Business Letter
Coaching Module
General Overview
Business letters are written from information
given to contestants. When preparing for
the contest, it is important to review the
various parts of a business letter (return
address, date, inside address, salutation, body,
closing, and signature).
Format
The business letter may be written in either
the block or the indented style, but should
be consistent throughout the letter. No set
stylebook has been adopted by the English
Expo Committee; for style, students should
refer to any standard language arts
handbook. Judges will not be sticklers for
specific style; the content and readability of
the letter is more important.
Grammar and Mechanics
Students are encouraged to proofread their work, since spelling,
punctuation, and complete sentences do count. Students may either
print or write their letter.
Judging
Holistic scoring is used by the judges, with
discussion usually involved in making the final
selections of winners. A “tie-breaker” letter
may be assigned, which involves each
contestant actually writing two letters
during the contest period.
Content of Letters
Business letters generally tend to focus on
placing an order, obtaining information for a
report, etc. The information requested is
fairly simple, although students should read
through their directions and information
sheets carefully.
Criteria for Judging
The necessary parts of the letter (return address, date, inside
address, greeting, body, closing, and signature) are present and
punctuated correctly.
All of the information in the scenario should be given.
The problem or situation should be explained clearly and in as much
detail as possible
The handwriting should be clear and easy to read.
Holistic Scoring Scale: 5
An excellent letter includes all of the
judging criteria including as much detail as
possible regarding the situation and/or
problem. The writer uses words and phrases
that express clean and complete thoughts.
The writer tells clearly what s/he wants to
be done. There are no spelling or
punctuation errors.
Holistic Scoring Scale: 4
An above average letter includes the
information in the scenario and uses words
and phrases that express clear and complete
thoughts. There is no more than one spelling
or punctuation error.
Holistic Scoring Scale: 3
An average letter includes the information
from the scenario but may leave out some
pieces of the information or be somewhat
unclear in meaning. Most thoughts are
expressed clearly and completely. There may
be some minor errors in spelling and/or
punctuation.
Holistic Scoring Scale: 2
A fair letter does not include all of the
information from the scenario, and all
thoughts are not expressed clearly or
completely. There may be some minor errors
in spelling and/or punctuation.
Holistic Scoring Scale: 1
A poor letter does not match the assignment
and/or it does not include all of the
necessary information. Many thoughts are
not expressed clearly or completely.
Numerous errors in spelling, punctuation, or
phrasing interfere with the judge’s ability to
understand the letter.