208 / Types of Writing
in the envelope with the open end of the letter toward the top of the envelope. [See
Figure 26.1 above.]
If you are using a short envelope, first fold your letter in half, bringing the bottom up
to the top. Then fold that into thirds by bringing the left third toward the right and
the right third over the left. Again, insert the letter in the envelope with the open end
of the letter toward the top of the envelope. [See Figure 26.2 above.]
Finally, seal the envelope and check for sufficient postage.
Sending the Letter. If you are sending the letter through the U.S. Postal Service,
you can mail the letter first class at any postal-service box. If you are sending it as
certified mail (which, if a return receipt is requested, provides a record of delivery)
or as registered mail (which provides top security for valuable or hard-to-replace
items), then you need to mail it from a post office. If you are sending it as express
mail (for guaranteed one-day delivery), you can, if you have in hand the necessary
forms, mail it from an express mailbox. Private carriers also deliver letters and par-
cels—some overnight, some within a day, some within two days. Of course, you pay
extra for the speedy service.
Study the following sample business letters and their analyses for further guidelines.
FIGURE 26. 2
Folding a letter for
a smaller envelope.
FIGURE 26. 1
Folding a letter in
thirds.