assignment for letter writing

The Correspondence Project: A Lesson of Letters

• Resources & Preparation
• Instructional Plan
• Related Resources

Students practice writing effective letters for a variety of real-life situations, such as responding to a prompt on a standardized test, corresponding with distant family members, or communicating with a business. They begin by reviewing the differences between business and friendly letter formats, using examples and a Venn diagram. Next, students write two letters, choosing from a list of prompts that include letters for varying audiences and purposes. After completing drafts and revisions, students complete their final versions using an online tool.

Featured Resources

Letter Generator : This online tool allows students to read about the parts of a letter. They can then write and print their own friendly or business letter. Interactive Venn Diagram : Use this online tool to organize ideas for a compare and contrast essay, or while reading to compare and contrast two works of literature.

From Theory to Practice

In Both Art and Craft: Teaching Ideas That Spark Learning , Diana Mitchell explains that teaching is "about gently uncovering ways for students to find their way into the learning by making connections within themselves" (23). Students are more likely to "find their way into learning" when assignments have clear application to real-world tasks. As Mitchell explains it, these types of assignments, "have a ‘nowness' about them; there is a reason for an importance to doing them at this point in time" (24). In addition, personal connections are made more easily when students have a degree of choice within a writing assignment. Mitchell triumphs assignments that "are fun and interesting," as well as those that "provide lots of possibilities and tap into . . . imagination" (24). In that spirit, this lesson in letter writing provides a functional application for writing and, at the same time, encourages students to make personal connections through a variety of letter topics. Further Reading

Common Core Standards

This resource has been aligned to the Common Core State Standards for states in which they have been adopted. If a state does not appear in the drop-down, CCSS alignments are forthcoming.

State Standards

This lesson has been aligned to standards in the following states. If a state does not appear in the drop-down, standard alignments are not currently available for that state.

NCTE/IRA National Standards for the English Language Arts

• 3. Students apply a wide range of strategies to comprehend, interpret, evaluate, and appreciate texts. They draw on their prior experience, their interactions with other readers and writers, their knowledge of word meaning and of other texts, their word identification strategies, and their understanding of textual features (e.g., sound-letter correspondence, sentence structure, context, graphics).
• 4. Students adjust their use of spoken, written, and visual language (e.g., conventions, style, vocabulary) to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences and for different purposes.
• 5. Students employ a wide range of strategies as they write and use different writing process elements appropriately to communicate with different audiences for a variety of purposes.
• 6. Students apply knowledge of language structure, language conventions (e.g., spelling and punctuation), media techniques, figurative language, and genre to create, critique, and discuss print and nonprint texts.
• 8. Students use a variety of technological and information resources (e.g., libraries, databases, computer networks, video) to gather and synthesize information and to create and communicate knowledge.
• 11. Students participate as knowledgeable, reflective, creative, and critical members of a variety of literacy communities.
• 12. Students use spoken, written, and visual language to accomplish their own purposes (e.g., for learning, enjoyment, persuasion, and the exchange of information).

Materials and Technology

Computers with Internet access for student use

• Contemplating Correspondence
• Contemplating Correspondence Key
• Correspondence Project Prompts
• Business and Friendly Letter Samples
• Rubric for Correspondence Project
• Venn Diagram

Preparation

• Review the Correspondence Project Prompts and determine the requirements for the class. Decide on the number of letters students will write as well as any letters that you will require. You may wish to choose specific prompts to ensure that students write at least one letter using business format and one using friendly format. You can also require 2 letters and allow students to choose additional letters freely.
• Venn Diagram handout (if computer access is not available)
• Make one copy of the Contemplating Correspondence Key for yourself.
• Make overhead transparencies of the Business and Friendly Letter Samples and the Venn Diagram handout (needed only if computer access is not available).
• Test the interactive  Venn Diagram and Letter Generator on your computers to familiarize yourself with the tools and ensure that you have the Flash plug-in installed. You can download the plug-in from the technical support page .

Student Objectives

Students will

• review examples of business and friendly letters.
• compare business and friendly letter formats.
• write letters in response to specific writing prompts.
• apply knowledge of language structure and conventions.
• adjust their use of writing conventions, style, and vocabulary for a variety of audiences and purposes.

Session One

• Distribute copies of the Contemplating Correspondence sheet.
• Explain that most questions have more than one “correct” answers. Suggest that students leave any questions that they are unsure about blank and return to them after the class discussion of the sheets.
• Allow students a few minutes to respond.
• Review the students' responses to the Contemplating Correspondence sheet, using the questions as a springboard for a brief class discussion about writing letters. Refer to the Contemplating Correspondence Key to ensure students recognize the most basic details.
• Tell students that they will be completing a letter writing project. Before writing the letters, however, they will review standard business and friendly letter formats.
• Discuss the difference between the friendly letter format and a friendly tone. Explain that people can use the friendly letter format for letters that have a more formal tone (e.g., a condolence letter to someone the author does not know well).
• Share the Friendly Letter Sample by distributing copies to students, and displaying the sample using an overhead transparency.
• Have students take turns reading the body of the letter aloud.
• Identify the main parts of a friendly letter (heading, greeting, body, closing, and signature) by allowing student volunteers to take turns using a non-permanent transparency marker to label each of the five main parts. Ask students to label their handouts in the same manner.
• Use Writing the Basic Business Letter from the Purdue OWL to supplement the discussion of the parts of letters.

Session Two

• Review the information covered in Session One by asking students what they remember about friendly letter format.
• Tell students that during this session, they will be reviewing business letter format.
• Ask students if business letter format is for use only by businesses. Use student responses as a springboard for discussion on the various uses for business letters (e.g., applying for employment, expressing a consumer complaint to company).
• Share the Business Letter Sample by distributing copies to students and displaying the sample by using an overhead transparency.
• Identify the main parts of a business letter (heading, inside address, greeting, body, closing, and signature) by allowing student volunteers to take turns using a non-permanent transparency marker to label each of the six main parts. Instruct students to label their handouts in the same manner.
• Again, you can use Writing the Basic Business Letter from the Purdue OWL to supplement the discussion of the parts of letters.
• Discuss the differences between the full-block and modified-block formats. Point to the additional sample letters from the Purdue OWL or Sample Complaint Letter to discuss the formats.
• Have students compare friendly and business letter formats using the interactive Venn Diagram . Teachers also may wish to have students complete a separate Venn Diagram to compare and contrast full-block and modified-block formats. If computer access is not available, distribute copies of the Venn Diagram handout to students and display the diagram using an overhead transparency. Allow students to complete the diagram together by allowing student volunteers to take turns using a non-permanent transparency maker to identify common and dissimilar traits between the two letter formats. Students should follow along by filling in their own diagrams on their handouts.
• Distribute the Correspondence Project Prompts and the Rubric for Correspondence Project to students. Explain the requirements you have chosen for the project, giving students details on the number of letters they should write and any required prompts they must respond to.
• Review the Rubric for Correspondence Project and ensure that students understand the expectations for the project.
• In the remaining time, have students begin the process of choosing letters to write and drafting their correspondence. Explain that students will continue this work during the next class session.

Session Three

• Review the Correspondence Project Prompts and the Rubric for Correspondence Project . Answer any questions regarding the project.
• Tell students that the goal for this session is to complete drafts of at least two letters.
• Make newspapers, scissors, and tape available to students for use with the first prompt (a job application letter).
• Circulate among students as they work, and assist as needed.
• Students who require extra time to complete their drafts should do so as homework.

Session Four

• Check for completion of at least two letters.
• Review the Correspondence Project Prompts and the Rubric for Correspondence Project .
• Tell students that the goal for this session is to complete drafts for the remaining letters.
• Students who require extra time to complete their letters should do so as homework.
• Ask students to bring all completed drafts with them to the next class session.

Session Five

• Review the Rubric for Correspondence Project .
• Introduce students to the interactive Letter Generator , and explain that they will be revising their drafts and using this tool to create final versions of their work.
• Allow students time to revise their drafts. Revision options are endless and open to teacher preference. Students may proofread and revise independently, through “pair and share” edit sessions with classmates, or by basing revisions on teacher remarks and comments if the teacher wishes to collect the drafts prior to Session Five and return them with comments at the beginning of the session.
• Students should complete their draft revisions and create final versions using the interactive Letter Generator .
• If needed, add a sixth session to the lesson to allow students time to complete their letters using the interactive Letter Generator .
• Communicating on Local Issues: Exploring Audience in Persuasive Letter Writing
• Draft Letters: Improving Student Writing through Critical Thinking
• E-pals Around the World
• Exploring Literature through Letter-Writing Groups
• Persuading an Audience: Writing Effective Letters to the Editor
• Worth Its Weight: Letter Writing with “The Things They Carried”
• Consider introducing pen pals or “key pals” into your classroom community. Many programs are available online and can easily be located through most of the popular search engines using the keyword search “school pen pals.”
• Depending on the grade and skill level of students, a mini-lesson on properly addressing an envelope and folding a letter might be a worthwhile addition to this project.
• Use the online interactive Postcard Creator as a lesson extension or letter alternative. Many of the friendly letter prompts would adapt easily to a postcard format.
• The EDSITEment lesson I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Someone a Letter offers a collection of historically significant letters and can provide a useful extension to this lesson.

Student Assessment / Reflections

• Assess students’ understanding of the purposes and formats of business and friendly letters through observation and anecdotal notes of student participation during classroom discussions.
• Assess students’ use of interactive tools through observation and anecdotal notes of student work while using the interactive tools.
• Check for proper completion of the interactive Venn Diagram contrasting letter formats.
• Use the Rubric for Correspondence Project to assess the letters students have written.
• Student Interactives
• Calendar Activities

The Letter Generator is a useful tool for students to learn the parts of a business or friendly letter and then compose and print letters for both styles of correspondence.

The Postcard Creator helps students learn to identify all the typical parts of a postcard, and then generate their own postcard messages by typing information into letter templates. After printing their texts, students can illustrate the front of their postcards in a variety of ways, including drawing, collage, and stickers.

This interactive tool allows students to create Venn diagrams that contain two or three overlapping circles, enabling them to organize their information logically.

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How to write a letter

HOW TO WRITE A LETTER:  A GUIDE FOR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS

In this age of digital communication, writing letters is becoming something of a lost art. Emails and text messages can be sent instantly and for a fraction of the cost good old-fashioned snail mail can offer.

So, why bother teaching letter-writing at all? Well, though electronic ‘letters’ are often freer in formatting and language than physical letters, we can also apply letter-writing rules to electronic media. However, physical letters do offer some distinct benefits of their own too.

A WELL-WRITTEN LETTER CAN CHANGE THE WORLD.

Whilst we pride ourselves here on how to write a great essay, information report, or another text type that is primarily used in an educational setting, the ability to craft a powerful letter or email has literally changed people’s lives, altered the course of history and been the difference between life and death in some cases.

It can be the one opportunity to remove all the noise and confusion on any subject area and honestly tell someone how you feel straight from the heart.  Pen to paper.  

For whatever reason, a thousand emails, tweets, and likes will never have the same impact as a well-crafted handwritten letter.  Its very creation and existence show your reader how passionate and genuine about what it contains.

Letters fall under the transactional writing category; if you want to know more about transactional texts, be sure to check out our in-depth guide here.

COMPLETE LETTER WRITING UNIT FOR STUDENTS

Over 100 PAGES of engaging RESOURCES , various letter SAMPLES , LESSON PLANS and INTERACTIVE DIGITAL RESOURCES to teach your students how to write amazing LETTERS and EMAILS .

Teach this life skill with confidence through this excellent ALL-IN-ONE RESOURCE . No preparation is required.

3 REASONS TO TEACH LETTER WRITING

1. the personal touch: .

Those of us who grew up in an age before the internet got going will remember the excitement of waiting for and receiving a letter. Many of us will have had childhood pen pals we never met or received love letters from our teenage sweethearts. Maybe some treasured letters are still securely stored in a bedside drawer.

There is something extremely personal and intimate about the letter that email cannot capture. Letters are physical, and their increasing rarity makes them seem even more intimate today.

In this day and age, receiving a personally written letter is something a unicorn in communication terms. Students who know how to produce a well-crafted letter can use it to their advantage. For example, any business hiring manager will undoubtedly be numbed by the constant torrent of emails flooding their inbox.

That mailed resume accompanied by a handwritten letter that waits for them on their desk in the morning will surely stand out and secure an attentive read. The letter, in its various forms, is guaranteed to stand out and make an impact in an age where the vast majority of communication is digital.

3. Handwriting

Just as letter writing has declined in popularity, so too has the emphasis on well-developed handwriting skills. You can, if you wish, take the opportunity here to have the students work on their handwriting skills.

While students may protest that they can accomplish the task much quicker by word-processing, another benefit of handwriting a letter is that the speed becomes almost meditative. This allows students to focus carefully on their grammar and punctuation without always resorting to the crutch of spell-checkers and grammar correction software.

FORMAL AND INFORMAL LETTER WRITING:  WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

The table below outlines whether your letter should be written formally or informally, with some suggested prompts .  Whilst there are many similarities, a formal letter should always be considered as a document with a real purpose and ramifications.

FORMAL LETTER FEATURES

USED FOR PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION THESE DOCUMENTS FOLLOW A PRESCRIBED FORMAT. THEY ARE WRITTEN IN A PASSIVE VOICE FOR A SPECIFIC PURPOSE AND IN MANY CASES ARE LEGALLY BINDING. SOME EXAMPLES ARE.

INVITATION Make someone feel special about an upcoming event.

APPLICATION Write a professional letter of application for a job or group you wish to join.

REFEREE / REFERENCE Vouch for another’s skills, personality or credibility.

ACCEPTANCE & REJECTION Approve or deny an applicant in a professional manner.

MAKE AN OFFER Make a formal and binding offer in writing.

EXIT / RESIGNATION Formally leave or step down in a professional and dignified manner.

INFORMAL LETTER FEATURES

USED FOR PERSONAL COMMUNICATION THESE LETTERS HAVE NO PRESCRIBED FORMAT AND ARE WRITTEN IN AN ACTIVE VOICE.

THANK YOU Let someone know you appreciate their efforts.

CONGRATULATIONS Acknowledge someone’s achievements in life.

GRIEVANCE / LOSS Acknowledge someones personal loss or suffering and let them know you care.

