Email Communication Skills Quiz

You are emailing a professor to ask for an extension on an assignment. Which opening is the most appropriate?

• Hey Prof, I need more time.

• Dear Professor [Last Name], I hope you are well. I am writing to request an extension on the assignment due next week.

• Yo, can I get more time?

• Hi, I can’t finish the assignment.

Which sentence best softens a complaint about a noisy dorm?

• The dorm is way too noisy. Fix it!

• I am very unhappy with the noise in the dorm.

• I would like to kindly request that the noise level in the dorm be reduced, if possible.

• Stop making noise!

You need advice on which extracurricular activity would improve your TOEFL speaking. Which sentence is best?

• Tell me which activity is best.

• I am interested in improving my TOEFL speaking skills and would greatly appreciate any advice you could provide about extracurricular activities that could help.

• I don’t know what to do, give me an activity.

• Suggest something for me.

When requesting information, which additional detail makes your email clearer?

• Explain why you need the information.

• Only say “I need this info.”

• Don’t mention yourself, just ask.

• Ask vaguely to leave it open.

You attended a school seminar that was too long. Which feedback is professional and polite?

• The seminar was boring and too long, please shorten it.

• I appreciated the seminar. One suggestion for next time: consider shortening it slightly to keep students’ attention high.

• The seminar was too long. Fix it.

• Everyone hated the seminar.

When emailing a company about a delayed order, which sentence is best?

• Where is my order?

• I am disappointed you haven’t delivered my order.

• I am writing to inform you that my order has not yet arrived, and I would appreciate any information you could provide about its status.

• Deliver it now!

Which version best organizes an email requesting advice?

• Ask question → Reason for asking → Closing

• Reason for asking → Ask question → Closing

• Closing → Ask question → Reason for asking

• Ask question → Closing → Reason for asking

Which sentence best connects ideas in a polite complaint email?

• The service was bad. I am angry.

• While I appreciated your quick response, I noticed some issues with the service that I hope can be addressed.

• Service bad. Fix it.

• I want a refund.

Which sentence shows tact when requesting a recommendation letter?

• You must write me a recommendation letter.

• I would be grateful if you could write a recommendation letter for me, and I understand if your schedule does not allow it.

• I need a letter from you, do it now.

• Write it or I won’t apply.

You need to ask for clarification about a confusing instruction. Which sentence is most polite and professional?

• Your instructions make no sense, explain them.

• I am confused by your instructions, please clarify.

• Could you please clarify the instructions regarding [specific part]? I want to make sure I complete the task correctly.

• Fix your instructions.