Weaknesses and Opportunities for Improvement of the Letter
Professional Writing Criteria
To evaluate the effectiveness of the letter from the department of public works, answer the listed questions about each element.
Element 1: Audience, Focus, and Purpose
Who is the target audience?
The target audience are the all the residents of the city
Can the target audience immediately answer: Why am I getting this information and what should I do with it?
Yes, the target audience can immediately understand why they are getting the information and what do with it because the letter is succinct and straight to the point.
Does the document focus on information relevant to the audience?
The document lays emphasis on the reasons why the water will be turned off, the duration and the alternatives, which are all relevant to the audience.
Is the documents tone and language audience-appropriate?
Yes. Bearing in mind the letter is addressing all residents of all ages, the tone and language is audience-appropriate.
Element 2: Organization
Do paragraphs/sections flow logically from one to the next?
The paragraph sections of the letter have a logical flow from one section to the next. The first paragraph brings the audience to attention of the issue at hand and why it is taking place. The second paragraph details when the shut-down will take place and what to do to deal with the shutdown.
Is each paragraph/section organized around one idea at a time?
Every section is indeed organized around one particular idea at a time.
Element 3: Development
Are the main ideas supported with specific evidence? Is this evidence thoroughly explained for its significance?
Yes, the main ideas are supported with specific evidence. In the paragraphs, it is detailed what caused the repairs, why the water has to be shut off, why the residents have to wait before drinking the water and why they need to check for updates. This evidence is extensively explained for its importance.
Would the inclusion of numbers, dates, names, or other evidence further support/develop the documents main points?
For instance, giving phone numbers and names of contacts in case of any issues can be beneficial to the target audience.
Element 4: Document Design
Is the font choice, style (boldface, underlining, italics), and size appropriate?
The font style is not appropriate. The letter could use additional underlining and boldface to lay emphasis on the important elements.
Could the document be improved with white space, indentation, or bullets?
The use of bullets for underlining the requirements such as have drinking water, cooking water, and fill up your tubs with water to use for flushing your toilets could improve the document and still maintain the emphasis.
Element 5: Mechanics
Is each sentence grammatically correct?
Not all sentences are grammatically correct. There are a number of words spelt incorrectly. For instance, unforseen should be unforeseen.
Is information presented in the fewest words possible?
The information presented in the letter has attempted to employ the least amount of words as possible
Are words chosen for exactness?
The words have been chosen for exactness to avoid excessive reading
Weaknesses and Opportunities for Improvement of the Letter
Write in complete sentences. Complete at least two rows for each category..
Submit this form.
Element
Areas of weakness
Opportunities for improvement
Element 1
Audience, Focus, and Purpose
1. They didnt state what area will be affected by this.
They should work state what area they will be working in.
2. They stated why the water will be shut off but they didnt leave any contact information.
The letter should have listed a number or someone to contact in case the residents have any further questions.
3.
4.
Element 2
Organization
1. The paragraphs dont flow together as it should.
Paragraph 2 started off with Such a shut off.. The whole sentence doesnt make…
