Step 4 of 6 in Language Center
Next in your path: 6.3.2 Tagalog Conversation: everyday and family talk
A good email is like a short letter with a clear label on the envelope. The label (subject line) says what it's about, and the inside says what you need, quickly and kindly.
A simple email structure:
The Government of Canada's Canada.ca Content Style Guide gives the same advice for clear writing: start with the most important information, use plain language, use the active voice in most cases, and break up long sentences (it suggests under 15 to 20 words).
| Word or phrase | Meaning | How to say it |
|---|---|---|
| subject line | the title of the email | SUB-jekt lyn |
| "I'm writing to..." | states your purpose | aym RY-ting too |
| "Please find attached..." | you added a file | pleez fynd uh-TACHT |
| "Could you please... by Friday?" | a clear, polite request | kud yoo PLEEZ |
| "Best regards," | common polite closing | best ree-GARDZ |
| attachment | a file added to an email | uh-TACH-ment |
Subject: Request: updated price list for December Hi Daniel, I'm writing to ask for the updated price list for December. We are preparing our holiday order and want to confirm costs. Could you please send it by Thursday, December 4? Thanks, Lina
Videos by other creators on YouTube, for reference. They are not made by or affiliated with The Future Market.
[Host] "Busy people read the subject line and the first sentence. Make both count."
[Text on screen: Subject: Request: updated price list for December] "Say what it is and what you need, right in the subject."
[Text on screen: I'm writing to ask for...] "First line: your purpose. I'm writing to ask for..."
[Text on screen: Could you please send it by Thursday?] "End with a clear action and a date. Then: Thanks, and your name."
Rewrite the last three work or school emails you sent using this structure. Compare: are they shorter and clearer?
Copy this, open Claude, paste it, and Claude will walk you through the lesson step by step.
For a grown-up: Claude is for adults (18+). Copy this, paste it into Claude, and use the answer to explain the lesson to your child.
I'm learning "Business English: Emails and Meetings" on The Future Market. Lesson 1: "The shape of a good work email". What the lesson teaches: - Word or phrase - Meaning - How to say it - subject line - the title of the email - SUB-jekt lyn - "I'm writing to..." - states your purpose - aym RY-ting too - "Please find attached..." - you added a file - pleez fynd uh-TACHT - "Could you please... by Friday?" - a clear, polite request - kud yoo PLEEZ - "Best regards," - common polite closing - best ree-GARDZ - attachment - a file added to an email - uh-TACH-ment The exercise I'm working on: Rewrite the last three work or school emails you sent using this structure. Compare: are they shorter and clearer? I'm stuck. Please: 1. Explain the main idea in plain, simple words with one everyday example. 2. Walk me through the exercise one small step at a time. Ask me what I've done so far before giving the next step. 3. Don't just give me the final answer. Help me do it myself, and check my work when I share it.
I'm a parent helping my child (about 8 years old) with a lesson called "The shape of a good work email" from the course "Business English: Emails and Meetings". Here's what the lesson says: A good email is like a short letter with a clear label on the envelope. The label (subject line) says what it's about, and the inside says what you need, quickly and kindly. The activity: Rewrite the last three work or school emails you sent using this structure. Compare: are they shorter and clearer? Please explain this so an 8-year-old understands: short sentences, a fun everyday example, and no hard words. Then give me 3 simple questions I can ask my child to check they understood, and a way to do the activity together, one tiny step at a time.
This lesson is part of full access: every course and every level for one payment.
This lesson is part of full access: every course and every level for one payment.
This lesson is part of full access: every course and every level for one payment.
This lesson is part of full access: every course and every level for one payment.
This lesson is part of full access: every course and every level for one payment.
This lesson is part of full access: every course and every level for one payment.
What should the first sentence of a work email do?
State your purpose.
Rewrite "Send me the file" politely.
"Could you send me the file, please?"
What are the four parts of a good apology email?
Say sorry once, explain briefly, give the fix, give a date.
How do you disagree politely in a meeting?
"I see your point, but..."
What do you say when someone's microphone is off?
"I think you're on mute."
What three things does every action item need?
Task, owner and deadline.
What does EOD mean?
End of day.
Why is a specific date often better than "ASAP"?
It is clearer and sounds less pushy.
This lesson is part of full access: every course and every level for one payment.
This lesson is part of full access: every course and every level for one payment.
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