Question

Which of these items would make an email to a professor look unprofessional? More than one
answer may be correct.
1. A signature including your name and class period
2. Messages written in abbreviated texting language
3. Links to a funny meme
4. A smiley face emoticon

Answer 1

Answers 2, 3 and 4.

- 2 (texting abbreviations) looks careless and informal.
- 3 (links to memes) is unprofessional and distracting.
- 4 (smiley emoticon) is usually too informal for a professor email.

Item 1 is fine — include your full name, class/period, and a concise signature.