Writing an E-mail about an Important Issue

Which part of a formal e-mail is optional?

A formal letter that you print and mail begins with a .

It's that time of year again, known locally as "pothole season." Each winter, harsh weather, snow plows, and salt on the roads work together to create potholes. Now that the snow is melting, this year's potholes are being revealed. So far, the large pothole on Main Street has caused two flat tires and a big traffic snarl. And that's just one pothole among the many that riddle the downtown area. What should be added to this paragraph to make the writer's argument more effective?

Read the sentence. You have to agree that paving over that muddy, gross area where we wait before school is a good idea. Which revision makes the tone of the sentence appropriate for a formal e-mail?

When writing a formal letter or e-mail, what kind of words should the writer use to convey a formal tone? Check all that apply.

(1) The torrential rain that postponed the festival has finally ceased, but it left a trail of disaster. (2) Rescheduling the annual Pickle Palooza is going to be a huge undertaking. (3) The ceremonial pickle podium floated off during the downpour and hasn't been seen since. (4) A flock of ducks have taken up residence on it and have been chasing off anyone who comes near them. (5) And, there is a puddle the size of a small lake where the festival field was. What is the best way to reorganize the paragraph to make the writer's viewpoint clear to the reader?

The woods behind the high school have become littered with trash. The students at the school are partly responsible for the problem. We are often careless with our trash when we are in the schoolyard. Since we helped make the mess, we should organize a clean-up day. Which sentence from the paragraph best identifies the letter's purpose?

Please drop students off no more than fifteen minutes prior to the start of the dance, which will last two hours. After the dance, the school will remain open for an additional thirty minutes, although we prefer that students do not linger until the last minute. If you would like to help with the dance, please contact the principal for volunteer opportunities. Who is most likely the intended audience of the letter?

Which is the correct format for a formal letter?

In the interest of public safety, Griffin Avenue should have a traffic light installed. There have been many traffic accidents recently at Griffin Avenue and 32nd Street. Statistics show that overall traffic in the area has also increased. Installing a traffic signal at Roman Avenue reduced accidents by ten percent, so it is likely that installing one at Griffin Avenue, which has similar conditions, will also result in fewer accidents. At your next council meeting, please consider my suggestion for making this intersection safer. What viewpoint is being expressed in the e-mail?

You have to agree that paving over that muddy, gross area where we wait before school is a good idea. Which revision makes the tone of the sentence appropriate for a formal e-mail?

Write a letter to the school board in which you propose turning part of the schoolyard into a garden. What is the purpose of the e-mail?

Read the salutation from a formal letter. Dear Mr. Garcia What is the correct way to punctuate the salutation?

Harrington City Park has recently become quite run-down. This sentence is an example of the writer's , or perspective, on the topic.

What should the writer include in the second body paragraph of an e-mail that addresses a problem? Check all that apply.