PROFESSIONAL AUDIENCE: REFERENCE DOCUMENT AND COVER DOCUMENT

EngAWD

Example of Semi-Block Letter Note: Online reference guide to letter format (please follow our letter content recommendations,

though): http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/681/01/] Universal Exports 911 Broadway Boston, MA 02115 29 January 2055

Ms. Jane Smith President Acme Industries 123 Benevolence Street Boston, MA 02115 Dear Ms. Smith: [In semi-block style, indent each paragraph; ideally, leave no space between paragraphs, as in a book.] Declare purpose for writing.

Introduce and justify project. Does it clearly fill a gap for the addressee? Is it necessary, superior some demonstrable, convincing way?

Introduce self and expertise. Should you be trusted? Why should addressee pay attention to you?

Request clear action. Should the addressee review your document? Pass it along to someone else? And then what? When? With whom? Where is the document found? Is it attached? Online?

Offer contact information. What are the common and appropriate forms of contact? Will you contact addressee? Or what for her correspondence?

Offer thanks to addressee for considering your request. [Center your letter on the page. Leave four spaces between closing sentiment and your

typed name. If using letterhead stationery, a return address is not necessary.]

Sincerely yours, Thomas Akbari Vice President

Enc. [If you have more than one enclosure, indicate this like so: Enc. (3)]

Comment [1]: Return address (if not using letterhead)

Comment [2]: Inside address. Note the honorific (Mr., Ms, Dr., Miss, Mrs.)

Comment [3]: Include title, department, institution, as appropriate

Comment [4]: Use colon after salutations if addressee is not personally known; comma if personally known

Comment [5]: Closing sentiment. Try including “yours,” which gives the adverb something to modify.

Comment [6]: Your title, if appropriate Comment [7]: This indicates related material being sent. Good to mention this in the body of the paper as well: “Enclosed please find an instruction manual for…”