FRIENDSHIP & LOVE Tell someone how special they are to you and why?

LETTER TO THE EDITOR / MAYOR ETC. Let someone know how their actions and adversely affect you and others.

LETTER TO SELF Give your older or younger self some words of advice and wisdom.

INFORMATIONAL UPDATE Write a letter back home telling them what you have been up to.

HOW TO WRITE FORMAL LETTERS

The writing process begins with planning.

As with all genres of writing, the process of formal letter writing should start with planning. This should involve sketching a brief outline from which to work rather than a comprehensive detailing of minutiae. The plan should include:

• Note addresses, names etc. – who are you writing to?
• Record the purpose of the letter – what do you want to say?
• List points to be made (each will form a paragraph) – how will you say it?
• State action point – what do you want the reader to do?

Formal letters can be written for a wide range of purposes and may come in various shapes, including a letter of complaint, a cover letter accompanying a job application, a letter of invitation, a reference letter, or a proposal letter – to name a few. Though each will adhere to its own rules of formatting and tone when writing formal letters, students should avoid using slang or contractions.

Language should be straightforward and polite. Encourage students to avoid bursts of purple prose in favor of direct, functional language. Usually, a formal letter will be written to achieve a particular end and should be written with that end foremost in mind. Students should avoid meanderings and stay firmly focused on the task at hand.

TIPS FOR WRITING GREAT FORMAL LETTERS

• The writer’s address should be in the top right-hand corner.
• The date should be written below the writer’s address
• The recipient’s name and address are below that on the left-hand side
• Use the correct opening (Dear Sir / Madam, Dear Mrs Ferguson, etc.)
• Use Standard English
• The opening sentence should explain the purpose of the letter
• Each paragraph should make a single specific point
• Use an appropriate formal tone and register in the wording of the letter
• Avoid contractions, slang, and abbreviations
• The concluding ‘action point’ paragraph states what you want the recipient to do
• The formal ending, such as Yours Sincerely or Yours Faithfully

A Note on Salutations

If the student knows the intended recipient’s name, start with Dear Mr. / Mrs Surname and end with Yours Sincerely. If they don’t know the recipient’s name, start with Dear Sir / Madam and end with Yours Faithfully.

Use of Rhetorical Devices

As mentioned, formal letter writing focuses on attempting to convince someone to take some course of action or other. To do this, it is helpful to employ some rhetorical devices to make the writing more persuasive . Some useful techniques to encourage your students to employ include:

Direct Address: Using the pronoun ‘you’ in a formal letter makes the reader feel that you are speaking directly to them. This helps to engage the reader and encourage them to continue reading the letter.

Emotive Language: Where students are trying to convince the reader to take a course of action, the use of emotive language can often be a powerful tool. Students can use either positive or negative colored words to create the desired response in the reader.

Facts and Figures: Another way to persuade and convince is to employ facts and figures to support the points made in the letter.

FORMAL LETTER STUDENT EXAMPLES

How to write an informal letter

Common features of informal letters:.

There are far fewer rules to follow when writing an informal letter, but there are still some practical guidelines to follow that will prove helpful for students engaged in writing informally.

As with any piece of writing, it is important to consider who the audience is and the reason for writing in the first place. In particular, this will help decide the tone and the language register. The more intimate the relationship, the more informal the language can be.

Though the letter will be informal, it will still have a purpose. Information should still be organized into paragraphs, as would be done with a formal, more ‘official’ letter. Students sometimes struggle with this aspect, as they often conflate ‘informal’ with ‘disorganized.’ Making them plan their informal letter before writing can help ensure it is sufficiently organized.

HOW TO START AN INFORMAL LETTER

Informal letters will start with a greeting appropriate to how close the relationship is. For acquaintances, this may be ‘Dear Tom,’ (using the first name instead of the surname) to a very informal ‘Hi Jane,’. Don’t forget the comma after the name!

After the greeting, a general opening sentence should follow. Usually, this will be something like a ‘How are you?’ or a ‘How have you been?’. If the recipient is married or has kids, you may wish to ask how their spouse or children are.

Next, students should state the reason for writing. The language should be open and friendly in tone and, in contrast to the formal letter, colloquial language, idiomatic expressions, and contractions are perfectly okay and even desirable.

Just as the opening salutation to an informal letter is much more relaxed, so too will the closing salutation. There are many possibilities for the students to choose here, and their decision will depend on who they are writing to and their personal preferences. Some examples of possible closings include ‘Love’, ‘Best regards’, ‘All the best’, and ‘Thanks’.

INFORMAL LETTER STUDENT EXAMPLES

Teaching Resources

Use our resources and tools to improve your student’s writing skills through proven teaching strategies.

PRACTICE LETTER WRITING WITH THESE ACTIVITIES FOR STUDENTS

The most effective way for students to internalize all the features of letter writing, formal or informal, is to gain experience by writing various letters for differing purposes. The following activities offer some suggestions for students to get practising today:

1. FICTION AS A SPRINGBOARD

Have students write as if they were a character from a piece of fiction you have been reading in class. Choosing a dramatic point in the plot , ask students to imagine they are one of the characters writing a letter to another character in the story. This writer may be either formal or informal, depending on the scenario presented. This will give students realistic letter-writing practice while also getting them to engage closely with the text and respond imaginatively to its themes.

2. THE AGONY AUNT

Either offer a range of possible life predicaments or cut out the questions from the ‘agony aunt’ page of a local newspaper. Students must write back offering advice in response to the predicaments expressed in the question or predicament. The response should be written in full letter format. This activity also lends itself to several variations. The response may be written to a close friend, for example, or written from the perspective of a professional agony aunt employing a more formal tone and presentation.

3. A LETTER OF COMPLAINT

Have students think of their favorite candy bar or clothing item. Encourage them to imagine they have bought this product lately and found it to be substandard. Students must write a formal letter of complaint to the manufacturer outlining their complaint and recommending a course of action to satisfactorily resolve that complaint. They must use all the features of a formal letter as outlined above.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR HANDWRITTEN LETTERS LOOK OLD AND AUTHENTIC.

• Write in pencil or a calligraphy pen,
• screw them up tightly and carefully unfold and flatten.
• Lightly dab coffee stains over the paper to make it look aged.
• Carefully singe or burn the edges of your paper.
• Add some sepia-filtered photos for effect.

SIGNING-OFF

As students become more confident in their understanding of letter-writing formats, encourage them to exchange letters with each other for peer assessment. You may wish to provide them with a checklist of features to look for while reading over their partner’s work.

Letter-writing can also be a great way to partner up with schools overseas; often, children studying English as a second language will be delighted to receive letters from (and write to) students in English-speaking countries. And though email increasingly encroaches on the traditional territory of the letter, many of the skills garnered in the practice of letter writing are transferable to the modern manifestation. There is ample opportunity here to link letter-writing learning with approaches to writing emails too.

Letter-writing can provide a focus for a wide range of learning objectives while also teaching students valuable practical skills that will serve them well beyond their school years, both in their personal and work lives. And who knows, perhaps in years to come, one of the letters your student writes in your class may become a treasured keepsake in someone’s bedside drawer.

LETTER WRITING GRAPHIC ORGANIZERS (TEMPLATES)

WRITING CHECKLIST & RUBRIC BUNDLE FOR ALL TEXT TYPES

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (92 Reviews)

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Content for this page has been written by Shane Mac Donnchaidh.  A former principal of an international school and university English lecturer with 15 years of teaching and administration experience.  Editing and support content has been provided by the literacyideas  team.

Writing Cover Letters

What is a cover letter? What to include in a cover letter How to organize a cover letter Questions to guide your writing How to format a cover letter Sample cover letters

What is a cover letter?

To be considered for almost any position, you will need to write a letter of application. Such a letter introduces you, explains your purpose for writing, highlights a few of your experiences or skills, and requests an opportunity to meet personally with the potential employer.

Precisely because this letter is your introduction to an employer and because first impressions count, you should take great care to write an impressive and effective letter. Remember that the letter not only tells of your accomplishments but also reveals how effectively you can communicate.

The appropriate content, format, and tone for application letters vary according to the position and the personality of the applicant. Thus, you will want to ask several people (if possible) who have had experience in obtaining jobs or in hiring in your field to critique a draft of your letter and to offer suggestions for revision.

Despite the differences in what constitutes a good application letter, the suggestions on these pages apply generally.

What to include in a cover letter

• Try to limit your letter to a single page. Be succinct.
• Assess the employer’s needs and your skills. Then try to match them in the letter in a way that will appeal to the employer’s self-interest.
• As much as possible, tailor your letter to each job opportunity. Demonstrate, if possible, some knowledge of the organization to which you are applying.
• Write in a style that is mature but clear; avoid long and intricate sentences and paragraphs; avoid jargon. Use action verbs and the active voice; convey confidence, optimism, and enthusiasm coupled with respect and professionalism.
• Show some personality, but avoid hard-sell, gimmicky, or unorthodox letters. Start fast; attract interest immediately. For more information see Business Letter Format .
• Arrange the points in a logical sequence; organize each paragraph around a main point.

How to organize a cover letter

Below is one possible way to arrange the content of your cover letter.

Opening Paragraph

State why you are writing.

Establish a point of contact (advertisement in a specific place for a specific position; a particular person’s suggestion that you write): give some brief idea of who you are (a Senior engineering student at UW; a recent Ph.D. in History).

Paragraph(s) 2(-3)

Highlight a few of the most salient points from your enclosed resume.

Arouse your reader’s curiosity by mentioning points that are likely to be important for the position you are seeking.

Show how your education and experience suit the requirements of the position, and, by elaborating on a few points from your resume, explain what you could contribute to the organization.

(Your letter should complement, not restate, your resume.)

Closing paragraph

Stress action. Politely request an interview at the employer’s convenience.

Indicate what supplementary material is being sent under separate cover and offer to provide additional information (a portfolio, a writing sample, a sample publication, a dossier, an audition tape), and explain how it can be obtained.

Thank the reader for his/her consideration and indicate that you are looking forward to hearing from him/her.

Questions to guide your writing

• Who is my audience?
• What is my objective?
• What are the objectives and needs of my audience?
• How can I best express my objective in relationship to my audience’s objectives and needs?
• What specific benefits can I offer to my audience and how can I best express them?
• What opening sentence and paragraph will grab the attention of my audience in a positive manner and invite them to read further?
• How can I maintain and heighten the interest and desire of the reader throughout the letter?
• What evidence can I present of my value to my audience?
• If a resume is enclosed with the letter, how can I best make the letter advertise the resume?
• What closing sentence or paragraph will best assure the reader of my capabilities and persuade him or her to contact me for further information?
• Is the letter my best professional effort?

*From Ronald L. Kraunich, William J. Bauis. High Impact Resumes & Letters. Virginia Beach, VA: Impact Publications, 1982.

How to format a cover letter

• Type each letter individually, or use a word processor.
• Use good quality bond paper.
• Whenever possible, address each employer by name and title.
• Each letter should be grammatically correct, properly punctuated, and perfectly spelled. It also should be immaculately clean and free of errors. Proofread carefully!
• Use conventional business correspondence form. If you are not certain of how to do this, ask for help at the Writing Center.

Sample cover letters

Looking at examples of strong cover letters is a great way to understand how this advice can become implemented. We’ve compiled and annotated a range of different kinds of cover letters from different kinds of student applicants. We encourage you to look through these letters and see some of what we’ve highlighted as working particularly well in these real world examples.

• Cover Letter Example 1. Undergraduate student applying for a restaurant hosting position.
• Cover Letter Example 2. Undergraduate sophomore applying for an internship with a non-profit, political organization.
• Cover Letter Example 3. Graduate student applying for a Project Assistant position at UW-Madison. The original job posting for this position can be found here .
• Cover Letter Example 4. A graduated student with an English literature and Spanish language double major applying to work as a law firm legal assistant.

In addition to these sample cover letters, you can find a range of other, often discipline-specific cover letter examples through these UW-Madison resources:

• SuccessWorks has developed a useful resource that features an overview of cover letters. It provides a breakdown of this genre’s main parts as well as an example cover letter and resume, all in response to an included job posting for a position with Americas Society Council of the Americas. All of this is located here .
• UW-Madison’s Law School has several wonderful examples of cover letters for law-related jobs here . These are organized according how far the applicants were into their law school careers (i.e., L1, L2, and L3).
• The Career Center for the School of Education has information about cover letters as well as sample cover letter for someone applying to be an elementary school teacher here .

Academic and Professional Writing

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Cover Letters

Business Letters

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Resources for Proposal Writers

Resources for Dissertators

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Planning and Writing Research Papers

Quoting and Paraphrasing

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Creating Poster Presentations

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Thank-You Notes

Advice for Students Writing Thank-You Notes to Donors

Reading for a Review

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Scientific Report Format

Sample Lab Assignment

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Resources for Teachers: Creating Writing Assignments

This page contains four specific areas:

Creating Effective Assignments

Checking the assignment, sequencing writing assignments, selecting an effective writing assignment format.

Research has shown that the more detailed a writing assignment is, the better the student papers are in response to that assignment. Instructors can often help students write more effective papers by giving students written instructions about that assignment. Explicit descriptions of assignments on the syllabus or on an “assignment sheet” tend to produce the best results. These instructions might make explicit the process or steps necessary to complete the assignment. Assignment sheets should detail:

• the kind of writing expected
• the scope of acceptable subject matter
• the length requirements
• formatting requirements
• documentation format
• the amount and type of research expected (if any)
• the writer’s role
• deadlines for the first draft and its revision

Providing questions or needed data in the assignment helps students get started. For instance, some questions can suggest a mode of organization to the students. Other questions might suggest a procedure to follow. The questions posed should require that students assert a thesis.

The following areas should help you create effective writing assignments.

Examining your goals for the assignment

• How exactly does this assignment fit with the objectives of your course?
• Should this assignment relate only to the class and the texts for the class, or should it also relate to the world beyond the classroom?
• What do you want the students to learn or experience from this writing assignment?
• Should this assignment be an individual or a collaborative effort?
• What do you want students to show you in this assignment? To demonstrate mastery of concepts or texts? To demonstrate logical and critical thinking? To develop an original idea? To learn and demonstrate the procedures, practices, and tools of your field of study?

