12 Questions
Good-news business letters are generally light in mood and express pleasant information.
True
Bad-news business letters are always written to fire an employee.
False
A routine letter is a type of business letter that stirs the emotions and feelings of the reader.
False
A thank-you letter for an employee is an example of a good-news business letter.
True
Being professional in writing business letters is only important for bad-news letters.
False
An application letter is also known as a cover letter and is composed persuasively for job applications.
True
A chronological resume is ideal for fresh graduates seeking their first job.
False
A functional resume focuses on employment history rather than skills.
False
A combination resume combines the best features of both chronological and functional resume styles.
True
A letter of inquiry asks for a particular information or assistance.
True
Companies do not usually reply promptly to letters of inquiry.
False
The first paragraph of a letter of response should contain a summarizing statement.
True
Study Notes
Types of Business Letters
- Business letters differ in purpose, style, and nature
- Some letters transmit good news, while others transmit bad news
- Routine letters are those that do not affect the reader's emotions or feelings
Good-News Business Letters
- Affect the reader's emotions and feelings positively
- Examples: promoting an employee, commending a team for beating sales targets
- Tone is light and expresses pleasant information
Bad-News Business Letters
- Affect the reader's emotions and feelings negatively
- Examples: rejecting a job applicant, firing an employee
- Always maintain a professional tone
Common Types of Business Letters
Application Letter (Cover Letter)
- Accompanied by a resume to provide additional information on experiences and skills
- Three types of resumes:
- Chronological Resume: focuses on employment history, ideal for those with steady career growth
- Functional Resume: focuses on skills, ideal for fresh graduates
- Combination Resume: combines the best features of chronological and functional resumes
Letter of Inquiry
- Asks for specific information or assistance
- Guidelines:
- Construct questions to get straightforward answers
- Be direct and clear
Letter of Reply or Response
- Written in response to a letter of inquiry
- Guidelines:
- Begin with a summarizing statement or most important question
- Explain or list answers to questions
- Conclude with a call to action and acknowledge the inquiry
- Use a cordial tone to build goodwill for future contacts
Test your knowledge on different types of business letters commonly used in the corporate world, including good news, bad news, and routine letters. Learn about the differences in purpose, style, and nature of these letters.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
