Grammar and Language Workbook

338 
Grammar and Language Workbook, Grade 12
Copyright © by Glencoe/McGraw-Hill
Composition

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Lesson 111
Business Letters: Letters of Request and Complaint
A 
letter of request
is a letter that asks for information or service. When you write a letter
of request, always be clear and courteous. Explain what information you need and why
you need it. Include any information the receiver may need to answer your request.
Business letters are usually written in block form or semiblock form. In block form,
everything is lined up with the left margin. In semiblock form, the heading, complimentary
close, and signature are placed on the right side of the page.
 Exercise 1
Examine the following letter. Is it a good example of a letter of request? Why or why
not? Write your critique below. 
Dear College Admissions Department:
I need some information. I want to attend your school next year and will need some
sort of financial aid. Can you send me something on this? I don’t have much time so
you’ll need to get it to me as quickly as you can, OK?
Sincerely,
Brad Franklin
 Exercise 2 
Write a short letter requesting information on one of the following topics. Use
proper business-letter format.
a letter to one of your senators requesting information on her or his voting record on a
particular issue
a letter to an art school requesting more information on a class you are interested in
taking
a letter to a recreation center asking if they need anyone to volunteer as a referee for
the summer
Unit 14, Composition
339
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