COMPOSING ACADEMIC ✓ whether the review examines two or

WRITING more books that focus on the same

topic.
"Academic writing you have to get right.
Fiction you have to get plausible. And Questions to Ask Yourself
there's a world of difference." When Writing a Book Review
- Elliott Colla • What is the author's viewpoint and
purpose?
• What are the author's main points?
BOOK REVIEWS • What kind of evidence does the author use
to prove his or her
ARTICLE CRITIQUES
points?
"That's the thing about books. They let
• How does this book relate to other books on
you travel without moving your feet."
the same topic?
- Jhumpa Lahiri
• Does the author have the necessary
expertise to write the
Book Review
book?
• What are the most appropriate criteria by
• Describes and evaluates a work of fiction or
which to judge the
nonfiction and offers the book's overall
book?
purpose, structure, and style of narration to
• How successful do you think the author was
the unknown
in carrying out the overall purposes of the
readers.
book?
• It is a sneak peek at a book, NOT A
SUMMARY.
Two General Approaches to Reviewing a
• Combine skills of: describing the content of
the pages, analyzing how the book achieved
Book
its purpose, and expressing your most ❖ Descriptive Review
personal comments, reactions, and - Presents the content and
suggestions. structure of a book as
objectively as possible.
- States the perceived aims and
Book Review purposes of the study.
• The length of the review depends upon
the length of the book itself, and a ❖ Critical Review
review should not be less than 100 - Evaluates the book in relation
words. Longer books usually ask for to accepted literary and
more than 500 words. historical standards.
• Reviews generally range from 5002000 - Shows possible comparison
words, but may be longer or and contrast with the review
shorter depending on several factors: of others.
✓ the length and complexity of the book - States what the author has
being reviewed, tried to do, evaluates how well
✓ overall purpose of the review, and you believe the author has
 succeeded in meeting the • Background:
objectives of the study, and What makes this book important or
presents evidence to support interesting? Is the author famous? Is it a
this assessment. series? This is This is how Amazon
introduces Divergent.
Why Do Book Reviews Matter?
(For Authors) • Interesting Fact:
• Reviews can provide an author with an idea In this review of The Middle East by Philip
of who is reading their book. Steele, Zander H. of Mid-America Mensa asks,
• Reviews can offer authors insights into "Did you know that the Saudi Arabia's Rub'
what they did well in their book. al-Khali desert reaches temperatures of 140
• Reviews can make an author feel good. degrees Fahrenheit in the day and plummets
to the freezing point at night?“
Why Do Book Reviews Matter?
(For Readers) • Explanation of a term:
If a word or phrase in the book or title is
• Reviews can influences readers/buyers as confusing or vitally important to understand,
to you may wish to begin the review explaining
whether or not they should purchase a book. that term.
• Reviews allow readers to let their voices be
heard. BOOK REVIEW FORMAT: How do you
• Reviews can be considered a thank you note START writing a book review
to the writer/author. (Introduction Proper)?
• Reviews help you determine the book’s • Identify the book by author, title, and
value beyond the blurb. sometimes publishing information.
• Specify the type of book (for example:
BOOK REVIEW FORMAT: How do you fiction, nonfiction, biography, and
START writing a book review? autobiography). Help your readers to review
(Catchy Introduction) with perspective.
• Can be a short summary of the book, but • Mention the book's theme.
be careful not to tell too much. • Does the book belong to a series?
• How long is the book? Is it an easy or a
Other ways to begin a review include: challenging read?
• Quote: • Is there anything that would be helpful for
A striking quote from the book ("It was a the reader to know about
bright cold day in April, and the clocks were the author? For instance, is the author an
striking thirteen.") can make for a powerful expert in the field, the author of other popular
beginning. This quote begins George Orwell's books, or a first-time author?
novel 1984. •How does the book compare to other books
on the same topic or in the same genre?
•Is the book written in a formal or informal
style? Is the language remarkable in any way?
•What ages is the book geared to?
•Is the book written in normal prose? If it is • Describing and analyzing the SETTING:
written in poetic form, does it rhyme? include more than just the location.

