很多小伙伴在平日的邮件里习惯了用各种网络用语和玩笑话,但是这种习惯一旦带到正式场合,可就懵bi了。对于我们在申请时写给教授的邮件,我们究竟应该如何措辞?到底需要注意哪些细节?下面北京新东方雅思老师郜老师与大家分享“用一封邮件被梦校录取?这些措辞技巧让教授爱上你!”
其实,很多文体的英文写作都是有固定套路和内在逻辑的。雅思写作是这样,给教授写邮件更是这样!
01
抄送
在给教授写邮件时,有时需要抄送学校的行政助理或tutor以作记录,这时要注意抄送的表达:
中文里我们常说“把这个邮件抄送给我”,于是就直译为“cc me this email”,这是错误的用法。CC是名词短语 carbon copy “副本”的缩写,不能做动词表达“抄送”。正确的说法是 copy sb in (on sth): Could you please copy me in on your email to her? 请你给她发邮件时记得抄送我。
02
主题
教授每天可能收到几十封邮件,所以要想不被遗漏,一定要在[主题]中:说明你期待的回应,同时表达邮件的核心内容。
例如:
- Request: an extension of my essay
- Kind reminder: feedback on my dissertation
这样的主题让收件人一看就明白。
邮件正文
01
问候对方
和中国人写邮件喜欢单刀直入不同,外国人写邮件的第1步一定是问候寒暄:
常见的用法是 Dear X, 开头,另起一段写:
- Hope this email finds you well.
- I hope you are doing well.
如果教授可能不认识你,那就以自我介绍开头:Please allow me to introduce myself: …
- My name is Tianhui, and I’m a student of your course X.
- My name is Tianhui, and X referred me to you, because …
如果是回复教授的邮件,那就以感谢开头:
- Thank you very much for your feedback on X.
- Thank you very much for your interest on X
02
开头目的
问候寒暄之后,第2步要立刻说明你写邮件的目的:
常见句式是I’m writing to …
- request a deadline extension on X
- ask for further details about X
03
主体部分
说明邮件目的之后,第3步才进入主体、解释情况。这里有一个简单的3C原则:clear清晰,correct正确,concise简明。写邮件不是写作文,重点在于高效的传递信息,而不是用丰富的词汇量和华丽的文采给教授留下印象。
解释完情况之后,一定要最后一句话说明你希望教授具体做什么。以下三种常见情形供大家参考:
请求帮忙
- Can I kindly ask you to grant me an extension of X?
- At your convenience, would you please send me X?
催人回复
- It would be great if you could let me know X as soon as possible.
- Although I understand that you are very busy, I would appreciate it if you could provide a response as soon as possible. I very much appreciate your time.
添加附件
- Please find enclosed a copy of my writing sample.
- I attach my resume for your information.
04
结尾感谢
清楚地解释了情况、也说明了希望教授做的事情之后,如果立刻结束那就太不礼貌了:
一定要在结尾再次表达感谢
- Thank you very much for your time (and consideration).
- Your advice on X is highly appreciated.
之后再接一句话表达“盼来信”
- And I look forward to hearing from you soon.
- Should you require any further information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
05
问候落款
你的邮件落款还在用Best wishes,吗?虽然没错,但我们可以换些花样:
- Kind regards,
- Warm regards,
再附上你的名字,例如 Tianhui,就大功告成啦!
常犯错误
01
回复太晚
绝大部分外国人有定时或随时回复邮件的习惯,如果24小时之内没有回复教授那就算是太晚了。这种情况下,邮件正文的第一句话一定要先道歉:
- Sorry for not getting back to you sooner.
- My apologies for the delayed response.
02
不够礼貌
很多中国学生在学英语时常常忽略委婉表达的重要性,而经常使用一些在母语人士看来不太客气的表达。例如:
跟餐厅服务员不说 I want some water,而要说 :
- Could you please get me some water?
- Can I have some water please?
跟同学不要说 Please tell me when you are available,而要说:
- Could you please tell me when you are available?
- Please let me know when you are available
同样的问题也体现在邮件里:在邮件中要多使用:
- Could you please …?
- Can I …?
类似于Please do …的祈使句要慎用,除非是让自己做某事:
- Please let me know …
- Please remind me …
03
语体欠妥
如果你有外国小伙伴,你们之间的邮件可能轻松友好:
- [问候对方]时可能会说 Hey Mary, how’s it going?
- [问候落款]时可能会说 Thx, Tianhui 或者 With lots of love and hugs, Tianhui
除此之外,我们在点击“send”之前,一定要再三检查你的邮件内容以及附件,确保无误之后再发送,给教授留下一个细心缜密的印象,对于录取也是很加分的!