Parts of a Business Letter

For most students, letters might seem very foreign. They are much more used to texting and email. However, some important business still requires letters. Helping students understand the parts of a business letter will help them understand the letters they receive as well as those they may need to write.

Lead students through the six parts of the business letter on page 140, pointing out each part on page 141.

Writing an Opinion Letter

Help students brainstorm problems at school and in the community. Ask these questions: "If you wish one thing were different, what would it be?" "If you could change one thing, what would you change?" "What bothers you most about being here?" Have students select problems that they could address in an opinion letter. Encourage them to think of a real-world reader that they could write to about the problem.

Then have students create a collection sheet like the one on page 139, filling in as much as they can. Afterward, have them conduct research into the problem to fill in the rest of the information.

After students have selected a problem and gathered information about it, lead them through the material under "Writing a Draft." Refer them back to pages 140–141 for the other parts of a business letter.

Sending Your Letter

If you would like your students to send their letters, help them understand how to address the envelope, stamp it, and fold and insert the letter.