Students for this class send "social emails" to their classmates each week for homework. The first two weeks they simply send. Once they are accustomed to sending an email, the aim is to fine tune it so they are sending structurally correct, socially appropriate emails.
The idea is low stress, real communication. As the semester progresses they are encouraged to pick up more complex topics from the class to discuss with their partner.
2. Basics
• Your Address: Sent from school address
• cc: cc-ed to your teacher
• Subject: Your name, class time (M2, M3),
• These help my inbox stay organized
3. 1. Greeting
• Dear Emiko
• Hi Hiroshi
•Use their name rather
than “Dear friend”
•Family name can be OK.
4. About the other person (social email)
Listening & interest.
• Thanks for being my deskmate today.
• How was your circle welcoming
party?
• I was interested in your comments
about… +
• See you in class
5. Balance
• Being too friendly can also be uncomfortable
– can be misinterpreted / sound needy
eg
- I am really looking forward to seeing you.
(ok if you are really excited or if it’s a really
close friend but otherwise leave out really.)
- It was so good sitting with you today.