Defining the writing task

• Is the assignment sequenced so that students: (1) write a draft, (2) receive feedback (from you, fellow students, or staff members at the Writing and Communication Center), and (3) then revise it? Such a procedure has been proven to accomplish at least two goals: it improves the student’s writing and it discourages plagiarism.
• Does the assignment include so many sub-questions that students will be confused about the major issue they should examine? Can you give more guidance about what the paper’s main focus should be? Can you reduce the number of sub-questions?
• What is the purpose of the assignment (e.g., review knowledge already learned, find additional information, synthesize research, examine a new hypothesis)? Making the purpose(s) of the assignment explicit helps students write the kind of paper you want.
• What is the required form (e.g., expository essay, lab report, memo, business report)?
• What mode is required for the assignment (e.g., description, narration, analysis, persuasion, a combination of two or more of these)?

Defining the audience for the paper

• Can you define a hypothetical audience to help students determine which concepts to define and explain? When students write only to the instructor, they may assume that little, if anything, requires explanation. Defining the whole class as the intended audience will clarify this issue for students.
• What is the probable attitude of the intended readers toward the topic itself? Toward the student writer’s thesis? Toward the student writer?
• What is the probable educational and economic background of the intended readers?

Defining the writer’s role

• Can you make explicit what persona you wish the students to assume? For example, a very effective role for student writers is that of a “professional in training” who uses the assumptions, the perspective, and the conceptual tools of the discipline.

Defining your evaluative criteria

1. If possible, explain the relative weight in grading assigned to the quality of writing and the assignment’s content:

• depth of coverage
• organization
• critical thinking
• original thinking
• use of research
• logical demonstration
• appropriate mode of structure and analysis (e.g., comparison, argument)
• correct use of sources
• grammar and mechanics
• professional tone
• correct use of course-specific concepts and terms.

Here’s a checklist for writing assignments:

• Have you used explicit command words in your instructions (e.g., “compare and contrast” and “explain” are more explicit than “explore” or “consider”)? The more explicit the command words, the better chance the students will write the type of paper you wish.
• Does the assignment suggest a topic, thesis, and format? Should it?
• Have you told students the kind of audience they are addressing — the level of knowledge they can assume the readers have and your particular preferences (e.g., “avoid slang, use the first-person sparingly”)?
• If the assignment has several stages of completion, have you made the various deadlines clear? Is your policy on due dates clear?
• Have you presented the assignment in a manageable form? For instance, a 5-page assignment sheet for a 1-page paper may overwhelm students. Similarly, a 1-sentence assignment for a 25-page paper may offer insufficient guidance.

There are several benefits of sequencing writing assignments:

• Sequencing provides a sense of coherence for the course.
• This approach helps students see progress and purpose in their work rather than seeing the writing assignments as separate exercises.
• It encourages complexity through sustained attention, revision, and consideration of multiple perspectives.
• If you have only one large paper due near the end of the course, you might create a sequence of smaller assignments leading up to and providing a foundation for that larger paper (e.g., proposal of the topic, an annotated bibliography, a progress report, a summary of the paper’s key argument, a first draft of the paper itself). This approach allows you to give students guidance and also discourages plagiarism.
• It mirrors the approach to written work in many professions.

The concept of sequencing writing assignments also allows for a wide range of options in creating the assignment. It is often beneficial to have students submit the components suggested below to your course’s STELLAR web site.

Use the writing process itself. In its simplest form, “sequencing an assignment” can mean establishing some sort of “official” check of the prewriting and drafting steps in the writing process. This step guarantees that students will not write the whole paper in one sitting and also gives students more time to let their ideas develop. This check might be something as informal as having students work on their prewriting or draft for a few minutes at the end of class. Or it might be something more formal such as collecting the prewriting and giving a few suggestions and comments.

Have students submit drafts. You might ask students to submit a first draft in order to receive your quick responses to its content, or have them submit written questions about the content and scope of their projects after they have completed their first draft.

Establish small groups. Set up small writing groups of three-five students from the class. Allow them to meet for a few minutes in class or have them arrange a meeting outside of class to comment constructively on each other’s drafts. The students do not need to be writing on the same topic.

Require consultations. Have students consult with someone in the Writing and Communication Center about their prewriting and/or drafts. The Center has yellow forms that we can give to students to inform you that such a visit was made.

Explore a subject in increasingly complex ways. A series of reading and writing assignments may be linked by the same subject matter or topic. Students encounter new perspectives and competing ideas with each new reading, and thus must evaluate and balance various views and adopt a position that considers the various points of view.

Change modes of discourse. In this approach, students’ assignments move from less complex to more complex modes of discourse (e.g., from expressive to analytic to argumentative; or from lab report to position paper to research article).

Change audiences. In this approach, students create drafts for different audiences, moving from personal to public (e.g., from self-reflection to an audience of peers to an audience of specialists). Each change would require different tasks and more extensive knowledge.

Change perspective through time. In this approach, students might write a statement of their understanding of a subject or issue at the beginning of a course and then return at the end of the semester to write an analysis of that original stance in the light of the experiences and knowledge gained in the course.

Use a natural sequence. A different approach to sequencing is to create a series of assignments culminating in a final writing project. In scientific and technical writing, for example, students could write a proposal requesting approval of a particular topic. The next assignment might be a progress report (or a series of progress reports), and the final assignment could be the report or document itself. For humanities and social science courses, students might write a proposal requesting approval of a particular topic, then hand in an annotated bibliography, and then a draft, and then the final version of the paper.

Have students submit sections. A variation of the previous approach is to have students submit various sections of their final document throughout the semester (e.g., their bibliography, review of the literature, methods section).

In addition to the standard essay and report formats, several other formats exist that might give students a different slant on the course material or allow them to use slightly different writing skills. Here are some suggestions:

Journals. Journals have become a popular format in recent years for courses that require some writing. In-class journal entries can spark discussions and reveal gaps in students’ understanding of the material. Having students write an in-class entry summarizing the material covered that day can aid the learning process and also reveal concepts that require more elaboration. Out-of-class entries involve short summaries or analyses of texts, or are a testing ground for ideas for student papers and reports. Although journals may seem to add a huge burden for instructors to correct, in fact many instructors either spot-check journals (looking at a few particular key entries) or grade them based on the number of entries completed. Journals are usually not graded for their prose style. STELLAR forums work well for out-of-class entries.

Letters. Students can define and defend a position on an issue in a letter written to someone in authority. They can also explain a concept or a process to someone in need of that particular information. They can write a letter to a friend explaining their concerns about an upcoming paper assignment or explaining their ideas for an upcoming paper assignment. If you wish to add a creative element to the writing assignment, you might have students adopt the persona of an important person discussed in your course (e.g., an historical figure) and write a letter explaining his/her actions, process, or theory to an interested person (e.g., “pretend that you are John Wilkes Booth and write a letter to the Congress justifying your assassination of Abraham Lincoln,” or “pretend you are Henry VIII writing to Thomas More explaining your break from the Catholic Church”).

Editorials . Students can define and defend a position on a controversial issue in the format of an editorial for the campus or local newspaper or for a national journal.

Cases . Students might create a case study particular to the course’s subject matter.

Position Papers . Students can define and defend a position, perhaps as a preliminary step in the creation of a formal research paper or essay.

Imitation of a Text . Students can create a new document “in the style of” a particular writer (e.g., “Create a government document the way Woody Allen might write it” or “Write your own ‘Modest Proposal’ about a modern issue”).

Instruction Manuals . Students write a step-by-step explanation of a process.

Dialogues . Students create a dialogue between two major figures studied in which they not only reveal those people’s theories or thoughts but also explore areas of possible disagreement (e.g., “Write a dialogue between Claude Monet and Jackson Pollock about the nature and uses of art”).

Collaborative projects . Students work together to create such works as reports, questions, and critiques.

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Understanding Writing Assignments

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How to Decipher the Paper Assignment

Many instructors write their assignment prompts differently. By following a few steps, you can better understand the requirements for the assignment. The best way, as always, is to ask the instructor about anything confusing.

• Read the prompt the entire way through once. This gives you an overall view of what is going on.
• Underline or circle the portions that you absolutely must know. This information may include due date, research (source) requirements, page length, and format (MLA, APA, CMS).
• Underline or circle important phrases. You should know your instructor at least a little by now - what phrases do they use in class? Does he repeatedly say a specific word? If these are in the prompt, you know the instructor wants you to use them in the assignment.
• Think about how you will address the prompt. The prompt contains clues on how to write the assignment. Your instructor will often describe the ideas they want discussed either in questions, in bullet points, or in the text of the prompt. Think about each of these sentences and number them so that you can write a paragraph or section of your essay on that portion if necessary.
• Rank ideas in descending order, from most important to least important. Instructors may include more questions or talking points than you can cover in your assignment, so rank them in the order you think is more important. One area of the prompt may be more interesting to you than another.
• Ask your instructor questions if you have any.

After you are finished with these steps, ask yourself the following:

• What is the purpose of this assignment? Is my purpose to provide information without forming an argument, to construct an argument based on research, or analyze a poem and discuss its imagery?
• Who is my audience? Is my instructor my only audience? Who else might read this? Will it be posted online? What are my readers' needs and expectations?
• What resources do I need to begin work? Do I need to conduct literature (hermeneutic or historical) research, or do I need to review important literature on the topic and then conduct empirical research, such as a survey or an observation? How many sources are required?
• Who - beyond my instructor - can I contact to help me if I have questions? Do you have a writing lab or student service center that offers tutorials in writing?

(Notes on prompts made in blue )

Poster or Song Analysis: Poster or Song? Poster!

Goals : To systematically consider the rhetorical choices made in either a poster or a song. She says that all the time.

Things to Consider: ah- talking points

• how the poster addresses its audience and is affected by context I'll do this first - 1.
• general layout, use of color, contours of light and shade, etc.
• use of contrast, alignment, repetition, and proximity C.A.R.P. They say that, too. I'll do this third - 3.
• the point of view the viewer is invited to take, poses of figures in the poster, etc. any text that may be present
• possible cultural ramifications or social issues that have bearing I'll cover this second - 2.
• ethical implications
• how the poster affects us emotionally, or what mood it evokes
• the poster's implicit argument and its effectiveness said that was important in class, so I'll discuss this last - 4.
• how the song addresses its audience
• lyrics: how they rhyme, repeat, what they say
• use of music, tempo, different instruments
• possible cultural ramifications or social issues that have bearing
• emotional effects
• the implicit argument and its effectiveness

These thinking points are not a step-by-step guideline on how to write your paper; instead, they are various means through which you can approach the subject. I do expect to see at least a few of them addressed, and there are other aspects that may be pertinent to your choice that have not been included in these lists. You will want to find a central idea and base your argument around that. Additionally, you must include a copy of the poster or song that you are working with. Really important!

I will be your audience. This is a formal paper, and you should use academic conventions throughout.

Length: 4 pages Format: Typed, double-spaced, 10-12 point Times New Roman, 1 inch margins I need to remember the format stuff. I messed this up last time =(

Academic Argument Essay

5-7 pages, Times New Roman 12 pt. font, 1 inch margins.

Minimum of five cited sources: 3 must be from academic journals or books

• Design Plan due: Thurs. 10/19
• Rough Draft due: Monday 10/30
• Final Draft due: Thurs. 11/9

Remember this! I missed the deadline last time

The design plan is simply a statement of purpose, as described on pages 40-41 of the book, and an outline. The outline may be formal, as we discussed in class, or a printout of an Open Mind project. It must be a minimum of 1 page typed information, plus 1 page outline.

This project is an expansion of your opinion editorial. While you should avoid repeating any of your exact phrases from Project 2, you may reuse some of the same ideas. Your topic should be similar. You must use research to support your position, and you must also demonstrate a fairly thorough knowledge of any opposing position(s). 2 things to do - my position and the opposite.

Your essay should begin with an introduction that encapsulates your topic and indicates 1 the general trajectory of your argument. You need to have a discernable thesis that appears early in your paper. Your conclusion should restate the thesis in different words, 2 and then draw some additional meaningful analysis out of the developments of your argument. Think of this as a "so what" factor. What are some implications for the future, relating to your topic? What does all this (what you have argued) mean for society, or for the section of it to which your argument pertains? A good conclusion moves outside the topic in the paper and deals with a larger issue.

You should spend at least one paragraph acknowledging and describing the opposing position in a manner that is respectful and honestly representative of the opposition’s 3 views. The counterargument does not need to occur in a certain area, but generally begins or ends your argument. Asserting and attempting to prove each aspect of your argument’s structure should comprise the majority of your paper. Ask yourself what your argument assumes and what must be proven in order to validate your claims. Then go step-by-step, paragraph-by-paragraph, addressing each facet of your position. Most important part!

Finally, pay attention to readability . Just because this is a research paper does not mean that it has to be boring. Use examples and allow your opinion to show through word choice and tone. Proofread before you turn in the paper. Your audience is generally the academic community and specifically me, as a representative of that community. Ok, They want this to be easy to read, to contain examples I find, and they want it to be grammatically correct. I can visit the tutoring center if I get stuck, or I can email the OWL Email Tutors short questions if I have any more problems.

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Letter Format Example and Writing Tips

What to Include in a Formal Letter

Written letter format, email letter format, letter template to download, professional written letter example, professional email example, tips for formatting your letter, proofread, spellcheck, and print, how to address the envelope.

 Theresa Chiechi / The Balance

Letter format might not be top of mind when you begin writing an important letter or email, but an appropriate presentation is critical to ensure your message is ultimately well received. A printed letter is usually reserved for important professional communications, such as recommendation letters, cover letters, resignation letters, and business correspondence, so you'll want to know how to write one professionally.

Correct formatting is especially important if you're sending a hard copy to the recipient rather than an email because the letter needs to fit the page, look professional, and be clear, concise, and easy to read.

Review information on what you need to include when writing a professional letter, examples, and advice on the appropriate font, salutation, spacing, closing, and signature for business correspondence.

Key Takeaways

• A formal letter should include details about why you’re writing, an expression of your appreciation to the recipient for considering your request, and your contact information.
• Correspondence can be sent as a written letter or in an email. When sending an email message, list the reason you are writing in the subject line of the message.
• When writing a professional letter, carefully proofread and spellcheck before you print or send it.

Formal correspondence should include the details of why you’re writing, your contact information, a greeting and closing, and your signature.

