Owl.english.purdue.edu is an online writing lab which contains resources for: writing and teaching writing, research, grammar and mechanics, style guides, ESL, and job search and professional writing. Under the professional writing, I will be discussing “Writing the Basic Business Letter.”
What is it?
This is a resource that tells you the parts of a business letter, how to format the letter, and provides an example of a business letter.
What do I like about it?
- Words and language used are understandable.
- User friendly.
- Not only lists but describes each section of a business letter.
- Provides an example for clarification.
- Easily able to print using button at end of resource.
- Well organized.
- Available as a PDF version.
What do I dislike about it?
- Does not provide examples of each section of a business letter (only one comprehensive example at the end).
- Suggested resources on left tab does not provide related resources.
Where does this fit into the curriculum and how would I use it?
This resource fits in the Information Processing 10/20/30 curriculum under module 13. Learning objective 13.7 states: “Develop written communication skills by composing, editing, and formatting business letters and memoranda.” At this point, this is where students are first introduced to business letters and this resource provides a detailed explanation of the different sections of a business letter and includes an example.
In my classroom, I might get students to read this resource over and compare the business letter example to personal letters and personal-business letters (which if following the curriculum, you should already have examples of these to compare to). Once this has been completed, then students can create their own business letter (using the example from resource for help). Once students have written their business letters, they will switch with a partner and edit each others. Once this is completed, they will hand in a final copy of their revised business letter and the copy that their partner edited. This resource would also be good to put on the class blog so students may refer back to it throughout the course and their schooling.
Evaluation of Purdue Online Writing Lab
The Purdue Online Writing Lab website is a great resource for students who need assistance in writing. The site is very well organized and is appropriate for high school students.
If I had to give this website a numerical value, I would give it a 9/10. The resource discussed would receive a 9.5/10.
Ashley McMurchy 