Help on lecture information" example

Email is the most common way to communicate and conduct business. It is the first impression you may have on some so you want to make sure you do it correctly. Here are a few tips on how to write a professional email.

Dos

  • Go to class
  • Address the instructor in a professional way
  • List a few questions you would like to be answered about the material
  • Offer to come by to their office hours
  • Be curtious

Don'ts

  • Skip class
  • Address the instructor as a friend
  • Forget to mention what material you need assistance with
  • Mention or set an appointment for his/her office hours
  • Be rude

Examples

Do

Dear Professor Lin, 

I have some questions about a few of the lecture notes from todays class:

(1) Why do titrations using 0.10 M ethanoic acid and 0.10 M hydrochloric acid require the same titre volume even though one is strong and one is weak?

(2) What’s the “pH range” referring to in the indicators section of the data booklet?

(3) What’s the difference between benzene and cyclohexene?

These are just a few of the questions I need a little assistance on. I see your office hours are tomorrow at 11:30am-1:00pm. I will not be able to make your open office hours but will it be okay to set up an appointment? Thank you in advance.

Best,

Samantha Brooks

Chemistry 123 Section 005

Don't

Professor Lin,

I do not understand the notes from class. I did not come to class today but I got them from another classmate. The slide about hydrochloric acid is confusing. I can read his hand writing but I do not understand the material. I tried coming to your office not during your office hours though because that's when I get lunch. I get off work at 3:00pm. Will you be there tomorrow at that time?

Thanks, Sam