T–1 Basic Writer’s Pyramid
Summary Statement Main Message
Background Who? Where? When?
Facts and Events What? How? Why?
Outcome What? How? Who? When?
Copyright © 2004 Pearson Education Canada Inc.
,T–2 Writing Plan for a Request
The request: a brief statement
Summary Statement
defining what you want
Reason Why you want it
A detailed description of the
Details request, including what is to be
gained and what the cost will be
Action What you want the reader to do
Copyright © 2004 Pearson Educatoion Canada Inc.
,T–3 Writing Plan for a Claim or Complaint
Very briefly describes the
Summary Statement problem and states that
action is requested
Describes the circumstances
Reason or Background leading up to the
complaint or claim
Gives specific details of the
Complaint Details problem, or reason for the
claim/adjustment
States exactly what the writer
Action
wants the reader to do
Copyright © 2004 Pearson Education Canada Inc.
, T–4 Responding to a Claim or Complaint
Briefly agrees or
Main disagrees that the
Summary Statement
Message claim or complaint
is valid
Refers to the
Reference reader’s original
letter or request
Supporting
Details Explains why the
answer is
Reason
affirmative or
negative
States what
Action action will or
should be taken
Copyright © 2004 Pearson Education Canada Inc.
Summary Statement Main Message
Background Who? Where? When?
Facts and Events What? How? Why?
Outcome What? How? Who? When?
Copyright © 2004 Pearson Education Canada Inc.
,T–2 Writing Plan for a Request
The request: a brief statement
Summary Statement
defining what you want
Reason Why you want it
A detailed description of the
Details request, including what is to be
gained and what the cost will be
Action What you want the reader to do
Copyright © 2004 Pearson Educatoion Canada Inc.
,T–3 Writing Plan for a Claim or Complaint
Very briefly describes the
Summary Statement problem and states that
action is requested
Describes the circumstances
Reason or Background leading up to the
complaint or claim
Gives specific details of the
Complaint Details problem, or reason for the
claim/adjustment
States exactly what the writer
Action
wants the reader to do
Copyright © 2004 Pearson Education Canada Inc.
, T–4 Responding to a Claim or Complaint
Briefly agrees or
Main disagrees that the
Summary Statement
Message claim or complaint
is valid
Refers to the
Reference reader’s original
letter or request
Supporting
Details Explains why the
answer is
Reason
affirmative or
negative
States what
Action action will or
should be taken
Copyright © 2004 Pearson Education Canada Inc.
