WHOLE BRAIN LEARNING SYSTEM

OUTCOME-BASED EDUCATION

ENGLISH– READING GRADE

AND WRITING SKILLS 11

4
LEARNING QUARTER

MODULE WEEK 7-8

WBLS-OBE MELC-Aligned Self-Learning Module SHS Reading & Writing 0

 MODULE IN
READING AND WRITING SKILLS

QUARTER 4
WEEK 7- 8

BUSINESS CORRESPONDENCE
Development Team
Writer: Richard A. Hapa
Editor/s: Julianne Grace B. Bugaoisan Anna Liza A. Arreola
Reviewer: Adelyn C. Domingo
Illustrator: Wynnelord Rainier E. Tibay
Layout Artist: Wynnelord Rainier E. Tibay
Management Team: Vilma D. Eda Arnel S. Bandiola
Lourdes B. Arucan Juanito V. Labao
Adelyn C. Domingo

WBLS-OBE MELC-Aligned Self-Learning Module SHS Reading & Writing 1

 What I Need to Know

Business correspondence means the exchange of information in a written format for

the process of business activities. Business correspondence can take place between
organization within organizations or between the customers and the organization. This
module considers technical writing as a tool for bridging gaps, creating opportunities and
empowering others.

MELCS:
Identify the unique features of and requirements in composing professional
correspondence:
a. Resume
b. Application for College Admission
c. Application for Employment
d. Various forms of Office Correspondence
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this modules, you are expected to:
1. Illustrate the properties of a well-written texts and process approach to writing; and
2. Identify the importance of the different forms of professional correspondence.

WBLS-OBE MELC-Aligned Self-Learning Module SHS Reading & Writing 2

 What I Know

Pre-Test Before exploring this material, try your best to answer the following items and see if
you have background knowledge about the topics we shall be discussing.

Direction: Read and analyze each item carefully. Select the best answer from the choices
given. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

1. This presents the background and profile of an applicant.

a. abstract c. education
b. resume d. experience
2. Which of the following is not an appropriate format for a resume?
a. chronological c. combination
b. functional or skills d. job summary
3. This is a type of an application letter that is written in response to an
advertisement.
a. solicited letter c. request letter
b. unsolicited letter d. complaint letter
4. Which C in letter writing implies that the letter is error-free?
a. concreteness c. correctness
b. conciseness d. clarity
5. The best way to ensure that only the right ideas are included in the piece is by
using an outline. This shows ______________.
a. clarity c. considerations
b. courtesy d. character

WBLS-OBE MELC-Aligned Self-Learning Module SHS Reading & Writing 3

Lesson Writing the Resume
1
The resume gives the background and profile of an applicant. It is useful for employers
because it helps them determine whether an applicant is fit for the job or not. The following
are some useful tips in preparing a resume.
1. Make sure the resume has the following parts: heading, career objective or job
summary, experience, education, and a list of special skills or references.
a. Heading
The heading consists of the applicant’s name, address, contact number, and e-
mail address. Make sure the address and contact number are updated, and the
e-mail address sounds professional.
b. Career Objective or Job Summary
The objective tells the employer the applicant’s goal or aim in applying for the
job. It may include the plan for the next three or five years. It must be specific
and concise. In contrast, the job summary capsulizes work experience and
ability. In writing these, make sure the ability specified matches the
requirements of the job applied for.
c. Experience
Usually, the job experience is arranged beginning with the most recent. It
includes the position held, length of service, and a short description of the job.
d. Education
In this part, stated are the college or university where the applicant is studying
or have graduated from, the address of the school, the degree or course and
the date of graduation.
e. Special Skills and References(Optional)
In most cases, special skills are provided if deemed important for the job.
Sometimes, employers do give consideration to employees who could give
more than what they ask for-provided the skills specified are useful for the job.
References, usually placed at the end of the resume, indicates the people who
could vouch for the quality of the applicant’s work, his/her integrity, and
professionalism. These are usually superiors, parish priests, community
leaders, teachers, and administrators. Never include a relative (even if he/she

