English Letters 2

Business Letters

Business letters:
between companies and institutions, and government offices to conduct all kinds of business.

The structure of a business letter

Headings: the writers address and the date Inside Address: the receivers title, full name, position and complete address Salutation: complimentary greeting as Dear John Body of the Letter: reference, information, purpose and conclusion Complimentary close: Sincerely yours, etc. Signature: typewritten and handwritten signatures

Headings Inside Address Salutation:

Body of Letter ------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Complementary Close, handwritten signature
Typed Signature

Headings
Winthrop University
Rock Hill, SC 29733 September 28, 2006

Inside Address
Dr. Jane Smith (
Foreign Student Advisor Winthrop University

Rock Hill, SC 29733

Winthrop University Rock Hill, SC 29733 September 28, 2006

Dr. Jane Smith Foreign Student Advisor Winthrop University Rock Hill, SC 29733 Dear Dr. Jane Smith, I am a new student from China and this is my first week at Winthrop University. Thank you very much for your attention and I look forward to hearing from you soon. Sincerely yours, Wang Liang

Winthrop University Rock Hill, SC 29733 September 28, 2006

Dr. Jane Smith Foreign Student Advisor Winthrop University Rock Hill, SC 29733 Dear Dr. Jane Smith, I am a new student from China and this is my first week at Winthrop University. While I am excited about beginning my academic studies here, and while the one-day orientation was very helpful, I am still feeling lost and need a lot of help. I have experienced difficulties in getting to places, buying textbooks, and finding my classrooms because the campus is so big. I believe that many other new international students must have experienced similar difficulties. I thereby suggest that the orientation program last two or three days instead of one and that a student ambassador program be sent up to help new students, particularly new international students on more individual basis. It is my belief that such an expanded program would help new students to adjust to Winthrop much more quickly. Thank you very much for your attention and I look forward to hearing from you soon. Sincerely yours, Wang Liang

The Language of Business Letters

1.

Concise and clear: eliminating nonsense words and phrases, repetition and redundancies, get directly to the point Courteous: avoiding insults and sarcasm, rude remarks, and expressions with negative implications

2.

Types of Business Letters

(1) (2) (3) (4)

Request Letters Order letters Claim (or Complaint) letters Job application letters

An Application Letter for Advanced Studies

(Address omitted) March 10, 1999 To the Register, Oxford University, Oxfordshire England Dear Sir: Would you please send me an application form and some information about the course of English Literature offered in your university? I should like to apply for admission at the College of Arts to pursue my studies for a Masters degree. I am now studying in East China Teachers University majoring in English Literature and will graduate this July. My university authorities recommend me to further my studies in your university. Yours truly, Li Xin

A Job Application Letter

English College Luoyang Normal university Luoyang June 15, 1999
Principal Taiyuan No.5 Middle School Taiyuan 030012 Dear sir: I have heard from my teacher that you are looking for a few qualified teachers of English. I am writing to try my luck. I am 23 years old and will soon graduate from the English Department of Taiyuan Teachers College. I have completed my four years courses with credits in all subjects. I am able to speak English fluently and fond of teaching career. Besides, I am good at computer operation. Enclosed you will find a copy of records of all subjects and that of a testimonial as required. I shall be very grateful if you give me a chance to work in your school. Yours truly, Li Xin

Exercises
Suppose you are to graduate from the university the next month. Write a letter to a company, applying for a position as an office secretary. 2. Next term you are going to do the practice teaching. Write a letter to a local school, applying for a contemporary job as a teacher there.
1.