BOOK REVIEW FORMAT: What do you DO ✓ Is the book set in the past, present or
with the content (Body)? future?
✓ Is it set in the world we know or is it a
• For nonfiction books: pay primary attention fantastical world?
to the major points (the argument) the ✓ Is it mostly realistic with elements of
author is putting forth and to the sources the fantasy (animals
author has drawn upon to hack up his/her that can talk, for example)?
point of view. ✓ Is the setting unclear and fuzzy, or can you
• For fictional works: pay attention primarily easily make
to the novel or book's setting, plot, style, the movie in your mind?
characters, theme/s, use of language and ✓ How much does the author draw you into
voice. Do not give away the story for no one the setting
appreciates a spoiler! and how does s/he accomplish that?
• Describe the book.
• Explore issues the book raises. BOOK REVIEW FORMAT: What do you DO
with the content (Analysis and
• Describing and Analyzing the PLOT: never Evaluation)?
give away the ending. No one likes a spoiler. • In this section you analyze or critique the
• Describing and Analyzing the CHARACTERS: book. You can write about your own opinions;
✓Who are the main characters? Include the just be sure that you explain and support
protagonist and antagonist. them with examples. Some questions you
✓What makes them interesting? might want to consider:
✓Do they act like real people act or are they ✓ Did the author achieve his or her purpose?
too good or too evil to be ✓ Is the writing effective?
believable? ✓ What are the strengths and weaknesses of
✓Are they human? the book?
✓What conflicts do they face? ✓ For nonfiction, what are the author’s
✓Are they likeable or understandable? qualifications to write about the
✓How do they connect with each other? subject? Do you agree with the author’s
✓Do they appear in other books? arguments and conclusions?
✓Could you relate to any of the characters in ✓ What is your overall response to the book?
the story? Did you find it interesting, moving, dull?
✓What problems did the main characters ✓ Would you recommend it to others? Why
face? or why not?
✓Who was your favorite character, and why? ✓How well do you think the author achieved
what s/he was going for in the writing of the
• Describing and analyzing the THEME: This book? Do you think you felt what the author
isn’t the plot, but rather the IDEAS behind the was hoping you would feel?
story. ✓Did the book feel complete, or did it feel as
though key elements were left out?
✓How does the book compare to other books BOOK REVIEW FORMAT: How do you
like it you've read? ADD TITLE to your book review? (Book’s
✓Are there mistakes? Essence/Reader’s Curiosity)
✓Would you describe the book as for ❖ Captivating the Essence:
entertainment, self improvement, or "Unveiling the Enigmatic: A Review of [Book
information? Title]"
✓What was your favorite part of the book? "Exploring the Depths: An In-Depth Analysis
✓Would you have done anything differently of
had you been the author? [Book Title]"
✓Would any reader enjoy this book? If not, to "A Literary Journey into [Book Title]: A
what ages or type of reader would it appeal? Review“
✓Why do you think other readers would
enjoy it? Why did you enjoy it (if you did) or ❖ Emphasizing Impact:
why didn't you (if you didn't). "A Life-Altering Tale: [Book Title] Book
✓What ages or types of readers do you think Review"
would like the book? "Provocative and Profound: Unraveling [Book
✓How does it compare with other books that Title] in
are in the same genre or by the same author? Review"
✓Does the book engage your emotions? If a "Powerful Insights and Emotional Resonance:
book made you laugh or cry or think about it [Book Title]
for days, be sure to include that. Review“
✓What do you like or dislike about the
author's writing style? Is it funny? Is it hard ❖ Highlighting Genre or Style:
to follow? Is it engaging and conversational in "Thrills, Chills, and Page-Turning Suspense:
tone? [Book Title]
Review"
BOOK REVIEW FORMAT: How do you "Masterpiece of Historical Fiction: A Review
CONCLUDE (Conclusion)? “Overall, this of [Book
book Title]"
is … ” "Exploring the Fantastical: [Book Title] Book
• Relate your argument to other books or Review"
authors.
• Relate the book to larger issues. ❖ Adding a Personal Touch:
• Tie together issues raised in the review. "A Personal Journey Through [Book Title]: A
• Briefly restate your main points and your Review"
thesis statement. "Discovering New Perspectives: My Take on
• Indicate how well the book has achieved its [Book
goal, what possibilities are suggested by the Title]"
book, what the book has left out, how the "One Reader's Reflections: [Book Title] Book
book compares to others on the subject, Review“
what specific points are not convincing, and
what personal experiences you’ve had related
to the subject.
 ❖ Using Descriptive Language: Literature Review
"Heartfelt and Poignant: [Book Title] Book • a critical recap of what hasalready been
Review" researched on a topic.
"Brilliantly Crafted and Unforgettable: A • Could be anything from books, journal
Review of articles, or other sources.
[Book Title]"
"An Intoxicating Literary Delight: [Book Title] Example:
Review" Research Problem:
What does social media do to the younger
TITLE generation’s mental health?
Maximum of 2 paragraphs
Why do a literature review?
”Catchy” Introduction Introduction Proper - To find out for yourself what’s already
3-5 paragraphs known about the topic.
- To give your reader a critical
Body (Describing the Content of the overview of what you found.
Book) - To find out what’s missing (gap).
3-5 paragraphs
Steps in Writing a Literature Review:
Body (Evaluating/Analyzing the Step 1: Search for relevant literature reviews
Content Book) on your topic. (right scholarly databases)
At least 1 paragraph
Step 2: Evaluate and select sources. (read
Conclusion abstract, bibliography, citation count,
etc.)