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 is a former boss) for this prejudices the application. Make sure to obtain the
chosen references’ consent first. This way, they will not be off-guard when an
employer asks.
2. The information in the resume should be updated and true. Falsification of
information will sow distrust and might result to legal and ethical problems in the
future.
3. Choose an appropriate format for the resume.
a. Chronological Resume
This is the most traditional type of resume and best fits entry level employees
or fresh graduates. This is best suited for those who wish to work in the law,
banking, and education fields because it shows the progression of the
applicant’s accomplishments. (the sample resume in the Lead-in section is of
this format.)
b. Functional or Skills Resume
This type presents information in categories. It allows employees to see the
abilities and experience of the applicant immediately. This is the best suited for
applicants with extensive experience. Its major parts include the heading,
objective, experience, skills and education.
c. Combination Resume
This style combines the features of the chronological and functional resume. It
consists of the heading, objective, education, skills and experience. This type is
appropriate for people who are changing positions or careers.
4. Check the word choice, grammar, and mechanics of the resume. Always use short
phrases instead of complete sentences. Begin the phrase with strong verbs. Do not
use the personal pronoun “I”.
5. Use bullets and listings. Be generous with the use of spacing. Also, keep the type
of font formal and use not more than two font types.
6. Keep the resume short, not exceeding one page if possible.

WBLS-OBE MELC-Aligned Self-Learning Module SHS Reading & Writing 5

 What’s In

Activity 1. Sample Resume Evaluation

Directions. Study the given information in the sample job advertisement and resume
carefully and answer the questions that follow. Write your answers on a separate
sheet of paper.
Sample Job Ad

Be a part of the country’s leading fast-food chain!

Quadruple M Pasta and Sandwiches
Is in need of
a cheerful, competent, and committed service crew

Job Requirements
• Working students are encouraged to apply
• Physically fit
• Has good communication skills
• Hardworking and has good inter-and intrapersonal relationship skills
• Willing to work extended hours and on shifting schedule
• Work experience preferred, but not necessary

Satisfactory remuneration package awaits the successful applicant.

Interested applicants may send resume and cover letter to the HR Department,
Quadruple M Pasta and Sandwiches, 1117 Dela Fuente St., Sampaloc, Manila.

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 Sample Resume

FRANKLIN D. SANTOS
987 Estrada St., Malate, Manila
(63) 872-8596
franklinsantos@gmail.com

OBJECTIVE
To obtain a service crew position in Quadruple M Pasta and
Sandwiches that involves interaction with costumers, preparation of food orders, and
quality hospitality services.

EXPERIENCE
Part-time Service Crew , 2012-2014
Chucky Roasters, Binondo Manila
• Assisted the chef in the preparation of food, took and served
customer orders, and prepared a monthly report of customer
complaints.
Private Tutor, 2011-2012
• Taught English and Math to a grade five student, monitored
student’s daily school performance, and administered academic
exercises

EDUCATION
ABC University, Manila, 2nd year B.S. Hospitality Management

SPECIAL SKILLS

TRILINGUAL- Speaks and writes in English, Filipino, and Spanish

COMPUTER SKILLS- Proficient in MS applications

Processing Questions:
1. What are the skills needed for the job?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
2. Which of the job requirements seem difficult to fulfill?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
3. Is there any information in the ad that is vague? Point this out and explain.

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 ______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
4. If you were the applicant, would you apply for the job? Explain your answer.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
5. Which of the information in the applicant’s resume is useful for the position he
is applying for?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
6. Why is it important to state the applicant’s objective in the resume?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
7. Was the resume written professionally?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
8. If you were the employer, would you hire the applicant?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
9. What are the strengths of the applicant?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
10. What are the special skills of the applicant?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

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 What’s New

Getting the Employer’s Attention

Nowadays, getting hired is a fierce battle. One way of getting noticed by
employers is by writing a good application letter and preparing a credible resume.

The following are some tips to keep in mind when writing a good application letter.
1. There are two types of application letter: solicited letters are those
written in response to an advertisement, while unsolicited letters are
those written by someone who is either aware of the existence of a
vacancy or is taking a chance to get accepted should be there be
an opening.
2. Application letters are like sales letters. The applicant is selling
his/her qualifications and skills to prospective employer.
3. An application letter may contain all or some of the information
listed below.
a. position applied for
b. educational qualifications
c. work experience
d. personal and professional qualities
e. reasons for wanting the position
4. Avoid discussing salary letter. This should be tackled in the
interview.
5. Start the letter on a positive and catchy tone and end it politely.
Also, try to secure an action from the receiver in ending letter.
6. Edit and proofread your letter before sending it to the prospective
employer. Also, make sure that all supporting documents have
been included or attached to the letter.

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 Application for College
Lesson
2 Admission

The College Application Letter: Passport to College Admission

Some colleges and universities require applicants to submit a college application

letter together with other graduate requirements, such as the transcript of records, diploma,
birth certificate, letters of recommendation, etc. The aim of this is to find out the degree the
applicant wishes to pursue and his/her objectives for choosing the course.

