University of Makati CoAHS / Professional Communication / Basics of Letter

Writing / Mr. Alcantara

Names _____________________________________________ID No. _____________ Date
_________
I. Direction: Arrange the following information into a business letter (Full Block)
1.)

February 1, 2005 /2.) Ms. Nancy Mallari Executive Director Mental Health Association of

the Philippines 3729 Legazpi Village, Makati City 1600/3.) 301 Amorsolo Street Makati City,
1600 /4.) In addition to my counseling and education experience, I have gained a strong
working knowledge of the Bolles/Crystal life in planning theory and career development
process. In fact, I enrolled in a semester-long course that taught the practical application of
the said theory in order to gain a more professional knowledge about it. /5.) I am writing in
reference to the position of Counselor I, advertised in the Manila Bulletin dated January 18,
2005./ 6.) The enclosed resum details my skill development as it relates to counseling,
community and individual resources. I feel that my counseling experience, as well as my
working knowledge of the Bolles/Crystal life planning theory, indicate a strong motivation
and ability to implement counseling objectives into practical, workable solutions. /7.) I feel
that my area of special interest and skills in mental health work relates directly to the job
requirements for Counselor I as advertised in the job vacancy.
always been on adult career counseling programs.

My special interest has

In fact, in researching a paper I just

completed, Unique Career Programming for Adults, I was excited to learn of progress in
your organizations effort in diplomatically stimulating Congress into increasing funding for
career development programs for adults.

I would like very much to be a part of your

association and believe I can help you maintain your momentum in developing and
implementing unique career progress in the area. /8.) I will be available for an interview any
time at your convenience. I hope to hear from you soon. Thank you once again for your
time and attention. /9.) Encl: resume and certifications /10.) Very truly yours, /11.) Dear
Ms. Mallari; /12.) Dolores Acosta Applicant

II. Direction: In the following sentences, replace vague phrases

(underlined) with concrete phrases. Make up any detail you might need.
1. We will be opening our new facility sometime this summer.

2. You can now purchase the laptop computer at a substantial savings.

3. After the inauguration, we were surprised that such a large number

attended.

III. Direction: In the following sentences, replace weak terms (in

parentheses) with words that are stronger.
1. The two reporters ___________________________ (follow) the showbiz couple
everywhere they go.
2. Health costs ______________________ (suddenly rise) when management
forgets to emphasize safety issues.
3. Once we solved the zoning issue, new business construction
_______________________________ (moved forward), and the district has been
flourishing ever since.
IV. Direction: In the following sentences, replace complicated words (in
parentheses) with simpler ones.
1. Management ____________________ (inaugurated) the recycling policy six
months ago.

2. Ill miss working with everybody when my internship ______________________

(terminates).
3. You can convey the same meaning without __________________ (utilizing) the
same words.
4. No one _________________ (anticipated) that Mr. Santos would retire soon.
5. When Malou asked for ________________________ (assistance), I grabbed the
chance to learn more about accounting.

V. Direction: Rewrite the following sentences, replacing obsolete phrases

with up-to-date versions.
1. Attached herewith is your copy of our new contract as per your records.

2. Even though it will increase the price of the office equipment, we have
decided to use LCD monitors in lieu of ordinary ones.

VI. Direction: Edit the following sentences to correct faults in grammar,

punctuation, spelling, and word use.
1. Were not asking the team to altar its proposal we are asking team members
to check the proposals figures.

2. A writer has many communication channels from which to choose, therefore

he should choose carefully.

VII. Direction: Revise the following sentences to make them direct,

simple, and conversational.
1. We in management are of the opinion that employees have not been made

sufficiently aware of the problem of computer security.

2. Enclosed herewith please find the proposal which we have the honor to

submit to your esteemed organization in regard to the acquisition and

purchase of laptop computers.

3. It is our suggestion that you do not attempt to move forward until you seek

and obtain approval of the plan from the team leader prior to the beginning
of this project.

VIII. Direction: Revise the following statements to make them more

positive.
1. Customers are ineligible for the 10 percent discount unless they show their
membership cards.

2. We cant process your request for equipment use because you neglected to
include your student number.

3. You wont be disappointed with the many store services we now offer.

IX. Direction: Revise the following messages to show greater courtesy.

1. To the Staff: Cant anyone around here read instructions? Page 12 of the
operating manual for our copying machine very clearly describes how to
remove jammed paper. But Im the only one who ever does it, and Ive had it!
No more copies will be made until you learn how to remove the jammed paper.