Beginning of the Letter

Contact Information (Written Letter):  A written letter should include the contact information of both yourself and the recipient (name, title, company name, address, phone number, email), followed by the date.

Contact Information (Email):  When sending an email, you don’t need to include the recipient’s contact information. List your contact information at the end of the letter after your signature.

Greeting:  Address the letter using a professional greeting and formal title ("Dear Mr./Ms./Dr.").

Body of the Letter

The first paragraph of your letter  should provide an introduction as to why you are writing so your reason for contacting the person is clear.

In the  following paragraphs , provide specific details about your request or the information you are providing.

The  last paragraph  of your letter should reiterate the reason you are writing and thank the reader for reviewing your request. If appropriate, it should also politely ask for a written response or the opportunity to arrange a meeting to further discuss your request.

Closing the Letter

Use a formal sign-off , such as "Sincerely" or "Best regards."

Signature (Written Letter):  End the letter with your handwritten signature followed by your typed name.

Signature (Email):  Include your typed name followed by your contact information.

It’s important to include enough detail so the recipient understands why you’re writing and the response you expect to the letter.

Here’s a template for each section of a formal letter:

Your Contact Information   Name Address City, State Zip Code Phone Number Email Address

Recipient Contact Information  Name Title Company Address City, State Zip Code

Greeting   Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name,

Use a  formal salutation , not a first name, unless you know the person well. If you do not know the person's gender, you can write out their full name. For instance, write, "Dear Pat Crody" instead of "Dear Mr. Crody" or "Dear Ms. Crody." If you do not know the recipient’s name, it’s still common and acceptable to use the old-fashioned “ To Whom It May Concern .”

Body of Letter

• Paragraph 1: State the reason you are writing, for example, you are asking for something or sharing a piece of information.
• Paragraph 2:  Provide details about your request or the information you’re sharing.
• Paragraph 3:  If necessary, include additional information on the purpose of your letter.
• Paragraph 4:  Thank the reader for considering your request, and ask for a response to your letter.

Closing Best regards,

Signature Handwritten signature (use black or blue ink to sign a written letter)

Typed Signature  Your typed name

Here’s a template for each section of a professional email:

Subject Line Subject: Your Name — Reason for Writing

Greeting Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name,

Body of Message Your message should generally be two or three paragraphs at most. Explain why you’re writing and what you’re requesting.

Closing Sincerely,

Typed Signature and Contact Information Mikala Schwartz mikala.schwartz@email.com 617-123-1234

When sending email correspondence, include the reason you are writing in the subject line of the message. List your contact information under your typed signature at the end of the message.

Here is a letter template that you can download  (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online), or review the text version below.

Nicole Thomas 35 Chestnut Street Dell Village, Wisconsin 54101 555-555-5555 nicole@thomas.com

September 5, 2023

Jason Andrews Manager LMK Company 53 Oak Avenue, Ste 5 Dell Village, Wisconsin 54101

Dear Mr. Andrews,

I’m writing to resign from my position as customer service representative, effective September 16, 2023.

I’ve recently decided to go back to school, and my program starts in late September. I’m tendering my resignation now so that I can be as helpful as possible to you during the transition.

I’ve truly enjoyed my time working with you and everyone else on our team at LMK. It’s rare to find a customer service role that offers as much opportunity to grow and learn, and perhaps more rare to find such a positive, inspiring team of people to grow and learn with.

I’m particularly grateful for your guidance while I was considering furthering my education. Your support has meant so much to me. 

Please let me know if there’s anything I can do to help you find and train my replacement.

Thanks and best wishes,

Signature (hard copy letter)

Nicole Thomas

Subject: Annual Meeting

Dear Kathleen,

Thank you so much for your assistance in planning our annual meeting. Your expertise in handling the meeting arrangements, booking the conference facilities and hotel, coordinating travel, scheduling events, and organizing the meeting is greatly appreciated.

I appreciate your help and advice, and I am hoping we can plan on having your assistance with next year’s event. It’s tentatively scheduled for January 16–20, 2025, in Tampa, Florida. If you can confirm your availability, I’ll be in touch when we’re ready to start planning.

I look forward to working with you in the future, and thank you again.

Best regards,

Peter Hancock

Professional letters should be simple, short, and written in business format using a traditional font.

• Length of the Letter: Most formal letters are no more than one typed page.
• Font Style and Size: Use a plain font such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. Your font size should be between 10 and 12 points.
• Margins:  Use one-inch margins and left justify your text.
• Spacing: Single-space your letter, and leave a space between each paragraph. Use one-inch margins and align your text to the left. Leave an extra space after the salutation, before the closing, and before and after your handwritten signature in a printed letter.
• Printing the Letter:  Business letters should be printed on plain white paper.

Once you have written your letter, proofread it and carefully spellcheck it on the screen. Then, print it out and read it aloud at least one more time, checking for any errors or typos. This is important as it's often easier to spot errors on a hard copy. 

Reading your letter out loud is a good way to catch a mistake.

Check for formatting errors, such as two paragraphs that don’t have a space between them or lines that are indented incorrectly. Then, before putting your letter in an envelope, sign above your typed name using black or blue ink. 

If you’re emailing your letter, send a copy to yourself to be sure it’s perfect. Then send the final version to the recipient.

Print a copy of your written letter so you have it for your records. Your email will be saved in your “sent” email folder.

When your letter is ready to mail, fold it in thirds so it fits into a business-size envelope. You can use your word-processing program to print the addresses on the envelope or handwrite them. 

Print your name on the top-left corner of the front of the envelope. Print the recipient’s address in the center of the envelope, parallel with the long side. Add a stamp to the top right of the envelope.

NMU Writing Center. " Parts of a Business Letter ."

University of Arizona. " Writing a Professional Letter ."

USPS. " How to Send a Letter or Postcard: Domestic ."

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UMGC Effective Writing Center The Perfect Business Letter

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• Writing Resources

When sitting down to complete a business letter assignment in school, students know intuitively that they are engaging in a type of writing that is much different from the typical school assignment. One goal of this resource is to upgrade that intuitive understanding to conscious status and, by doing so, sharpen your understanding of the distinct differences between business and academic writing that must be observed as you transition between the two worlds.

School Writing v. Business Writing

It may sound crass, but the difference between the two can be summarized simply: In school you write to get grades. In the real world, you write to do your job.

It's helpful to think of most school writing as a type of exam: You write to demonstrate to a specific teacher that you understand and can use material in a specific discipline. Those who become outstanding writers in school have usually mastered an important skill of audience analysis: figuring out exactly what an audience of one (the teacher) wants and how he or she wants it delivered.

The audience of one in school becomes the audience of many in the work world. Moreover, everyone who may read your business writing will not be known to you. Especially when your business writing travels outside the company, as it does when in letter format, you have little idea of how many people may read it, much less who they are. And the real kicker is that, unlike teachers, few in the business world get paid to read your writing no matter how poor it is. Other key differences include the following:

Clearly, when authoring a business document, you are taking on a higher degree of responsibility because of potential consequences, both positive and negative, that the writing can have. These consequences are particularly serious for the writer since the lifespan of whatever you write in the work place is potentially your entire career, compared to the duration of a course in school.

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How to Create Your Business Letter

These inherent differences between the two worlds of writing--business and academic--are also reflected in the steps successful writers follow when creating real-world documents like business letters.

Analyze Audience

It's helpful to divide your audience into primary and secondary members. Your primary audience is those whom you are certain will read what you write. The secondary audience is those who may be likely to read it. Your task is to speak directly to the needs of the primary audience while keeping in mind this secondary audience: what they know about the topic and their possible attitudes.

Clarify Purpose

In order for your writing and its purpose to be clear for your audience, it must be twice as clear for you, the writer. Good business writers can provide sharp, succinct answers to the question, "What do I want my readers to know and/or do after reading what I write?" Write the answer down and filter all writing choices through its prism.

Based on the crystal clear idea of what the writing hopes to achieve, the outline represents how the writer will achieve it by arranging information and instructions in the exact order the audience should encounter them for best effect.

The formats for business and technical writing are well known and expected by your audience. These standard formats are usually (1) adhered to rigorously and (2) are modified by any guidelines you have been given by your organization.

Draft & Revise

The first draft is your first opportunity to combine all of the above. However, it should be far from your last. Gone are the days of "once and done" the night before the assignment is due. Especially important is building in some time for a draft to get cold before you revisit with fresh eyes.

Get Feedback

Never let your audience be just the second set of eyes to see what you have written. In between yourself and your audience, insert a knowledgeable person who will act as a proxy for your audience and give you honest feedback.

Business Letter Styles

The two most common formats of business letters today are the full-block format and modified-block format. Note that the full-block format should be used only with letterhead. One variation on these two styles includes indenting paragraphs in the body section. As always, follow the style preferred by your organization unless there is a clear reason not to.

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Understanding Assignments

What this handout is about.

The first step in any successful college writing venture is reading the assignment. While this sounds like a simple task, it can be a tough one. This handout will help you unravel your assignment and begin to craft an effective response. Much of the following advice will involve translating typical assignment terms and practices into meaningful clues to the type of writing your instructor expects. See our short video for more tips.

Basic beginnings

Regardless of the assignment, department, or instructor, adopting these two habits will serve you well :

• Read the assignment carefully as soon as you receive it. Do not put this task off—reading the assignment at the beginning will save you time, stress, and problems later. An assignment can look pretty straightforward at first, particularly if the instructor has provided lots of information. That does not mean it will not take time and effort to complete; you may even have to learn a new skill to complete the assignment.
• Ask the instructor about anything you do not understand. Do not hesitate to approach your instructor. Instructors would prefer to set you straight before you hand the paper in. That’s also when you will find their feedback most useful.

Assignment formats

Many assignments follow a basic format. Assignments often begin with an overview of the topic, include a central verb or verbs that describe the task, and offer some additional suggestions, questions, or prompts to get you started.

An Overview of Some Kind

The instructor might set the stage with some general discussion of the subject of the assignment, introduce the topic, or remind you of something pertinent that you have discussed in class. For example:

“Throughout history, gerbils have played a key role in politics,” or “In the last few weeks of class, we have focused on the evening wear of the housefly …”

The Task of the Assignment

Pay attention; this part tells you what to do when you write the paper. Look for the key verb or verbs in the sentence. Words like analyze, summarize, or compare direct you to think about your topic in a certain way. Also pay attention to words such as how, what, when, where, and why; these words guide your attention toward specific information. (See the section in this handout titled “Key Terms” for more information.)

“Analyze the effect that gerbils had on the Russian Revolution”, or “Suggest an interpretation of housefly undergarments that differs from Darwin’s.”

Additional Material to Think about

Here you will find some questions to use as springboards as you begin to think about the topic. Instructors usually include these questions as suggestions rather than requirements. Do not feel compelled to answer every question unless the instructor asks you to do so. Pay attention to the order of the questions. Sometimes they suggest the thinking process your instructor imagines you will need to follow to begin thinking about the topic.

“You may wish to consider the differing views held by Communist gerbils vs. Monarchist gerbils, or Can there be such a thing as ‘the housefly garment industry’ or is it just a home-based craft?”

These are the instructor’s comments about writing expectations:

“Be concise”, “Write effectively”, or “Argue furiously.”

Technical Details

These instructions usually indicate format rules or guidelines.

“Your paper must be typed in Palatino font on gray paper and must not exceed 600 pages. It is due on the anniversary of Mao Tse-tung’s death.”

The assignment’s parts may not appear in exactly this order, and each part may be very long or really short. Nonetheless, being aware of this standard pattern can help you understand what your instructor wants you to do.

Interpreting the assignment

Ask yourself a few basic questions as you read and jot down the answers on the assignment sheet:

Why did your instructor ask you to do this particular task?

Who is your audience.

• What kind of evidence do you need to support your ideas?

What kind of writing style is acceptable?

• What are the absolute rules of the paper?

Try to look at the question from the point of view of the instructor. Recognize that your instructor has a reason for giving you this assignment and for giving it to you at a particular point in the semester. In every assignment, the instructor has a challenge for you. This challenge could be anything from demonstrating an ability to think clearly to demonstrating an ability to use the library. See the assignment not as a vague suggestion of what to do but as an opportunity to show that you can handle the course material as directed. Paper assignments give you more than a topic to discuss—they ask you to do something with the topic. Keep reminding yourself of that. Be careful to avoid the other extreme as well: do not read more into the assignment than what is there.

Of course, your instructor has given you an assignment so that they will be able to assess your understanding of the course material and give you an appropriate grade. But there is more to it than that. Your instructor has tried to design a learning experience of some kind. Your instructor wants you to think about something in a particular way for a particular reason. If you read the course description at the beginning of your syllabus, review the assigned readings, and consider the assignment itself, you may begin to see the plan, purpose, or approach to the subject matter that your instructor has created for you. If you still aren’t sure of the assignment’s goals, try asking the instructor. For help with this, see our handout on getting feedback .

Given your instructor’s efforts, it helps to answer the question: What is my purpose in completing this assignment? Is it to gather research from a variety of outside sources and present a coherent picture? Is it to take material I have been learning in class and apply it to a new situation? Is it to prove a point one way or another? Key words from the assignment can help you figure this out. Look for key terms in the form of active verbs that tell you what to do.

Key Terms: Finding Those Active Verbs

Here are some common key words and definitions to help you think about assignment terms:

Information words Ask you to demonstrate what you know about the subject, such as who, what, when, where, how, and why.

• define —give the subject’s meaning (according to someone or something). Sometimes you have to give more than one view on the subject’s meaning
• describe —provide details about the subject by answering question words (such as who, what, when, where, how, and why); you might also give details related to the five senses (what you see, hear, feel, taste, and smell)
• explain —give reasons why or examples of how something happened
• illustrate —give descriptive examples of the subject and show how each is connected with the subject
• summarize —briefly list the important ideas you learned about the subject
• trace —outline how something has changed or developed from an earlier time to its current form
• research —gather material from outside sources about the subject, often with the implication or requirement that you will analyze what you have found

Relation words Ask you to demonstrate how things are connected.