In the sample collage application letter, the sender has taken the first step of the
admission process. The letter, however, still needs fine tuning. But it succeeded in hurdling
the basics of business writing by observing proper layout, ensuring that the parts of the letter
are complete, and following most of the eight C’s of writing: clearness, correctness,
concreteness, cheerfulness, courtesy, consideration, and character.

1. Clarity
Clarity in writing reflects the writer’s way of thinking. The best
way to ensure that only the right ideas are included in this piece is by
using an outline. An outline will help you identify which ideas are
related and which ones are not. This will also make it easier for the
reader to follow the discussion.
2. Conciseness
Express the ideas in a few words possible. However, avoid the
telegraphic way of writing.

3. Correctness
Correctness implies that the letter is error-free. Meaning, it is
proofread properly for errors in grammar, mechanics, and content.

4. Concreteness
Most readers prefer specific and concrete words than the general
ones.

5. Cheerfulness
The purpose of all business letters is to build rapport, not to sow
conflict. A cheerful exudes positivity and courtesy.

6. Courtesy
A simple “thank you”, “please”, or any word of gratitude and courtesy
could make a lot of difference to the readers. Avoid any statement that might
offend them.

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 7. Consideration
Emphasize the “you attitude.” Always think about your reader’s needs
and point of view. The writer should know the person he/she is writing to, tell
why the reader should be interested in the letter, choose words and ideas that
will arouse his/her interest, and think of the best way to express his/her
thoughts.

8. Character
The words one uses reveal the type of person he/she is. Avoid using
cliché expressions and biased language. Also, try developing your own style
to highlight individuality.

Various Forms of Office

Lesson
3 Correspondence
Writing a Letter of Inquiry

When you want to know the price of a product or service, request for booklets or
similar materials, determine the names of dealers or important people, or ask for information
on the enrolment process etc., you will need to draft a letter of inquiry.
Unlike the other forms of business letters, the letter of inquiry contains only the
questions, explanation, and request necessary for its purpose. In enumerating requests or
question, the list or the bullet form is often used. Below the information that should be
included in every type of letter inquiry.

1. Requests for Appointment

• purpose of the meeting or appointment
• day, date, and time
• venue of the meeting
• request for confirmation
2. Requests for Reservation
• number of people who will be staying
• number of rooms needed
• number and size of beds per person
• room preference
• length of stay
• arrival and departure date and time
• name of occupants, attendees, or organizations
• price of the room per night and the total computation based on length
of stay
• mode of payment

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 3. Buying and General Request
• purpose of the letter
• question or specific request (if more, use bullet form)
• name of publication where the ad appeared, date publication, page
number (if responding to an ad)
• action requested
Writing a Letter of Complaint
Perhaps one of the most difficult letters to draft because of the negative tone it
carries is the letter of complaint. Although it expresses the sender’s dissatisfaction over a
product or service, its goal should be to get a solution from the letters receiver. Needlessly, it
should remain objective in that the focus should be on the product or service and not the
sender also, it must properly cite he details that led to the inconvenience and request for
action.

Responding to a Complaint
Exchange letters of complaint with your classmate, and then write a reply letter as if
you were the intended receiver. Make sure to be polite and diplomatic and apply the eight
C’s of writing.

Writing Memos
Nowadays, it is important to keep track of schedules. Some keep a planner, a pocket
calendar, or use the organizer feature installed in phones, tablets, or laptops to remind them
of special dates, work commitments, and personal matters.
Companies, on the other hand, keep a social media account, use text brigades, and
write letters and memos to remind employees of deadlines and other important work
matters. Most of the time, memos are used for easy dissemination and posting. Here are
some basic parts of a memo.

1. Heading
The heading contains the receiver, sender date, and topic of the
message. It follows the following template.

To: Name of receiver

From: Name of the sender and position
Date: Month, Day, and year the memo was written
Re: Topic of the memo

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 2. Body
The body contains the message of the memo. It is similar to that letter except
it is more concise.

3. Optional Parts
Some memos include the following optional parts below the message.

Cf- stands for copy furnished and lists the individuals or offices who received
the same memo.

LDC- an example of the initials of the typist. Whoever typed or encoded the
memo need only indicate the first letters of his/her first name, middle initial,
and surname.

Here is a sample memorandum:

(Company Logo)

Date : 15 June, 2020

To : Johanna Cortes, Marketing Officer
From : Jamie Tongco, General Manager
Subject : Export of Mango Jam and Candies

The undersigned has visited the manufacturing plans in Guadalupe and

discussed with the production heads the possibility of increasing production for export in
other countries. They see no problem in doing so. However, they would like an estimate
of the demand for our products before taking any action to increase production.
You are requested to contact our agents quickly and let me know the estimates by
the end of July.
For compliance.

