Technical Writing Memo

Think of a real-world problem in a business, academic, or community situation and write a memo, which will provide a suggestion for a solution.

The problem should pertain to a work, school, or community environment. For example, you notice at work the need for a new training program that helps employees do their daily activities more efficiently. You document the need for a new training program and then suggest a specific training program that will help make employees more efficient.

Write your memo to a supervisor, manager, CEO, or board of directors, and describe a problem that you think needs to be resolved. In your memo, please cover the following areas:

•  Define the problem carefully
•  Discuss possible solutions/suggestion
•  Provide a conclusion

You may include other parts if they are appropriate for your audience. If a visual aid or table is appropriate, include it. You do not have to include specific details (as in a proposal) for the workplace suggestion since the document is only a memo. This should be a brief document (1 page) suggesting a solution for a workplace problem, but please make sure it is in MEMO format (Include at the top of the page:  To:, From:, Subject:, Date:, Problem or Issue, Recommendation or Solution). 

These five organizational elements will make your memo easier to follow:

• a specific subject line

• a clear statement of purpose

• a brief summary of the problem or situation

• informative headings (as needed)

• a prominent recommendation

Your memo will be graded on the following categories:

• Components of the report (25%)
• Audience and purpose (25%)
• Format and Organization (25%)
• Conclusion (10%)
• Grammar, spelling, and punctuation (15%)