Activity 1

In each group, you will play a

BUSINESS MEETING. Every
member should have a role inside the
scenario. Make your meeting as real
as possible.
 Lesson 3
Purposeful Writing in
the Disciplines and for
Professions
 Fisher and Frey (2008)
Students of the 21 century must be
st

able to locate, understand, evaluate,

and use written information in their
personal and academic lives.
PURPOSE: A Crucial Consideration in
Academic and Professional Writing

Every time you engage in writing whether

it is for academic purposes or for the
professional field, it is a requirement that
you identify first your purpose.
PURPOSE: A Crucial Consideration in
Academic and Professional Writing

The objective of your writing would

define the contents, the organization,
level of vocabulary, the language use and
even format of your written output.
PURPOSE: A Crucial Consideration in
Academic and Professional Writing

“The writer must decide what the specific

purpose of his report is and make sure
that every part of his report contributes to
that purpose”, Mills and Walter (1978)
PURPOSE: A Crucial Consideration in
Academic and Professional Writing

“Does the final output realizes my

objective in writing?”
FEATRES OF TEXTS ACROSS
DISCIPLINE

1. Book Review or Article Critique

2. Literature Review
 BOOK REVIEW OR
ARTICLE CRITIQUE

It is a form of literacy criticism in which a

book or article is analysed in terms of its
content, style, and merit
 BOOK REVIEW OR
ARTICLE CRITIQUE
The length of the review may vary from a
single paragraph to a complete essay
which uses the personal preferences of the
writer.
 BOOK REVIEW OR
ARTICLE CRITIQUE
Three things in preparing a book review:
1. Describes
2. Analyzes
3. Evaluates
 BOOK REVIEW OR
ARTICLE CRITIQUE
In writing a book review or article critique,
there are things which you have to consider:
1. Before Reading
2. During reading
3. Writing Review
 BEFORE READING

1. TITLE
a. what does it suggest?
b. what is your knowledge about the title
 BEFORE READING

2. PREFACE or INTRODUCTION
a. can you identify any limitations?
b. are there parts which the author
intentionally or unintentionally ignored?
 BEFORE READING

3. TABLE OF CONTENTS
a. how the ideas organized?
b. what logical orders does it follow?
 DURING READING
1. What is the genre or general field?
2. What is the author’s point of view?
3. Do you agree or disagree with it?
4. What passage or quotes can you later cite in
your review?
5. What is the author’s thesis statement or main
point?
 DURING READING

6. What is the author’s style – formal or informal?

7. Is it suitable for the target reader?
8. Are the concepts well defined?
9. Is the language clear and convincing?
10. What areas are covered, not covered?
 DURING READING
11. How accurate is the information?
12. Is the author’s concluding chapter or summary
convincing?
13. If there are footnotes, do they provide
important information?
14. Do they clarify or extend points made in the
text?
 DURING READING

15. What did the book or article accomplish?

Compare this book or article to those written by
other authors.
 WRITING THE REVIEW

1. Include the author, place, publisher,

publication date, edition, pages.
2. Provide a good opening statement.
3. Write review of the book or article. Is this
the best article or book? Why or why not?
 WRITING THE REVIEW

4. Include information about the author –

reputation, qualifications, and etc.
5. Consider the target reader for your review.
Include information based on the needs of the
reader.
 WRITING THE REVIEW

6. Provide a good conclusion. It could be a

final assessment of the review.
 LITERATURE REVIEW

A literature review involves the

analysis of a story, or a fictitious
written text.
 LITERATURE REVIEW

Three parts:
1. Introduction
2. Body
3. conclusion
 LITERATURE REVIEW
In writing a literature review, the ff. elements should be considered:
1. What was the story about?
2. Who were the main characters?
3. Were the characters credible?
4. What did the main characters do in the story?
How did they contribute to the conflict in the
story?
 LITERATURE REVIEW
5. What is the conflict in the story?
6. Could relate to any characters in the story?
7. Did you like the story?
8. What is your favourite part of the story?
9. If you were to write the ending of the story, how
would you do it?
 LITERATURE REVIEW

10. Would you recommend this story to others?

Why or why not?
RESEARCH REPORT

It is often used in the sciences,

engineering, and psychology.
 RESEARCH REPORT

Its main aim is to present the research in a

manner that the readers can easily
understand the report – what it is all
about, its purpose, and the result.
 RESEARCH REPORT

The report contains the presentation of a

research conducted in a particular field.
 RESEARCH REPORT

It is done to recommend solutions to an

identified problem for the target entities.
 RESEARCH REPORT

The main objective of a research report is

to communicate to the readers the
conducted research in the most
understandable way possible, so it uses a
specific format.
 PROJECT PROPOSAL