LITERATURE REVIEWS Step 3: Identify themes, debates, and gaps.

"Literature allows us to be open, to listen, (connection between sources)
and to be curious."
- Tracy K. Smith Things to look for:
Trends and patterns, themes,
Literature Review (academic sources like debates or contradictions,
books, journal articles, etc.) influential studies, and gaps
• Type of academic essay that examines what
has already been written about a topic. Step 4: Outline your literature review
• Examines what has already been done structure.(depends on what you find and
regarding your research question or problem. what you want to emphasize)
• summarizes and synthesizes the conducted
research driven by guiding principles. Approaches:
• Although it is not a research paper, it ✓ Chronological – from older to more recent
provides background for your problem and a publications
rationale for your research (Abadiano, 2016). ✓ Thematic – organized around several key
themes
✓ Methodological – compare the different • References
research methods being used across studies ✓ reflects the in-text citations
✓ Theoretical – used to discuss opposing ✓ contains complete and
theories or models. correct citations
th
Step 5: Get writing! ✓ APA Format 7 Edition

Should contain the following: Four Literature Review Strategies

• Summary - state briefly the argument and
✓ Introduction main points of relevant research.
✓ Main Body • Analysis - examine closely the elements
✓ Conclusion or structure of the research
✓ Title • Synthesis- combine ideas to form an
integrated theory or system through
Literature Review critical evaluation, compare/contrast, etc.
Consist of the following components and • Evaluation - assess the research based on
purposes: the criteria or rubric that you choose, state,
• Introduction and explain. Support it with another similar
✓ defines the topic and the scope being research.
considered
✓ notes intentional exclusions LITERATURE REVIEW FORMAT: How do
✓ states the general findings of the you START writing a literature review
review and the availability of the (Introduction)?
sources • Define or identify the general topic, issue, or
area of concern, thus providing an
• Main Body appropriate context for reviewing the
✓ organizes the evaluation of the literature.
sources whether chronologically or • Point out overall trends in what has been
thematically published about the topic; or conflicts in
✓ showcases the critical summary and theory, methodology, evidence, and
evaluation of the research premise, conclusions; or gaps in research and
methodology, and conclusion scholarship; or a single problem
✓ uses grammatical connectors, or a new perspective of immediate interest.
relational words or phrases, and • Establish the writer’s reason (point of view)
transitional devices for reviewing the literature; explain the
criteria to be used in analyzing and
• Conclusion comparing literature and the organization of
the review (sequence); and, when necessary,
✓ summarizes the key findings state why certain literature is or is
of the review not included (scope).
✓ offers the reviewer’s
justification of the conducted
Research
LITERATURE REVIEW FORMAT: What do TITLE
you DO with the content (Body)? Maximum of 2 paragraphs
• Group research studies and other types of No. of paragraphs depends on the number of
literature (reviews, theoretical articles, case relevant literatures available
studies, etc.) according to common 1-2 paragraphs
denominators such as qualitative versus Introduction
quantitative approaches, conclusions of Body
authors, specific purpose or objective, Conclusion
chronology, etc.
• Summarize individual studies or articles RESEARCH PAPERS
with as much or as little detail as each merits "Research is to see what everybody else
according to its comparative importance in has seen, and to think what nobody else
the literature, remembering that space has thought."
(length) denotes significance. - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
• Provide the reader with strong “umbrella”
sentences at beginnings of paragraphs, Research Paper
“signposts” throughout, and brief “so what” • Purposive, systematic and scientific
summary sentences at intermediate points in process of gathering, analyzing, classifying,
the review to aid in understanding organizing, presenting and interpreting data
comparisons and analyses. for the collation of a problem, for prediction,
for invention, for the discovery of truth, or for
LITERATURE REVIEW FORMAT: How do the expansion or verification of existing
you CONCLUDE (Conclusion)? knowledge, all for the preservation and
• Summarize major contributions of improvement of the quality of human life.
significant studies and articles to the body of • It follows the principles of good writing.
knowledge under review, maintaining the
focus established in the introduction. Specific Purposes of Research
• Evaluate the current “state of the art” for the • To discover new facts about known
body of knowledge reviewed, pointing out phenomena.
major methodological flaws or gaps in • To find answers to problems which are only
research, inconsistencies in theory and partially solved by existing methods and
findings, and areas or issues pertinent to information.
future study. • Improve existing techniques and develop
• Conclude by providing some insight into the new
relationship between the central topic of the instruments or products.
literature review and a larger area of study • To discover previously unrecognized
such as a discipline, a scientific endeavor, or a substances or elements.
profession. • Discover pathways of action of known
substances and elements.
• To order related, valid generalizations into
systematized science.
• To provide basis for decision-making in
business, industry, education, government summary that gathers the key
and in other undertakings. elements of the remaining
• To satisfy the researchers' curiosity. sections into a few sentences.