• compare —show how two or more things are similar (and, sometimes, different)
• contrast —show how two or more things are dissimilar
• apply—use details that you’ve been given to demonstrate how an idea, theory, or concept works in a particular situation
• cause —show how one event or series of events made something else happen
• relate —show or describe the connections between things

Interpretation words Ask you to defend ideas of your own about the subject. Do not see these words as requesting opinion alone (unless the assignment specifically says so), but as requiring opinion that is supported by concrete evidence. Remember examples, principles, definitions, or concepts from class or research and use them in your interpretation.

• assess —summarize your opinion of the subject and measure it against something
• prove, justify —give reasons or examples to demonstrate how or why something is the truth
• evaluate, respond —state your opinion of the subject as good, bad, or some combination of the two, with examples and reasons
• support —give reasons or evidence for something you believe (be sure to state clearly what it is that you believe)
• synthesize —put two or more things together that have not been put together in class or in your readings before; do not just summarize one and then the other and say that they are similar or different—you must provide a reason for putting them together that runs all the way through the paper
• analyze —determine how individual parts create or relate to the whole, figure out how something works, what it might mean, or why it is important
• argue —take a side and defend it with evidence against the other side

More Clues to Your Purpose As you read the assignment, think about what the teacher does in class:

• What kinds of textbooks or coursepack did your instructor choose for the course—ones that provide background information, explain theories or perspectives, or argue a point of view?
• In lecture, does your instructor ask your opinion, try to prove their point of view, or use keywords that show up again in the assignment?
• What kinds of assignments are typical in this discipline? Social science classes often expect more research. Humanities classes thrive on interpretation and analysis.
• How do the assignments, readings, and lectures work together in the course? Instructors spend time designing courses, sometimes even arguing with their peers about the most effective course materials. Figuring out the overall design to the course will help you understand what each assignment is meant to achieve.

Now, what about your reader? Most undergraduates think of their audience as the instructor. True, your instructor is a good person to keep in mind as you write. But for the purposes of a good paper, think of your audience as someone like your roommate: smart enough to understand a clear, logical argument, but not someone who already knows exactly what is going on in your particular paper. Remember, even if the instructor knows everything there is to know about your paper topic, they still have to read your paper and assess your understanding. In other words, teach the material to your reader.

Aiming a paper at your audience happens in two ways: you make decisions about the tone and the level of information you want to convey.

• Tone means the “voice” of your paper. Should you be chatty, formal, or objective? Usually you will find some happy medium—you do not want to alienate your reader by sounding condescending or superior, but you do not want to, um, like, totally wig on the man, you know? Eschew ostentatious erudition: some students think the way to sound academic is to use big words. Be careful—you can sound ridiculous, especially if you use the wrong big words.
• The level of information you use depends on who you think your audience is. If you imagine your audience as your instructor and they already know everything you have to say, you may find yourself leaving out key information that can cause your argument to be unconvincing and illogical. But you do not have to explain every single word or issue. If you are telling your roommate what happened on your favorite science fiction TV show last night, you do not say, “First a dark-haired white man of average height, wearing a suit and carrying a flashlight, walked into the room. Then a purple alien with fifteen arms and at least three eyes turned around. Then the man smiled slightly. In the background, you could hear a clock ticking. The room was fairly dark and had at least two windows that I saw.” You also do not say, “This guy found some aliens. The end.” Find some balance of useful details that support your main point.

You’ll find a much more detailed discussion of these concepts in our handout on audience .

The Grim Truth

With a few exceptions (including some lab and ethnography reports), you are probably being asked to make an argument. You must convince your audience. It is easy to forget this aim when you are researching and writing; as you become involved in your subject matter, you may become enmeshed in the details and focus on learning or simply telling the information you have found. You need to do more than just repeat what you have read. Your writing should have a point, and you should be able to say it in a sentence. Sometimes instructors call this sentence a “thesis” or a “claim.”

So, if your instructor tells you to write about some aspect of oral hygiene, you do not want to just list: “First, you brush your teeth with a soft brush and some peanut butter. Then, you floss with unwaxed, bologna-flavored string. Finally, gargle with bourbon.” Instead, you could say, “Of all the oral cleaning methods, sandblasting removes the most plaque. Therefore it should be recommended by the American Dental Association.” Or, “From an aesthetic perspective, moldy teeth can be quite charming. However, their joys are short-lived.”

Convincing the reader of your argument is the goal of academic writing. It doesn’t have to say “argument” anywhere in the assignment for you to need one. Look at the assignment and think about what kind of argument you could make about it instead of just seeing it as a checklist of information you have to present. For help with understanding the role of argument in academic writing, see our handout on argument .

What kind of evidence do you need?

There are many kinds of evidence, and what type of evidence will work for your assignment can depend on several factors–the discipline, the parameters of the assignment, and your instructor’s preference. Should you use statistics? Historical examples? Do you need to conduct your own experiment? Can you rely on personal experience? See our handout on evidence for suggestions on how to use evidence appropriately.

Make sure you are clear about this part of the assignment, because your use of evidence will be crucial in writing a successful paper. You are not just learning how to argue; you are learning how to argue with specific types of materials and ideas. Ask your instructor what counts as acceptable evidence. You can also ask a librarian for help. No matter what kind of evidence you use, be sure to cite it correctly—see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial .

You cannot always tell from the assignment just what sort of writing style your instructor expects. The instructor may be really laid back in class but still expect you to sound formal in writing. Or the instructor may be fairly formal in class and ask you to write a reflection paper where you need to use “I” and speak from your own experience.

Try to avoid false associations of a particular field with a style (“art historians like wacky creativity,” or “political scientists are boring and just give facts”) and look instead to the types of readings you have been given in class. No one expects you to write like Plato—just use the readings as a guide for what is standard or preferable to your instructor. When in doubt, ask your instructor about the level of formality they expect.

No matter what field you are writing for or what facts you are including, if you do not write so that your reader can understand your main idea, you have wasted your time. So make clarity your main goal. For specific help with style, see our handout on style .

Technical details about the assignment

The technical information you are given in an assignment always seems like the easy part. This section can actually give you lots of little hints about approaching the task. Find out if elements such as page length and citation format (see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial ) are negotiable. Some professors do not have strong preferences as long as you are consistent and fully answer the assignment. Some professors are very specific and will deduct big points for deviations.

Usually, the page length tells you something important: The instructor thinks the size of the paper is appropriate to the assignment’s parameters. In plain English, your instructor is telling you how many pages it should take for you to answer the question as fully as you are expected to. So if an assignment is two pages long, you cannot pad your paper with examples or reword your main idea several times. Hit your one point early, defend it with the clearest example, and finish quickly. If an assignment is ten pages long, you can be more complex in your main points and examples—and if you can only produce five pages for that assignment, you need to see someone for help—as soon as possible.

Tricks that don’t work

Your instructors are not fooled when you:

• spend more time on the cover page than the essay —graphics, cool binders, and cute titles are no replacement for a well-written paper.
• use huge fonts, wide margins, or extra spacing to pad the page length —these tricks are immediately obvious to the eye. Most instructors use the same word processor you do. They know what’s possible. Such tactics are especially damning when the instructor has a stack of 60 papers to grade and yours is the only one that low-flying airplane pilots could read.
• use a paper from another class that covered “sort of similar” material . Again, the instructor has a particular task for you to fulfill in the assignment that usually relates to course material and lectures. Your other paper may not cover this material, and turning in the same paper for more than one course may constitute an Honor Code violation . Ask the instructor—it can’t hurt.
• get all wacky and “creative” before you answer the question . Showing that you are able to think beyond the boundaries of a simple assignment can be good, but you must do what the assignment calls for first. Again, check with your instructor. A humorous tone can be refreshing for someone grading a stack of papers, but it will not get you a good grade if you have not fulfilled the task.

Critical reading of assignments leads to skills in other types of reading and writing. If you get good at figuring out what the real goals of assignments are, you are going to be better at understanding the goals of all of your classes and fields of study.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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Assignment Letter Example: How to Write and Format

Are you tired of spending hours crafting the perfect letter for your assignments? Look no further, as we’ve compiled an assignment letter example for you to use and customize to your liking.

Whether you’re a student in need of an extension, or a professional requesting time off, this template can be easily tailored to your specific situation. And the best part? It’s free and readily accessible for you to use right away.

So why waste any more time grappling with the right words to express your needs and requests? Take a cue from our assignment letter example, and get straight to the point. With a few simple edits, you’ll have a polished letter that clearly communicates your needs and meets your specific requirements.

So what are you waiting for? Check out our assignment letter example now, and get started on writing that letter you’ve been putting off. Remember, time is of the essence, so the sooner you write that letter, the sooner you can get the results you desire.

The Best Structure for an Assignment Letter example

When it comes to crafting an effective assignment letter, it’s important to structure it in a way that is clear, concise, and easy to understand. There are a few key elements that should be included in your assignment letter to ensure that it is comprehensive and informative. In this article, we’ll explore the best structure for an assignment letter and provide you with an example to help guide you in crafting your own.

First and foremost, your assignment letter should include an introduction that provides an overview of the assignment and its purpose. This section should be brief but should give the reader a clear idea of what the assignment is all about and why it is important. For example, your introduction might read something like this:

Dear [Recipient Name],

I am writing to assign you the task of conducting research on the current market trends in the hospitality industry. The purpose of this assignment is to help our company gain a better understanding of the industry and to identify potential opportunities for growth.

After providing an introduction, the next section of your assignment letter should include a detailed explanation of the assignment itself. This section should cover the specific requirements of the assignment, any guidelines the recipient should follow, and any expectations the company or organization may have. Additionally, it’s important to provide a clear deadline for the completion of the assignment. Consider including an outline or bullet points to help organize this section and make it easy for the recipient to understand what is expected of them.

Once you have provided a clear explanation of the assignment, be sure to address any potential questions or concerns the recipient may have. This can be done in a separate section of the letter or within the previous section. Providing this information will help the recipient feel more confident in their ability to complete the assignment and will reduce any confusion or uncertainty.

Finally, it’s important to close the assignment letter on a positive and supportive note. Thank the recipient for their time and effort, and express your confidence in their abilities. You might also consider offering any assistance or support that the recipient may need to successfully complete the assignment.

In summary, the best structure for an assignment letter example includes an introduction, a detailed explanation of the assignment, an addressment of any potential questions or concerns, and a positive closing. Here’s an example of what that structure might look like:

Your assignment should include:

– A detailed analysis of current market trends in the hospitality industry – Identification of potential opportunities for growth – Any recommendations you may have for our company based on your research

We expect your research to be comprehensive, but also concise and easy to understand. You may use any research tools or resources available to you, but please include a brief summary of the methodologies you used.

You should plan on completing this assignment within three weeks of its receipt. If you have any questions or concerns about the task, please do not hesitate to ask. We are more than willing to answer any questions and provide support where necessary.

Thank you for your dedication and hard work. We have complete confidence in your abilities and know that you will complete this task to the best of your ability.

[Your Name]

By following this structure and style of writing, you can create a clear and effective assignment letter that ensures your recipient knows exactly what is expected of them and feels confident in their ability to complete the task at hand.

7 Assignment Letter Examples

Assignment letter example – promotion.

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

Congratulations on your promotion to [New Position]. I am writing this letter to endorse your appointment and confirm your new role as [New Position]. Your dedication, strong work ethic, and excellent leadership skills have not gone unnoticed, and I am confident that you will excel in this new responsibility.

You have demonstrated exceptional proficiency in your previous position, and your experience will be invaluable as you assume your new assignment. Your outstanding performance and ability to mentor and empower your colleagues make you an asset to any team.

Once again, congratulations on your promotion, and I wish you continued success in your new role.

Assignment Letter Example – Student Transfer

I am writing this letter to request your support for [Student’s Name] transfer to your institution. [Student’s Name] is an enthusiastic and hardworking individual who is highly dedicated to their education. Unfortunately, due to family circumstances, they need to move to a new city and will need to transfer to another school.

As their current teacher, I am confident that [Student’s Name] will thrive in your academic community. They have demonstrated excellent academic performance and participation in extracurricular activities, and I believe they would make a valuable contribution to your student body.

Thank you for considering their transfer request. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need any additional information.

Assignment Letter Example – Employment Recommendation

I am writing this letter to recommend [Applicant’s Name] for employment at your organization. [Applicant’s Name] is a highly skilled and diligent individual who has demonstrated exceptional work ethics and outstanding performance in their previous job as [Position].

During their employment with our team, [Applicant’s Name] demonstrated excellent communication, leadership, and decision-making skills. Moreover, they were an integral part of the team, and their contribution to our success cannot go unnoticed.

I am confident that [Applicant’s Name] will excel in the position you are offering, and their exceptional work ethics, attention to detail, and passion for their job will make a significant contribution to your organization’s success.

Thank you for considering my recommendation, and if you need any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Assignment Letter Example – Research Proposal

I am writing this letter to submit my research proposal for [Research Topic] as a part of my degree program. By this letter, I am requesting your approval and feedback on my proposed research project.

[Research Topic] aims to [Brief description of the research project and its objectives]. My research project will involve [Methodology, data collection, and analysis techniques].

I believe that my proposed research project has the potential to contribute to the field of [Field name] and generate significant findings that could support the development of [Industry sector] in our country. I am passionate and committed to carrying out this research project diligently and delivering high-quality results.

Please find attached my research proposal, and I look forward to hearing your feedback and approval for my research project.

Thank you for considering my proposal.

Assignment Letter Example – Project Approval

I am writing this letter to request your approval for [Project Name]. [Project Name] is a project that will involve [Project Objectives and Deliverables], and our team is looking forward to executing it efficiently and effectively.

We have put together a comprehensive plan that outlines the project scope, timelines, and resources required for successful project delivery. The project team comprises highly skilled individuals who have expertise in various areas relevant to this project.

We strongly believe that [Project name] will deliver significant benefits to our organization, and its completion will positively impact our operations and objectives. We appreciate your support and approval in advancing this project and look forward to working with you towards its successful delivery.

Thank you for considering our request.

Assignment Letter Example – Introduction to the Client

This letter serves to introduce [Your Company Name] to [Your Client’s Name]. We are delighted to establish a business relationship with your company and offer our services to drive your business goals and objectives forward.

[Your Company Name] is a professional services firm that offers [Services you offer] to a wide range of clients in different sectors. Our team comprises highly skilled professionals with expertise in [Specialization and areas of service] and are committed to delivering excellent results that exceed expectations.