(signature)
JAMIE TONGCO

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 What’s More

Activity 2. Application Letter Evaluation

Directions: Study the sample application carefully and answer the questions that follow.
Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

Sample Application Letter

Rm.312, Third Floor

Messiah Building
Malate, Manila

April 16, 2015

Ms. Hasel Gonzales
HR Manager
Best Clothes, Inc.
Quezon Avenue, Quezon City

Dear Ms. Gonzales:

I’ve read in the Classified Ads section of the Jobs Bulletin that your company is in need of a
sales supervisor. Please consider me an applicant for the position.

I am a graduate of Fine Arts and Design at the School of Fashion, so I am familiar with the
latest trends in fashion down to the last detail. Moreover, my exposure to selected fashion
boutiques during our field exposures enabled me to grasp the type of clothes suited to
different types of people.

In addition to the academic training I have received from the school, I have apprenticed as
tailor to Creative Tailoring, a cutting-edge tailor shop at Avenida, Manila. I have also worked
as a clothes consultant for the same shop of the year.

I have laid my cards on the table and will be happy to be a part of your dynamic team. I have
read good reviews about your shop and I am confident that we would mutually benefit from
each other.

I am available for an interview anytime of the day on weekdays. I do hope that you will
consider my application.
Very truly yours,

ANGELICA C. DE LEON
Applicant

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Processing Questions:

1. What position is the sender applying for?

___________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
2. What qualifications does she possess that are relevant to the job?
___________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
3. How did she persuade the HR Manager to consider her application?
___________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
4. What is the tone of her letter? Would you recommend using such tone?
___________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
5. If you were the HR manager would you schedule the applicant for an interview?
Explain your answer.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

What I Have Learned

Linking Thinking, Writing, and Technology

These are the days of two incomes, but more divorces;
Of fancier houses, but broken homes.
It is a time when there is much in the show window, and nothing in the stockroom.
A time when technology can bring this letter to you,
And a time when you can choose,
Either to make a difference…or just hit, delete.

-His Holiness the Dalai Lama, “The Paradox of our Times”

Each of us has the power to choose, act or remain passive. In “The Paradox of Our
Times”, His Holiness the Dalai Lama explain that amidst the progress and technological
innovations, the virtues of people continue to degrade. They have become too materialistic.
They have lost sight of the essence of life. Moreover, they have forgotten to use technology
as a tool for bridging gaps, creating opportunities, and empowering others.

WBLS-OBE MELC-Aligned Self-Learning Module SHS Reading & Writing 15

 What I Can Do

General Instruction:

This test has two parts: Performance Test (Part I) and Claim-Evidence-Reasoning
Tic Tac Toe Test (Part II). Part I involves creation of a certain product while Part II is a
Claim-Evidence-Reasoning Tic Tac Toe Test. Try your best to accomplish all tasks.

Part I. Performance Activity

Direction: Prepare a pen and a sheet of paper. Read the following guidelines in doing this
activity.

Performance Produces each type of academic writing and professional correspondence

Standard following the properties of well-written texts and process approach to
writing.
Goal Your task is to write an application letter for a desired job.
Role A job applicant
Audience Staff of a company or agency you want to work with
Situation You are a graduating Senior High School student and plan to apply for a
job while waiting for the opening of the new school year. You want to apply
for a job related to your track/strand.
Product Your product is an application letter
Standard Your work will be evaluated based on, organization, content, and language
and grammar.

Application Letter Rubric

Excellent Proficient Basic Below Basic
4 3 2 1
Organization Ideas are Ideas are Ideas are Ideas are poorly
arranged arranged arranged arranged and
logically and logically but logically but the lacks
appropriate needs a little organizational organizational
organizational improvement in pattern must be pattern.
pattern is the improved.
observed. organizational
pattern.

Content Content is very Content is Content is Content is not

relevant and relevant and relevant but it is relevant and

WBLS-OBE MELC-Aligned Self-Learning Module SHS Reading & Writing 16

 well developed developed and not well well developed
and purpose is purpose is developed and and purpose is
well defined. defined. purpose is not not clear and
well defined. well defined.
Language and Language Language Language Language is not
Grammar choice is very choice is choice lacks concise and
concise and the concise and the conciseness there are many
paragraphs paragraphs and the grammatical
contain no contain little paragraphs errors.
grammatical grammatical contain few
errors. errors. grammatical
errors.