Specific Purposes of Research Introduction

• To find answers to queries by means of • Provides the key question that the
scientific methods. researcher is attempting to answer
• To acquire a better and deeper and a review of any literature that is
understanding about one phenomenon relevant.
that can be known and understood • Rationale of why the research is
better by research. important and will present a
• To expand or verify existing knowledge. hypothesis that attempts to answer
• To improve educational practices for the key question.
raising the quality of school products. • Contain a summary of the key
• To promote health and prolong life. question following the completion of
• To provide man with more of his basic the research.
needs. • Presentation of the problem.
• To make work, travel and communication • The existence of an unsatisfactory condition,
faster, easier and more comfortable. a felt problem that needs a solution.
• Rationale of the Study.
Components of a Research Paper • Historical background of the problem.
• A desire to have a deeper and clearer
understanding of a situation, circumstance
Title
or phenomenon.
• Reflects the content and emphasis of the
• A desire to find a better way of doing
project described in the report.
something or of improving a product.
• Should be as short as possible, including
• A desire to discover something.
essential key words.
• Geographical conditions of the study locale.
• The title is formulated before the start of the
• A link between the introduction and the
research work. It may be revised and refined
statement of the problem
later if there is a need.
• It just be as brief and concise as
possible.
Review of Related Literature
• Avoid using the terms, “An Analysis of,” “A • Composed of discussions of facts and
Study of,” “An Investigation of,” and the like. principles to which the present study is
All these things are understood to have been related.
done or to be done when research is • Local, if printed in the Philippines; and
conducted. • Foreign, if printed in other lands.
• Related Studies are studies, inquiries or
investigations already conducted to which the
Abstract
present proposed study is related or has
• Overview of the research study and is
some bearing or similarity. They are usually
typically two to four paragraphs in length
unpublished materials such as manuscripts,
containing 200-300 words.
theses, and dissertations.
• Executive and technical
• Local, if the inquiry was conducted in the wrote the paper, the name of the person who
Philippines; and asked for the paper and its date of
• Foreign, if conducted in foreign lands completion.
• Abstract – this is an overview of the whole
Methodology research paper for it gives the summary of
• This chapter presents the research design, what the paper contains.
research method, data-gathering procedure, • Acknowledgement – in this section, the
data analysis, statistical statistics, sample researchers enumerate the names of people
and sampling procedure, locale of the study and/or organizations that helped them in
and the population of the study. completing the research paper.
• Table of Contents – this is the part of the
Results report where you can find the topic and
• In longer research papers, the subtopics together with the corresponding
results section contains the page numbers, so that the reader will not
data and perhaps a short have a hard time in looking for the topic that
introduction. he/she wants to read.
• Ideally, the interpretation of • List of Figures/Tables – this is just like the
the data and the analysis is table of contents but the only difference here,
reserved for the discussion it contains graphs, bar, pie, table and the like
section. with their corresponding page number.
• Bibliography – this part of the research
paper includes the alphabetically arranged
Discussion
list of sources used in the completion of the
• Where the results of the study are
study.
interpreted and evaluated against
• Appendices – put as supporting documents
the existing body or literature.
to your research (Letter of Permission,
• Should there be any anomalies
Sample Questionnaires, etc.)
found in the results, this is where
the authors point them out.
• An attempt to connect the results POSITION PAPERS
to the bigger picture and show "Opinion is the medium between
how the results might be applied. knowledge and ignorance."
- Plato
References
• Provides a list of each author and paper Position Paper
cited in the research report. • composition that highlights an
• Any fact, idea, or direct quotation used in opinion of an author or specified
the report should be cited and entity about an issue.
referenced. • presents one side of an arguable
opinion and persuades the readers
or audience that the author has a
Miscellaneous Parts:
well-founded knowledge about the
• Title Page – as the term implies, it consists
issue.
of the title of the paper, the name of the
• most common type of an
persons who prepared, researched, and
argumentative essay. Body
contains the central argument and can be
Questions to Ask Yourself When further broken up into sections:
Writing a Position Paper to Present a • A discussion of both sides of the issue,
Strong Argument which addresses and refutes arguments that
• Is it the actual and real issue? contradict the author’s position (your
• Can you clearly identify two positions? argument)
• Are you an advocate of one of these • Possible objections to your position
positions? (counter argument)
• Is the issue narrow enough to be
manageable? Conclusion
restating the key points and when applicable,
Relevant Supporting Evidences in suggest resolution to the issue.
Writing a Position Paper • restate your position
• provide Plan of Action
• Factual knowledge - valid and verifiable
information. Outline before you write.
• Statistical inferences - conclusions drawn Topic: Is social media helpful or harmful?
