Writing Workshop: Effective Professional Communication

Read the excerpt from Chad's letter to his supervisor at work about receiving a raise. I do a decent job on all of my work and pay attention to detail. Which is the best revision of the underlined portion of the sentence?

I do a thorough job

Read the excerpt from June's note to her teacher asking for tutoring. I know you are busy, but I think math stinks, and I was hoping you could tutor me after school for a couple of weeks. Which is the best revision of the underlined portion of the sentence?

but I need extra help in math,

Emma is writing a letter to her mayor, arguing that the speed limit should be lowered on her street. Which best describes the tone Emma should use in her letter?

direct and respectful

Jesse is writing a letter to his teacher, arguing that her grading system should focus more on class participation. Which best describes the tone Jesse should use in her letter?

knowledgeable and respectful

Read the excerpt from Amir's letter to an advertising company where he wants to work over the summer. (1) Your company has worked on some truly iconic campaigns over the past few years. (2) I have always been interested in advertising, and I would welcome the opportunity to learn more about the industry this summer. Which is the best revision of sentence 2?

no change

Read the paragraph. (1) Each state should enact a law that makes wearing seat belts mandatory for all passengers and drivers in cars and trucks. (2) Statistics show that seat belts reduce serious crash-related injuries and deaths by fifty percent. (3) As a result of laws like this in various states, seat belt usage in the United States has dramatically increased in the past thirty years. (4) Some people believe that the government does not have the right to force people to be safe, and that these laws are unfair. (5) The bottom line is that seat belts are proven to save lives; therefore, everyone should be forced to wear one if they want to travel by car or truck. Which sentence is the author's claim?

sentence 1

Read the paragraph. (1) Each state should enact a law that makes wearing seat belts mandatory for all passengers and drivers in cars and trucks. (2) Statistics show that seat belts reduce serious crash-related injuries and deaths by fifty percent. (3) As a result of laws like this in various states, seat belt usage in the United States has dramatically increased in the past thirty years. (4) Some people believe that the government does not have the right to force people to be safe, and that these laws are unfair. (5) The bottom line is that seat belts are proven to save lives; therefore, everyone should be forced to wear one if they want to travel by car or truck. Which sentence provides the reason for the author's claim?

sentence 2

Read the paragraph. (1) Each state should enact a law that makes wearing seat belts mandatory for all passengers and drivers in cars and trucks. (2) Statistics show that seat belts reduce serious crash-related injuries and deaths by fifty percent. (3) As a result of laws like this in various states, seat belt usage in the United States has dramatically increased in the past thirty years. (4) Some people believe that the government does not have the right to force people to be safe, and that these laws are unfair. (5) The bottom line is that seat belts are proven to save lives; therefore, everyone should be forced to wear one if they want to travel by car or truck. Which sentence is evidence of the author's claim?

sentence 3

Read the excerpt from Sameer's letter to his state legislature about funding for music education at his school. Musical training has many benefits, such as helping students think better. Which is the best revision of the underlined portion of the sentence?

such as teaching students to solve problems creatively.

A strong and effective thesis statement should include the topic of the essay and

the author's viewpoint on the topic.