Business Letter Style

The business letters style is usually considered in four aspects:

1. Format:

There are three main formats, accepted in formal written communication:

1. blocked – all the elements of a letter are left oriented;

2. modified blocked – the parts are left oriented except the date and closing which are placed in the center;

3. semi-blocked – looks like the modified blocked style, only each paragraph is indented.

1. Prose:

Clarity of communication is the primary goal. Don’t use any jargon or slang if your recipient doesn’t understand or share it. Short sentences are preferable, because they are easier to understand and interpret in the right way. Don’t ramble, dive precise and relevant information.

3. Manner:

Personalize your letters, be polite and friendly in all cases, whatever the subject of your writing is. Your letter should leave an impression that much effort and thought has been put into writing it.

4. Accuracy:

The final copy of your letter is to be polished and checked for spelling and punctuation.

Notes:

to consider-рассматриватьto indent-начинать с красной строки

clarity-ясностьto ramble-говорить бессвязно, перескакивать с одной

мысли на другую

precise-точныйeffort-усилие

2. Identify the functions, ticking the right columns.

	format	prose	manner	accuracy
Spelling and punctuation checking
Using short, laconic sentences
Using modified blocks
Personalizing the letter
Using semi-blocks
Polishing the grammar and vocabulary of the letter
Using proper vocabulary
Being precise, avoiding non-meaningful phrases
Trying to be friendly in all cases
Using blocks
Giving impressions of hard and meaningful work over the letter
Checking sentences for their relevance

3. Translate the following text using definitions of the words in bold type.

Letter Layout

A business letter style usually consists of

the following elements:

1. Letterhead (1) 1.the name and address of a person,

It includes your name, address, telephone number, company or organization printed at

fax number, e-mail address, web address. the top of the writing paper

2. Dateline

3. Name and address of the recipient

You can also add job title if necessary. Doublecheck (2) 2. check for a second time or with

that you have the correct spelling of the recipient’s great care

name.

4. Salutations (3) 3.the words that are used in a letter

The type of salutation depends on your relationship to address the person you are

with the recipient. Try to personalize your letter, writing to, for example “Dear Sir”

avoid (4) the “dear sir/madam” salutation. 4. try not to do something

5. Communication

A number of paragraphs, where you give the reason of

your writing, all those facts and information which

represent the matter of your writing. Each paragraph

deals with one point only.

6. Closing

It’s a polite way to finish your letter using standard and

formal phrases. Don’t use familiar (5) closing if your 5. very informal, sometimes in a

reader doesn’t know you well. way that is unpleasant

7. Signature

The signature should be clear and legible (6), it shows 6. clear enough to read

You are interested in the letter and the recipient.

It should also be followed by your name printed.

8. Enclosures (7) 7. other documents that are placed

If you attach (8) other material to the letter, put the in an envelope with a letter

words “Enclosure”, “enc.”, or “encl.”, two lines 8. fasten or join

below your signature.