How to write an e-mail

Solving problems

Situation 1: You bought a new laptop in a traditional store, and, because the name of the store, you accepted pay a little more expensive by this product.

When you opened the box, you noted something wrong: the “enter” key was missing, so, you decide return to the store and explain the situation to change the laptop.

Complete the dialogue with a logical sentence. Don’t forget about your objective: change the laptop.

Seller: May I help you, Sir?

You:

Seller: Ohm, this is awful. Can I see the laptop?

You:

Seller: This looks like perfect to me, Sir.

You:

Seller: I will call the manager

A few minutes later…

Manager: Ok, Sir. What is the problem with your laptop?

You:

Manager: Yes, yes. I already know about the enter key, but this is normal in this model of laptop.

You:

Manager: This is a new model that doesn’t need an enter key, all the commands are given by the power of the mind.

You:

Manager: Didn’t you note you paid more expensive by this model? So, it is because this new technology.

You:

Manager: Sorry, Sir. I can’t do anything about this.

You:

Situation 2: Now, the situation is different. You work in a company and are the responsible to receive customers’ e-mails and send an answer.

One day, you receive this e-mail:

Good morning,

I am very dissatisfied with this company. I contracted a service with you and, according your consultant, I should pay 50% of the service in advance. I did a bank deposit and scheduled the service.

At the scheduled day, your consultant sent me a message saying there was a problem and the service wouldn’t happen. Ok, I understood and we schedule the date again.

At the second date, the same consultant sent me a message with the same situation: there was a problem and it isn’t possible to do the service today. Then, I solved ask my money back, because this is ridiculous.

The consultant gave me this e-mail address and I want now a solution about this situation or I will go to the police.

I hope to hear from you soon,

Jack Smith

• What would you answer in this situation?

 How to write an e-mail in English

1-      First, you have to choose a greeting. Your options are:

-Dear Mr./ Ms./ Mrs. And the name of the person.

- To whom it may concern.

2-      Explain what the objective of your e-mail is. Start with one of this sentences:

-          I am writing because…

-          I am writing regarding the meeting…

-          As agreed, please find attached the information about…

3-      Finish your e-mail. Choose the sentence according the formality of the reader and the situation. The options are:

-          Let me know about…

-          If you have any questions, please, don’t hesitate to contact me.

-          Please, let me know if you need any extra information.

4-      Say goodbye using one of these phrases.

-          Thank you.

-          Thank you for your patience and cooperation/ attention.

-          Best regards (very formal).

-          With regards (used and United Kingdom. It is a cold expression).

-          Sincerely (this is a safe choice when you don’t know the level the formality).