Write a Block Business Letter from the perspective of company management. It must provide bad news to the recipient and follow the guidelines outlined in Chapter 7: Delivering Bad-News Messages in BC

Communicating professionally and ethically is one of the essential skills we can teach you at Strayer. The following guidelines will ensure you:

· write professionally; · avoid plagiarizing others, which is essential to writing ethically; and · give credit to others in your work.

Visit Strayer’s Academic Integrity Center for more information. Strayer University Writing Standards Fall 2018 1 Strayer University Writing Standards Strayer University Writing Standards 2 General Standards 3 Use Appropriate Formatting 3 Title Your Work 3 Write Clearly 3 Cite Credible Sources 3 Build a Source List 3 Giving Credit to Authors and Sources 4 Option #1: Paraphrasing 4 Option #2: Quoting 4 Using Web Sources 5 Using Home Pages 5 Using Specific Web Pages 5 Source List 6 Setting Up the Source List Page 6 Creating a Source List Entr y 6 Source List Elements 7 Source List Elements Breakdown 7 Sample Source List 8 Writing Assignments 9 Paper and Essay Specific Format Guidelines 9 PowerPoint or Slideshow Specific Format Guidelines 9 Discussion Posts 10 Effective Internet Links 10 Share vs. URL Options 11 Charts, Images, and Tables 12 Table of Contents … Include page numbers.

… Use 1-inch margins.

… Use Arial, Courier, Times New Roman, or Calibri font style.

… Use 10 -, 11-, or 12-point font size for the body of your text.

… Use numerals (1, 2, 3, and so on) OR spell out numbers (one, two, three, and so on). Be consistent with your choice throughout the assignment.

… Use either single or double spacing, according to assignment guidelines.

… If assignment requires a title page: ·Include the assignment title, your name, course title, your professor’s name, and the date of submission on a separate page. … If assignment does not require a title page (stated in the assignment details): ·Include all required content in a header at the top of your document.

·or Include all required content where appropriate for assignment format.

· Examples of appropriate places per assignment: letterhead of a business letter assignment or a title slide for a PowerPoint presentation … Use appropriate language and be concise.

… Write in ac tive voice when possible. Find tips here. … Use the point of view (first, second, or third person) required by the assignment guidelines.

… Use spelling and grammar check and proofread to help ensure your work is error free.

… Use credible sources to suppor t your ideas/work. Find tips here. … Cite your sources throughout your work when you borrow someone else’s words or ideas. Give credit to the authors.

… Look for a permalink tool for a webpage when possible (especially when an elec tronic source requires logging in like the Strayer Librar y). Find tips here. … Add each cited source to the Source List at the end of your assignment. (See the Giving Credit to Authors and Sources sec tion for more details.) … Don’t forget to cite and add your textbook to the Source List if you use it as a source. … Include a Source List when the assignment requires research or if you cite the textbook.

… Type “Sources” centered on the first line of the page.

… List the sources that you used in your assignment.

… Organize sources in a numbered list and in order of use throughout the paper.

Use the original number when citing a source multiple times.

… For more information, see the Source List sec tion. General Standards Title Your Work Use Appropriate Formatting Write Clearly Cite Credible Sources Build a Source List Strayer University Writing Standards 3 Giving Credit to Authors and Sources When quoting or paraphrasing another source, give credit by using an in-text citation.

An in-text citation includes the author’s last name and the number of the source from the Source List. A well-researched assignment has at least as many sources as pages (see Writing Assignments for the required number of sources). Find tips here. Option #1: Paraphrasing Rewording Source Information in Your Own Words … Rephrase the source information in your words. Be sure not to repeat the same words of the author.

… Add a number to the end of your source (which will tie to your Source List).

… Remember, you cannot just replace words of the original sentence.  Examples ORIGINAL SOURCE “Writing at a college level requires informed research.” PARAPHRASING As Harvey wrote, when writing a paper for higher education, it is critical to research and cite sources (1).

When writing a paper for higher education, it is imperative to research and cite sources ( H a r ve y, 1). Option #2: Quoting Citing another person’s work word-for-word … Place quotation marks at the beginning and the end of the quoted information.

… Add a number to the end of your source (which will tie to your Source List).

… Do not quote more than one to two sentences (approximately 25 words) at a time.

… Do not star t a sentence with a quotation.

… Introduce and explain quotes within the context of your p a p e r.  Examples ORIGINAL SOURCE “Writing at a college level requires informed research.” QUOTING Harvey wrote in his book, “Writing at a college level requires informed research” (1).

Many authors agree, “Writing at a college level requires informed research” (Harvey, 1). Strayer University Writing Standards 4 Strayer University Writing Standards 5 Using Web Sources A web source is any source accessed through an internet browser.

