Email Critical Reading: Business Email Challenge
This lesson challenges ESL students to analyse a professional email through advanced comprehension questions.
“I hope you’re well. Our meeting on the 15th of last month was extremely productive. To build on that momentum, I suggest we schedule a follow-up meeting. It would be great to host you at our office, where we can personally introduce you to the entire Project Management team.”
Email Understanding
Read the following email and answer the comprehension questions provided. These questions are designed to challenge your understanding of the text, encourage critical thinking, and help you analyse the writer’s intentions, tone, and communication style. Take your time to consider each question carefully and support your answers with evidence from the email.
Dear Mike,
I hope you’re well. Our meeting on the 15th of last month was extremely productive. To build on that momentum, I suggest we schedule a follow-up meeting. It would be great to host you at our office, where we can personally introduce you to the entire Project Management team.
We are happy to accommodate any afternoon next week, with a preference for Thursday, May 28th. If that works for you, please feel free to invite your team. I believe it will be a great opportunity to bring everyone together.
Let me know your thoughts, and I hope to speak soon.
Regards
Geffrey Turnur
CEO
Email Questions
If you were the recipient, what would be your next steps after reading this email?
What might be the advantages of holding the follow-up meeting at the writer’s office, according to the email?
How does the writer express flexibility regarding the meeting date, and what does this suggest about their attitude?
Why do you think the writer specifically mentions introducing the recipient to the Project Management team?
What is implied about the relationship between the writer and recipient based on the tone of the email?
How does the writer encourage collaboration between both teams?
What is the writer’s primary goal in suggesting a follow-up meeting?
How does the writer balance politeness and assertiveness in their requests?
What does the use of phrases like “build on that momentum” reveal about the writer’s intentions?
In what ways does the closing sentence reflect the overall tone of the email?