AP1F-1
Observation Request Email
After selecting the course and instructor you want to observe, you need to send an email to the
instructor asking for permission to observe his or her class. You will complete this assignment
by cc-ing me on the email you send to the instructor.
E-mail can be used as an informal means of communication between family and friends, or it
can be used more formally in the job application process, in business, or in education. This
email is formal, so it should follow these rules:
To:
CC:
Subject:
Message
(Greeting)
(First
Sentence)
(Next
Sentences)
Check the instructor’s email address; if it is not typed correctly, it will not work.
Example: jdoe@sccd.ctc.edu
Include your ESL instructor’s email address. (This sends a copy of your email to
your ESL instructor. This is how you will “turn in” your assignment.)
Example: jsmith@sccd.ctc.edu
Include a subject that clearly states what the email is about. Never leave this
field blank. Many people delete emails if they do not have a subject line because
it is dangerous to open emails when you don’t know who they are from or what
they are about.
Example: Observation Request
Always begin a formal email with an appropriate greeting (title + last name)
based on the situation. Spell the person’s name correctly!
Possible titles:
Mr., Ms., Mrs., Dr., Professor, Instructor
Example: Dear Ms. Doe,
*Hit enter once after your greeting.
Explain who you are and why you are writing.
Example: My name is Vladimir Dimitrov. I am a Level 5 ESL student at North
Seattle Community College. I need to observe a class for…
Give background information necessary for your request and specifically ask for
what you want. Write the email using a similar form as a letter:
 Use paragraphs.
 Spell words correctly.
 Never use all CAPS.
 Don’t use emoticons! (   )
 Don’t use abbreviations (ur, b/c, etc.)
 Use correct grammar and punctuation.
 Use correct capitalization rules.
*Hit enter once after each paragraph.
TLC Project 2010 – Permission granted for classroom use only
AP1F-1
(Final
Sentences)
Thank the receiver and give them a clue as to the next step.
Example: I appreciate your time and help with my project. I look forward to
hearing from you.
(Closing)
Sign off using an appropriate closing. Don’t use anything too personal (i.e. Love,
Blessings, etc.)
Example: Sincerely,
*Hit enter once after your closing.
Always sign your name and title. Use your first and last name. Give your contact
information.
Example: Vladimir Dimitrov, Student
Vdimitrov@northseattle.edu
(Signature)
Sample Email:
To:
jdoe@sccd.ctc.edu
CC:
jsmith@sccd.ctc.edu
BCC:
Subject:
Observation Request
Dear Ms. Doe,
My name is Vladimir Dimitrov. I am a Level 5 ESL student at North Seattle Community College.
I need to observe a college class for a project in my ESL class. I am interested in observing your
English 101 course because I know that I need to take it in the future. I want to know what this
class is like and how to prepare for it.
The course schedule days that you teach daily from 11:00 a.m. – 11:50 a.m. in CC 3343. Could I
observe your class on Thursday, October 28th? If that day does not work well for you, could you
please recommend a day that works better for you?
I appreciate your time and help with my project. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Vladimir Dimitrov, Student
vdimitrov@northseattle.edu
TLC Project 2010 – Permission granted for classroom use only
AP1F-1
Before sending your email, you must proofread:
 Check your spelling.
 Check your grammar.
 Check your punctuation and capitalization.
 Check your form:
o Do you have one line space after the greeting, each paragraph, and the closing?
o Do you have two spaces after each period and one space after commas and
other punctuation marks? (No spaces before punctuation.)
TLC Project 2010 – Permission granted for classroom use only