Writing memo

WRITING ASSIGNMENT 1 – THE MEMO

THE PROMPT: The average debt for graduating seniors this year, not including credit card debt or personal loans, is over $26,000. Tuition is rising faster than inflation and jobs are not easy to find for those with little experience, or a less-than-marketable major. Some question the value of a college education, given the high price and poor prospects.

Your human resources supervisor is worried about incoming employees and their student loan debt. She has asked you to write a brief summary and analysis of the problem along with your assessment of the effect this may have on new employees.

INSTRUCTIONS: This first writing assignment of English 205 will be in the form of a typed memo. Follow the format of this assignment prompt (i.e., opening in memo form; Times New Roman font; left and right margins set at 1 1/4 inches, top and bottom at 1 inch; single space within paragraphs, double space between paragraphs; bold headings). You will begin by reading the article, “Student Debt: A Calculator Focused on College Majors,” by David Lionhardt in the New York Times on college debt. It is posted on Moodle. This is the ONLY article you are required refer to in the memo. If you use further research, be sure to cite it correctly.

ASSIGNMENT: 1. Carefully read the article 2. Re-read and annotate it 3. In memo form, respond to the article 4. Summarize the major points 5. Analyze the information carefully 6. Make a connection using personal experience, further reading, or reliable statistics

(be sure to cite all sources using MLA style). Note that you are NOT required to do outside research

7. In one to one-and-one-half single-spaced pages, offer an assessment of your reading and some ideas for what you think the effect of student loan debt will be on new hires in your company

• A mandatory in-class workshop for this assignment is on September 11. Bring four copies.

• This assignment is due September 18. • Be clear in your assessment, using reasons and facts to support your assessment. • Consider your audience and purpose. • Edit and proofread your assignment carefully. • Submit no less than one page, no more than one-and-one-half pages.