We understand how vital it is for businesses to achieve their goals and objectives, and how crucial it is to work with the right partners who understand their unique needs. We are committed to building a long-lasting relationship with your company, and we are confident that our services will deliver significant value, ultimately impacting your business’s growth and success.

Thank you for considering our services, and we look forward to hearing from you soon.

Assignment Letter Example – Scholarship Recommendation

I am writing this letter to recommend [Student Name] for a scholarship program at your institution. [Student Name] is a highly talented and motivated individual who has demonstrated exceptional academic and extracurricular performance.

[Student Name] is a diligent student who is passionate about their studies and has demonstrated significant potential that needs to be nurtured through continuous learning. Their academic achievement, community involvement, and leadership potential are commendable, and I am confident that [Student Name] will make a valuable contribution to your institution.

We believe that education is the foundation for creating a better future for us all. By awarding this scholarship to [Student Name], you will be supporting their educational journey, which will ultimately positively impact their future success and the development of our society.

Thank you for considering my recommendation, and please do not hesitate to contact me if you need any additional information.

Tips for Writing an Excellent Assignment Letter

Writing an assignment letter can be a daunting task, especially if you have never done it before. However, with proper planning and execution, you can create an excellent assignment letter that conveys your message effectively. Here are some tips to help you accomplish this challenging task.

• Define the Purpose: Before starting to write, define the purpose of your letter. Determine what you intend to achieve by writing this letter. This will help you stay focused on your message throughout the writing process.
• Understand Your Audience: Consider who your audience is and tailor your writing to meet their needs. Determine what kind of writing style and language best suit your audience.
• Organize Your Thoughts: Plan and organize your thoughts before writing your letter. List down the points you want to cover and organize them based on their relevance and importance.
• Use Clear and Concise Language: Use clear and concise language to convey your message effectively. Avoid using jargon or complex words that may confuse your reader.
• Be Polite andProfessional: Use a polite and professional tone throughout your letter. Avoid using offensive language or making personal attacks.
• Proofread: Before sending your letter, proofread it thoroughly to check for spelling and grammar errors. This will help ensure that your message comes across clearly and professionally.

Writing an assignment letter can be intimidating, but with these tips, you can create an excellent letter that will convey your message effectively. By defining your purpose, understanding your audience, organizing your thoughts, using clear and concise language, being polite and professional, and proofreading, you can write an assignment letter that stands out and gets results.

Assignment Letter Example FAQs

What is an assignment letter.

An assignment letter is a document issued by an employer or a company that formally announces the transfer or appointment of an employee to a new position or location.

What information should be included in an assignment letter?

An assignment letter should include the employee’s name, current position, new position, effective date of the transfer, location of the new position, and any other relevant details about the transfer.

Can an employee refuse a job assignment outlined in an assignment letter?

An employee can refuse a job assignment, however this may result in consequences such as disciplinary actions or termination of employment.

How should an employee respond to an assignment letter?

An employee should read the assignment letter carefully, ask any clarifying questions, and provide a written acknowledgement of receipt of the letter.

Can an assignment letter be modified after it has been issued?

Yes, an assignment letter can be modified if necessary based on the discretion of the employer or company.

Is an assignment letter legally binding?

An assignment letter is considered to be a legally binding agreement between the employer and employee as long as it is properly executed and signed by both parties.

What should an employee do if they have concerns about their assignment?

An employee should speak with their supervisor or directly with HR if they have concerns or questions regarding their assignment outlined in the letter.

Wrapping Things Up

That’s it, folks! You have now learned about an assignment letter example. I hope this article provided you an insight into how to craft your own letter. Remember, an assignment letter should be professionally written because it’s a formal document. Be concise, clear, and specific about the details included in your letter. Thank you for taking the time to read this article. Hopefully, you found it informative and useful. Keep visiting us for more articles like this.

Developing a Winning Developmental Assignment Sample Letter: Tips and Examples Assignment Letter for Employee Sample: Template and Tips to Write Understanding the Importance of Declaration Form for Assignment in Securing Academic Integrity How to Write an Effective Excuse Letter for Students: Tips and Examples Mastering Declarations of Assignment: A Comprehensive Guide with Sample Templates

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15.4: Sample Writing Assignments

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Resume Writing Activities First read about the types of resume and tips for a scannable resume from the Business Communication for Success textbook below and then complete the writing activities as needed: Types of Résumés Type Function Advantage Disadvantage 1. Reverse Chronological Reverse chronological résumés (also called reverse time order) focus on work history. Demonstrates a consistent work history It may be difficult to highlight skills and experience. 2. Functional Functional résumés (also called competency-based résumés) focus on skills. Demonstrates skills that can clearly link to job functions or duties It is often associated with people who have gaps in their employment history. 3. Combination A combination résumé lists your skills and experience first, then employment history and education. Highlights the skills you have that are relevant to the job and provides a reverse chronological work history Some employers prefer a reverse chronological order. 4. Targeted A targeted résumé is a custom document that specifically highlights the experience and skills that are relevant to the job. Points out to the reader how your qualifications and experience clearly match the job duties Custom documents take additional time, preparation, analysis of the job announcement, and may not fit the established guidelines. 5. Scannable A scannable résumé is specifically formatted to be read by a scanner and converted to digital information. Increasingly used to facilitate search and retrieval, and to reduce physical storage costs Scanners may not read the résumé correctly.

You may choose to include references at the end of your résumé, though “references upon request” is common. You may also be tempted to extend your résumé to more than one page, but don’t exceed that limit unless the additional page will feature specific, relevant information that represents several years of work that directly relates to the position. The person reading your résumé may be sifting through many applicants and will not spend time reading extra pages. Use the one-page format to put your best foot forward, remembering that you may never get a second chance to make a good first impression.

Maximize Scannable Résumé Content Use Key Words Just as there are common search terms, and common words in relation to each position, job description, or description of duties, your scannable résumé needs to mirror these common terms. Use of nonstandard terms may not stand out, and your indication of “managed employees” may not get the same attention as the word “supervision” or “management.” Follow Directions If a job description uses specific terms, refers to computer programs, skills, or previous experience, make sure you incorporate that language in your scannable résumé. You know that when given a class assignment, you are expected to follow directions; similarly, the employer is looking for specific skills and experience. By mirroring the employer’s language and submitting your application documents in accord with their instructions, you convey a spirit of cooperation and an understanding of how to follow instructions. Insert a Key Word Section Consider a brief section that lists common words associated with the position as a skills summary: customer service, business communication, sales, or terms and acronyms common to the business or industry. Make It Easy to Read You need to make sure your résumé is easy to read by a computer, including a character recognition program. That means no italics, underlining, shading, boxes, or lines. Choose a sans serif (without serif, or decorative end) font like Arial or Tahoma that won’t be misread. Simple, clear fonts that demonstrate no points at which letters may appear to overlap will increase the probability of the computer getting it right the first time. In order for the computer to do this, you have to consider your audience—a computer program that will not be able to interpret your unusual font or odd word choice. A font size of eleven or twelve is easier to read for most people, and while the computer doesn’t care about font size, the smaller your font, the more likely the computer is to make the error of combining adjacent letters. RESUME ACTIVITIES Find a job announcement with specific duties that represents a job that you will be prepared for upon graduation. Choose a type of résumé and prepare your résumé to submit to the employer as a class assignment. Your instructor may also request a scannable version of your résumé. Conduct an online search for a functional or chronological résumé. Please post and share with your classmates. Conduct an online search for job advertisements that detail positions you would be interested in, and note the key job duties and position requirements. Please post one example and share with your classmates. When is a second page of your résumé justified? Explain. Conduct an online search for resources to help you prepare your own résumé. Please post one link and a brief review of the Web site, noting what features you found useful and at least one recommendation for improvement. cover letter Writing Activity Directions: Use this format or one similar from the Cover Letter Writing section to compose a cover letter to the job that you wrote the resume in the previous exercise: Your name Your address Your state/zip Contact Name or Department Company Name Address State/zip Date Dear Name or Dear Sir or Madam, Job Title and Job Reference Number Paragraph one should consist of your interest in applying for the post and how you saw the post advertised. This should be followed by the reason why you are interested in both the position AND the company – be specific. Do research on the company – what is it about this particular company that attracts you? Perhaps their culture and reputation, do they have particular vision and mission statement, are they recognised for their training and development opportunities? Have they recently introduced new technology that interests you? What is it about the position that interests you? How could this role enable you to contribute to the company? Paragraph two is for you to demonstrate how your knowledge and experience relate to the position and company – the skills you have and examples of how you put these skills into practice. This does not have to be in huge detail as more information will be provided on your CV and/or application form but put your best case forward in the first few lines to capture their attention and invite them to read further. Be passionate! If you recognise you have a skills gap against the job description be honest and acknowledge it, but show you are willing and enthusiastic to learn. Paragraph three should be a conclusion of the first two paragraphs. Bring what they are looking for and what you can deliver together; concluding that you would be delighted to hear from them with an opportunity to discuss your application further. Yours sincerely, OR Best, Signature Name Enc (if you have enclosed details) Att (if you have attached details) interviewing & Thank you Note writing activity Invite a friend to conduct a mock employment interview with you for a job you select from an Internet posting. Then switch roles. Write about what you learned about yourself and your approach to interviews. What was the most challenging part of the interview process? The easiest? Check out this sample thank you note . Then write a thank you note to your ‘mock employer,’ using the rubric below as a guide to ensure you have included everything, from formatting to content to conventions: Thank you Letter Rubric Exemplary Proficient Minimal Inadequate Heading and Signature Salutation is professional, in the correct format, and addresses a specific individual. Signature is in the correct format 1 requirement missing. 2 requirements missing. No salutation given. Organization Letter is very well organized. Transitions are used beautifully and make the letter flow. Letter is organized and transitions are used but could have been better. Some sections are organized, but information is just listed. Transitions are used but they are confusing or not in a logical order Essay is disorganized with no or few transitions. Highlighting of skills Letter highlights skills that the employee has, reiterating them in the context of the letter seamlessly. Letter mentions skills that the employee has, but could have been integrated better. Skills are present, but are just listed. No skills or attributes are present in the letter. Specific reference to items discussed in the interview The letter mentions a specific detail that was brought up in the interview, expands upon it, and ties into a positive attribute of the employee. A specific detail was mentioned, but could have been integrated better. A detail was mentioned, but it is vague or confusing as to why it was included in the letter. The letter does not reference anything from the interview. Mechanics Spelling, punctuation, and capitalization contains no errors Contains few errors in spelling, punctuation, and capitalization and they do not affect the letter. Contains many errors in spelling, punctuation, and capitalization. So many errors in spelling, punctuation, and capitalization that the letter is difficult to read or understand. Source for resumes: Business Communication for Success by University of Minnesota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License . Source for cover letters: Enhancing the Employability of STEM Student Ambassadors – resources by Enhancing the Employability of STEM Student Ambassadors project is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License . Source for interviews: College Success by University of Minnesota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License . Source for rubric: A project created by Shannon Buerosse and ISKME is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License .

Written Business Communication

Assignment Letter Sample for Business and School

In business communication, an assignment letter holds a distinct and significant place. These formal documents are used to convey important messages related to the delegation of tasks, responsibilities, or projects within an organization. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve deep into the world of assignment letters, exploring their purpose, structure, key components, and best practices for drafting them effectively.

Assignment Letter Samples

There are various assignment letter sample/samples here, some of which are written to declare trademark registration, to submit assignment to a teacher or a lecturer or professor. The other letters are related to project assignment, task assignment and many others.

Trademark Assignment Letter Sample

Formal Assignment Submission Email Sample

This formal assignment submission email sample is so concise that it can save your time. Just write what the recipient needs to know.

From:  [email protected]

Buy 119+ Effective Business Letter Samples here.

To: [email protected]

Dear Professor Hawkins,

My name is Christopher Williams, from your Applied Linguistics class. I am writing to submit the project you assigned to me. I attached the assignment file  to this email as you instructed the class.

Best regards,

Christopher Williams

Download the letter here.

Formal Assignment Submission Email Template

To: [Recipient’s Email]

Dear Professor/Dr. [Last Name],

My name is [Your Name], from your [Class’s Name] class. I am writing to submit the project you assigned to me. I attached the assignment file  to this email as you instructed the class.

[Your Name]

Job Assignment Letter

This letter is used to formally assign a specific job role or position to an employee, outlining their duties, responsibilities, and reporting structure.

[Employee’s Name] [Employee’s Address] [City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear [Employee’s Name],

I am pleased to officially assign you the role of [Job Title] within [Company Name], effective [Start Date]. This letter outlines the specific duties, responsibilities, and reporting structure associated with your new position.

Job Title: [Job Title] Department: [Department Name] Reporting To: [Supervisor’s Name] Start Date: [Start Date]

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Primary Responsibilities: In your role as [Job Title], you will be responsible for [Brief Description of Primary Responsibilities].
• Secondary Responsibilities: Additionally, you will be expected to [Brief Description of Secondary Responsibilities].

Reporting Structure:

You will report directly to [Supervisor’s Name], who will provide guidance, support, and periodic performance evaluations. Please be aware that your role may evolve as the needs of the department and company change.

We are confident that your skills and experience will be a valuable asset to our team, and we look forward to your contributions. If you have any questions or require further clarification regarding your new position, please do not hesitate to reach out to [Contact Person/HR].

[Your Name] [Your Title] [Company Name]

Project Assignment Letter

 When assigning a specific project to an individual or team, this letter outlines the project’s objectives, scope, timeline, and resources available.

[Recipient’s Name] [Recipient’s Position] [Company Name]

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I am writing to formally assign the [Project Name] to your team at [Company Name]. This project holds significant importance for our organization, and I have full confidence in your team’s capabilities to execute it successfully.

Project Objectives: The primary objective of this project is to [state the project’s overarching goal and purpose]. It aligns with our strategic objectives and aims to [mention any specific outcomes or benefits].

Scope: The project scope encompasses [briefly describe the key deliverables, tasks, and boundaries]. It’s essential to maintain focus on these defined parameters to ensure project success.

Timeline: The project is expected to commence on [start date] and conclude on [end date]. Attached is a detailed project schedule outlining milestones and deadlines.

Resources Available: Your team will have access to [list the resources, both human and material, available for the project]. Please liaise with [point of contact] for any additional requirements.

