Writing letters to elected officials and letters to the editor helps students articulate their thoughts based on sound evidence and valid reasoning, avoiding "sounding off" and emotional appeals. Writing skills, critical thinking, and civic values are reinforced. (SK)

In a correspondence class, students were asked to name a hero or heroine and list their qualities. Many named parents or grandparents, and the teacher wrote letters telling them what the students had said about them. The letter was to convey the student's respect and appreciation, something they often find difficult to do in person. (JOW)

A business teacher teachers students to write letters of praise and appreciation to develop leadership skills, strengthen relationships, and envision personal and professional success for their peers. (SK)

A study that examined correspondence from 15 different business areas found the writing of that correspondence to be at a reading level higher than the average educational level of U.S. citizens. (LRA)

The author presents guidelines for teaching secondary school students how to write better business letters, including basic skills, styles and formats of letters, and current trends in business correspondence. (MF)

This advanced typewriting course integrates typing instruction with the teaching of improved business writing skills. An example of a unit on letter-writing is provided, which emphasizes using concise phrases, short words, correct words, and active voice. Composing letters is also discussed.

A new approach to teaching students to write effective business letters is presented. It uses class members as resources, writers, and readers for the assignment. Four stages are described: the interview, discussion of models and format, revision, and the reply. Results of the exercise and suggestions for continued application are included. (CT)

As dictation skills are becoming more important in controlling business correspondence costs, the article presents approaches to teaching dictation practice after students have learned letter organization in business communication classes. Approaches include cooperative projects with office procedures and shorthand classes, using dictation…