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.
Wednesday, 23 April 2008
What Should You Say In Your Letter?
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
Tuesday, 15 April 2008
Monday, 31 March 2008
AEP STUDENTS
Dear all fellow parents, grandmothers, dogs, slaves and mistresses of the AEP Student, (Including the Student)
The MOE is rather bored and ran out of funds probably so they wanted to check out the AEP which is 24 years old currently.
We would like very much to hear from you, the students and your parents or slave-drivers.
We will appreciate very much if we can have 10-15 mins of your time to participate in an online survey to get your views on this matter. Hopefully, you won't take too long or you'll just be wasting your God-damned time.
You may also contact the teacher via email - zabid@vs.moe.edu.sg or phone 90466797 if you have any difficulties with the survey instrument or if you have any other comment and feedback about the programme not addressed in the survey. Please do not spam but if you do, spam moderately.
Thank you for your time and support.
Link for Students:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=ObdVXJSHE0p30u1CqFID7g_3d_3d
Link for Parents:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=WNidsCSC8FT_2bnuJyuGJqZQ_3d_3d
- Update: The links are functioning perfectly fine. If these links don't link to the survey, go to the e-learning page. -
