Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following is a key characteristic of a formal letter?
Which of the following is a key characteristic of a formal letter?
What is the recommended spacing for a postscript in a letter?
What is the recommended spacing for a postscript in a letter?
In the block format for letters, where does each line begin?
In the block format for letters, where does each line begin?
What notation indicates that copies of a letter have been distributed to others?
What notation indicates that copies of a letter have been distributed to others?
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Which type of letter would typically use a casual or emotional tone?
Which type of letter would typically use a casual or emotional tone?
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What purpose does a postscript serve in a letter?
What purpose does a postscript serve in a letter?
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Which of the following options correctly describes informal letters?
Which of the following options correctly describes informal letters?
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What feature contributes to the professional appearance of workplace letters?
What feature contributes to the professional appearance of workplace letters?
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What is the correct spacing for the inside address in a letter?
What is the correct spacing for the inside address in a letter?
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What is the proper format for a letter's salutation?
What is the proper format for a letter's salutation?
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How should the complimentary closing be aligned in a letter?
How should the complimentary closing be aligned in a letter?
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When is it appropriate to use an attention line in a letter?
When is it appropriate to use an attention line in a letter?
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Where should the subject line be placed in a letter?
Where should the subject line be placed in a letter?
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What does typist’s notation indicate?
What does typist’s notation indicate?
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What is the purpose of enclosure notation in a letter?
What is the purpose of enclosure notation in a letter?
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When should a copy (or distribution) notation be used?
When should a copy (or distribution) notation be used?
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What is the purpose of including a heading and date in a formal letter?
What is the purpose of including a heading and date in a formal letter?
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Which component is NOT part of the standard letter elements?
Which component is NOT part of the standard letter elements?
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What is the main reason to use formal letters in the workplace?
What is the main reason to use formal letters in the workplace?
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How should the date be formatted in a formal letter?
How should the date be formatted in a formal letter?
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When analyzing your audience for a letter, which is the least relevant question to consider?
When analyzing your audience for a letter, which is the least relevant question to consider?
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Which statement best describes the role of letters compared to emails and memos?
Which statement best describes the role of letters compared to emails and memos?
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Which of the following is typically included in the inside address of a formal letter?
Which of the following is typically included in the inside address of a formal letter?
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What factor should influence the tone used in a formal letter?
What factor should influence the tone used in a formal letter?
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Study Notes
Letter Parts
- Heading and Date: If the stationery has a company letterhead, include the date below the letterhead, flush against the right or left margin.
- Inside Address: Two to six lines below the heading, flush against the left margin, is the inside address.
- Salutation: Two line spaces below the inside address, the salutation begins with Dear and ends with a colon (Dear Ms.Hanson:).
- Text of the Letter: Use a standard introduction, body, and conclusion format.
- Complimentary Closing: Two line spaces below the last line of text, the closing should parallel the level of formality used in the salutation.
- Signature: Type your name and title on the fourth and fifth lines below, aligned with the closing. Sign in the space between the complimentary closing and typed name.
Optional Letter Parts
- Attention Line: Use when you write to an organization and do not know the recipient’s name but are directing the letter to a specific department or position. Place the attention line two line spaces below the inside address.
- Subject Line: Typically used with memos, but it can be used to grab the attention of a busy reader if the recipient is not expecting your letter. Place the subject line below the inside address or attention line with one line space before and after.
- Typist’s Notation: This is used if someone else types your letter for you, in which case your initials (in CAPS), a slash, and your typist’s initials (in lower case) appear below the typed signature, flush with the left margin.
- Enclosure Notation: If you enclose other documents in the same envelope, indicate this one line space below the typist’s notation flush against the left margin. State the number of enclosures.
- Copy (or distribution) Notation: If you distribute copies of your letter to other recipients, indicate this by inserting the notation “Copy” or “cc,” followed by a colon, one line below the previous line
- Postscript: This draws attention to a point you wish to emphasize or adds a personal note. Place the postscript two line spaces below any other notation, flush against the left margin.
Format Features
- The most popular format for workplace letters is block format, where every line begins at the left margin.
- Most word-processing software allows you to select from templates, or predesigned letter formats.
- Use uniform margins and spacing for readability and professionalism.
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Description
This quiz covers the essential components of letter writing, including the heading, inside address, salutation, and more. Learn the correct format for each part and understand optional elements to enhance your correspondence skills. Perfect for those looking to improve their formal writing abilities.