List+of+Writing+Assignments

This is a comprehensive list of all writing assignments in the class. Please save each letter as a separate file.

__**Assignment #7**__ Write a letter to describe what you think it takes to be successful in the business environment. What characteristics, traits, skills, and requirements are important to be successful? List/describe each clearly in order of importance if possible. Then, describe when you think you lie in the various skills/traits and what your plans are to become successful.

__**Assignment #6**__ Discuss what your concerns are about giving presentations in front of the class. What fears do you have? How can you overcome them? Since we came up with a list of tips in class, feel free to use the list to devise your plan of improvement.

Write a persuasive letter address all the elements per the text and class discussion/lecture. You can write the letter to anyone about a topic that is of interest to you. Be sure to review the intro/body/conclusion for persuasiveness in a gradual manner and building a strong case before asking for action.
 * __Assignment #5__**

**__Assignment #4__** (due Sunday night) Today’s writing assignment is to write a memo describing a procedure. It will be done in teams of two members each. You will write a procedure manual in business context which can include:

Task-specific procedures (Internal)—those that apply to the work done by a specific person or specific group within an organization. Examples include ordering supplies, handling customer complaints, and backing up computer files.

Procedures for outsiders (External)—those that concern the “how to” of products or services. Examples include documents that direct customers how to return a product, install a software program, or fill out an application form.

General procedures (Internal)—those that apply to all employees regardless of location or job title. Examples include hiring procedures, injury reporting procedures, and expense reimbursement procedures.

When writing a procedure manual, please keep the following in mind: 1. Think about your purpose for writing the memo and what information you want to convey. 2. Conduct an audience analysis by thinking about the intended audiences in terms of their occupation, education level, interest, technical and cultural backgrounds, and how they will use the procedure. 3. Help the audience understand why the information is important and why they should be concerned about your memo. For instance, what are the risks to the company and the employees if they are not mindful of the procedures you have described? 4. Consider using the conventions of procedures writing such as numbering the steps, using the stage approach by dividing a step into several sub-steps, using the imperative mood, stating one action per step, effectively incorporating graphics in procedures, and writing and designing safety notes 5. Consider the Plain English principle in order to adapt the writing to the needs of the targeted audience.

I will grade for clarity of your instructions, usability of your directions, and use of good grammar and writing convention.

**__Assignment #3__** (In-class assignment) Revise the following e-mail message.

To: Amsoft Manager List From: Stella Soto <stella.soto@amsoft.com> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Subject: E-Mail Problems

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Dear Managers,

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As Amsoft vice president, it is my duty to address urgent issues of concern that have currently arisen. My purpose for addressing you is to request your help and advice concerning the problem of excessive e-mail. By responding to the questions below your ideas will assist us in the development of a plan that will benefit you and our staff, and our organization collectively. Responses to these question must be submitted no later than May 5 in order for this feedback to be represented in the upcoming supervisory committee meeting on May 10.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Although many had the expectation that e-mail would be a great big productivity tool, unfortunately its use is becoming extremely excessive. This trend has specifically affected our organization by cutting into work time. One study found that the average office worker is spending 2 hours a day on e-mail? Our organization may we may be spending even more than this. Excessive e-mail is sapping the organization’s strength and productivity. I would like to have your answers to some questions before the above referenced dates to help us focus on the problem.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Can you give a ballpark figure for how many e-mail messages you receive and answer on a personal basis each day? <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1. Approximately how many hours would you estimate? <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2. Do you have any ideas about how we can make a reduction in the volume of e-mail messages being sent and received within our own organization? <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">3. Do you think that e-mail is being used by our employees in an excessive manner?

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I’m wondering what you think about an e-mail-free day once a week. How about Fridays? I appreciate your suggestions and advice in developing a solution to the problem of controlling e-mail and making an improvement in productivity.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Stella

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Write a letter to discuss your strenghts, weakness, and areas that you want to develop/improve in this class. As you may already know, this class involves more than writing business letters. It involves understanding the workplace and etiquette, speaking professionally, presenting with confidence, and having a solid understanding of essential verbal and nonverbal communication skills.
 * __<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Assignment #2: __**

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">You should write a page at minimum, be clear about your words and avoid using "I don't write very well." Rather, go to specific examples that convey what your concerns are. The same goes for discussing your strengths, please be specific.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I will grade based on how well and clearly you discuss your abilities and areas of improvement needed. I will look for correct spelling, proper sentence structure, flow of paragraphs, and your ability to articulate your thoughts. Also, please mind the formality and don't write with a casual tone. Thanks.

__**<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Assignment #1: **__ <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Write a letter to a prospective employer, or the instructor, asking for: <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">- an internship opportunity with their organization <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">- an informational meeting

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I will grade based on how well you state your reason for the letter (introduction), and how well you describe who you are and your skills that would qualify you for a postion within the company. The letter should be written in a professional tone, free of grammatical and spelling errors, and include all part of a letter (heading, introduction, body, conclusion, and closure).