How can you understand what your boss is asking for in a email?

You should summarize his or her boss in terms of his instructions to be able to know whether what his or her boss is saying is right.

You should keep what his or her boss say in a written note, to be able to have a basis and recall his or her instruction.

You should rephrase what your boss is saying to ask whether there are any corrections in terms of your understanding on what your boss said.

It’s all really subjective. Are they being indirect? Not wording it properly. If it’s an email specifically to you, their behavior or attitude toward you in a work place and what they usually say to you may be similar to what’s in the email. Look out for context clues.

Is this a school question or you’re real life experience?

If you have a specific email that you are confused about right now, you can put that in (just the part you trying to figure out) so I can try to help (only if you’re comfortable with that)