A proposal contains proposed solution to

an identified problem.
 PROJECT PROPOSAL

Writing a proposal entails audience

analysis simply because you as a writer
has to identify your best argumentative
strategy in order to win over the approval
of the readers.
 PROJECT PROPOSAL

A formal project proposal uses the format:

1. Introduction
2. Body, and
3. Conclusion
 PROJECT PROPOSAL

INTRODUCTION:

-contains background of the study

-includes the rationale, objectives, and
benefits
 PROJECT PROPOSAL
INTRODUCTION:

-contains the project description which

outlines how the problem would be
addressed
 PROJECT PROPOSAL
INTRODUCTION: Project Description

1. Methodology
2. Schedule
3. Budget
 PROJECT PROPOSAL

Parts of an informal project proposal:

1. Introduction
2. Discussion, and
3. Conclusion
It comes in a form of a memo, letter or e-mail
 POSITION PAPER

Position papers are written with a

purpose of presenting your personal
stance on an issue and try to persuade
the readers to take on your side.
 POSITION PAPER
In winning the readers over, you take
on the challenge of supporting your
stance with a sound and logical
arguments supported by valid
evidences.
 POSITION PAPER

Two Kinds of Readers:

1. One whom you share the same
values
2. One who has opposite beliefs
 POSITION PAPER

Basic Components:
1. A well-defined issue
2. A clear personal position about the issue
3. A convincing argument
4. Reasonable tone
 POSITION PAPER

FIRST STEP: Exploring and

Researching about the issue
You have to explore the issue by determining
the pros and cons to identify the possible
readers for your paper.
 POSITION PAPER

SECOND STEP: Consider Purpose

and Audience
1. What argumentative strategies should I use?
2. How do they define the issue
3. What is their level of acceptance or rejection of the
issue.
 POSITION PAPER
THIRD STEP: Testing your Choice
and Developing your Reasoning
1. Does this topic really interest me?
2. Is this topic completed in the time allotted?
In developing, you have to list your reasons for your
position statement. Identify the strongest and weakest
position.
 POSITION PAPER
THIRD STEP: Testing your Choice
and Developing your Reasoning
1. Does this topic really interest me?
2. Is this topic completed in the time allotted?
In developing, you have to list your reasons for your
position statement. Identify the strongest and weakest
position.
 POSITION PAPER
FOURTH STEP: Anticipating Counter
Arguments and Restating your Thesis
Statement
You have to list down the counter argument. Begin
analysing each counter argument & refute each
one.
 POSITION PAPER

FIFTH STEP: Drafting your Paper

Begin drafting your format, by using the

format: introduction, body, and conclusion.
 PROFESSIONAL
CORRESPONDENCE

It is defined as the exchange of

information in a written format for the
business activities.
 PROFESSIONAL
CORRESPONDENCE
It can be a message coming from one
company sent to another company, inter-
office communication, or message
between the clients and organization.
 CHARACTERISTICS OF A
BUSINESS LETTER
1. Simplicity 1. Sincere
2. Conversational Style 2. Coherence
3. Clarity of goal 3. Conciseness
4. Public Relation
5. The “YOU” Attitude
6. Courteous
 SIMPLICITY

The letter should be written using a very

simple language. It should be devoid of
highfaluting words so that it will be easy
for the readers to understand
 CONVERSATIONAL STYLE

Writing a business letter uses a face-to-

face conversational style. It is written as if
the sender directly talks to the receiver.
 CLARITY OF GOAL

The writer has, to begin with, be very

clear of his goal in writing. The contents
of the letter would be highly dependent
on the purpose of the writer.
 PUBLIC RELATION

In writing the business letter, the goodwill

and image of the organization should be
reflected in the letter. The letter carries
with it the entire organization.
 THE “YOU” ATTITUDE

The “you” attitude simply means putting

the reader’s point of view in mind in
writing the letter. It has to show that the
central focus of the letter is the reader’s
interest.
 COURTEOUS

It is not all the time that a letter contain

positive message. In delivering negative
messages, the writer should possess
courtesy and politeness.
 COURTEOUS

In terms of asking a favour from the

reader, utmost care in delivery should be
done. The writer has to carefully choose
his words for this purpose.
 SINCERE

The has to feel the sincerity of the writer

in the letter. This is done by using words
which show genuine concern for the
readers.
 COHERENCE

In the letter, there are different ideas

presented. The writer has to link together
all the ideas in such a way that the entire
paper is coherent.
 CONCISENESS

