Exam 8: Writing Routine and Positive Messages

Messages of condolence express sympathy.

The beginning of a routine request states what you want.

In a positive message,the main idea is presented _____________

Messages of appreciation recognize the contributions of employees or business associates.

If you are writing to someone to request a recommendation letter for a job or scholarship,you should include a copy of your résumé.

Even if you like the person for whom you are to write a letter of recommendation,you should not write the letter at all if the candidate's shortcomings are so pronounced that you don't think he or she is a good fit for the job.

When responding to a customer request for an adjustment,it is usually sensible to assume that _____________

Many routine requests have several parts.What guidelines should you keep in mind when your request contains a series of questions?

A routine positive message should never include negative information.

The most difficult recommendation letters to write are those for truly outstanding candidates.

A message of appreciation can become an important part of someone's personnel file.

Condolence messages should _____________

Friendly notes with no direct business purpose,such as those conveying congratulations or thanks,are called goodwill messages.

If you request a recommendation from a person you haven't had contact with recently,you should _____________

A letter of request closes with a request for a specific response,an expression of appreciation,and information on how the writer can be reached.

A letter telling someone that she or he got the job is a(n)legal document,so make sure all statements are accurate.

Because a letter telling someone that he or she got the job is a legal document,you need to make sure that all statements in the letter are accurate.

Use a direct approach for positive messages.

It's best to back up all claims and requests for adjustments with invoices,sales receipts,and so on;send copies to the company and keep the originals.

A good message of request,especially a more complex request,will often indicate how the reader's compliance with the request will be of benefit to the reader.