李蕾商务英语函电课后题答案1.docVIP

Unit One Business Letter-Writing and Its Layout Part Four: Exercises I. Answer the following questions: 1. Generally speaking, the functions of a business letter may be said to be: 1 To ask for or to convey information; 2 To deal with matters concerning negotiation of business; 3 To confirm cables, telexes, telephones or face-to-face talks, especially important ones 2. Because at present many business messages are sent by way of fax or e-mail, and the language and the style used in fax and e-mail are quite similar to those used in the traditional letter, letter-writing is again considered quite important in our business activities, other than telexes or telegrams. 3. An effective business letter requires of our writers good English and basic knowledge of international trade business. 4. They are the basic principles of good business letters, which are commonly called “the seven C’s”, i.e. 1 Consideration; 2 Courtesy; 3 Clarity; 4 Conciseness; 5 Concreteness; 6 Correctness 7 Completeness. 5. The “You-attitude” means that we should prepare every message with the reader in mind and try to put ourselves in his place. To put it more clearly, we should try to see things from his point of view, visualize him in his surroundings, see his problems and difficulties and express our ideas in terms of his experience. 6. Conciseness means saying what you have to say in the fewest possible words without losing clarity, courtesy, completeness and good English. 7. They are the older/conventional indented style and the modern/fashionable blocked style. 8. The features of the indented letter style are as follows: 1 Each paragraph is indented four spaces. 2 “Closed Punctuation” is used. 3 The complimentary close is centered, and so is the signature. The features of the blocked letter style are as follows: 1 All typing lines begin at the left margin. 2 “Open Punctuation” is more often used than “Closed Punctuation”. 3 At times the date is placed in its usual posi