Brevity is the key in letter writing. But all

the needed information by the reader
should be presented. Conciseness should
not sacrifice the completeness of letter.
 PARTS OF THE BUSINESS
LETTER
1. Heading 1. Body
2. Date line 2. Closing or
3. Inside address Complimentary
4. Salutation Closing
3. Signature Line
4. Notations
 FORMAT OF THE LETTER
1. Semi-Block Style
2. Full Block Style
3. Modifies Block Style
4. Indented Form or Traditional Form
5. Hanging Style
6. Memorandum Style
SEM
I-
BLOC
K
STYL
E
FUL
L
BLOC
K
STYL
E
MODIFIED

BLOC
K
STYL
E
INDENTED
FORM or
TRADITIO
NAL
FORM
HANGING
STYLE
MEMORA
NDUM
STYLE
 KINDS OF BUSINESS
CORRESPONDENCE
1. Sales Letter
2. Letter of Inquiry
3. Letter Making a Reservation
4. Order Letter
5. Letter of Resignation
6. Letter of Reference/Recommendation
 KINDS OF BUSINESS
CORRESPONDENCE
7. Letter of Acceptance
8. Letter of Refusal
9. Letter of Collection
10. Letter of Complaint
11. Letter of Adjustment
12. Memorandum
 SALES LETTER

A sales letter offers a product or service to the

potential clients. It has to include good
persuasive language in order to attract buyers
or patronizers.
 SALES LETTER

Sales letter should include the ff:

1. Attracting the Attention of the reader
2. Arousing Interest and Desire
3. Convincing the Reader
4. Issuing a Challenges
 ATTRACTING THE
ATTENTION OF THE
READER
The introductory part of the letter serves a huge
function in attaining its goal. It has to capture
the attention of the reader to continue reading
until the conclusion part.
 AROUSING INTEREST AND
DESIRE
In this step, the writer has to focus on the good
points of the product or service. If the reader
sees how he can benefit from it, his interest and
desire would be stirred to finally give in to
your offer.
CONVINCING THE READER

You have to use expert’s opinion, statistics and

other facts to support your goal. Other
strategies in convincing the clients are using
testimonies from avid clients, or giving sample
products.
 ISSUING A CHALLENGE

This is finally stimulating the buyer to act. This

involves finally asking them to avail of the
product or services. You may use strategies like
giving discounts or promotions on limited
duration.
 LETTER OF INQUIRY

This letter is used to inquire pertinent

information on a specific subject. This topic
includes any information about the product,
services, or policies of the company.
 LETTER OF INQUIRY
Parts of the Letter of Inquiry are:
1. Purpose of your letter and your inquiry
2. Brief introduction about yourself and
organization you represent, if any; and
3. Courteous closing remarks and expectation to
hear from the receiver.
 LETTER MAKING A
RESERVATION
The main purpose of this letter is to place a
reservation or order for a product or services in a
company. Normally, a letter of reservation is
short so make sure that you included all the
information about a particular service or product
you want to avail of.
 ORDER LETTER
An order letter is a very simple letter. It only
includes all the pertinent information about the
product or services you want to avail which
includes the quantity and the description. You also
have to include specific details in terms of payment
preferred or required by the company.
 LETTER OF RESIGNATION

This letter is written by the employee

addressed to the employer with an intention of
terminating your bond of employer – employee
relationship with the company.
 LETTER OF RESIGNATION
Normally, this letter is composed of:
1. Your objective;
2. Your appreciation being part of the company;
and
3. An appropriate closing strategy and your
intention to still work with the company in the
future.
 LETTER OF REFERENCE/
RECOMMENDATION
This letter is written by a person who provides
a character reference to a person usually a job
applicant. The writer should have known the
person for quite a while for him to be qualified
to give recommendation
 LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE

It is a positive message given to a request

or offer.
 LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE

This letter composes of the following components:

1. Statement of what is being accepted;
2. Details of the acceptance; and
3. An appropriate closing remarks.
 LETTER OF REFUSAL

It contains a negative statement. It includes

statements which formally announce a decline or
rejection of any offer or proposal. Since this letter
possess a bad news, it has to be stated directly and
written with courtesy.
 LETTER OF REFUSAL

This contains:
1. Statement of what is being refused or
rejected;
2. Justification of the refusal or rejection
 LETTER OF COLLECTION

This letter is written primarily with a purpose of

informing the reader on his/her financial
obligations and to remit the payment. The writer
has the challenge to achieve the objective but still
maintaining the god relationship with the reader.
 LETTER OF COLLECTION
This letter contains:
1. General reminder to settle due accounts;
2. Specify the outstanding amount needed to be
settled; and
3. Specify that it is a general reminder letter and
should be disregarded in case payment was made
already
 LETTER OF COMPLAINT

It is a formal written communication of any

dissatisfaction on products or services. Part of
this letter’s objective is a replacement of
product or a reimbursement.
 LETTER OF COMPLAINT

This letter contains:

1. Description of the complaint;
2. Suggest a solution to the complaint made; and
3. Statement of expectation for immediate
response to the complaint.
 LETTER OF ADJUSTMENT

It is a letter in response to the letter of

complaint. It is usually contains the logical and
reasonable answer for the complaint given by
the client. Its main objective is to pacify and
address the concerns of the complaints.
 LETTER OF ADJUSTMENT
This letter contains:
1. Appreciation of the client’s effort to relay the concerns;
2. Expression of regret on the complaints and dissatisfaction
in the product or services.
3. Statement of the reasons or justification for the
complaints; and
4. Presentation of alternatives or solutions for the
complaints.
 MEMORANDUMS

A memorandum or memo is correspondence

used to disseminate information from one
department to another department.
 MEMORANDUMS
The principal parts of a memo are:
1. Date
2. To
3. From
4. Subject
5. The contents or message
 BUSINESS REPORTS

These are business presentations which are

written for specific functions. These are written
to propose a new idea, to persuade the readers
into something, or to merely give information.
 BUSINESS REPORTS

This report has the following content:

1. The purpose or function
2. Presentation of ideas
3. The coverage or extent
INFORMATIONAL REPORTS

One type of business reports which provide the

employees and manager’s feedback regarding
company decisions.
INFORMATIONAL REPORTS

Informational reports contain both positive and negative

messages.
Indirect Approach- providing first an introduction to
ready the reader before receiving the negative message.
Direct Approach- involves stating directly the positive
message without the need for an introductory paragraph.
 TOPICAL ORGANIZATION
FOR INFORMATIONAL
REPORTS
1. Comparison – showing similarities and
differences (or advantages and disadvantages)
between two or more entities.
TOPICAL ORGANIZATION
FOR INFORMATIONAL
REPORTS

2. Importance – building up from the least

important to the most important.
 TOPICAL ORGANIZATION
FOR INFORMATIONAL
REPORTS

3. Sequence – organizing the steps or stages in

a process or procedure.
 TOPICAL ORGANIZATION
FOR INFORMATIONAL
REPORTS

4. Chronology – organizing a chain of events in

order from oldest to newest.
TOPICAL ORGANIZATION
FOR INFORMATIONAL
REPORTS

5. Geography – organizing by region, city,

state, country.
TOPICAL ORGANIZATION
FOR INFORMATIONAL
REPORTS

6. Category – grouping by topical category

such as sales, profit, cost, or investment.
 BUSINESS REPORTS ACDG.
TO FORM OR
ORGANIZATION
I. Long or Formal Report
1. Preliminary Section
a. title page
b. letter or memo of transmittal
c. table of contents
d. list of illustration
e. Summary
BUSINESS REPORTS ACDG.
TO FORM OR
2. Body
ORGANIZATION
a. introduction
b. procedures
c. findings
d. analysis
e. conclusions
k. recommendations
BUSINESS REPORTS ACDG.
TO FORM OR
ORGANIZATION
2. Supplementary Section
a. Glossary
b. Appendix
c. Bibliography
 BUSINESS REPORTS ACDG.
TO FORM OR
ORGANIZATION
II. Short or Informal Reports
1. Introduction (Opening paragraph strategy)
2. Body (ideas, information, statistics, graphs,
etc.)
3. Conclusion (summary, conclusion, moving the
reader into action)
MINUTES OF THE MEETING

It is the recorded flow of the meeting. It is

written to put into writing everything that
transpired on the duration of the meeting.
MINUTES OF THE MEETING

The minutes of the meeting serves as a

guide for the succeeding meetings to
come.
MINUTES OF THE MEETING
Specific Format
1. Opening
a. Name of the Organization
b. Title of the meeting
c. Attendees
d. Time (start of the meeting)
e. Opening prayer
MINUTES OF THE MEETING
Specific Format
2. Body
a. Objective of the meeting
b. Certification of Quorum / Call to order
c. Points of Clarification and Discussion/
decision
MINUTES OF THE MEETING

Specific Format

3. Adjournment (end time)

a. Name of recorder
 RESUME

It serves as your marketing tool in order to land a

good job. It outlines your education, qualifications
and achievements. The employer will base the
decision whether or not you will be accepted in the
company.
 RESUME
Parts of the Resume:
1. Personal Information
2. Work Experience
3. Educational Background
4. Seminars / Training Attended
5. Character references
 APPLICATION FOR
EMPLOYENT

It is used together with the resume. It is used to

convey your intention to apply for the vacant
position in the company.
 APPLICATION FOR
EMPLOYENT
1. State when and where you learned about the vacant
position
2. Indicate your intention to apply for the vacant job
3. Indicate the knowledge, qualifications, ad skills
relevant for the job
4. 4. state the time availability for possible call back.