writing assignments

Unit I Assignment

E-mail

Imagine that you are a Human Resources Director at a mid-sized company. Recently, concerns have arisen over some unethical actions within the workplace. Various employees have approached you with their concerns, and it is time for you to address them. Compose a companywide email addressing the six ethical guidelines for work. Make sure you are concise yet informative in your approach.

Some of areas of interest may include:

 Sexual harassment

 Dress code

 Attendance policy

 Vacation policy

 Discrimination

 Compensation

 Alcohol use, drug use, and smoking

 Bullying from supervisors or coworkers

After composing your e-mail, answer the following questions below it in the same document.

1. Is this e-mail technical or academic writing? Why? What is the most important difference between the two?

2. What are the different parts of an audience in a companywide e-mail? How did you approach dealing with each of their concerns?

Unit II Assignment

Letter Revision

1. Revise the following letter so that it has an objective tone. Your goal is to let Payroll know that your check did not reach you, but in a professional manner.

Dear Pinheads in Payroll,

Has every one of you suffered a stroke? Did lightning strike all your computers at once? Did everyone succumb to the dreaded bite of the tse-tse fly? I ask because something horrible must have happened to delay my paycheck. I know that you all work so hard to get it out every week that only something catastrophic would keep you from living up to that task. And you do work so hard, don’t you? Crunching all those tough little numbers. Maybe you’ve all suffered horrible finger strain.

Ooh, I just can’t wait for your response: “There was a technical error. It’s not our faults.” Blah blah blah. I can do my job every day—why can’t you send a check once a month?

Maybe you’re not aware of it, because you’re all soulless automatons, but some of us have mouths to feed and bills to pay. Here in Sales, it’s not all trashcan basketball and paper football—I don’t work for fun, you know. And I expect my pay on time. Get it to me ASAP, or I’ll make sure you’re all fired.

With the most sincere thanks you can possibly imagine with your tiny little minds,

Bill

2. Revise the following paragraph so that it is no more than 20 words, using the principles of concision mentioned in your textbook. You may rewrite the message to clarify and simplify the content.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, of which we were informed only upon receiving the most recent weather report, the company has been forced by exigent circumstances to postpone the perennial picnic planned since last year. Barring any further problems of a meteorological nature, the festivities and feasting will begin again on the previous Thursday from next week. With any luck, we will enjoy the pleasure of your company then, as always.

Though the aforementioned event may not be happening at the previously scheduled time, all attendees are encouraged to bring their assigned dish on the date of the future engagement previously discussed. 3. Revise the following letter, removing sexist language and creating a more professional communication.

Dear Miss Fortin,

As you know, it is the duty of every nurse to clock in at the beginning of her shift. That is so that when a doctor comes into an emergency situation, he can be sure to know which ladies are available. Any nurse incapable of following this simple rule will find herself on report to her supervisor: He will then have cause for dismissal. If a nurse has questions, she may refer to her contract for details. Remember, it is vital that a doctor does not have to trouble himself with small issues like this one.

Sincerely,

Mr. Pratt

4. Revise the following paragraph, changing passive voice to active voice.

A long summer vacation should be taken by every family. Relaxation is needed to stay healthy. Also, families are brought closer together by vacations. An opportunity to experience American culture is provided by them. History is taught and entertainment offered by trips to spots like Colonial Williamsburg. Another boring summer should not be spent in front of the computer. The open road should be hit so that your lives can be reinvigorated.

Unit III Assignment

Letter of Transmittal

Write two different letters of transmittal that can be used in your Formal Proposal in Unit VIII. Pick two separate problems in your community, and imagine that your business is well positioned to provide a solution to that issue.

For example:

The School Board of Smoke River Valley, North Carolina, is concerned that its students are not receiving enough tutoring to ensure their place as a top school in the nation. My tutoring firm will draw from the local University to provide any child that wishes the opportunity a chance for one-on-one instruction with a college tutor.

Researching the issue and addressing specific problems will enhance your work. Be sure to follow the guidelines for a letter of transmittal found in your textbook.

Each letter should be at least one page long and address all the primary concerns issued in the text. Submit both letters in one document.

Unit VI Assignment

Resume

For this assignment, please complete the following:

1. Perform a job search for a position of your choice at a company. Imagine that you are applying for this job. Upload a resume (either fictional or factual) in either chronological or functional formats. Follow the guidelines for formatting listed in your textbook, playing close attention to Figures 10-3 and 10-4. Remember to limit your work to a single page.

2. Using the example of Figure 10-1 of your textbook, write a job letter for the position you chose above. Pay close attention to the material regarding the reader’s needs on pages 207-208.

3. Using the guidelines on page 218 of your textbook, write a follow-up letter for the position mentioned above. Imagine the content of the interview, but be specific.

Submit all of these in one document.

Unit VIII Formal Proposal

Students are required to submit for grading a Formal Proposal in Unit VIII. Using the guidelines in your textbook, write a Formal Proposal (minimum of seven pages, including the cover page). The proposal should include:

1. Cover/Title Page

2. Letter/Memo of Transmittal

3. Table of Contents

4. Executive Summary

5. Introduction

6. Discussion Sections

7. Conclusion

8. Appendices (include an APA style Reference Page)

If necessary, include a List of Illustrations. Be sure to include that material in your Table of Contents.

For this proposal, imagine that you own a company that has been asked to provide a proposal to solve a problem in your local community. Research possible topics in local newspapers, and be sure to provide references for any outside sources you use in your proposal. Below is a list of sample topics:

1. Planned construction (roads, shopping centers, etc.)

2. Pensions for public employees

3. Improvements in public education

4. Advertising local businesses

Refer to the sample proposal on pages 174-182 of your textbook for an example of the proper form.

*Course Textbook*

Pfeiffer, W., & Adkins, K. (2012). Technical communication fundamentals. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.