Please confirm your acceptance of this project assignment at your earliest convenience. Regular progress updates will be expected to ensure the project remains on track.

I appreciate your dedication and commitment to our organization’s success. I am confident that your team will excel in delivering this project.

[Your Name] [Your Title] [Company Name] [Contact Information]

Task Assignment Letter

 Used for delegating specific tasks or assignments within a project, this letter specifies the task’s details, deadlines, and expectations.

[Your Name] [Your Title] [Your Company] [Date]

[Recipient’s Name] [Recipient’s Title] [Recipient’s Department] [Company Name]

I hope this letter finds you well. As we move forward with our project [Project Name], I would like to formally assign specific tasks to ensure its successful completion. Your expertise and dedication make you a valuable asset to our team, and I trust that you will excel in your assigned role.

Task Assignment Details: Task: [Task Name] Description: [Brief Task Description] Deadline: [Deadline Date] Expected Outcome: [Specify Desired Outcome]

Expectations:

• Please review the task details carefully and ensure a clear understanding of the objectives.
• Plan and execute the task efficiently, keeping quality and timeliness in mind.
• Regularly update me on your progress, addressing any challenges or concerns promptly.
• Collaborate with relevant team members for a smooth workflow.
• Submit the completed task by the specified deadline.

Your contribution is vital to the success of this project, and I have full confidence in your abilities. Should you require any support or clarification, do not hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for your commitment to our shared goals. Together, we will achieve excellence.

[Your Name] [Your Contact Information]

cc: [List of Relevant Team Members]

Sales Territory Assignment Letter

Sales organizations use this letter to assign specific territories to sales representatives, including geographical boundaries and sales goals.

Dear [Sales Representative’s Name],

I trust this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. As we continue to strive for excellence in our sales operations, I am pleased to inform you of your newly assigned sales territory.

Effective [Effective Date], you are entrusted with the responsibility of managing the [Territory Name] territory. This territory includes the geographical boundaries of [Geographical Boundaries], which have been carefully selected based on market analysis and growth potential.

Your primary objective within this territory is to achieve the following sales goals:

• Revenue Targets : Your annual revenue target for the [Territory Name] territory is [Dollar Amount]. This goal is set to capitalize on the region’s market potential.
• Market Share : We aim to capture a [Percentage]% market share in this territory within the next [Time Frame].
• Customer Acquisition : Focus on acquiring [Number] new customers within the first [Time Frame].

To support your efforts, you will have access to [Support Resources], including marketing materials and dedicated sales support. Regular performance reviews and coaching sessions will be conducted to ensure you are on track to meet and exceed these goals.

Your dedication and commitment are crucial in realizing the full potential of this territory. I have full confidence in your abilities and look forward to witnessing your success in this new role.

If you have any questions or require further clarification, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Congratulations, and best of luck in your new role!

Client Account Assignment Letter  

You can write this letter to assign a particular client account to a team or individual, outlining the client’s needs and expectations.

[Your Company Letterhead]

[Client Name] [Client Address] [City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear [Client Name],

I trust this letter finds you well. We are excited to continue serving your esteemed organization as a trusted partner. At [Your Company Name], we are committed to delivering the highest level of service to meet your unique needs and expectations.

After careful consideration and analysis of your account requirements, we are pleased to inform you that your account will be assigned to our dedicated team led by [Team Leader’s Name]. This team comprises highly skilled professionals with a proven track record in delivering exceptional results to clients in your industry.

Our commitment to you includes:

• Personalized Service: Your dedicated team will work closely with you to understand your goals and requirements.
• Timely Communication: We will provide regular updates and ensure prompt responses to your inquiries.
• Customized Solutions: Tailoring our services to align with your specific needs.
• Continuous Improvement: We will proactively seek opportunities to enhance our partnership.

Please feel free to reach out to [Team Leader’s Name] or myself should you have any questions or require further clarification.

We look forward to a successful partnership and exceeding your expectations. Thank you for choosing [Your Company Name].

[Your Name] [Your Title] [Your Company Name] [Contact Information]

[Enclosure: Additional Information or Documents, if applicable]

Employee Transfer Assignment Letter

 When an employee is transferred to a different department or location, this letter communicates the details of the transfer, including the new position and reporting structure.

[Employee’s Name] [Employee’s Address] [City, State, Zip Code]

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. We are writing to inform you of an important development in your career here at [Company Name]. After careful consideration and based on your exemplary performance, we are pleased to announce your transfer to a new department/location, effective [Effective Date].

Your new position will be [New Position Title], reporting to [Supervisor’s Name], who will be your immediate supervisor in the [New Department/Location]. This transfer is part of our ongoing efforts to optimize our workforce and align talent with evolving business needs. We are confident that your skills and expertise will make a valuable contribution to the [New Department]’s objectives.

Please note that your terms and conditions of employment, including your compensation and benefits, will remain unchanged. You will receive detailed information regarding your new responsibilities and any necessary training in the coming days.

We appreciate your dedication and look forward to witnessing your continued success in this new role. Should you have any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact [HR Contact Name] in our Human Resources department.

Congratulations on this exciting new chapter in your career, and we wish you all the best in your new role.

Property Assignment Letter

You can write this letter to assign company assets or property, such as laptops, vehicles, or office spaces, to employees. It includes terms and conditions for use and return.

[Employee’s Full Name] [Employee’s Address] [City, State, Zip Code]

Re: Assignment of Company Property

I am writing to officially assign the following company assets to you, in your capacity as [Employee’s Position] at [Company Name]:

• [List of Assigned Items, e.g., Laptop, Vehicle, Office Space]

You are hereby authorized to use these assets solely for company-related purposes during your employment with [Company Name]. Please take note of the following terms and conditions:

• Care and Maintenance: You are responsible for the proper care and maintenance of the assigned assets, ensuring they are used in a manner consistent with company policies and procedures.
• Return of Assets: Upon termination of your employment or at the company’s request, you must promptly return all assigned assets in good condition.
• Loss or Damage: Any loss, damage, or theft of assigned assets must be reported immediately to [Designated Contact].
• Personal Use: Personal use of company assets is strictly prohibited unless explicitly permitted by company policy.

Failure to comply with these terms may result in disciplinary action, including the potential recovery of costs associated with any damage or loss.

Please acknowledge your acceptance of these terms by signing and returning this letter within [Number of Days] days.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

[Employee’s Acknowledgment and Signature]

I, [Employee’s Name], acknowledge receipt of the above assignment of company property and agree to abide by the terms and conditions outlined herein.

Signature: ________________________

Date: ____________________________

Training Assignment Letter

When employees have to undergo specific training programs, this letter informs them about the training details, including dates, locations, and objectives.

[Your Company Logo]

We are pleased to inform you that you have been selected to participate in our upcoming training program. This initiative is aimed at enhancing your skills and knowledge to contribute effectively to our organization’s goals. Please find the details below:

Training Program: [Program Name] Date: [Start Date] to [End Date] Location: [Training Venue] Objective: The primary objective of this training is to [Specify Training Objectives].

• [Day 1]: [Agenda for Day 1]
• [Day 2]: [Agenda for Day 2]
• [Day 3]: [Agenda for Day 3]

Please arrive at the training venue on time and bring any materials or tools specified in the training agenda. Dress code is [Dress Code].

This training is a valuable opportunity to further develop your skills and contribute to the success of our company. We look forward to your active participation.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact [Training Coordinator’s Name] at [Training Coordinator’s Email] or [Training Coordinator’s Phone Number].

Thank you for your commitment to your professional development and our company’s success.

Contract Assignment Letter

In business contracts, one party may assign their rights and obligations to another party. This letter formalizes the assignment of the contract and notifies all relevant parties.

[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, Zip Code] [Date]

[Recipient’s Name] [Recipient’s Address] [City, State, Zip Code]

Re: Contract Assignment Letter

I am writing to formally notify you of the assignment of the contract dated [Contract Date], between [Original Party Name], hereinafter referred to as the “Assignor,” and [Recipient’s Name], hereinafter referred to as the “Assignee.”

Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the contract, the Assignor hereby assigns all its rights, duties, and obligations under the aforementioned contract to the Assignee, effective as of [Assignment Effective Date]. This assignment includes but is not limited to [List Key Contractual Terms or Rights Being Assigned].

This assignment is made with the full consent and understanding of all parties involved. All future correspondence, payments, and obligations pertaining to the contract shall be directed to and assumed by the Assignee.

Please be advised that this assignment does not in any way alter the terms and conditions of the original contract, except for the change in the party responsible for its execution.

We kindly request you to update your records accordingly and acknowledge receipt of this letter at your earliest convenience.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact me at [Your Contact Information].

Yours sincerely,

[Your Name] [Your Title] [Company Name] [Email Address] [Phone Number]

Copyright Assignment Letter

In creative industries, authors or creators may assign their copyright to a publisher or another entity. This letter details the transfer of copyright ownership.

[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, Zip Code] [Email Address] [Phone Number] [Date]

[Recipient’s Name] [Recipient’s Title] [Company or Organization Name] [Address] [City, State, Zip Code]

I, [Your Name], am the author/creator of the [Title of Work], which is a literary/artistic work registered under copyright number [Copyright Registration Number], dated [Date of Copyright Registration]. I am writing to formally assign all rights and interests in the aforementioned work to [Company or Organization Name], hereinafter referred to as the “Assignee.”

By this Copyright Assignment Letter, I acknowledge that I am the sole owner of all copyright interests in the work and have full authority to assign these rights to the Assignee. I hereby transfer, convey, and assign to the Assignee, its successors, and assigns, all rights, title, and interest in the work, including but not limited to:

• Exclusive copyright and reproduction rights.
• The right to distribute, display, and perform the work publicly.
• The right to create derivative works based on the original work.
• The right to enforce copyrights against third-party infringement.

This assignment is effective as of [Effective Date], and I understand that the Assignee will have full control over the work’s exploitation. In consideration of this assignment, I agree to receive [Agreed Compensation or Royalties] as per our separate agreement.

I warrant and represent that I have not previously assigned or encumbered the copyright interests in the work and that the work is original and does not infringe upon the rights of any third party. I further agree to cooperate with the Assignee in executing any additional documents necessary to perfect this assignment.

This Copyright Assignment Letter constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior agreements, oral or written. Any modification to this agreement must be in writing and signed by both parties.

Please sign below to acknowledge your acceptance of this assignment.

[Your Signature]

Accepted by:

[Recipient’s Signature] [Recipient’s Name] [Date]

Vendor Assignment Letter

Businesses may assign their contracts or agreements with vendors to another company. This letter informs the vendor of the assignment and provides instructions for future interactions.

[Vendor’s Name] [Vendor’s Address] [City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear [Vendor’s Name],

We hope this letter finds you well. We are writing to inform you of an important change that will affect our ongoing business relationship. After careful consideration and in the interest of streamlining our operations, we have decided to assign all existing contracts and agreements between [Your Company’s Name] and [Vendor’s Name] to [Name of the Assignee Company], a reputable entity that has agreed to assume all rights and obligations outlined in our existing agreements.

This assignment will become effective on [Effective Date], and from that point forward, [Name of the Assignee Company] will be your primary point of contact for all matters related to the aforementioned contracts and agreements. They will honor all the terms and conditions previously established between [Your Company’s Name] and [Vendor’s Name].

We kindly request that you cooperate with [Name of the Assignee Company] as you have with us, ensuring a smooth transition of responsibilities. Should you have any questions or require further information regarding this assignment, please do not hesitate to reach out to [Contact Person at Assignee Company] at [Contact Email] or [Contact Phone Number].

We appreciate the cooperation and partnership we have enjoyed with you over the years and believe that this change will be beneficial for all parties involved. We look forward to continuing our business relationship through this transition and into the future.

[Your Name] [Your Title] [Your Company’s Name] [Contact Email] [Contact Phone Number]

Beneficiary Assignment Letter

In insurance or financial services, this letter designates a beneficiary for a policy or financial account, specifying the beneficiary’s rights and responsibilities.

[Your Company Letterhead] [Date]

[Beneficiary’s Full Name] [Beneficiary’s Address] [City, State, Zip Code]

Dear [Beneficiary’s Name],

I hope this letter finds you in good health. We are writing to inform you about a significant update regarding your policy/account with [Your Company Name]. In accordance with your recent request, we have processed the beneficiary assignment for your policy/account number [Policy/Account Number], which has been updated effective [Effective Date].

This beneficiary assignment is a crucial step to ensure that your financial assets are passed on to the intended recipient in the event of your unforeseen absence. We understand the importance of this decision, and we are committed to making this process as seamless as possible for you.

Please take a moment to review the details of this assignment, which outline your rights and responsibilities as the designated beneficiary:

Beneficiary’s Rights:

• Claiming Benefits: As the designated beneficiary, you have the right to claim the benefits associated with the policy/account upon the insured or account holder’s demise. Please contact our claims department at [Claims Department Contact] to initiate the claims process.
• Beneficiary Designation Change: You have the option to change the designated beneficiary at any time by submitting a formal written request to [Your Company’s Address]. Changes will only take effect upon our receipt and verification of the request.
• Confidentiality: We respect your privacy and will maintain the confidentiality of your beneficiary designation.

Beneficiary’s Responsibilities:

• Notification: In the unfortunate event of the policy/account holder’s passing, it is your responsibility to promptly notify [Your Company Name] by contacting our claims department at [Claims Department Contact].
• Documentation: To initiate the claims process, you will be required to provide necessary documentation, including a copy of the policy/account holder’s death certificate, your identification, and any other documents requested by our claims department.
• Verification: All information provided during the claims process must be accurate and truthful. Falsifying information may result in a delay or denial of the claim.

We recommend that you keep a copy of this letter along with your policy/account documents in a secure location for your records.

Should you have any questions or require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our customer service team at [Customer Service Contact]. We are here to assist you and ensure a smooth beneficiary claims process.

Thank you for entrusting [Your Company Name] with your financial matters. We value your continued relationship with us and are committed to providing you with the highest level of service.

Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) Assignment Letter

When an NDA is assigned from one party to another, this letter communicates the change and the continued obligation to maintain confidentiality.

[Your Name] [Your Title] [Your Company Name] [Your Company Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Date]

[Recipient’s Name] [Recipient’s Title] [Recipient’s Company Name] [Recipient’s Company Address] [City, State, ZIP Code]

I trust this letter finds you in good health and spirits. We are writing to inform you of a significant development concerning the Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) signed between [Your Company Name] and [Recipient’s Company Name] on [Date of NDA]. This letter serves as official notice of the assignment of NDA obligations.

