Email a Post-Secondary Institution: Letter Writing and Life Skills

Email a Post-Secondary Institution: Modern Letter Writing and Life Skills for Grades 7-12

This resource helps students write polite emails to colleges and universities to request information they may require. This will be an important skill in the senior grades as students start to gather information about prerequisites and application procedures.

Students learn email basics like addressing the recipient, crafting the subject line, and signing off appropriately. Use the supplemental Email Vocabulary Worksheet CLICK HERE to teach these terms.

Then students can write a sample email together as a class asking a question of a college or university employee.

Finally, students independently compose an email based on the provided prompt. The resource is adaptable for grades 7-12. It develops real-world writing skills students need to email teachers, colleges, and future employers.

What's Included

A one-page PDF printable worksheet with an email template and tips for this specific kind of email.

Student Instructions:

• Be specific about your purpose in the subject: “Request for Financial Aid Information” or “Help with Timetable.”

• Be formal and polite in the body of the e-mail. Try to make things easier for whoever you are asking for help from: “I could come by any afternoon this week to pick up the documents.”

• Include your student number (if you already have one) in the signature.

  PRACTICE:  E-mail Susan Brower at The University of Toronto and ask for an application form for the research assistant role in the seismic lab. CC the geology professor who suggested this, Dr. Ned Lansbury

Extend the lesson by exploring other types of formal emails needed for future goals. Let your students gain confidence mastering this essential life skill that applies communication standards across the curriculum.

Check out other email assignments here:

Emailing an Apartment Listing

Emailing a Potential Reference

Emailing a Teacher or Coach