Objective
The objective of this examination is to give you an opportunity
to effectively apply (1) the writing process as covered by all
six study units and (2) the formats presented in this study
unit. To do this, you'll produce the following three types of
business writing using standard written conventions for
American English. You'll create all of these items in Word,
without the use of templates or e-mail programs, and submit
the three required items in ONE document:
• One business letter
• One interoffice memorandum
• One e-mail
Background
Assume that you've worked for the last five years as an
administrative assistant for the Human Resources Department
of Broadworth General Hospital. The Director of Human
Resources, Miriam Hopkins, has charged you with organizing
a two-hour training seminar to be attended by the hospital's
20 office supervisors. The seminar should cover sexual
harassment and unlawful discrimination in the workplace.
For the last 20 years, the hospital has contracted all training
through the nationally acclaimed Wydade Consulting
Services. Jeremy Dittmer, employee relations specialist, is
manager of the local branch of Wydade. He requires a threemonth
advance notice regarding any training Broadworth
needs so he can supply an appropriate trainer and any materials
that may be required. This is the first time you've dealt
directly with Mr. Dittmer.You must also make all necessary arrangements for the seminar, including time, date,
a room at the hospital for training, any resources the trainer needs, any materials those
who attend might need, and light refreshments for a 15-minute break.
Process
1. Create the necessary details for this scenario-for example, your title, the mailing
addresses for the hospital and consulting firm, the dates, the kinds of training
materials used, and so on.
2. Using either full block or modified block, draft a letter to Mr. Dittmer to set up the
seminar. Your letter must have at least two paragraphs and at least eight complete
sentences. Include the following items in your letter:
a. Thanks for the company's reliable support
b. An explanation of the training need and any special topics to cover
c. A request for a trainer to teach the seminar
d. A request for a list of resources the trainer will need
3. Draft an interoffice memorandum to Miriam Hopkins, the Director of Human
Resources:
a. Assume that you've received confirmation from Jeremy Dittmer for the date,
time, and materials needed. The trainer he has assigned is Deb Walker (e-mail:
[email protected]).
b. Outline the arrangements you've made, providing explanations as needed. Your
goal is to assure her that you've covered all of the details.
c. Invent any additional details as needed.
4. Draft an e-mail of at least four complete sentences to Deb Walker, the designated
trainer:
a. Confirm the arrangements for the seminar, providing only the information
she needs to arrive at the right place at the right time.
b. Copy both Mr. Dittmer ([email protected]) and Ms. Hopkins
([email protected]).
c. Create an appropriate e-mail business address for yourself and include it
after the signature block.
5. Set all three items aside for at least 24 hours.