LETTERS AND

NOTES

Common

Forms

of

Technical

Writing

LE

T

T

E

R

SPersonal

THANK YOU NOTESAn easy way to show

someone your appreciation

Business

PARTS OF A LETTER Letters and notes contain the following basic

elements: The Greeting

Formal: Dear Uncle Jim, Dear Mr. Watkins, Informal: Hi Joe, Hey Grandma!

The Body An appropriate amount of applicable information

The Closing Formal: Sincerely, With Much Appreciation, Informal: Hugs, Love,

The Signature Your Name signed legibly

LETTER FORMAT

SOMETIMES IT’S HARD TO KNOW WHAT TO SAY IN A THANK YOU NOTE…The following slides should give you some ideas for writing notes.

Click icon to add picture

FOR A GIFT

Dear ________,  Thank you so much for the __________________. It

was very thoughtful. I'll think of you every time I (see it/ use it/ wear it).

It was so nice of you to come to my party. Having the support of family and friends is very important to me. It was a special day and you are a special friend. Keep in touch! Sincerely,

  

FOR A GIFT OF MONEYDear _______,  Thank you so much for your generous gift

of money. Your support will help me buy the new _______________ I've been saving for.

  Money can't buy happiness...but it sure

helps! With much appreciation,

  

IDEAS FOR PERSONALIZING THANK YOU NOTES

Add any of these where appropriate after thanking the recipient for the gift:

You have superb taste and now I have a sample of it!

I enjoyed meeting you. My parents have talked about you for years.

Thank you for thinking of me. Thank you for being there when I

needed you!

IDEAS FOR RELATIVES I am very grateful for the support I have

received from family over the years. You’ve always been my favorite Aunt. Thank you also for helping at the party. Call me for babysitting! I hope we get to see you this summer. I look forward to seeing you at our next

family get-together.

IDEAS FOR OUT-OF-TOWN GUESTS

It was so cool that you made the trip for my big day. It really means a lot to me that you would travel so far.

If I ever have the chance, I'll visit you in (their city).

For those who were not able to attend the event:

I'm sorry you were not able to join us for the _______. I missed you. However, your support is greatly appreciated.

IDEAS FOR TEACHERS / COACHES

You have made a big difference in my life. Keep up the good work.

Having you as a teacher/coach made such a big difference in my years at (school name).

I'll try to keep up the good study habits. You will always be my favorite

teacher/coach. Thank you for being such a great

teacher/coach. I've really enjoyed playing (sport name). You're a great inspiration!

THINGS NOT TO SAY IN A THANK YOU NOTE

Thank you for the pink (or other color, design, etc.) sweater, but you know I don’t like pink (or other color, design, etc.)

I’m sorry you didn’t have a good time at my party.

It’s too bad you were too busy to take time to attend the party.

I can’t really use your gift for myself, but I’ll be sure to pass it on to someone who will enjoy it.

It was good to see you--it’s been a long time. You look a LOT older!

THINGS NOT TO SAY (CONTINUED) It’s just too bad that dead Uncle Phil

couldn’t be around to attend the party. I’m glad you came to the party and I’m

really glad we had those sausages/meatballs/cakes you liked. You sure enjoyed them, didn’t you?

Thanks for the money. I was really expecting more from you since you’re so rich, but I guess times are tough for everyone.

WRITING ASSIGNMENT 10/06/11 Think of a person who has recently done

something nice for you, and write that person a Thank You note. Ideas: parent, grandparent, neighbor, friend,

carpool driver, bus driver, teacher, coach, etc. Draft your note in your notebook (p.32) first.

Edit and revise it, then copy the corrected version onto your note card.

See the rubric for required components. Add drawings, stickers, clip art, etc. to give the

card color and appeal. Due no later than Tuesday, October 11th I will happily deliver any teacher notes…

ELA6W1, ELA6W

2 (Technical), ELA6W4,

ELA6C1