Effective [Effective Date of Assignment], [Your Company Name] has transferred all rights, obligations, and responsibilities under the aforementioned NDA to [Assignee’s Company Name]. This assignment has been made in accordance with the terms and conditions outlined in the original NDA.

We wish to emphasize that, despite this assignment, your continued obligation to maintain the confidentiality of any and all confidential information disclosed during our prior business relationship remains unchanged. You are still bound by the terms and restrictions set forth in the NDA.

We kindly request your acknowledgment of this assignment in writing, and we remain available to address any questions or concerns you may have.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

[Your Name] [Your Title] [Your Company Name]

By signing below, you acknowledge the assignment of NDA obligations as described in this letter:

Recipient’s Signature: ______________________ Date: ___________

[Recipient’s Name] [Recipient’s Title] [Recipient’s Company Name]

Non-Compete Agreement  

Similar to the NDA, this letter communicates the assignment of a non-compete agreement, which restricts an individual from competing with their former employer.

I trust this letter finds you well. We are writing to formally inform you of the assignment of the Non-Compete Agreement (hereinafter referred to as “the Agreement”) originally entered into between [Former Employer’s Name] and yourself on [Date of Original Agreement]. We wish to apprise you that, as of [Effective Date of Assignment], all rights, obligations, and responsibilities under this Agreement have been assigned to [Your Company Name].

This assignment has been undertaken in accordance with applicable legal procedures and regulations. Henceforth, any inquiries, notifications, or matters related to the Agreement should be directed to [Your Company Name] at [Your Company Address].

We wish to reiterate our commitment to upholding the terms and conditions set forth in the Agreement, and we expect your continued compliance with its provisions. Should you have any questions or require clarification regarding this assignment, please do not hesitate to contact us at [Your Company Contact Information].

[Your Name] [Your Title] [Your Company Name] [Your Contact Information]

Note: This letter serves as a formal communication of the assignment of a Non-Compete Agreement and should be reviewed by legal counsel before use.

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Writing an assignment letter

So, how detailed should an assignment agreement be? The answer is as detailed as possible. The assignment letter should be a legally binding document, confirming the agreement between the company and the assignee with respect to the terms and conditions of the assignment. In reality, the most common approach is that the assignee remains employed with the home company and the home employment contract remains in place. However, the assignment letter serves as an addendum to the employment contract and confirms the terms and conditions which vary from the normal contract while on assignment. Any terms and conditions not specifically varied therefore remain as per the home employment contract.

Most of the checklist items opposite will require considerable scoping – particularly if no assignment policy exists, but making well outlined provisions will prove worthwhile. The extent to which each item should be explained is illustrated below for three key areas.

Compensation, tax and pension arrangements

This is possibly the most complex and important part of the assignment letter and must clearly explain how the assignee will be compensated while on assignment. If the company uses a build-up or balance sheet approach, this section of the agreement will confirm details such as the home notional salary, cost of living adjustments, assignment and location allowances and, of course, the assignment salary.   It should be confirmed whether the assignment salary is guaranteed net or gross, as well as where and how it will be delivered, i.e. through which payroll, in which currency, details of split pay arrangements, exchange rates, etc. If the company has a variable pay structure details of how bonus and incentive payments will be calculated and delivered while on assignment must also be included.   The process for salary reviews must also be explained, as well as the treatment of assignment compensation for tax and social security. Assignees will normally remain in home country social security plans while on assignment, subject to the relevant regulations, and this should also be confirmed in the assignment letter. This section of the agreement will also give details of the tax services provided to the assignee, e.g. departure and arrival meetings, tax return preparation, etc. And finally, the pension arrangements should be confirmed.   Of course, if the assignee is to be compensated according to a different approach, e.g. the assignment salary is based on the local compensation levels of the host location as opposed to the build-up method, similar details to the ones described above should be given, which confirm the assignment compensation and tax treatment

Assignment benefits

The most significant benefits, both in terms of cost to the company as well as value to the assignee, are education allowances for the assignee’s children and host country accommodation. The assignment letter should clearly explain the level of benefits provided and how they are delivered, i.e. in-kind or in cash, bearing in mind the most tax effective form of delivery for the company depending on host country tax legislation. Tax charged on assignment benefits can be considerable, sometimes up to 50% of total assignment costs.   With education benefits it is important to state the type of schooling for which the company will provide assistance. If there are limits on the amount up to which the company will pay for education, or limitations on the choice of schools, this should be confirmed.   Similarly, the limits up to which the company will pay for host country accommodation must be set out clearly. The letter should also clarify what happens if the assignee chooses accommodation below or above the set rental limits.

End of assignment

If there is the possibility of an assignment extension beyond the initially-agreed term, the applicable policy should be detailed here. Most importantly, a maximum duration beyond which the assignment will not be extended should be indicated. This avoids situations where employees become “permanent” assignees, remaining on assignment terms and conditions well beyond five years, which is generally the most common maximum assignment duration.   It is also good practice to give details of the company’s localisation policy in this section. It may well suffice to confirm that a localisation policy may be applied once the maximum assignment duration has been reached, without having to give too many details on the actual process. But by mentioning the possibility of localisation in the letter, assignees’ expectations are managed and they are aware that assignment terms will not continue indefinitely.   In the repatriation section the agreement should confirm the relocation assistance provided; e.g. shipping, temporary accommodation, relocation lump-sums, etc. Furthermore, this section should confirm the process and time scales for finding a suitable position for the assignee upon returning home.   Finally, assignment letters rarely differentiate between terminating or resigning from the assignment, as opposed to terminating or resigning from the actual employment with the company. It is good practice to include the relevant terms and notice periods for each of these scenarios here and to differentiate accordingly. Terminating the employment of an assignee can be complicated and this section of the agreement should be very well thought through. Unfortunately, the governing labour law is often unclear or not straightforward to determine. A company should always seek legal advice should a labour dispute arise.

Need help with assignment letters? ECA's  Consultancy & Advisory team  are on hand to critique your company's assignment letters or create  assignment letter templates  in line with your policy, as well as offer expert advice and guidance on content so that your assignment letters accurately manage the expectations of the employee and the company. If you'd like to speak with one of our Consultants, you can  request a callback here . 

• Sample Letters

FREE 9+ Sample Assignment Letter Templates in PDF | MS Word

An assignment letter is a document that is used mostly in situations such as business bankruptcy and insolvency. It is a legal document which can be presented in courts when handling different cases. Examples of scenarios whereby this paper comes in are when a business owner is assigning a portion of his or her assets to a trustee for selling purposes and also when assigning specific rights to another person such as collecting payment on your behalf.

Assignment Letter

Sample personal business letter - 9+ documents in pdf, word, sample thank you letter to boss - 22+ free documents download ..., sample trademark assignment form - 7+ examples in pdf.

Our assignment templates get designed in the best way possible to usher you properly when creating one. An assignment letter template may also be said to be a Professional Letter of assignment or an assignment letter sample.

Salary Assignment Letter

Size: 130 KB

The top of the page should have the name of the person or the entity issuing the letter together with their personal information such as the telephone number, email address, and the postal address. Below that it should indicate that it is a letter of assignment to give the form an identity. Next should be the full names of the people or entity in the agreement alongside their personal information.

After that, mention the duration of the assignment and the location of where the deal takes place. The body of the document should be concluded by listing all the details of the money that they parties will be handling. Finally, the parties involved should sign the paper to seal the agreement.

Appraisal Assignment Letter

Size: 38 KB

The top of the form should read that the document is an appraisal assignment letter for easier identification. The name plus the postal address of the person or company issuing the appraisals should be listed next. After that, a declaration statement mentioning the names of the parties involved in the agreement should be put down saying who has assigned rights to the other.

The agreement should always comply with the standards set by law. Other acknowledgments that each party is supposed to heed to should also get listed in this document. The model should conclude by stating the period when the agreement will be active.

Voided Assignment Letter

Size: 37 KB

The top of the model should read that it is a voided assignment letter for quick identification of the form. After that, on the left, the name of the person of corporate who is going to receive the document is listed together with other personal information such as a postal address and an email address.

The right should have the date of when the paper gets published. Finally, the reasons as to why there is a voided assignment letter must be on it and signatures of the parties involved should also be given to show that they agree with the stated reasons.

Incentive Assignment Letter

Size: 42 KB

The name of the company issuing the letter should be the first thing on the document and the date below that. Next should be the name and personal details of the person or entity meant to receive it. The incentive assignment should be listed giving all crucial information about it and contacts which the receiver can contact for further negotiations. Finally, it concludes with a short formal message to the receiver.

Professional Assignment Letter

Size: 355 KB

Buddy Assignment Letter

Size: 155 KB

Friendly Assignment Letter

Size: 31 KB

Sample Assignment Letter

Size: 137 KB

Assignment Letter from Trainee

Volunteer Assignment Letter

Size: 52 KB

What are the Advantages of Having our Assignment Letter Templates?

One may lack sufficient knowledge on what to include when forming this document; therefore, the main benefit of having our template is that it gives you the proper guidance on which information to include in your paper and an order of how to put it down.

Another advantage is that our templates are files which you can save on you PC; thus, you can make references from the file again in future when forming assignment letters. Finally, our templates are always designed to help you create one as per the standard legal requirements. You may also see  Sample Personal Letters

How Have We Made our Assignment Letter Templates the Best for you?

Our models get worked on by the experts whom we have interviewed thoroughly and proven that they are talented. We also ensure that they have sufficient experience in the field for our templates to be as effective for you as possible. Another way we have made our templates the best for you is by making them editable such that you can do any modifications you prefer on them. Finally, they are printable for you to be able to make as many copies as you want. You may also see  Friendly Letters

Which are the Most Crucial Aspects that I Should Entail in my Assignment Letter?

Always list the name of parties in the agreement and also sufficient personal information about them. Never forget to indicate the date you publish the model and the period of how long the contract will be valid. Ensure that both parties agree on what gets stated on the Professional Letters then seal the deal with signatures of each. Finally, since it is a legal document, always ensure that your agreement complies with the provisions of the law to avoid awful penalties.

We ensure that we meet the requirements of all our customers according to their needs. Those that would want a fully customed model can always communicate to us so that we can direct you to our experts to help them understand what kind of make you want. We have customer care agents that are always available to tend to all the inquiries you may have and the consultations you may need. Consider acquiring our accessible and affordable assignment letter template today, to guide you while creating the document you need.

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Fun Last-Day-of-School Activities to Wrap Up the Year

Hooray, you’ve made it to the end of the school year! With all testing and grading out of the way, it’s time to think about planning some fun last-day-of-school activities. The final days of school are a time to reflect on the year’s accomplishments, celebrate, and say goodbyes. Make your last day together extra special with one of these fun activities that are sure to send your students off to summer vacation with a smile on their faces.

Fun Last-Day-of-School Activities to Kick off Summer Break

Here are some engaging last-day-of-school activities you can consider adding to your repertoire.

Write letters to next year’s students

Are you looking for a last-day-of-school activity that will engage students in a productive writing task and meaningful reflections? Try having them write a letter to next year’s class! In these letters, current students can share their memories from the past year, give a sneak peek of what next year’s class will learn, and give them advice for the school year ahead. Your students will love being able to share their thoughts and advice from their own experiences in your class.

Words of Wisdom – Letters to Future Students by Life with Mrs Wasik Grades: 1-6

End of Year Activity – Letter to A Future Student – End of Year Writing Project by The Creative Classroom Grades 5-9

Create a memory book

End-of-year memory books are a great activity for students of all ages to reflect on their progress and memories from the past school year. Plus, they make for a great keepsake to take home on the last day of school. Check out one of these fun, no-prep memory book activities to get you started. 

End of the Year Memory Book {Kindergarten, First, and Second Grade } by Haley O’Connor Grades: K-2

End of the Year Memory Book {Not Grade Specific} by Michael Friermood – The Thinker Builder Grades: 2-6

END OF YEAR ESL Memory Book Activities PRINT and EASEL by Diana Bailey Grades: 5-8

End of the Year Writing Activities and Memory Book EDITABLE Distance Learning by Tracee Orman Grades: 7-12

Set goals for the summer

With summer vacation (literally) right around the corner, you can use the final day of school to get students thinking about some of the goals and activities they’d like to accomplish this summer.

Summer Bucket List: Last Day of School & End of the Year Fun Activity by Enhance SEL Grades: 1-8

Summer Bucket List End of the Year Activities by The Scholar’s Source Grade: 3-11

End of School Year Reflection Pages and Goal Setting for Summer and Next Year by Success in Special Ed Grades: 7-10

When the tests are all taken, and the assignments all handed in, it’s time to get crafty! These end-of-school year craftivities are a great way to engage students and to sneak a little more writing and fine motor skill practice into the last day of the year.

End of the Year Sunglasses Bulletin Board Craft and Writing Activity | Last Day by Sweet for Kindergarten- Kristina Harrill Grades: PreK-5

Last Day of School Activities | Last Day of School Crown Craft | End of Year by Second Grade Smiles Grades: K-3

Activities for the Last Week of School

Need activities to cover the entire last week of school? We’ve got you covered. To make your life a little easier as the school year comes to a close, check out these low-prep activities to help you get through the last week!

Last Week of School Activities for Second Grade (2nd) by Cara’s Creative Playground Grades: 2

End of The Year Activities – Last Week of School Resource by Addie Williams Grades: 6-8

End of the Year Activities – Last Week of School Fun for Middle and High School by Cara McLeod Grades: 5-10

End of the Year Activities for Seniors High School Playlist Last Week of School by The Supported Teacher Grades: 11-12

Other Ideas for End of the Year

For more ways to end the school year on a high note, browse end-of-year resources on TPT or check out these posts for more ideas:

• End-of-Year Review Activities for Elementary and High School Students
• Celebrating Student Success: End of the Year Awards for Students
• Escape Room Ideas and Templates for Every Classroom

• Middle School
• High School
• Social Studies
• Social-Emotional Learning
• Back-to-School
• Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
• Autism Acceptance Month
• Black History Month
• Hispanic Heritage Month
• Pride Month
• Indigenous Peoples’ Month
• Women’s History Month