Active Vocabulary

Warm up

Lesson 5. E-mail

Discussion

Write an essay

· How might a multilingual Internet help you in your studies/ work

· How do you think the Internet will develop over the next few years?

Work in groups of four and debate the following issue:

1. It is the responsibility of the individual to censor what he/she views on the Internet.

2. The pros and cons of the Internet

3. The real world of the Internet

4. The main use of the Internet

5. Internet’s addiction

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet

http://www.virtual-addiction.com/

http://www.bewebaware.ca/english/internetaddiction.html

http://www.addicted2internet.com/

http://www.livinginternet.com/i/iu.htm

http://futureoftheinternet.org/

http://www.pewinternet.org/Reports/2008/The-Future-of-the-Internet-III.aspx

http://www.rockymtnweb.com/free/advanced/internet-cons.htm

http://www.asiamedia.ucla.edu/article.asp?parentid=80542

· What do you know about E-mail?

· What things do you have to think about when writing an email to someone you have not met or emailed before?

· What kind of “first time” emails do you receive?

· How would you start each email?

· Who do you exchange friendly emails with at work? Who was the last one to/from?

· How do you make an email sound friendly rather than just business-like?

For those who are unfamiliar with the Internet, email is electronic mail. We send and receive this mail via our computers and phone lines (modems). This is fast becoming the most widely used form of communication, at least in the United States, where thousands of Internet service companies exist, and where the phone and service charges are minimal. It is less expensive than a phone call to any place outside of one’s local area, and especially overseas, it is as easy as sending a fax (facsimile) and it takes little time. An additional benefit is that one can skip the formalities of a regular letter

Email is typically shorter and a more relaxed way of sending messages; it is particularly practical if you do not want to call long distance because of a language barrier or the expense. When language is an obstacle, sending an email is a blessing; after all, it is easier to see the message than have to speak on the telephone.

From Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia

Email Structure
how to start	new information	friendly sign-off
Further to our phone conversation,… You may remember… Thank you for sending… With reference to…, I have been advised to contact you…	As you may be aware,… We’re hoping to…	Thank you again for your help. I hope to hear from you soon.
Formal emails
formal vocabulary	fewer phrasal verbs	complicated phrases
I am afraid I will not be able to attend the meeting on Friday.	If any problems arise… We will test the prototype… They may eventually sell…	We will not transfer the amount on the invoice until we have received our complete order in perfect condition, However long that may take.
passive voice	infinitive with to	in oder to and so as to:
Your invoice will be sent next week. I was told we would receive a 10% discount.	We need to take a shorter lunch break to bring us into line with Europe.	You’ll have to finish the project by Friday in order to get it to me the following Monday. I was hoping for a more modern design so as not to attract the wrong type of clients.
Informal emails
You can often omit I, I’m and It’s	you can omit the verb clause	you can omit the word that
Will call you tomorrow after lunch. Not sure if you got my last email.	More news tomorrow Great performance last night!	Just let you know (…) I’m thinking about your proposal. Sorry to hear (…) you’re leaving the company.

When writing a forceful email, you can use these phrases to get the recipient’s attention:

I am writing to remind you that…

I feel you should be made aware of…

I would like to point out that…

You can use these phrases to make the consequences of the problem clear:

This has led to…

This has caused…

This has resulted in…