ENG 3105 Boston University Request for a Reference Letter

ENG Final Draft Email Submission Deadline:
Final Draft Setup Requirement:
1 professional-quality email, 2-3 polished paragraphs
WHAT: Write a 2 to 3-paragraph persuasive email appropriate for the professional workplace.
HOW: The following email message was sent to a professor from a student. Using the guidelines
discussed in class and in your course textbook, revise the message to make it more effective and
then submit the email to your instructor as directed by the published deadline.
To: T.Grant@neu.edu
Subject: Class
HEY PROF!!
U PROBABLY DON’T REMEMBER ME BUT I WUZ IN UR CLASS A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO.
I GOT AN OKAY GRADE AND NOW I’M TRYING TO GET A JOB!! CAN YOU BELIVE IT?
THING IS, THE GUY SAID I NEED SOMEONE TO WRITE A REFFERANCE LETTER FOR ME.
CAN U DO IT? RIGHT NOW I JUST NEED TO PUT YOUR NAME DOWN THAT YOU’LL DO
IT. I GOT TO GET THIS JOB. THANKS!
You can invent information, as needed, to increase the persuasiveness and effectiveness of the
revised version of this email. The final draft of your revised email must
 demonstrate expertise in the creation of a formal business email message designed to
persuade a reader to action;
 demonstrate evidence of process writing (drafting, revision, editing);
 be 2 to 3-paragraphs in length and use appropriate font and text size.
WHY: This assignment strengthens your ability to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate main ideas in
production of a common communication document. It demonstrates writing as a process that
requires substantive revision, and it promotes communication skills aimed at a specific audience
about a particular subject for a defined purpose while advancing your understanding of your
strengths as a writer of persuasive business materials.
Knowing how to write a professional email is beneficial in other ways.
o Email is the most common form of business communication, and its popularity results in
dozens of email exchanges between business workers on any given day. For this reason,
brevity, clarity, and professionalism are vital in effectively communicating information
and needs.
o Email can be made available to many people other than the intended recipient;
messages can be intercepted or forwarded, and since they are transmitted through a
company’s electronic system, they are not considered private correspondence. For this reason, it is important to understand how to use email in an effective and productive
manner.
o Email can be a challenge since much of our daily communication relies on body language
and voice tone, two things which are not available via regular email channels. As a
result, word choice and presentation are important when communicating needs and
ideas through email exchanges.
o This type of business writing is also a great way for your instructor to assess your skills of
organization, critical thinking, and grammar/punctuation.