Writing Better English for ESL Learners

The Body of a Business Letter
The body (content) of a business or formal letter is very different from the body
of a friendly letter. A business letter isn’t casual, it isn’t newsy, and it doesn’t
contain personal details that have nothing to do with the purpose of the letter.
A business letter is briefand to the point. Look at how the body of the preced-
ing sample business letters fits into the descriptions that follow:

• The first paragraph of a business letter introduces youand the subject of
  the letter. (I am a patient. I had hand surgery.)


• The second paragraph describes the detailsof the reason for the letter. (I
  received a bill for the surgery, but I have insurance. There’s a mistake.)


• If there is a third paragraph, it provides additional informationneeded
  to understand the reason for the letter.


• The final paragraph summarizes what you want to happenand can
  contain a word of thanks. (Contact my insurance company. Let me
  know what else I have to do.)


• Describe any enclosuresin the letter. (My insurance policy.)

Exercise 5.5Compose a business letter by filling in each of the following boxes
with the suggested information. Put two or three sentences in each of the three
boxes in the body of the letter. You are complaining about a defective product.

Date

Your address

Name and address of the person you’re writing to

Subject:

Writing Letters 161