Book IconThe Writing of Business

Bad News Letter Evaluation


Rate the writing on the following aspects, keeping in mind that 4=excellent, 3=good, 2=fair, and 1=poor. Write comments when appropriate.


The bad news letter mitigates the reader's discomfort, risk, or inconvenience.

4____________3____________2____________1

Comments:




The bad news letter make clear to the reader that the writer has understood even though the reply isn't the one he or she was hoping for.

4____________3____________2____________1

Comments:




The bad news letter effectively uses the balanced organizational convention in which the main point, the bad news, is sandwiched in the middle of the letter and stated only once.

4____________3____________2____________1

Comments:




The bad news letter provides alternative solutions to the reader's problem if possible and assures the reader of the writer's good will.

4____________3____________2____________1

Comments:




If possible, the bad news letter closes with a buffer that affirms a friendly, professional relationship and looks forward to future collaboration. But if the writer needs to bring an association to a close, the closing doesn't raise false hopes or make statements that could be construed as commitments to ongoing association.

4____________3____________2____________1

Comments:




The bad news letter follows formal format conventions and uses full-block, modified-block, or AMS style correctly.

4____________3____________2____________1

Comments:




For questions and suggestions, please e-mail us at kilbornj@stcloudstate.edu or rinkster@stcloudstate.edu.


The print version of the Instructor's Manual for The Writing of Business
was written by Robert P. Inkster and Judith M. Kilborn for Allyn and Bacon.
This web version of the manual was coded by Judith M. Kilborn.

The Writing of Business

© 1999 Allyn & Bacon
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