from data gathered.
• Informed opinions - based on knowledge of • The purpose of a position paper is to
the facts and carefully considered principle, generate support on an issue.
and rely on evidence instead of limited • It is a critical examination of a position
personal experience using facts and inductive reasoning,
• Personal testimony - personal or first-hand
experience of the writer or knowledgeable Tips for Writing Position Papers
party. • Select a timely, relevant topic with two
clear opposing sides.
Components of a Position Paper • Conduct thorough preliminary research,
collecting evidence supporting
Introduction
arguments for and against your position.
• identifies the issue that will be
• Identify your intended audience. You
discussed and states the
should tailor your tone depending on
author's position on that issue.
who the paper is written for (the public,
• Introduce your topic with
other scientists, policymakers, etc.).
background information.
• Clearly state your position on the topic.
• Build up your thesis statement
• List and refute the counter-arguments to
which asserts your position.
your position.
• Thesis Statement - a sentence that sums up
• Include supporting data and evidence to
the central point of your paper or
back up your argument.
essay.
• Properly attribute your sources using
• It usually comes near the
correct citation.
end of your introduction.
• Keep it simple! Position papers don’t
need to go into excessive detail. Present
your points clearly and briefly. option if you have a rich professional work
• Each paragraph in the paper should history with no gaps in employment.
discuss a single idea. • functional resume format - emphasizes the
• Have someone proofread your paper to skills section and is a good option if you are
ensure it reads well and looks switching industries or have some gaps in
professional. your work history.
• combination resume format - a good option
PROFESSIONAL if you have some professional experience,
CORRESPONDENCE where both skills and work history are
"Professionalism: It's not the job you do, equally important.
it's how you do the job."
- Anonymous How to Create a Professional Resume
• Include your name and contact
RESUMES information
"Professional is not a label you give yourself • Add a resume objective
- it's a description you hope others will • List your soft and hard skills
apply to you." (Eligibilities/Licenses)
- David Maister • List your professional history with
keywords (including the position, company
Resume or agency, and the inclusive dates of work)
• a concise document that highlights • Include an education section (usually
your education, work experiences, divided into Tertiary, Secondary, and
and other qualifications such as your Primary).
skills and strengths. ✓ Awards, achievements or certifications
• These are information or qualifications that ✓ Grade point average (if commendable)
your future employer might look for in the • Format your resume.
job ✓ Make your font between 10 and 12 point
that you are applying for. size.
• Originated from the French word ✓ Select a font that is clean and easy to read
résumé which means, "summary" like Arial
or Helvetica; avoid stylized fonts.
Resume ✓ Make sure your margins are 1 to 1.5 inches.
• an enclosure to an application or cover ✓ Make your name and section headers bold
letter so it is recommended that you or slightly
prepare the resume first since the bigger in font size (no more than 14 points).
information that you include there will be the ✓ Use bullet points when listing several
basis of your letter. different pieces
of information, like under your education and
professional history sections.
How to Create a Professional Resume
• Consider adding optional sections
• Start by choosing the right resume format.
(participation in clubs and other
organizations, leadership positions
• chronological resume format - places the
held ).
professional history section first and is a good
• The personal information section college's name and the college's address.
and reference section are usually • Include a salutation
on the past part • State your purpose for applying to the
• Proofread your resume. school (express your genuine interest in a
• Tailor your resume for each position particular program they offer. Emphasize
• Add the sentence, "I hereby certify that the what their school offers).
above information are true and correct." at • Explain why you want to attend their school
the last entry of your resume and below it is (1-2 paragraphs, detail how their school can
your name with signature to attest that all help you achieve your academic and
the information included are true, correct, professional career goals).
and accurate. • Write a conclusion (State other documents
are included, you are available to answer
Curriculum Vitae their questions. Thank them for their time
and for considering your application).
• A curriculum vitae, often • Include a sign-off
shortened to CV, is a Latin
term meaning “course of life.” Employment Application Letter
A CV is a detailed professional document • widely known as a "cover letter". It is used
highlighting a person’s academic and to introduce yourself to a prospective
professional experience and employer.
accomplishments. • explains who you are as a professional and
an individual.
Curriculum Vitae
• This document shares an overview of your How to Write an Employment
career history, education, relevant Application Letter
awards and honors, scholarships, grants, • Research the company and job opening.
research, projects and publications. • Use a professional format (begin with a
professional salutation, use a header)
APPLICATION LETTERS • State the position you're applying for
"Opportunities don't happen, (clear statement about the position you
you create them." are applying for. Specify where you saw
- Anonymous the job posting)

