You're about to learn something important about the layout of a business letter. You need to know this before you can begin the fifth stage of the Writing Process.
The layout - or format - of a business letter refers to its design. The layout affects the way the words of the document are placed on a page.
There are a number of different layout styles. HSBC uses the full-blocked style.
In the full-blocked style, all parts of the letter start at the left margin. As a result, it's easy to type and easy to read. It is one of the most common styles used in business today. Writers and readers both like it.
HSBC also uses open punctuation.
In open punctuation, no punctuation is used in
l the reader's address
l the salutation (Dear...)
l the complimentary close (eg Yours sincerely).
Whenever you write a business letter, you should use the full-blocked style with open punctuation... like the letter below.
Ms Fiona Green 100 Clearwater Bay Road Sai Kung NT
22 April 200X
Dear Ms Green
Phone Payment Service (PPS)
I refer to your telephone enquiry yesterday.
I would like to tell you the details.
We sent you the Phone Payment service (PPS) details and application form on 20 April.
If you complete and return the form to us, we can process your application immediately.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely
Clever Man Manager Smart Branch |
Writing a Letter: Stage 5 - Editing
You've finished revising your document. You also know the layout of a business letter. So, you're ready to begin the fifth stage of the Writing Process.
You're ready to start editing your letter to Billy Ng. This is your final step. Make sure you use
l the full-blocked layout style and
l open punctuation.
In addition, remember to check your document for the four most common grammar problems:
l verb + verb (two verbs in a sentence)
l verb + preposition
l countable/uncountable nouns
l word class.
