Letter Writing Made Easy!: Featuring Sample Letters for Hundreds of Common Occasions

by Margaret McCarthy

Overview

In Letter Writing Made Easy!, author Margaret McCarthy offers sample letters for hundreds of common occasions. Need to write a thank you note? Want to dispute a bill? Having trouble expressing your feelings upon the death of a friend's loved one? McCarthy has provided samples which you can use as is, or modify to suit your own particular style or concerns.

How to write more intimate personal letters
How to write more powerful business correspondence
Practical advice on format, style, tone, forms of address . . . and much more
Includes hundreds of ready-to-use samples

So put down that phone and write a letter! It's not only more personal, it's more effective. And with Letter Writing Made Easy!, writing a letter is a breeze!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781595808110
Publisher:	Santa Monica Press
Publication date:	01/01/1998
Series:	Letter Writing Made Easy!
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	224
File size:	2 MB

Read an Excerpt

Taking Responsibility for Property Damage

Dear name,

I feel just terrible about the unfortunate damage I/my son/daughter/etc. caused to your [item.] I intend to take full responsibility for replacing/repairing it. It was very kind of you to dismiss the damage as merely accidental, but I just won't feel right until your item is restored to its original condition.

I hope you don't mind that I contact a repair/replacement company to arrange for an estimate, and I would appreciate it if you would let me know the best time for them to drop by without inconveniencing you any further. Please accept my apologies, and I hope we can quickly put this unfortunate incident behind us and continue our wonderful friendship.

Best regards,

On Promotion

Dear name,

Well, I knew it was only a matter of time before your superiors would reward all of your hard work and brilliance with a promotion! Congratulations on your new position! Your skills and smarts will surely serve you well as the new [name of position/title.]

Best wishes for continued success. I can't wait to see how impressed everyone will be when you start to make a real difference in the [name of department] department. Again, congratulations, you deserve it. And I am extremely confident that your future holds many more promotions of such prestige.

Best regards,

Formal Engagement Announcement

Mr. and Mrs. (name of bride's parents) have the honor of announcing the engagement of their daughter (name) to (name of groom)

Optional:
(Name of bride's parents) request your presence at type of event (i.e. luncheon, dinner, reception) on day, date, at location from time to time to celebrate this happy occasion

Please R.S.V.P. to (name) at (telephone number) by (date) Encouraging a Politician to Support an Issue

Dear Senator or Mr./Ms. (name):

The purpose of this letter is to voice my support of (describe issue). I know that it is currently under a great deal of scrutiny, and if certain politicians have their way, it could be dealt a severe-if not fatal-(financial/constitutional/political) blow.

(Describe the situation, and your position/suggestions for resolving it). I implore you to use your voice in Congress to do anything and everything you can to stave off legislation that would (cut federal funding/outlaw a practice, etc). It's vital that we (protect our rights/resources, etc.), and the prospect of a future without this protection is downright frightening.

Sincerely,

Thank You for the Job Interview

Dear (name of interviewer):

It was very kind of you to take the time from your busy schedule to meet with me on (date) to discuss the opening for (position). I want you to know I appreciated the opportunity.

The meeting certainly increased my interest in the position, which was already high. I was very impressed with your (describe specifics of the department or company). I firmly believe I can contribute significantly to the company with my (describe skills and work values). Thank you again for your time and interest in my qualifications, and I look forward to hearing from you about the results of my interview.

Sincerely,

Table of Contents

PART ONE: PERSONAL LETTERS

Introduction: How to Write Intimate Personal Letters

Chapter 1: Apologies

Chapter 2: Asking for a Favor

Chapter 3: Condolence

Chapter 4: Congratulations

Chapter 5: Declining an Invitation

Chapter 6: Declining a Request

Chapter 7: Encouragement and Emotional Messages

Chapter 8: Informal Messages for Holidays and Special Occasions

Chapter 9: Invitations

Chapter 10: Reminders and Admonitions

Chapter 11: Thank-You Notes

PART TWO: BUSINESS LETTERS

Introduction: How to Write Effective Business Correspondence

Chapter 12: Banking and Credit

Chapter 13: Career

Chapter 14: Government

Chapter 15: Housing

Chapter 16: Insurance

Chapter 17: Medical Concerns

Chapter 18: Military Affairs

Chapter 19: Press and Media

Chapter 20: Products

Chapter 21: Schools

Chapter 22: Services

Chapter 23: Taxes

Chapter 24: Travel

APPENDIX

Forms of Address

List of Important Addresses

Introduction

People often wonder in this modern age why letters are even necessary anymore. Isn't it easier and quicker to just pick up the phone? Sure it is. But is it as effective as a letter?

Never underestimate the power of the written word. The fact is, there are many occasions and situations in which personal letters make a great impact. And since more people today would rather just use the phone, the fact that you have taken the time to choose your words carefully and write a letter carries even more weight--the recipient will be doubly impressed, and your message will hit home.

Part of the reluctance of most people to write a letter is a simple lack of knowledge. Frankly, it seems that only a small percentage of our society--mostly secretaries--understands how to format a formal business letter.

What constitutes a good letter? How should it be laid out? Do you have to type it? Are there any special tricks that you must know?

In this book, I will answer these questions and more. I will show you how to write intimate personal letters and powerful business correspondence. I will also offer practical advice on format, style, tone, forms of address, etc.

Best of all, I have provided ready-to-use samples for hundreds of common occasions. All you need to do is plug in the details. In some cases, you'll want to vary certain particulars to fit your circumstances-Letter Writing Made Easy! is in no way a substitute for common sense. It merely hopes to help you write the best letter you can, and in turn, help you get the most out of situations in life that demand effective communication.

Editorial Reviews

Letter Writing Made Easy!, Volumes I and II, by Margaret McCarthy are excellent practical resources for the ESL classroom. Written in simple, easy-to-understand language, these books provide the expert guidance students need to learn the basics of letter writing. Adjustment to life in a new country cannot be made without an understanding of personal expression. Letter writing is an essential vehicle for expressing many matters and concerns. These books ease students' fears about letter writing by integrating the American cultural styles of directness, politeness and honesty. Letter Writing Made Easy!, Volumes I and II, provide sample letters, which can be modified to address individual needs, as well as practical advice on format, style, tone and forms of address. Volume I includes important types of correspondence such as cover letters, business letters, résumés, employment queries, college applications, transcript requests, complaint letters and "thank you" notes.

ESL Magazine