College Admission Letter Example header:

• also known as the "letter of intent". Your name
• It is a brief discussion of your intention to Your physical address
be Your phone number
admitted in a specific course in college. Your email address
Date
How to Write a College Application Letter Name of hiring manager or supervisor
• Write your name and street address. Title of hiring manager or supervisor
• Include the date. Company name
• Write the head of admission's name, the Company physical address
 Correspondence
• Explain why you're the best fit for the job • It gives essential information,
(Clear details regarding your experience, clarification, directive, explanation,
skills, education, or certifications) etc.
• Summarize your qualifications (highlight • It creates a record of the message.
the most important points from your • It facilitates subsequent reference.
resume) • The reader gets an opportunity to read
at a convenient time.
• Mention why you want the job (why you • It offers greater clarity to the messages.
have chosen this company and what • It gives an impression of the
excites you the most about this job organization’s goal, name and
opportunity) reputation.

• Include a professional closing. Eight Cs of Effective Communication

• Clear
Various forms of OFFICE • Concise
CORRESPONDENCE • Complete
"Great companies are built in the office, • Concrete
with hard work put in by a team." • Correct
- Emily Chang • Coherent
• Courteous
Business/Office Correspondence • Character
• an instrument of decision making
in the professional world. What is a Business Letter?
• a link between and among • Written message used to transact business
people. which cannot be conveniently conducted
• helps to reinforce professional orally.
exchange of ideas, opinion, and • It is essentially written in a diplomatic
information. (original documents) and often persuasive
• Office communication tone.
includes face-to-face,
telephonic, letters, emails, The Importance of Letters
and faxes from: • Letters represent your company’s
public image and your competence.
✓ One agency to another • Letters are more personal than a
✓ One department/division to report, yet more formal than memos
another or e-mail.
✓ Employees to the supervisor • Letters are more permanent than email.
and vice versa • Letters constitute an official legal
record of an agreement .
• Letters provide a wide range of
corporate information .
Advantages of Written Business • Letters sell.
• Letters are efficient for targeted • Subject Line
mass mailings. • Reference Line
• Thru Line
Types of Business Letters • Enclosure
• Copy Notation
Personal Business
• Typist’s initial
• Not on letterhead
• Contains your typed return address
HEADING
• Your information
Formal Business • Always includes the date (as the last entry)
• Typed on Letterhead • Personal Business
• Letterhead already contains your agency’s Letter (no letterhead), includes your return
return address ; you don’t retype it address, phone number, email address, date
• Formal Business
Why Write Business Letters? Letter (on letterhead), includes date only.
• To persuade
• To request • Person’s Name,
• To remind Title
• To apologize Position
• To follow up Designation
• To reject a proposal or offer • Company/Agency
• To introduce a person or policy Name/Department
• To formalize decisions • Company/Agency
Address
Why Write Business Letters? • Single spaced
• To inform
• To express thanks Rules of Thumb
• To recommend AVOID ABBREVIATIONS EXCEPT FOR
• To congratulate STATES AND TITLES.
• To invite or welcome • Examples: (Mr., Mrs., Ms., etc. – Phl, NJ)
PLACE A SINGLE WORD TITLE AFTER THE
Required Parts of Business Letters NAME SEPARATED BY
• Heading A COMMA.
• Inside Address • Example: Mr. Ronald F. Naguit, Director
• Salutation PLACE A LONGER TITLE ON A SEPARATE
• Body LINE.
• Complimentary Closing • Example: Ms. Camilla D. Sanchez
• Signature Executive Director of Safety
• Miscellaneous Parts
(optional) HEADING

