What Should You Say In Your Letter?

What Should You Say In Your Letter?

Asking yourself a few basic questions can be an excellent way to approach letter writing. Jot down answers for your questions. You can incorporate these answers into the body of your letter. Remember to keep the letter short, simple, and to the point. Here are some questions you could ask yourself:

Who are you? (An obvious question, but you may need to identify yourself right away if the reader does not know you or does not know you well.)

Why are you writing this letter? What do you want? Keep your wording positive--for example, say what you want, rather than what you do not want.
What are your concerns? Be specific. After you identify yourself, focus on the primary reason for your letter in the first few sentences.

What are your questions? Ask them clearly. Be polite, but don't make your letter saccharine in tone. You don't want any misinterpretation of your purpose--someone might think an overly sweet letter expresses sarcasm.

How would you like the reader to respond to your question or situation? Suggest the response you would like: a letter, a meeting, a phone call, an email, etc. State exactly when you would like to receive the reader's response.

Rules to a complaint letter

Rules to a complaint letter

Got a complaint? Why not? Life’s full of them. Did your hand phone fail to provide the services you expected? Face it, at some point in life you’re going to have a complaint that needs to be put in writing. Rather than dread the inevitable, keep in mind that writing a complaint letter can be easy if you just follow five simple rules.

Rule One - Keep in mind that no matter how upset you are, don’t let your hostility spill over into your writing. To be taken seriously it is essential to keep a calm and professional tone in your letter. This means no blaming, no name calling, and definitely no foul language.

Rule Two - Use a three point approach. This approach breaks down your letter into three paragraphs with each one having a specific purpose.

Paragraph one – Introduce your self, State your purpose and you’re your letter in a positive light. Remember, the reader must be in a positive mindset in order to be able to digest and understand your needs in the letter.

Paragraph two - explains the problem. Remember, don’t blame. Everyone makes mistakes so keep this assumption in your mind as you write. Mention any important details if it helps to substantiate your claim.

Paragraph three - is the resolution. Many people have a bad habit of stopping after the second paragraph. They can easily state what they wanted and even more easily point out the flaws, but the third paragraph is critical. This is where you tell the reader exactly what you want them to do. Don’t ever assume that a complaint alone is enough. Many times it isn’t. If you want a check for refund sent, say so! If you need a replacement of poor quality merchandise, tell them!

Rule Three - Give contact information. If there are questions regarding your letter, on who should be contacted and how, List a valid phone number or email address. This should be at the end of the third paragraph.

Rule Four – Make sure your format is right. This will help bring the reader’s respect and add credibility to your writing.

Rule Five - As you close your letter thank the reader for their assistance. People respond better when they feel they are being asked and appreciated, rather than ordered.

Writing FORMAL LETTER

Instructions:
1) Spot the errors that can be found in this letter with regards to Tone.
2) What can be done to make this letter appear more diplomatic; without being offensive or overly reactive
3) Replace phrases where you feel is harsh / inappropriate
________________________________________________________________


Dear Mr Luigi,



I am returning the enclosed skateboard for a full refund. I believe it is not only a bad product, but a dangerous one. I am shocked that a company supposedly dedicated to making good products would sell such a thing. I demand not only a refund, but an explanation.

When I purchased the ‘Smokey Thunder’ skateboard, I asked the salesperson whether it was, indeed, designed to enable me to kick-flip on curbs without injuring myself. He assured me that if the parts were assembled properly, I will get the best experience out of my skateboard.

I followed the instructions exactly in assembling it and assumed that it would be safe. Instead, while cruising around my neighbourhood and going up and down slopes, the wheels suddenly gave way and I stumbled forward like a cannonball. I sprained my ankle and almost broke my neck!!! It was awful!!

This is absolutely unacceptable. Thank God my injuries are not that bad, but others may not have been so lucky. I could have been seriously injured, or worse, and it would have been your fault.

I want my money back, but more important, I want a letter from you, assuring me that this dangerous product has been taken off of the market. If I don’t hear from you, I’ll be forced to take further action to ensure that teenager like myself gets hurt or killed as a result of your negligence!!!


Sincerely,
Mi Puah Ting

Homeworks

Tuesday Homeworks. 15/4/08.

Science - Workbook Ws 1 - 16

Maths - Upcoming Test on Right-angled Triangle Thing

History - SEQ Worksheet