Email Writing Guidelines

Proper email structure and language use are essential for success in Fachabitur Englisch Prüfung NRW and other English assessments.

Email Structure

1. Header:

   • From: [Your email]
   • To: [Recipient's email]
   • Subject: [Clear, concise topic]

2. Greeting:

   • Formal: "Dear Sir or Madam" (unknown recipient)
   • Semi-formal: "Dear Mr./Mrs. [Last Name]" (known recipient)

3. Opening:

   • "I hope you're well."
   • "I am writing to ask for..."
   • "I was delighted to receive your email."
   • "Many thanks for your email about..."

4. Main Body:

   • Keep paragraphs short and focused
   • Use clear, concise language
   • Address the main purpose of the email

5. Closing:

   • "Thank you in advance."
   • "I look forward to hearing from you soon."

6. Sign-off:

   • "Yours sincerely," (known recipient)
   • "Yours faithfully," (unknown recipient)

7. Name:

   • Your full name

Vocabulary: "Enquiry" - A formal request for information.

Tips for Formal Emails

When writing formal emails, such as job inquiries or business correspondence:

1. Introduce yourself and your affiliation
2. Explain how you found the recipient (e.g., website, advertisement, trade fair)
3. Clearly state your purpose or request
4. Provide necessary details (e.g., delivery requirements, specific products of interest)
5. Use polite language throughout

Example: "My name is [Your Name], and I am an intern at [Company]. We were interested to see that you offer [specific product/service] on your website."

Written Discussion Guide

For essay-style questions or longer written responses in Fachabitur Prüfungen NRW 2024 or Abschlussprüfungen Berufskolleg NRW 2025, follow this structure:

Introduction

• Introduce the topic or issue
• Example: "Nowadays, it is often discussed if..."
• Present contrasting viewpoints: "Some people are convinced that... but others..."

Main Body

Use the "Sandglass Principle" to structure your arguments:

1. Start with strong arguments against your position
2. Move to medium-strength counterarguments
3. Present weak counterarguments
4. Introduce weak arguments for your position
5. Progress to medium-strength supporting arguments
6. Conclude with your strongest supporting arguments

Highlight: Always provide examples to support your arguments.

Useful transition words:

• Firstly, secondly, moreover, furthermore, in addition

Conclusion

Summarize your standpoint without introducing new arguments.

Useful phrases:

• "To sum it up..."
• "All in all, you can say..."
• "To put it in a nutshell..."

Definition: Sandglass Principle - A method of organizing arguments from strongest to weakest, then weakest to strongest, mimicking the shape of an hourglass.