In AP Chinese writing tasks, responding to email prompts effectively involves several key strategies. This article provides a guide on how to address these types of questions, helping students focus on the essential aspects of the task to achieve high scores.
1. Understand The Context And Requirements of The Email
Analyze the context of the email by first identifying the sender—whether it’s a teacher, a friend, or a business contact—as this will influence the format of your response. Next, pinpoint the main content of the email: what issues, requests, or information are mentioned? Focus on these key elements when crafting your reply. Determine the main points you need to address by looking at any specific questions or requests made in the email. For instance, does it ask you to discuss a particular event or provide feedback or advice?
2. Clarify The Purpose And Structure of The Email
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Opening of The Email
Salutation: Choose an appropriate greeting based on the sender’s identity. For example:
Formal: Dear Professor Zhang
Informal: Dear Li Ming
Opening Line: Keep the opening brief, typically starting with a thank you or acknowledging the sender’s message. For example:
Thanking: Thank you for your email.
Acknowledging: I’m pleased to receive your message.
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Body
In the first paragraph, address the main issues or requests mentioned in the email. For example:
If the email asks for your opinion, use this section to share your views.
If the email requests confirmation of your attendance at an event, clearly confirm it here.
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Closing
End politely by expressing thanks or reiterating your expectations. For example:
Thanking: Thank you once again for your invitation or information.
Anticipating: I look forward to meeting you at the meeting.
Signature: Conclude the email appropriately and sign off with your name. For example:
Formal: Sincerely, Zhang San
Informal: Best regards, Zhang San
3. Politeness And Formatting
Formal Address:
“Dear Professor Wang,”
Informal Address:
“Dear Zhang Hua,”
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Polite Expressions
Gratitude: “Thank you for your message. I appreciate the invitation.”
Request: “Could you please let me know if there’s anything else I should prepare?”
Apology: “I apologize for the delay in my response.”
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Closing Polite Expressions
Formal: “Best regards, and wishing you all the best.”
Informal: “Looking forward to hearing from you. Wishing you all the best.”
4. Well-Organized Structure
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Well-Structured
Introduction: Briefly mention the context of receiving the email.
Body: Provide detailed responses to the questions or requests in the email.
Conclusion: Offer a concise summary or confirm key points once more.
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Smooth Transitions
Use transition words like “firstly,” “secondly,” “additionally,” and “finally” to guide the reader smoothly from one point to the next.
5. Express One’s Intention Accurately
Clearly convey your intent by directly addressing the questions or requests in the email. Avoid unnecessary elaboration, and ensure your response is straightforward and precise. If needed, provide concrete examples or details, but keep your explanations brief and to the point.
6. Use A Varied Vocabulary And Diverse Sentence Structures to Enhance Your Writing
Try to use synonyms to avoid repetitive language. For instance, “suggest” can be replaced with “recommend.” Aim to mix simple and complex sentences to add depth to your writing. For example, instead of just saying, “I think it’s necessary to increase market research because…,” you could use a complex sentence structure to provide a more nuanced explanation.
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