Question

Jerome is a dedicated and conscientious Ashford student who is concerned about the grade he earned on a recent written assignment. He would like to e-mail his instructor, Dr. Sarah Smith, with questions about his grade.

Which of the following is the BEST way for Jerome to begin this e-mail?

a. Hi Dr. Smith, can you tell me why my assignment grade is so low?
b. I have a question about my grades!
c. Sarah, what's up with my grades?
d. Hello Dr. Smith, I have a question about my grades.

Answer 1

d. Hello Dr. Smith, I have a question about my grades.

Step-by-step explanation:

Sarah is in a position of authority, so first Jerome has to greet her by her title and surname, so Dr. Smith.

Then, when going about his grade, he has to be careful. Just asking about the grade, as is done in the a. option, is a bit gross, that is, very direct.

So the correct answer is:

d. Hello Dr. Smith, I have a question about my grades.