Microsoft word: Letters

It is important to format letters properly in order to give the reader a good first impression. If the letter does not have a good appearance (or format), the letter will not be taken seriously. A weakness in any formatting related element can detract from the effectiveness of the message, even though it is expertly written.

Block Letter Format:

• Everything is aligned on the left margin. There is no indentations.
• Sample Block Letter (with open punctuation) - This is an example of what a Block letter should look like when finished.

Modified Block Letter Format:

• Similar to block letter format EXCEPT the return address, current date, complementary closing and writer's name is indented to the very center of the page [3 inch mark - or, hit the TAB key 6 times]
• Sample Modified Block Letter (with standard punctuation) - This is an example of what a Modified Block letter should look like when finished.

open punctuation:

• No punctuation after the greeting or complimentary closing.

standard punctuation:

• a comma or colon goes immediately after the greeting and a comma follows the complementary closing.

united states post office envelope rules:

• ALL CAPITAL LETTERS
• No Punctuation

Assignments:

Block Letter Format (with Open Punctuation):

• Practice
• Project

Modified Letter Format (with Standard Punctuation):

• Practice
• Project

online resources

• The Owl at Purdue
• About.com: Letter Formats

Pull It Together:

• Letter Review
• Letter Test