This assignment Instructions: Complete Exercise 6.11, but with a small revision (page 99).  Change the memo in the textbook example into a…

This assignment

Instructions:

• Complete Exercise 6.11, but with a small revision (page 99).  Change the memo in the textbook example into a letter with full block format.  The template for a Block Letter is in Angel.
• Write the letter using “you” attitude.  Remember the “forbidden words,” and strive to use precise words and action verbs in all your sentences.   
• Attach your letter to the Correct Drop Box.
• Double check to make sure your file truly did attach, that it is the correct file and that the file ends in .doc, .docx or .rtf (no other formats).  Attachments in the incorrect format will not receive credit. 

Full Block Letter Format

The main characteristic of a full block letter is that all of the elements in the letter line up on the left side of the page.  Follow the Template for proper alignment and spacing.

Below are some tips and guidelines for how you should create your own full block letter and complete Exercise 6.11. Be creative as you dream up your very own company and customer names. Have fun!

• Company Name (ie; Big Time Construction – The name acts as part of the letterhead; create an appropriate name for the contracting company sending this letter.  To make the letterhead jazzy, you can make the name larger, make it bold, or you can use a different font or even use an image.)
• Address (ie; 2211 Simpleton Road) 
  City, State Zip Code (Bradford, Ohio  46789
• Company Phone Number (ie; (937) 555-1111) 
• September 29, 2012 (Type the month out without abbreviations; put the comma after the number.) 
• Individual’s Full Name (Regina Rabbit) 
• Individual’s Title (ie; Vice President of Marketing) 
• Individual’s Company (ie; Acme, Inc.) 
• Company Address (ie; 121 Coyote Blvd., Suite 102) 
• City, State Zip Code (ie; Dayton, OH  45402) 
• Dear Ms. Rabbit:  (This part of the letter is called the “salutation.”  Address women as Ms., not Mrs. or Miss.  If you don’t know the gender of the person, use the full name.  Use a colon after the name. 

Below are some tips for each paragraph of the Exercise 6.11 assignment.

• We are happy to announce that the renovation of the lobby is not behind schedule.  By Monday, October 9, we should be ready to open the west end of the lobby to limited traffic. (First of all, eliminate all the uses of “we” throughout the letter.  Don’t just substitute the company name or I; instead focus on what the reader will get.  Don’t talk about feelings, so “happy” has to go.  The word “not” is negative; eliminate it!  Now, ask yourself, what does the reader want to know and need to know?  In the second sentence, this writer uses the word “limited,” another negative word.  Instead, the reader probably wants to know WHEN the lobby will open and WHO can use the lobby by that date.) 
   
• The final phase of the renovation will be placing a new marble floor in front of the elevators.  This work will not be finished until the end of the month. (Now you can add detail.  Describe the marble floor with precise words.  You can also use actions instead of the word “be” in both sentences.  Remember the lessons from week 2 about using precise words and action verbs?  Review these to give you hints on what to write for this paragraph. You’ll also find a link that provides you with a a list of action verbs.  You might want to print out the list.  Finally, that negative word “not” appears.  Remember the reader.  He or she wants to know the finish date of the lobby.)
   
• We will attempt to schedule most of the work during the evening so that normal business will not be disrupted. (Doesn’t “attempt” seem unclear?  Also, you’ll learn next week that many words beginning with “dis” are negatives, and you don’t want to use negatives if you don’t have to; instead, focus on what the reader can do.  Try writing a sentence that begins with “You can….”)
   
• Please exercise caution when moving through the construction area.  The floor will be uneven and steps will be at unusual heights.  Watch your step to avoid accidental tripping or falling. (To me, this seems like a lot of emphasis on negatives.  Yes, negatives exist, but you can de-emphasize negatives. You can also just your reader know–simply, clearly, and briefly. 

Finally, here is how you close your letter:

• Sincerely, (You don’t need to use other closings, like “Yours truly.”) 
• Your Name
• Your Title (Make up a title for yourself, maybe President!) 

I will grade you on FORMATTING and the following elements of CONTENT:

·         Precise Words and Details

·         Active Voice

·         Language and Grammar

·         YOU Attitude