Before using any source, first determine its credibility. Then decide if the source is appropriate and relevant for your project. Find tips here. Using Home Pages A home page is the main page that loads when you type a standard web address. For instance, if you type Google.com into the web browser, you will be taken to Google’s home page.

If you do need to cite a home page, use the webpage’s title from the browser. This is found by moving your mouse cursor over the webpage name at the top of the browser. When citing a homepage, it is likely because there is a news thread, image, or basic piece of information about a company that you wish to include in your assignment.

Using Specific Web Pages If you are using any web page other than the home page, include the specific title of the page and the direc t link (when possible) for that specific page in your Source List Entr y.

If you used multiple pages from the same author/source, create separate Source List Entries for each page when possible (if the title and/or web address is dif ferent). Source List The Source List (which includes the sources that you used in your assignment) is a new page that should be added at the end of your paper. The list has two purposes; it credits the authors you used and informs your readers how to find the source. Build your Source List as you write.

Strayer University Writing Standards 6 … Type “Sources” at the top of a new page.

… Include a numbered list of the sources you used in your paper (the numbers indicate the order in which you used them).

1. Use the number one (1) for the first source used in the paper, the number two (2) for the second source, and so on.

2. Use the same number for a source if you use it multiple times.

… Ensure each source includes five par ts: author or organization, publication date, title, page number (if needed), and how to find it. If you have trouble finding these details, then re-evaluate the credibility of your source.

… Use the browser link for a public webpage.

… Use a permalink for a webpage when possible. Find tips here. … Instruc t your readers how to find all sources that do not have a browser link or a permalink.

… Separate each Source List Element with a period on your Source List. Setting Up the Source List Page Creating a Source List Entry Strayer University Writing Standards 7 Source List Elements AUTHOR P U B L I C AT I O N DAT E TITLE PAGE NUMBER HOW TO FIND  Example Michael Harvey In the case of multiple authors, only list the first. 2 013 This is not the same as copyright date, which is denoted by © The Nuts & Bolts of College Writing p. 1 Include p. and the page(s) used. http://libdatab.strayer.edu/ login?url=http://search.ebscohost.

com/login.aspx?direct=true&db =nlebk&AN=590706&site=eds- live&scope=site  How it Will Look in Your Source List 1. Michael Har vey. 2013. The Nuts & Bolts of College Writing. http://libdatab.strayer.edu/login?url=http://search.

ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=590706&site=eds-live&scope=site Source List Elements Breakdown AUTHOR The person(s) who published the source. This can be a single person, a group of people, or an organization. If the source has no author, use “No author” where you would list the author.

P U B L I C AT I O N DAT E The date the source was published. If the source has no publication date, use “No date” where you would list the date.

TITLE The title of the source. If the source has no title, use “No title” where you would list the title.

PAGE NUMBER The page number(s) used. If the source has no page numbers, omit this sec tion from your Source List Entr y.

HOW TO FIND Instruc t readers how to find all sources. Keep explanations simple and concise, but provide enough information so the source can be located. NOTE: It is your responsibility to make sure the source can be found.  Sample Source List 1. Michael Har vey. 2013. The Nuts & Bolts of College Writing. p.1. http://libdatab.strayer.edu/login?url=http://search.

ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=590706&site=eds-live&scope=site 2. William R. Stanek. 2010. Stor yboarding Techniques chapter in Ef fec tive Writing for Business, College and Life. http:// libdatab.strayer.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=359141&site=e ds-live&scope=site&ebv=EB&ppid=pp_23 3. Zyad Hicham. 2017. Vocabular y Grow th in College-Level Students’ Narrative Writing. http://libdatab.strayer.edu/ login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edsdoj&AN=edsdoj.9b7fad40e529462bafe3a936 aaf81420&site=eds-live&scope=site 4. Anya Kamenetz. July 10, 2015. The Writing Assignment That Changes Lives. https://w w w.npr.org/sec tions/ ed/2015/07/10/419202925/the-writing-assignment-that-changes-lives 5. Brad Thor. June 14, 2016. The Best Writing Advice I Ever Got. http://time.com/4363050/brad-thor-best-writing-advice/ 6. Karen Her tzberg. June 15, 2017. How to Improve Writing Skills in 15 Easy Steps. https://w w w.grammarly.com/blog/ how-to-improve-writing-skills/ 7. Roy Peter Clark. 20 08. Writing Tools: 55 Essential Strategies for Ever y Writer. p.55- 67. Book on Amazon.com. 8. C.M. Gill. 2014. The Psychology of Grading and Scoring chapter in Essential Writing Skills for College & Beyond.

