An email request for help

Read an email asking for help from another department to practise and improve your reading skills.

Instructions

Do the preparation task first. Then read the text and do the exercises.

Preparation

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Reading text

To:

James Forrester

Date:

6 November

Subject:

Possible help with product design

Dear James,

As you know, we have been working on the new perfume that we are launching in April and we are unsure about some of the packaging details. We have seen some of your creative work in the sales department and we think you have a very good eye for detail.

Do you have some time before close of business this Friday to sit down with us and talk through some of our designs? We would truly appreciate your advice on this. It shouldn't take longer than two hours of your time and we would be happy to clear it with Patricia, your department head, if necessary.

Best regards,

Sarah Ford

Head of Department
Product Design

Task 1

Exercise

Task 2

Exercise

Discussion

What should you include in an email asking for help?

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Language level

B1 - Intermediate

I should include first the name of the person who I need help from, then I need to add the request in a formal style. I need to get to the point, so for example here I have a request that I wrote at my job: Hello dear Laura. This is to inform you that the marketing area needs some help from you. To follow up on our afternoon meeting we need you to help you with the design of the new advertisement for the our new product. Could you let me know if you have some free time on this Thursday?. Best regards, Giuliana Rodriguez. Head of marketing area.

First, the email should introduce the subject. Second, I think a good way to help more to James, will be telling him what is the problem they are facing, so he could be more into what is happening, and of course telling him if I wants to be part of that project because Sarah is not even asking him. Third, if he wants to be part, tell how long will get the meeting. Fourth, maybe saying bye or thanks for the favor would be nice.

Gratitude, of course.

Firstly we would include what's the problem we face,then brief introduction about our product. Asking help from other, our words should be simple, concise and polite.

When you are planning to contact someone for guidance it's crucial to write precisely and clear the problem, therefore they can help in a more efficient way.

Firstly, I would include the problem and I would clearly show the person that I am writing for his/her capacity to help me out in my problem. Secondly, I would kindly request, and trying to facilitate the person job by offering any steps should be taken from my side such as writing a request permission from the person's boss.

The head of the product design department ask her collegue, who works forthe sale department, if he can help to finalize the packaging of the new perfume. This is great if collegues of different departments can help eachother!

Fist I think the subject of the mail. second, the greeting to whom the email is addressed. third, formal and polite language fourth, the farewell to the mail. fifth, email signature

In an email asking for help I would firstly include my reason for help, secondly I would mention the skills the individual has that would benefit me. Thirdly I would request their availability, and thank them in advance.

An email intended to ask for help should consist of necessary things that are concise and straight forward. First, you have to introduce yourself properly. Then, you have to explain the reason why you send the email. Explain to the receiver your intention and why you chose them in order to help you. If there is a specific time in which you need their help, state the precise time and ask them whether they are available at that time. You also have to compliment and thank them to be polite

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