Grammar and Language Workbook

Composition

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A 
letter of complaint
describes a problem or concern and sometimes is a request for
action. It should be clear, concise, and reasonable. Never let your anger show when
writing a letter of complaint. Avoid insults and threats. Begin by stating the problem and
telling briefly how it happened. Then use supporting details as evidence of your
problem. End your letter by explaining what you would like done about the matter. 
 Exercise 3 
Read the following letter of complaint. Describe any problems and suggest how to
correct them.
8614 14th Street
New York, New York 10036
September 20, 1996
Dear Cinema One Manager:
I can’t believe what you did to my friend and me the other night. We paid good money
to get into your seven o’clock show, but when we walked into the theater it was
completely packed. We asked for our money back and they said “Forget it!” They said
there were two seats in the first row and to take them or else. You must be crazy to think
anyone would want to sit in the front row. I haven’t done that since I was five years old!
Hey mister, we want our money back or free tickets to another show. Do I have to call a
lawyer?
Not sincerely,
Shannon Crawford
 Exercise 4
Revise and rewrite the above letter of complaint.
Name ___________________________________________________ Class _________ Date ____________________
340 
Grammar and Language Workbook, Grade 12
Copyright © by Glencoe/McGraw-Hill
Composition

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Lesson 112
Business Letters: Résumés and Cover Letters
A 
résumé 
is a summary of your work experience, school experience, talents, and
interests. You use it to apply for a job or for admittance into a school or academic
program. A résumé should be clear, concise, expressive, and informative. Because a
résumé is a summary, it is not necessary to use complete sentences. However, the format
you use should be consistent, as in the following example.
Lionel Jefferson
1804 Becker Street
Atlanta, GA 30303
[phone]
Objective:
Full-time summer employment as a park ranger assistant
Work Experience:
Volunteer nature tour leader, Metropolitan Park
Education:
King High School, September 1995–present, 3.0 grade point
average
Atlanta Middle School, August 1992–1994, 3.3 grade point
average
Accomplishments:
Community service award for participation in river cleanup
program; president of student chapter of Sierra Club 
References:
Martin Pavlich, teacher, King High School [phone]
Julia Harmon, Park Ranger, Metropolitan Park [phone]
 Exercise 1