Lead-in. Business correspondense

BUSINESS CORRESPONDENSE

“Politeness is as much concerned in answering it letters within a reasonable time, as is in returning a bow, immediately. ” (Lord Chesterfield)

1. Read the information and answer the questions:

1. What is the difference between snail-mail and email?

2. Who nowadays writes business letters?

3. How is a person who writes letters called?

4. How is a person who receives letters called?

5. Why do people write business letters?

6. What do people with English as a second language worry about when writing business letters?

6. Do you know how to write business letters?

Business letters are formal paper communications between, to or from businesses and usually sent through the Post Office or sometimes by courier. Business letters are sometimes called " snail-mail" in contrast to email which is faster.

Most people who have an occupation have to write business letters. Some write many letters each day and others only write a few letters over the course of a career. Business people also read letters on a daily basis. Letters are written from a person/group, known as the sendertoa person/group, known in business as the recipient.

There are many reasons why you may need to write business letters or other correspondence: to persuade, to inform, to request, to express thanks, to remind, to recommend, to apologize, to congratulate, to reject a proposal or offer, to invite or welcome.

The term " business letter" makes people nervous. Many people with English as a second language worry that their writing is not advanced enough for business writing. This is not the case. An effective letter in business uses short, simple sentences and straightforward vocabulary. The easier a letter is to read, the better. You will need to use smooth transitions so that your sentences do not appear too choppy.