2-3 lessons
Grades 6-8
Business Letter
Language Arts
Word Processing
Objective: Students will demonstrate proficiency in writing a business letter by creating
a word-processed document, using a letter template, and outlining information about
their business.
Model Academic Standards:
Language Arts
B.8.1 Create or produce writing to communicate with different audiences for a variety
of purposes
B.8.2 Plan, revise, edit, and publish clear and effective writing
B.8.3 Understand the function of various forms, structures, and punctuation marks of
standard American English and use them appropriately in communications
E.8.1 Use computers to acquire, organize, analyze, and communicate information
Technology
A.8.3 Use a computer and productivity software to organize and create information
B.8.6 Follow a set of instructions to produce a product using appropriate tools and
materials
Assessment: Student-created word-processed document
Word Processor Skills:
1. Open, New, Save, Exit and Word Processor files
2. File, New, General Templates, Letters and Faxes
© Technology Solutions for Schools
2003
2-3 lessons
Grades 6-8
Preparation & Procedures
Business Letter
Preparation:
1. Students will write a business letter for a fictitious business they have created.
The letter will be for the purpose of soliciting customers for their business. They
will use one of Microsoft Word's letter templates to compose the letter. It may be
any business, such as a lawn mowing service, a baby-sitting service, a snow
shoveling service, etc.
2. The body of the letter will have three parts.
 Paragraph 1 will introduce the student and their business. It should tell the
customer who they are and what the business does.
 Paragraph 2 will ask the audience for his or her business and provide the
details the customer will need to know if he/she chooses to do business with
them (i.e. price, hours available, special services).
 Paragraph 3 will inform the customer how he/she can get in touch with the
student (how they will follow up the letter) and thank customer for his/her
time.
Procedures:
1. Open a new Word file. Choose File: Save As; within the “Save As” window,
select the desired location for the file. Type the filename ‘Business Letter-your
name,’ and then click “Save.”
2. Choose File: New…; from the choices on the right select General Templates.
Choose the Letters and Faxes tab. Select the “Contemporary,” “Professional” or
“Elegant” letter template. Click “OK.”
3. Compose the letter following the template you have chosen. Do not change the
font and only change the size of text in your letter, if necessary, to fit the space.
Follow the instructions provided by the template to complete the letter. Each
sentence should begin with a capital letter and end with an end punctuation mark.
Make up fictitious addresses and a fictitious customer.
4. Print and sign the letter.
© Technology Solutions for Schools
2003
2-3 lessons
Grades 6-8
Student Rubric
Business Letter
You will demonstrate proficiency in writing a business letter by creating a wordprocessed document, using a letter template, and outlining information about your
business.
Project Requirements:
___1. Three paragraphs contain correct information
___First paragraph—introduction information
___Second paragraph—details about services, ask for business
___Third paragraph—contact information, gratitude
___2. Used fictitious business name, customer name and addresses
___3. Used proper grammar and correct spelling
Technology Requirements:
___1. Saved letter as ‘Business Letter- name’ in the specified location
___2. Chose one of the correct letter formats (Contemporary, Professional or
Elegant)
___3. Composed letter according to template chosen
___4. Printed letter
© Technology Solutions for Schools
2003
2-3 lessons
Grades 6-8
Instructor Rubric
Business Letter
Project Requirements:
___1. Three paragraphs contained correct information.
___First paragraph—introduction information
___Second paragraph—details about services, ask for business
___Third paragraph—contact information, gratitude
___2. Used fictitious business name, customer name and addresses
___3. Used proper grammar and correct spelling
Comments:
Technology Requirements:
___1. Saved letter as ‘Business letter- name’ in the specified location
___2. Chose one of the correct letter formats (Contemporary, Professional or
Elegant)
___3. Composed letter according to template chosen
___4. Printed letter
Comments:
© Technology Solutions for Schools
2003