Textbook. 9. ABC Company’s Policy & Procedures Committee. No Date. Employee Dress and Attendance Policy. Policy in my office. 10. Henr y M. Sayre. 2014. The Humanities: Culture, Continuity and Change, Vol. 1. This is the HUM111 textbook. 11. Savannah Student. 2018. Image. http://www.studentsite.com 12 . Don Dollarsign. 2018. Chart. http://www.allaboutthemoney.com 13 . Company Newsletter Name. 2018. Table. Company Newsletter Printed Copy (provided upon request). Strayer University Writing Standards 8 Writing Assignments Strayer University uses several different types of writing assignments. The Strayer University Student Writing Standards are designed to allow flexibility in formatting your assignment and crediting your sources. This section covers specific areas to help you properly format and develop your assignments. NOTE: The specific format guidelines override guidelines in the General Standards section. … Use double spacing throughout the body of your assignment.

… Use a consistent 12-point font throughout your assignment submission. (For acceptable fonts, see General Standards sec tion.) … Use the point of view (first or third person) required by the assignment guidelines.

… Sec tion headings can be used to divide dif ferent content areas. Align sec tion headings (centered) on the page, be consistent, and include at least two sec tion headings in the assignment.

… Follow all other General Standards sec tion guidelines.

… Title slides should include the projec t name (title your work to capture attention if possible), a subtitle (if needed), the course title, and your name.

… Use spacing that improves professional style (mixing single and double spacing as needed).

… Use a background color or image on slides.

… Use Calibri, Lucida Console, Helvetica, Futura, Myriad Pro, or Gill Sans font styles.

… Use 28-32 point font size for the body of your slides (based on your chosen font style). Avoid font sizes smaller than 24-point.

… Use 36 - 44 point font size for the titles of your slides (based on chosen font st yle).

… Limit content per slide (no more than 7 lines on any slide and no more than 7 words per line).

… Include slide numbers when your slide show has 3+ slides. Place the numbers wherever you like (but be consistent).

… Include appropriate images that connec t direc tly to slide content or presentation content.

… Follow additional guidelines from the PowerPoint or Slideshow Specific Format Guidelines sec tion and assignment guidelines. Paper and Essay Specific Format Guidelines PowerPoint or Slideshow Specific Format Guidelines Strayer University Writing Standards 9 Discussion Posts When quoting or paraphrasing a source for discussion threads, include the source number in parenthesis after the body text where you quote or paraphrase. At the end of your post, include a list of any sources that you cited. For more information on building a Source List Entry, see Source List section.

Strayer University Writing Standards 10  Sample Post The work is the impor tant par t of any writing assignment. According to Smith, “writing things down is the biggest challenge” (1). This is significant because… SOURCE 1. William Smith. 2018. “The Way Things Are”. http://w w w.samplesite.com/writing If you pulled information from more than one source, continue to number the additional sources in the order that they appear in your post.

 Sample Post The work is the impor tant par t of any writing assignment. According to Smith, “writing things down is the biggest challenge” (1). This is significant because… The other side of this is also impor tant. It is noted that “ac tually writing isn’t impor tant as much as putting ideas somewhere useful” (2).

SOURCE 1. William Smith. 2018. The Way Things Are. http://w w w.samplesite.com/writing 2. Patricia Smith. 2018. The Way Things Really Are. http://w w w.better thansample.com/tiger Effective Internet Links When sharing a link to an ar ticle with your instruc tor and classmates, star t with a brief summar y and why you chose to share it.

For example:

 Poor Example Hey check out this ar ticle: http://w w w.Jobs4You.FED/Jobs_u_can_get  Better Example Af ter reading the textbook this week, I researched job sites. I found an ar ticle on how to find the best job site depending on the job you’re looking for. The author shared some interesting tools such as job sites that collec t job postings from other sites and ranks them from newest to oldest, depending on categor y. Check out the ar ticle at this link: http://w w w.

Jobs4You.FED/Jobs_u_can_get Be sure to check the link you’re posting to be sure it will work for your classmates. They should be able to simply click on the link and go direc tly to your shared site. Share vs. URL Options Cutting and pasting the URL (web address) from your browser may not allow others to view your source. This makes it hard for people to connec t to the content you used.

To avoid this problem, look for a “share” option and choose that when possible so your classmates and professor get the full, direc t link. Always test your link(s) before submitting to make sure they work.

If you cannot properly share the link, include the ar ticle as an attachment. Interested classmates and your professor can reference the ar ticle shared as an attachment. Find tips here. Strayer University Writing Standards 11 Charts, Images, and Tables Charts, images, and tables should be centered and followed by an in-text citation. Design your page and place a citation below the chart, image, or table. When referring to the chart, image, or table in the body of the assignment, use the citation. … Author’s name (if created by you, provide your name) … Date (if created by you, provide the year) … Type (Char t, Image, or Table) … How to find it (link or other information – See Source List sec tion for additional details). On your Source List, provide the following details of the visual:

Strayer University Writing Standards 12