by Anouk Jones, G11: What no one talks about: how to write emails – polite but animated but also professional?
Hey, What do u think I need to change in my assignment cuz I think it needs improvements lol. Pls reply asap since it’s due tmrw! Thanks g, ttyl.
Make your email the one that they don’t laugh at with their friends!
Almost every time I need to email a teacher, as my finger hovers above the “send”, my stomach twists. This process eventually ends in me highlighting what I have wrote and pressing the delete button… Can you relate? If yes, then you’ve come to the right place!
So, how do I write a good email?
1. Write a clear subject line
Your teacher probably receives a lot of emails everyday, and it’s important to be clear about why you’re sending one!
DO‘s
- “Block 4 I&S – Research Paper”.
- “Algebra Question for Unit test”.
DONT’s
- “heeeeelp!”
- blank subject line (the worst of the worst)
If you’re simply emailing about a question or letting the teacher know that you won’t be in class for some reason, write something like: “[Date] Quick Note” in the subject line.
2. Address your teacher politely
It is important to establish a respectful tone in your email, if you start the email off on a good note, then your teacher will not be tempted to hit the ‘mark as unread’ button and leave you waiting on a response.
DO’s:
- Dear ___,
- Good morning/afternoon
- Hello Mr/Ms ___
DON’Ts:
- Heyy, whats up
- No greeting
3. Be straightforward
Realistically, your teachers do not want to spend time trying to figure out what you are emailing them about. Try to avoid pouring all of your thoughts into an email and just hitting ‘send’, instead you should cut out the rubbish and present the most relevant info.
4. Know how to ask for favours
Explain the circumstances and ask if it is possible. Make sure to end requests with “thank you” or “I appreciate your consideration”.
5. Use proper spelling and grammar
Instead of “idk what 2 rite about in my paper can you help??” Try using “I am writing to ask about the topics you suggested in class yesterday.”
6. Label attachments
Whilst you could leave a random link sitting at the end of an email, it is better to clearly label it using phrases such as “I have attached down below“, or “See (title of link) below.”
7. End your email!
End with any polite version of “thank you” followed by your name.
DO’s
- Thank you
- Sincerely
- Kind regards
- Best
DON’TS
- Thnx
- Byeee
- C u soon
But how do I know if I proofread it right?
1. Know what to avoid.
Do not include: casual or disrespectful language, poor spelling, lack of punctuation, abbreviations, etc.
2. Understand when it’s ok to email.
If you need to ask your teacher about an assignment, catch-up after being sick, or cannot talk to them – that’s fine. If not, have a conversation and avoid using your email as a tactic to avoid your teacher!
3. Do not email your teacher about personal topics, unless they have told you that it’s ok.
Even though they laughed at your joke in class, it does not mean that you can send them memes because you think they will enjoy them!
Remember to be patient, your teachers are busy people and if you receive an immediate response then you are lucky! Finally, do not email after 10pm, especially on a Sunday!
If you have any questions or other tips, comment down below!
Pritchard, Ashley. “How to Email Teachers.” WikiHow, WikiHow, 10 Jan. 2020,
Portwood-Stacer, Laura. “How to Email Your Professor (without Being Annoying).” Medium, Medium, 14 Aug. 2016,
“Inside Higher Ed.” Advice for Students so They Don’t Sound Silly in Emails (Essay),