Introduction to Letter Writing (This should go in your Writer’s Notebook)

Answer each of the following questions with complete sentences 1. Why do people write letters? What are some specific events or purposes when letter writing is important or expected? 2. When would sending a letter be more appropriate or convenient than using another means of communication? 3. Letters can be written in different styles or formats. What are the two main formats for writing letters? 4. What benefits result from following a specified format when writing a letter? 5. With the growing popularity of e-mail, IMs, and text messages, some people speculate that letter writing will become a thing of the past. What is your opinion? Will letter writing remain a vital part of business and personal communications?

Side-by-side E-mail Message and Letter Hey Grandma. Are you there? It’s a snow day So … no school!!!! Cool, huh? G2g Dear Grandma, Today we have a snow day so I am writing to you because I don’t have school. It’s so cool to be home on a school day! Got to go, I’m going sledding. If you get his letter in time call me on Sunday. Do you notice anything that is the same about the two texts (e.g. topic, intended recipient)? Create a Venn Diagram that shows what is the same and what is different about them.

Underneath your Venn Diagram: Make a list of when it is appropriate to use those two types of communication. What situations are suitable?

Label each of the following with what type of letter it is and who it is to: #1 Hey. what’s ^ forgot my book…can’t do hw. i’m in trouble. Al #2 Mr. A. I forgot my book…can’t do the homework. Can I do it 2morrow at recess? Al G. #3 Dear Mr. A. My mom said I had to write you a note because I forgot my math book and I can’t do the homework tonight. I’m sorry. Would it be okay to do it tomorrow during recess and I won’t get points off? Al Gonzalez

Types of Letters Business Friendly Persuasive Letter of Complaint Sales Letters Order Letters Inquiry Letters Follow-Up Letter Letters of Recommendation Acknowledgment Letters

Friendly and Business Letter Assignment http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/letter_ge nerator/