CBSE Class 7 English Business Letters Letters of Request or Complaint Worksheet

Business letters are letters sent to an organization to achieve a specific purpose. One common type of business letter is the letter of request. A letter of request asks for information or service. In this type of letter, begin by identifying yourself. Then explain what information you need and why you need it. Also, be clear about where the information should be sent. Since you are asking for a favor, always show courtesy in your request.

Business letters are usually written in block form or semiblock form. In block form, all parts of the letter are lined up at the left margin. In semiblock form, the heading, closing, and signature are aligned on the right side of the page. The recipient of a business letter is usually a stranger, so the letter should be formal in style and respectful in tone.

Exercise 1 Read the following letter of request. Then answer each question below.

1. Are the salutation and closing appropriate? yes

2. Does the letter writer identify himself? yes

3. Does the letter writer explain why he needs the information? no

4. Is the writer specific enough about the information he wants? no

5. Is the letter courteous in tone? no—it is rather brief

6. Is the letter appropriately formal in style? no—the last line in particular is too casual

Exercise 2 Rewrite the above letter to make it better. Refer to your evaluation, and add new information as needed. Sign your own name to the letter.

Students should expand the letter. The request for information should be more specific than in the sample, the tone should be courteous, and the style should be formal or semiformal. A heading and an inside address should be included.

Another common type of business letter is the letter of complaint. A letter of complaint informs someone about a problem and usually requests some type of action. In your letter state the problem and how it has affected you. Use
supporting details to explain the problem. End your letter by stating what you want done. Be firm but polite. If you let your anger burst out, you are less likely to get help in solving the problem.

Exercise 3 Read the following letter of complaint. List three weak points of the letter below.

1. The letter has an angry tone.

2. The letter is not brief and to the point.

3. The letter does not have an appropriate
 

Exercise 4 Rewrite the letter of complaint above to make it more effective.

Letters should be concise and state the problem at the beginning of the letter. The tone should be firm but polite. An acceptable business closing, such as “Sincerely,” should be used. A heading and an inside address should be included.