Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following is an appropriate formal opening salutation for an unknown recipient?
Which of the following is an appropriate formal opening salutation for an unknown recipient?
What is a suitable informal closing for an email?
What is a suitable informal closing for an email?
Which phrase should you use when stating the purpose of your email in a formal context?
Which phrase should you use when stating the purpose of your email in a formal context?
Which word is the most appropriate formal substitute for 'ask'?
Which word is the most appropriate formal substitute for 'ask'?
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Which of the following is an effective transition word to use when providing an example in an email?
Which of the following is an effective transition word to use when providing an example in an email?
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What is the most polite way to request assistance in a formal email?
What is the most polite way to request assistance in a formal email?
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What is a formal way to express regret in an email?
What is a formal way to express regret in an email?
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Which of the following pairs contains an informal synonym for the formal expression 'to assist'?
Which of the following pairs contains an informal synonym for the formal expression 'to assist'?
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Which closing statement is most appropriate for a professional email?
Which closing statement is most appropriate for a professional email?
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Which of the following is a polite expression to use when requesting a reply?
Which of the following is a polite expression to use when requesting a reply?
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Which opening salutation is appropriate if you know the recipient's name?
Which opening salutation is appropriate if you know the recipient's name?
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Which closing is most suitable for emails when you do not know the recipient's name?
Which closing is most suitable for emails when you do not know the recipient's name?
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What is the most polite way to request information?
What is the most polite way to request information?
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Which of the following sentences is the most formal way to express gratitude?
Which of the following sentences is the most formal way to express gratitude?
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Which linking word is appropriate to use in this sentence: 'We had to postpone the meeting, ____ we could not confirm the agenda?'
Which linking word is appropriate to use in this sentence: 'We had to postpone the meeting, ____ we could not confirm the agenda?'
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Which phrase is informal when closing an email?
Which phrase is informal when closing an email?
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What is the most formal way to ask someone to assist you?
What is the most formal way to ask someone to assist you?
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Which of the following expressions is informal when apologizing?
Which of the following expressions is informal when apologizing?
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Which is a formal way to open an email when addressing someone you have not met?
Which is a formal way to open an email when addressing someone you have not met?
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Which linking word best fits: 'The project was delayed; ____ we did not receive the necessary approvals.'?
Which linking word best fits: 'The project was delayed; ____ we did not receive the necessary approvals.'?
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What is the meaning of the verb 'to provide' in a communicative context?
What is the meaning of the verb 'to provide' in a communicative context?
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Which phrase correctly conveys intent to obtain information about a new item?
Which phrase correctly conveys intent to obtain information about a new item?
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What does 'to enquire' mean in this context?
What does 'to enquire' mean in this context?
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Which of the following expressions indicates an action of regret?
Which of the following expressions indicates an action of regret?
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Which option represents a request for a response?
Which option represents a request for a response?
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What action does the phrase 'can you give me' imply?
What action does the phrase 'can you give me' imply?
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Which statement is a request to reserve a place?
Which statement is a request to reserve a place?
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What does 'to reply' mean in a communication context?
What does 'to reply' mean in a communication context?
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Which option is synonymous with 'to answer'?
Which option is synonymous with 'to answer'?
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What does 'to receive' imply regarding an order?
What does 'to receive' imply regarding an order?
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Match the following formal email expressions with their informal equivalents:
Match the following formal email expressions with their informal equivalents:
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Match the following email salutations with their appropriate level of formality:
Match the following email salutations with their appropriate level of formality:
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Match the following phrases with their typical use in email writing:
Match the following phrases with their typical use in email writing:
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Match the following polite expressions with their appropriate level of formality:
Match the following polite expressions with their appropriate level of formality:
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Match the following email closings with their appropriate level of formality:
Match the following email closings with their appropriate level of formality:
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In a formal email, you might start with 'Dear ______' when addressing a known recipient.
In a formal email, you might start with 'Dear ______' when addressing a known recipient.
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To politely request assistance, you might say, 'I would be ______ if you could help me with this.'
To politely request assistance, you might say, 'I would be ______ if you could help me with this.'
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An informal closing statement for an email could be 'Best ______'.
An informal closing statement for an email could be 'Best ______'.
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A common phrase to open an email and state your purpose is, 'I’m writing to you to/about ______.'
A common phrase to open an email and state your purpose is, 'I’m writing to you to/about ______.'
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In formal correspondence, you might conclude with 'Yours ______' when addressing an unknown recipient.
In formal correspondence, you might conclude with 'Yours ______' when addressing an unknown recipient.
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Study Notes
Email Writing: Formal vs. Informal
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Salutations:
- Informal:
Hi/Hello [Name],(No salutation)(especially in ongoing chains) - Formal (unknown recipient):
Dear Sir or Madam - Formal (known recipient):
Dear Ms./Mr. [Name]
- Informal:
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Closings:
- Informal:
Best wishes,All the best,Best - Formal (unknown recipient):
Yours faithfully - Formal (known recipient):
Yours sincerely
- Informal:
Email Openings
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General openings:
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I’m writing to you to/about…(e.g., "I'm writing to you about the annual meeting.") -
Just a quick note to…(e.g., "Just a quick note to say that I'm sorry but I can't come to the annual meeting next week.") -
I’m contacting you to/about…(e.g., "I'm contacting you about my order LX789.") -
Just writing to…(e.g., "Just writing to thank you for sending me the documents.")
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Referencing a previous email:
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Further to your earlier email…(e.g., "Further to your earlier email, I would like to inform you that we have received your message and are currently reviewing your request.")
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Email Closings
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Common closings:
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I look forward to hearing from you. -
We look forward to your order. -
(I) hope this helps.(e.g., "I hope this document helps you.") -
(I) hope to hear from you soon. -
Have a nice day.,Have a nice weekend.
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Email Organization
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Linking words/expressions:
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and,also,actually,too,but,although,because,so,that’s why,for example,for instance - These words connect ideas smoothly. (e.g., "We increased the budget, so we were able to invest in new software.")
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Being Polite
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Polite expressions:
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please,thanks,thank you,could you,would like,would you mind,I’d be grateful if you could… - Phrase examples:
Could you please contact me at this address?,I’d be grateful if you could send me this document.
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- Example usages:
Could you please come and check what the problem is?,I would like you to solve this problem as soon as possible.,Would you mind sending it to me as soon as possible?,I’d be grateful if you could send me this document as soon as possible.
Formal vs. Informal Vocabulary
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Equivalent pairs:
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apologize/say sorry,assist/help,attend/come,contact/get in touch,convenient/ok,enquire/ask,inform/tell,provide/give,receive/get,regret/be sorry,reply/answer,require/need,reserve/book - Use formal equivalents in professional correspondence.
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Quiz Structure
- Question Types: Multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, matching, short answer/rewrite, scenario-based.
- Scope: Range from basic knowledge to complex email composition tasks.
- Difficulty: Vary the difficulty within each section.
- Content: Covering salutations, closings, openings, organizing ideas with transitions, polite requests, formal/informal vocabulary conversions, and realistic scenarios.
- Scenario-based: Include realistic email scenarios with open-ended questions for practical application.
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Description
This quiz explores the differences between formal and informal email writing. You will learn about appropriate salutations, openings, and closings for various contexts. Test your knowledge on how to communicate effectively through email!
