Academic Email to Teachers

Email

Requesting a letter of recommendation

Compose a formal and courteous email to request a letter of recommendation. Begin with addressing the recipient as ‘Dr. [Recipient’s Last Name]’. State the purpose by mentioning that I am seeking a recommendation letter for my application to [Specific University/Institution] for [Specific Program or Position]. Clearly state the deadline for the recommendation as [Specific Date].

Provide context by reminding them of our relationship, such as ‘[Specific Course Taken with Them]’ or ‘[Specific Project/Interaction we had]’. Highlight positive interactions or achievements, such as ‘[Specific Achievement or Contribution]’, to provide them with points they might consider including in the recommendation. Offer to provide additional materials for reference, such as essays, projects, or transcripts, and mention that they are attached.

Acknowledge the effort involved in writing the recommendation and express gratitude for their time and consideration. Suggest the possibility of discussing further if they need more information, and provide options to meet in person or over a call.

End with a note of appreciation and sign off with ‘[Your Full Name]’.

Writing style: [Informal] / [Formal]

Tone: Professional and Conversational

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Question or clarification for a professor

Compose a concise and respectful email to a professor with the subject ‘Clarification on [Specific Topic/Assignment Name]’. Start with a formal greeting, addressing the professor as ‘Dr. [Last Name]’ or ‘Professor [Last Name]’. Introduce yourself by stating, ‘I’m [Your Name], a student in your [Specific Day and Time, e.g., “Monday 10 AM”] [Course Name] class.

Clearly and succinctly present the specific question or point of confusion related to [Specific Topic/Assignment/Lecture Date]. Provide a brief context for the question, ensuring clarity and avoiding vagueness. For instance, instead of saying ‘I didn’t understand last lecture’, specify ‘I had difficulty understanding the concept of [specific topic] from our last lecture.

Express gratitude for their time and guidance, and sign off with a courteous closing, such as ‘Best regards’ or ‘Sincerely’, followed by your full name. Ensure the overall tone is polite and the language used is professional.

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Informing about an absence or late submission

Draft a brief and polite email to a professor regarding either an absence or a late assignment. Use the subject ‘Absence on [Specify Date]’ or ‘Late Assignment: [Assignment Name]’. Start with ‘Dear Dr. [Professor’s Last Name]’. Mention you’re ‘[Your Full Name]’ from the ‘[Course Name]’ class on ‘[Day and Time]’. State the reason, either ‘[Brief Reason for Absence]’ or ‘[Reason for Late Submission]’. Note that you’re aware of the course’s policies. Suggest a solution, like ‘[Proposed Submission Date]’ or an ‘[Alternative Session]’. End with an apology and thank them for understanding. Keep the tone professional and the content concise.

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