Writing e-mails

Where would we be today without e-mail? It's hard to even remember how we communicated before the days when almost everyone was online. And now, for most of us, the day begins by checking our e-mails.

Whether it's a quick message to a friend you haven't seen for a while or arranging an appointment for a job interview, e-mail provides a quick and uncomplicated way of communicating.

But just like any other form of communication, there are rules. And despite the easiness and informality of e-mailing, the rules can make writing a little daunting — especially when you are writing in a second language. How should you begin? Is it "Dear" or "Hi"? And how to end? "Best regards" or "Kind regards"?

In the May issue of Spotlight, Toby Skingsley explains the ins and outs and gives you all the common phrases you'll need to write an e-mail with confidence, whether it's formal or informal. Get a copy — and keep it next to your computer!

And in the meantime, why not find out how much you know already in our true or false exercise on the next page?

Dagmar Taylor