Grammar

Writing 
Writing Tip: We tend to use more formal language when writing in academic context. The choice of words, grammar and tone differs greatly between formal and informal language. In formal situations, they are less personal, and we tend to avoid casual language or colloquialisms. The tone in more formal language is less relaxed sounding and avoids phrasal verbs. The following examples will help you to recognize informal vs. formal ways of giving the same message: 

say sorry for being late                        vs.   apologize or excuse yourself for being late
plus or and                                           vs.   moreover, additionally         
but                                                        vs.   nevertheless, however
just wanted to let you know                  vs.   I am writing to inform you…
You can call me if you need anything. vs.	Please do not hesitate to contact me.	
give                                                      vs.   provide
get                                                       vs.   obtain / gain

Exercise: Rewrite the direct questions as indirect questions.

1. When does the course start? Could you tell me …………………………………………
2. Do I need to do a level test? Please let me know ………………………………………
3. How much does the course cost? Would you mind telling me ………………………………
4. Do you have native-speaking teachers? Could you tell me …………………………………………

ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL EMAILS			
Email messages are generally less formal than letters, but there are still certain expectations for appropriate and successful email communication with faculty, colleagues and other professionals.
Complete the text below with adjectives from the list:                                                        personal, descriptive, full, kind, convenient, concise, academic, large, formal, conversational, exaggerated, grateful, lazy, willing
Points to remember
•	In academic emails, de-emphasize the 1______________ aspect.
•	Use of polite terms and apologies does not guarantee a polite tone. Be careful not to sound arrogant or bossy.
•	Keep messages as 2____________ as possible: leave out 3____________ details.
•	Do not send 4_____________ attachments unless asked.
•	Use your university email account for 5______________ and professional correspondence.
Names
If you don’t know a professor – Professor Jane Doe, for example – address her as “Professor Doe” (title + last name) until she writes back with a signature that gives you a clue to how you can address her. If she signs her response to you with “Jane Doe”, you probably need to stay with a more 6_____________ approach and use “Professor.” If she writes back using “Jane,” she can (and should) be addressed in the future as “Jane”. 

Formality
We may speak using the words wanna and gonna, but we don’t write them unless we are reporting speech or dialect. We also avoid most abbreviations, emoticons 😊, 7__________ punctuation, and text messaging short forms (e.g. FYI).

Requests
It is important to be polite when you are asking someone to help you. 
Here are some suggested phrases:
•	Would you be so 8____________ as to…
•	I hope you might be 9_____________ to…
•	When 10___________ for you, could you please…
•	I would be most 11______________ if you…

Format
•	SUBJECT line: concise but 12___________
•	Start with Dear Prof./Dr./Ms./Mrs./Mr. Doe,
•	End with Best regards, Regards, Sincerely, Best, Thank you,
•	Use your 13____________ name in the closing of your first message 
•	Proofread and spell-check (spelling errors are considered 14____________ and unprofessional) before you hit SEND
•	Don’t forget to include your class/group number or identifying information

Adapted from: http://www4.ncsu.edu/~nmswishe/academic_email.pdf (10 February 2015).		
Answer Key - ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL EMAILS			
Email messages are generally less formal than letters, but there are still certain expectations for appropriate and successful email communication with faculty, colleagues and other professionals.
Complete the text below with adjectives from the list:                                                        personal, descriptive, full, kind, convenient, concise, academic, large, formal, conversational, exaggerated, grateful, lazy, willing
Critical points to remember
•	In academic emails, de-emphasize the 1personal aspect.
•	Use of polite terms and apologies does not guarantee a polite tone. Be careful not to sound arrogant or bossy.
•	Keep messages as 2 concise as possible: leave out 3 descriptive details.
•	Do not send 4 large attachments unless asked.
•	Use your university email account for 5 academic and professional correspondence.
Names
If you don’t know a professor – Professor Jane Doe, for example – address her as “Professor Doe” (title + last name) until she writes back with a signature that gives you a clue to how you can address her. If she signs her response to you with “Jane Doe”, you probably need to stay with a more 6 formal approach and use “Professor Doe.” If she writes back using “Jane,” she can (and should) be addressed in the future as “Jane”.

(Unlike in Czech, we NEVER say Mrs. Professor or Mrs. Teacher or Mrs. Master!!!!)

Formality
We may speak using the words wanna and gonna, but we don’t write them unless we are reporting speech or dialect. We also usually avoid abbreviations, emoticons 😊, 7 exaggerated punctuation (e.g.!!!), and text messaging short forms (e.g. FYI – for your information).

Requests
It is important to be polite when you are asking someone to help you. Some suggested phrases:
•	Would you be so 8 kind as to…
•	I hope you might be 9 willing to…
•	When 10 convenient for you, could you please…
•	I would be most 11 grateful if you could…
Format
•	SUBJECT line: concise but 12 informative
•	Start with [Dear] Prof./Dr./Ms. Doe,
•	End with Best regards, Regards, Sincerely, Best, Thank you,
•	Use your 13 full name in the closing of your first message
•	 Proofread and spell-check before you hit SEND (spelling errors are considered 14 lazy and unprofessional) 
•	Don’t forget to include your class/group number or identifying information