Salutation
Miscellaneous Parts of Business Letters • a greeting
• Attention Line
Dear Mr. Peralta: • typically sent with your resume when
Dear Dr. Guzman: applying to a job.
Dear Ms. Nacion: Recommendation Letter
Dear Sir: • written on behalf of another professional to
Dear Madam: verify their qualifications and work ethic.
Gentlemen: Offer Letter
• an official offer of employment that
HEADING describes the specific terms of the
position.
MARGIN • If you agree to the terms the
letter offers, then you will sign
INSIDE the offer letter and accept the
ADDRESS job.
Sales Letter
SALUTATION • introduce a service or product to a client or
BODY customer.
Commendation Letter
COMPLIMENTARY • a form of employee appreciation, and
CLOSING companies send them out to the entire staff to
SIGNATURE LINES congratulate an employee for a job well done.
Resignation Letter
HEADING • informs your employer of
your intent to resign.
Body Thank you Letter
• the actual letter • an important way to let colleagues,
• Brief and to the point! Strictly Business employers, vendors or other business
• Guideline – 3 paragraphs contacts know you value their time or efforts.
Brief Introduction Complaint Letter
Content - What I want to convey/message • sent by consumers to businesses when
Conclusion and thank you they're unhappy with a service or product.
Apology Letter
Optional Parts • acknowledges a mistake, expresses regret
Enclosure and asks for the letter recipient's
–If something else is in the letter or package forgiveness or patience.
•P.S: additional information Office Memorandum
•Cc: copies sent to other concerned persons • a short yet formal document used for
communication between the business and its
Common BusinessLetter Formats employees.
(Block Format) Welcome Letter
(Modified Block Format) • a formal way of introducing a company or
(Semi-Block Format) employee and provides basic information to
Common Forms of Business Letters the recipient.
Cover Letter Request Letter
• a way to formally ask for something in the clear and easy access to information. The
workplace. message is direct.
Termination Letter • A memo follows a specific format for easy
• a respectful yet effective way to dismiss an access to information. A memo includes a
employee from their current job. HEADING BLOCK that identifies the recipient,
• also called a "letter of separation," "a notice the sender, the date, and the subject of the
of termination of employment" or "contract message.
termination letter." • However, the message has three parts, each
Transmittal Letter of which is identified by a specific heading.
• a short cover letter that accompanies a The three parts are the introduction, the
more complex document to explain its body,
purpose. and the conclusion.
Announcement Letter
• a letter sent out to clients and stakeholders Memo's Heading
to declare something of note for the The heading has two parts:
company, such as a change of policy, an
employee or management change, a merger, a • PART ONE includes two centered
takeover, a product release or an event. lines at the top of page 1, identifying
the name of the company or
Business Letter Tips institution on the first line, with the
• Customize your letter. word “memorandum” on the second
• Be punctual with delivery. line.
• Consider the method of delivery.
• Choose the appropriate level of • PART TWO includes the “DATE,” “TO,”
formality. “FROM,” and “SUBJECT” lines at the
• Limit your letter to one page. left margin, filled in appropriately.

