- •Unit 1 structure of a business letter
- •Read and learn the following topical words.
- •II. Read and remember the following word combinations.
- •III. Read and translate the following text. Structure of a business letter
- •III. Have a discussion on the topic «structure of a business letter». Use the following questions as a plan.
- •Read and learn the following words and word combinations:
- •Read and analyze the following text. Elements of a business letter
- •Write a business letter of your own. Use the information from the unit and the examples of the letters in Appendix 1. The following phrases may be in use by you.
- •Analyze the following words and phrases:
- •Preparing business letter
- •III. Make a list of the business writing techniques mentioned in this dialogue.
- •IV. Give the main idea of the dialogue in your own words.
Preparing business letter
Hello, Ann.
Good morning, Marry. It’s nice of you to call me. But can you speak a bit louder? I can’t hear you. Where are you calling from?
I am calling you from the office.
I didn’t quite catch what you said. From the office?
Oh, sorry, I didn’t tell you, but I’ve got a job in the office. And I don’t want my boss to hear this conversation. That’s why I’m speaking in a low voice.
Do you have any problems?
You are perfectly right, Mary. I am confused…
You should overcome your nervousness. Can I help you?
I think you are the only person whose advice will be a great help to me. I have to write a business letter to our business partner and I know you are a great expert in the business writing techniques. I am lacking in time with my letter so I have some questions to finish this letter and present it to my boss as soon as possible.
OK, you are welcome with your questions.
Thanks, I’d like to get to know about preferable font in the business letter.
Well, it is recommended to use writing fonts such as Tahoma, Arial, or Helvetica. And it’s better to use a 10 to 12 font size for the body of the letter, and a 14 to 20 font size for the main headings.
Or, great. And is it necessary to put each separate idea in a separate paragraph? My letter is too long that I am not sure it will be located on one page even if I organize the body of the letter with no paragraphs.
Oh, no, Marry! Your letter must be located on one page only. Use short sentences, and put each separate idea in a separate paragraph without fail. On the one hand your letter should be clear, and on the other hand it should be concise. Do you follow me, Marry?
Sure, Ann. Thanks a lot.
And don’t forget to check grammar, spelling and punctuation. The letter should be the kind of correspondence you would like to receive yourself.
I greatly appreciate your giving me these valuable instructions.
Don’t mention it. I am sure you will do it perfectly well.
III. Make a list of the business writing techniques mentioned in this dialogue.
IV. Give the main idea of the dialogue in your own words.
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