Letter Writing

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

2. BUSINESS LETTERS • When writing business letters, your purpose may be to inform, to suggest, to complain, to argue, to persuade, or to commend.

3. 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.

4. 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)

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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

9. 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.

10. Keep the letter short and to the point. Make your central ideas clear.

11. 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.

12. 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

13. 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

14. PRACTICE • Write a business letter persuading your school principal to extend the lunch period from 30 minutes to one hour.

15. Read the prompt carefully. • What does the prompt ask you to do?