Printed Page 38(cont.)

Modified-Block-Style Letter

Tab 4: e-Page 1

Sample Document

Formal business letters are generally formatted in two ways—either in full-block style with the entire letter aligned at the left margin, or in modified-block style, in which the return address, date, and complimentary closing begin at the center of the page, and the other elements are aligned at the left margin. An example of this modified-block style follows. Read the following document and then answer the questions about its purpose and audience, tone, structure, and effectiveness.

Thinking Professionally

  1. Question

    What is the purpose of this document? How does the writing achieve that purpose?

  2. Question

    Describe the document’s tone. Is that tone appropriate for the audience?

  3. Question

    How does the structure of this document further its message?

  4. Question

    What is one change that would make this document even more effective? Why?