BUSINESS MEMORANDUM Memo's Heading

"Your tone matters as much as your words."
- Dave Willis Memo's Heading

Business Memorandum Memo's Body

• a written communication strictly between • The introduction references
the company’s offices to another background information and
or used in internal correspondence. informs the purpose of the
• A memo has its title line and message.
series number. • The body is the message. The
• Memos are also used to body can be one simple
implement internal guidelines paragraph or multiple
or procedures that the paragraphs.
employees must follow.
A Memo's Format (Structure) Memo's Body
• A memo’s format provides employees with • The conclusion expresses what
you expect the recipient to do.
• The conclusion could be one Knowing how to convince people of your
paragraph or several perspective is a valuable skill. More so if
paragraphs, or the conclusion you are equipped with the strategies suitable
could be a simple sentence that for a particular audience. A project
asks for the recipient to contact proposal is a tool which you can use to
the sender if there are influence people to achieve what you want.
questions.
A research report is a form of communication
Closing Notation (Optional) that describes, analyzes, summarizes,
• used to identify such things as criticizes/praises, or makes predictions about
attachments, appear at the left a subject. It is based on an analysis of current
margin two lines below the text or past events. In order to achieve its
of the final paragraph. objective, it should be properly formatted
• By simply typing the word with the following parts:
“Attachment” as a closing • Title
notation, you automatically • Abstract
refer the reader to any available • Introduction
attachments • Methodology
• Results and Discussion
How to Organized Memos • Conclusion
Direct Organization • References
• presents the purpose of the document in
the first paragraph (sometimes the first
sentence) and provides supporting details What is a project proposal?
in the body. The direct approach is used for It is a document that is written for problem
good news or routine communication. solving, service provision, event planning, or
equipment selling. Generally, proposals are
How to Organized Memos used to convince the reader to do what the
Indirect Organization proposal suggests, such as buying goods or
• opens with relevant, attention-getting services, funding a project, or implementing a
details that program. Proposals in the professional world
do not directly state the purpose of the are used for internal (within an organization)
document. and external (from one organization to
The purpose is revealed in the body of the another) purposes. They are ways of
message, usually sandwiched between generating income for companies or seeking
supporting details. The indirect approach is funding for projects.
used
for persuasive, sales, or bad news messages. This is provided to the sponsor of the project
for approval. A proposal stands out
depending on its ability to clearly answer
questions about what is being proposed, how
Project Proposal the plan will be carried out, when it will be
implemented, and how much money will be they have standard parts such as the
needed or spent. In other words, they are following:
persuasive documents that need to do the
following: highlight reader benefits, prove 1. Introduction. This part provides the
your credibility in carrying out the project, background necessary for understanding
and allow the reader to respond easily. the project, which is done by telling your
reader the following:
Guidelines in Writing the Proposal • Rationale - this identifies the problem to be
1. Gathering the Data. One of the addressed and shows the need
characteristics of an effective proposal is to solve it.
being well researched. It needs concrete data • Objectives - these reveal what the project
to back up its claims so it can become more intends to achieve in terms of
credible. results. It also gives the reader an idea of the
intended solution. Good
You can gather data from primary and objectives are SMART (Specific, Measurable,
secondary sources and apply the strategies Attainable, Results-oriented,
that you learned in writing a research paper and bound within a realistic Time frame).
in the previous lessons. • Benefits - these show what the reader or the
target audience can gain
2. Organizing the Data. A proposal becomes from the proposal, which may be
more effective if the information on it is improvements in processes or systems,
clearly organized. You can use the parts of the an increase in revenue, or a change in
proposal to guide you in your organization or behavior of the beneficiaries of the proposal.
use an outline to structure your discussion
more effectively. 2. Project Description. This section gives
specific information about the project
3. Writing the Proposal. Fill out the parts of itself. It indicates how the project will address
the proposal with the relevant data. the identified problem through the
following parts:
4. Revising the Proposal. Make sure to review • Methodology – this entails the different
your proposal for accuracy and organization activities; the project will take on,
before you send it out. A good proposal will including the manpower (i.e., the people
be comprehensive and will put your involved and their duties), resources to be
organization in the best light. (Tiongson and utilized and the expanded output.
Rodriguez 2016) • Schedule - this discusses the task duration
and expected start and end
Formatting the Project Proposal dates of each activity in the project.
Proposals are primarily categorized • Budget - this presents an analysis of all the
according to their length. An informal costs anticipated in the
proposal is about 2-4 pages long. Meanwhile, project, which can be itemized or shown as a
a formal proposal has 5 or more pages. whole, depending on the
Regardless of their purpose and audience, needs of the project.
Note: Organizations usually provide ‘From’ contains e-mail from the sender while
interested parties with a required the field ‘to’ contains the email of
format for project proposals, so make sure the recipient.
that you follow the prescribed
format. (Brighthubpm 2009)

Office Correspondence, or business

correspondence, is a written interchange
of internal (communication between
company departments) and external
communication (communication between a
company to another firm) to assist
the flow of business processes.

Business letter is the traditional way of

communicating information from one
company to another or used in external
correspondence. The format can either
be full block, modified block, and semi-block.
Various types of letters are sales letter, order
letter complaint letter, inquiry letter,
adjustment letter, acknowledgement letter,
follow-up letter, cover letter, letter of
recommendation, and letter of resignation.

Additionally, Business memorandum or

memo is a written communication
strictly between the company’s offices to
another or used in internal correspondence. A
memo has its title line and series number.
Employees tend to read the memorandum if
the title line is related to their job description.

Lastly, Business e-mail is an office

correspondence that can either be internal
or external. There is no required format in
writing e-mail correspondence, but it
is expected that the writer maintains a
professional tone. Note that the header of the
letter is written on the blank fields including
the ‘from’ and ‘to’ fields.