Transcript Slide 1
Letter Writing
• Objective: Today we will review types of
letters and complete a letter writing
prompt.
•
For detailed information on persuasive, biographical, and expository/informative writing please select those links
from the web page
BUSINESS LETTERS
• When writing business letters, your
purpose may be to inform, to suggest, to
complain, to argue, to persuade, or to
commend.
• Sometimes a business letter is an
expository piece of writing about buying a
product that didn’t work: You explain how
the product was defective and demand
your money back.
Your Name
Your Street Address
City, State Zip
Date
Recipients Name
Company
Street Address
City, State Zip
Dear (insert name of Company official) :
I am writing to express my continuing dissatisfaction with your company’s
service on my road grinding equipment.
When your mechanic is called, he rarely arrives within the four-hour time
period designated by our contract. He also appears to be lacking in
knowledge and experience with my equipment.
The short warm-weather season here does not allow for work stoppages
and equipment breakdowns. If I’m to renew my contract, we must review the
issues of equipment failure, repair personnel, and downtime.
Please call at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
(Sign your name here)
(Type your name here)
• A business letter might be a biographical piece
of writing: If you are asked to write a letter of
recommendation, you will have to describe the
person you are recommending and tell how he
or she would be perfect for the job.
Your Name
Street Address
City, State Zip December 19, 2006
Recipient
Company Name
Street Address
City, State Zip
Dear :
It is with great pleasure that I recommend Annik Stahl. I have known her for twenty years.
Annik has always displayed a high degree of integrity, responsibility, and ambition. She is definitely a
leader rather than a follower. In addition to her excellent scholastic accomplishments, she has proven her
leadership ability by organizing a hockey league in North Dakota to provide young people an opportunity to
compete and learn good sportsmanship.
She is also a most dependable team player. Her good judgment and mature outlook ensure a logical and
practical approach to her endeavors.
Annik would be an asset to any organization, and I am happy to give her my wholehearted endorsement.
Sincerely,
Sign your name here
Type your mane here
• A business letter might also be a
persuasive piece of writing: You want to
see your favorite sports team in person.
Write a letter persuading a favorite family
member to get tickets.
January 9, 1995
Dear Dad,
WOW! Dad, I just had a great idea! You know how you and I watch Uof L ballgames
on T.V. and scream and yell at the ref when he makes a bad call? You know how we
go wild when they win or make a great play? How about us doing that in person and
going to see the real live U of L ballgame?
I know what you're thinking. You're thinking that we can't afford it. But wouldn't
you know, I have a solution. I can pay for my own ticket out of my allowance.
You might think we can't get tickets because they're sold out. But I could write a
letter to Coach Denny Crum asking for two or three tickets and he might just send
them.
I'll bet Mom wouldn't even want to go. We can leave her at home and you and I
could spend quality time together. It would be a spectacular father and son activity.
You will probably say you can't because of your job. But I'm sure your boss
would let you off or let you take a vacation day. After all, he's a very understanding
man.
You might say you don't have the time, but what could be more important than
your only son? I'm sure you could find time for me.
You might even be concerned about out the car ride being too long. The drive to
Louisville is only two and one half hours long. You took me to Florida in a car, don't
you think you could take me to Louisville?
I can see it now! Thousands of screaming fans, all cheering for
Louisville. Louisville blowing the other team out! You and me loving every minute of
it! Now, wouldn't it be terrific if you cold take me to a game?
Sincerely,
Billy Bob
• Remember your audience, the person who
will be receiving the letter, and use
language that the person will appreciate
and pay attention to. Don’t use slang when
addressing the Board of Education, for
example. On the other hand, you might
use some slang if you’re requesting a free
CD from your favorite musician’s record
company.
• Keep the letter short and to the point.
Make your central ideas clear.
• Remember that if you want to make a
good impression, you will need to pay
attention to format and spacing as well as
spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Parts of a Letter
• Heading- complete address of sender and
recipient
• Greeting or Salutation Dear ____, or To whom it
may concern:
• Body- Use a t chart to outline your points before
drafting you letter
• Closing- Sincerely,
• Signature- always sign your name beneath the
closing and then type or write your name under
you signature
Steps to Follow
• 1.Body- Use a t chart to outline your points
before writing you letter
• 2. Write your letter
• 3. Revise and Proofread
• 4. Add you heading- complete address of sender
and recipient
• 5. Add you greeting or Salutation Dear ____, or
To whom it may concern:
• 6. Closing- Sincerely,
• 7.Signature- always sign your name beneath the
closing and then type or write your name under
you signature
PRACTICE
• Write a business letter persuading your
school principal to extend the lunch period
from 30 minutes to one hour.
• Read the prompt carefully.
• What does the prompt ask you to do?