COMPLETE STUDY GUIDE WITH CORRECT
ANSWERS
◉ What are the three strategies used in US letter writing? Answer: 1.
Clear content
2. positive tone
3. Proper format
◉ How do you create clear content? (3) Answer: 1. Stay brief and
concise
2. Use active voice and familiar language
3. Examine audience and consider the language
◉ How do you create a positive tone? (5) Answer: 1. Use the you-
attitude
2. Use Positive emphasis
3. Use reader benefits
4. Analyzing your audience
5. Shaping your document.
,◉ What does using positive tone do? Answer: It can build goodwill
in your reader
◉ What is the importance of using the proper format in a letter?
Answer: Balancing and spacing of the text on a page makes a great
nonverbal impression.
◉ How do you create the proper format? Answer: 1. Avoid justified
margins (never use right margin)
◉ What logic does the direct approach use? Answer: Deductive
◉ Which types of messages should use the direct approach? (6)
Answer: 1. Positive/Neutral news
2. Making/Responding to requests
3. Making/Responding to claims
4. Placing/Responding to orders
5. Positive Recommendations
6. Composing goodwill messages
◉ When do you need more persuasion? Answer: When making a
sale or delivering bad news
, ◉ Basic format for the direct approach is? Answer: First paragraph
--- 1st sentence gives main point
Middle Paragraphs
---explanation or necessary details in completing message
Closing paragraph
---positive or neutral closing may request action
◉ How are US offices laid out? Why? Answer: Manager separate
(better) office and the rest in cubicles.
more individualistic
◉ How are Japanese offices laid out? Why? Answer: Manager in
larger desk facing individual workers' desk like a classroom.
more group oriented.
◉ What is needed in the opening paragraph of a routine message?
Answer: Main point immediately.
◉ What is needed in the body of a routine message? (5) Answer: 1.
Details
2. Background info