Part II. CLAIM-EVIDENCE-REASONING TIC TAC TOE TEST

CLAIM-EVIDENCE-REASONING TIC TAC TOE BOARD

Learning Competency:
Identify the unique features of and requirements in composing professional correspondence:
a. Resume
b. Application for College Admission
c. Application for Employment
d. Various forms of Office Correspondence

Article:

Sample Letter of Inquiry.

March 2, 2015

Ms. Maricris Ursua

Class Adviser
II-Fidelity

Dear Ms. Ursua:

We have received your letter on the upcoming summer camp in Rizal. First and foremost, we
are interested in the activity and would like to request the following information:

1. age and qualifications of participants;

2. specific art and music courses that will be offered;
3. type of accommodation
4. provisions for participants who are not part of the Saint Nicholas School community;
5. transportation and vicinity map;and
6. deadline of payment.

We will be pleased and delighted if you could provide us prompt and immediate information
within the week. We plan to enlist our daughter and her two cousins in your summer camp,

WBLS-OBE MELC-Aligned Self-Learning Module SHS Reading & Writing 17

and the information you will provide will help us which program best fits them.

Sincerely yours,

Mrs. Anna Arevalo

Mother

Q1 How did the sender Q2What is the purpose of Q3How did the sender
begin the letter? the letter? present her request?

Q4How did the sender end Q5How should the Q6Why is the letter sender
the letter? Do you think this receiver reply to the letter interested in the activity?
is effective? Explain your ?
answer.

Q7 What are included as Q8 Who else are interested Q9 Why does the sender
request of the letter sender? to join the summer camp? request for complete
information regards the
summer camp?

CLAIM-EVIDENCE-REASONING TIC TAC TOE ANSWER SHEET

DIRECTIONS: You are required to answer the center question no. 5 After answering,
select 2 more to form a straight row or column like in a tic tac toe game (e.g., horizontal for
Questions 4, 5 and 6; vertical for Questions 2, 5 and 8; or diagonal left for Questions 1, 5
and 9 or diagonal right for Questions 3, 5 and 7). Whatever straight line you choose, you
will be answering only 3 questions. Write the number of the questions you are answering.
Then proceed to complete the CLAIM-EVIDENCE-REASONING for each question. For
evidence, you have to refer to the article.
QUESTION NO.

CLAIM:

EVIDENCE:

REASONING:

QUESTION NO.

CLAIM:

WBLS-OBE MELC-Aligned Self-Learning Module SHS Reading & Writing 18

EVIDENCE:

REASONING:

QUESTION NO.

CLAIM:

EVIDENCE:

REASONING:

Assessment

Post-Test
Directions:
A. Match column A with column B by writing the letter of the correct answer on a separate
sheet of paper.
A. B.
1. Lists the qualifications of an applicant A. letter of complaint
2. Asks for information B. college application letter
3. Indicates dissatisfaction over a product C. resume
4. Expresses interest in the job D. letter of inquiry
5. Indicates interest to enroll E. application letter

B. Read each item carefully. Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write your answers on
a separate sheet of paper.

WBLS-OBE MELC-Aligned Self-Learning Module SHS Reading & Writing 19

1. This reveals the sender of the letter
A. heading
B. complimentary close
C. signature
D. inside address

2.It tells when the letter was drafted

A. inside address
B. dateline
C. heading
D. signature
3. This contains the main point of the letter
A. body
B. heading
C. postscript
D. dateline
4.It serves as the closing portion of the letter
A. heading
B. complimentary close
C. signature
D. salutation

5.This informs the reader of the receiver’s address

A. inside address
B. dateline
C. signature
D. heading

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 Answer Key

5.A
4. B
3. A
2. B
B.1. A
5. B
4. E
3. A
2. D
A.1. C
Assessment
A 5.
C 4.
A 3.
D 2.
B 1.
Pre Test

References

Majul, Mary Ann. 2016. En [G] Counters Reading and Writing in the Contemporary World.
Edited by Nick Benitez Mariano. Quezon City: St. Bernadette Publishing House
Corporation.
Admin. 2020. “The Importance of Good Academic Writing.” Planning Tank. September 19,
2020. https://planningtank.com/academic-writing/academic-writing-importance.

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 For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education-Schools Division of Laoag City

Curriculum Implementation Division (CID)

Brgy. 23 San Matias, Laoag City 2900

Contact Number: (077)771-3678

Email Address: laoagcity@deped.gov.ph