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Overview
Students participate in an e-mail project. They write and respond to e-mails based on a series of problems. The project can be done in two ways:
• the students write the e-mails by hand on the photocopiable template. The messages are then ‘delivered’ by the teacher or by the students themselves.
• students with access to a computer network with internal e-mail can type their messages and send them across the network. The teacher can also ask learners to print out the e-mails in order to correct them later.
Preparation
• One copy of the worksheet for each pair/small group of students. Cut the worksheet into two.
• For students doing the e-mails by hand, three copies of thee-mail template on page 184 for each student; for students working on computers, check you know the e-mail address of the computers they are sending the messages to/from.
Procedure
1. Ask students if they can pick up e-mail remotely and if they find this convenient or if it just creates more work.
2. Students should ideally draft the e-mails in pairs/small groups but, in smaller classes, they can work individually. Divide the class into AB pairs/small groups. Hand out the correct half of the worksheet to each student/group. Give students time to read the role card and the problem cards. Check vocabulary as necessary and that each student/group knows the name of the person they will be e-mailing.
3. Give students time to compose and send their e-mails. Tell them to keep the e-mails short and to focus on the main information in the problem cards. (You could set a time limit of five minutes per e-mail to keep the e-mail exchange moving.) Remind students that they may need
to write more than three messages if they need to clarify something or to ask for additional information. Monitor the activity and be prepared to ‘deliver’ the messages across the classroom.
4. Take the e-mails in for marking if appropriate. Students working on a network can print off the e-mails.
Student A
1. Read the role card below.
2. Read the ‘problem cards’ below. Write an e-mail for each situation and send it to your assistant.
Profile: You are the plant manager of Bio-pharm, a pharmaceuticals company. You are on a business trip but are in e-mail contact with your assistant. You will need to send him/her tasks while you are away and you will receive messages, requests for information etc.
Problem card (1)
There are problems with the computer network. You thinkit’s a virus but have no idea what action to take or who to contact. Ask your boss what to do.
Problem card (2)
The report from the latest health and safety inspector has just arrived. In a strongly-worded attack, it condemns conditions in the laboratory. He wants to arrange a meeting asap. How should you reply?
Problem card (3)
The transportation company that distributes your products in central Europe has gone onstrike, demanding higher wages. You do not know how to get supplies out to Poland and Hungary on time. Ask your boss what to do.
3. You will receive three e-mails from your assistant which will need answering.
Student B
1. Read the role card below.
2. Read the ‘problem cards’ below. Write an e-mail for each situation and send it to your manager.
3. You will receive three e-mails from your manager which will need answering.
Profile: You are the plant manager of Bio-pharm, a pharmaceuticals company. You are on a business trip but are in e-mail contact with your assistant. You will need to send him/her tasks while you are away and you will receive messages, requests for information etc.
Problem card (1)
You have suddenly remembered that the trade fair is coming up in New York and you have not yet booked the hotel or flights. Get your assistant to send you a rough estimate of costs based on competitive fares and midrange hotels for yourself and a colleague.
Problem card (2)
Your usual supplier has contacted you demanding an increase in prices. They say this is necessary due to the recent rise in fuel costs. You need your assistant to draft a brief, tactful letter rejecting the new terms and conditions and e-mail you the draft asap.
Problem card (3)
You have come across an article in an important trade journal that raises the possibility that your latest product, an antihistamine drug, is potentially dangerous and demands it be recalled by Bio-pharm. E-mail your assistant asking for any reaction/thoughts before you write your own press release.
Source: In Company Upper intermediate Resource materials
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