Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following is NOT a key characteristic of effective business writing?
Which of the following is NOT a key characteristic of effective business writing?
Which of the following is NOT a recommended formatting guideline for formal business letters?
Which of the following is NOT a recommended formatting guideline for formal business letters?
What is the purpose of the salutation in a business letter?
What is the purpose of the salutation in a business letter?
Which of the following is NOT a recommended characteristic of effective business writing?
Which of the following is NOT a recommended characteristic of effective business writing?
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What is the recommended length for most formal business letters?
What is the recommended length for most formal business letters?
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What is the recommended spacing for a business letter?
What is the recommended spacing for a business letter?
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Which of the following is NOT recommended for the body of a business letter?
Which of the following is NOT recommended for the body of a business letter?
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What should be included in the closing of a business letter?
What should be included in the closing of a business letter?
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According to the information provided, what should be included after the handwritten signature in a printed business letter?
According to the information provided, what should be included after the handwritten signature in a printed business letter?
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What is the recommended paper color for printing a business letter?
What is the recommended paper color for printing a business letter?
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Study Notes
Business Letter Components
- A business letter consists of the following components: heading, inside address, salutation, body, complimentary close, signature, and memorandum
- The heading includes the sender's address and date (month, day, and year)
Inside Address
- Includes the name of the addressee (recipient), their designation, company, and business address
Salutation
- Serves as the welcome part of the letter
- Uses a professional greeting and formal title ("Dear Mr./Ms./Dr.")
Body of the Letter
- Provides an introduction explaining the reason for writing
- Includes specific details about the request or information being provided
- Reiterates the reason for writing and thanks the reader for reviewing the request
- Polite and courteous tone is used throughout
Complimentary Close
- Serves as the farewell part of the letter
- Uses a formal sign-off, such as "Sincerely" or "Best regards"
Signature
- Includes the sender's handwritten signature followed by their typed name (written letter)
- Includes the sender's typed name followed by their contact information (email)
Business Letter Guidelines
Principles of Effective Writing
- Coherence: sticking together of ideas using transitional devices or pivotal words
- Clearness/Clarity: no ambiguity, using simple and familiar words
- Consistency: unity, using English words consistently
- Conciseness: brevity, using short words and constructing short sentences
- Completeness: thoroughness, using full words and avoiding omission of necessary words and ideas
- Concreteness: specificity, using specific words, not generic words
- Correctness: accuracy, using precise words and editing before sending
- Courteousness/Courtesy: politeness, using polite words
- Consideration: kindness, using kind, not rude, words
Physical Guidelines
- Font Style and Size: plain font (e.g., Times New Roman, Arial, Calibri), 10-12 points
- Margins: one-inch margins, left-justified text
- Spacing: single spaced, with an extra space after the salutation, before the closing, and before and after the handwritten signature
- Printing: on plain white paper
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Description
This quiz covers the different components of a business letter, including the heading, inside address, salutation, body, complimentary close, and signature. It also touches upon different styles like Full Block and Memorandum style.
