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Business Writer's Handbook
Eleventh Edition| ©2015 Gerald J. Alred; Walter E. Oliu; Charles T. Brusaw
Documenting Sources in MLA Style
(package ISBN-13: 9781319088637). Get the most recent updates on MLA citation in a convenient, 40-page resource based on The MLA Handbook, 8th Edition, with plenty of models. Browse our catalog or contact your representative for a full listing of updated titles and packages, or to request a custom ISBN.From formal reports to everyday e-mails, The Business Writer’s Handbook uses smart, accessible language to spotlight and clarify the ways we write today. Hundreds of topic entries, 90+ sample documents, at-a-glance checklists, and dynamic videos break down the best-practices, models, and real-world skills that successful writers use to communicate clearly and persuasively.Developed by a legendary author team with decades of combined academic and professional experience, the book’s intuitive, alphabetical organization makes it easy to navigate its extensive coverage of grammar, usage, and style. Plus, updated, in-depth treatment of pressing issues like the job search, the writing process, documenting sources, and social media resonates both in class and on the job.
With a refreshed, integrated focus on the ways technologies shape writing, the Eleventh Edition of the Handbook is the indispensable reference tool for writing successfully in the workplace.
Clear advice + useful models = the complete guide to business writing today.
Clear advice + useful models = the complete guide to business writing today.
Documenting Sources in MLA Style
(package ISBN-13: 9781319088637). Get the most recent updates on MLA citation in a convenient, 40-page resource based on The MLA Handbook, 8th Edition, with plenty of models. Browse our catalog or contact your representative for a full listing of updated titles and packages, or to request a custom ISBN.From formal reports to everyday e-mails, The Business Writer’s Handbook uses smart, accessible language to spotlight and clarify the ways we write today. Hundreds of topic entries, 90+ sample documents, at-a-glance checklists, and dynamic videos break down the best-practices, models, and real-world skills that successful writers use to communicate clearly and persuasively.Developed by a legendary author team with decades of combined academic and professional experience, the book’s intuitive, alphabetical organization makes it easy to navigate its extensive coverage of grammar, usage, and style. Plus, updated, in-depth treatment of pressing issues like the job search, the writing process, documenting sources, and social media resonates both in class and on the job.
With a refreshed, integrated focus on the ways technologies shape writing, the Eleventh Edition of the Handbook is the indispensable reference tool for writing successfully in the workplace.
Features
New to This Edition
Updated documentation models reflect the latest citation styles in MLA, APA, and CMS.
An excellent reference that provides strategies, models, and clear instructions for business writing as well as answers to essential grammar and usage items. This text should be part of every business writer’s library.
Joyce Anderson, Millersville UniversityEvery serious business student and business professional should use a credible reference book, and The Business Writer’s Handbook is one of the finest for both students and professionals.
Melodee Lambert, Salt Lake Community CollegeThis book is businesslike in how it approaches communication and thoroughly professional in its writing and organization. Its real-world utility meets my students’ needs and extends into their careers.
Greg Brecht, University of South Florida St. PetersburgOne of the most comprehensive guides to business and technical writing on the market.
Ann Torrusio, University of Missouri-St. Louis
Business Writer's Handbook
Eleventh Edition| ©2015
Gerald J. Alred; Walter E. Oliu; Charles T. Brusaw
Digital Options
Business Writer's Handbook
Eleventh Edition| 2015
Gerald J. Alred; Walter E. Oliu; Charles T. Brusaw
Table of Contents
*NewAa/an
a lot
abbreviations
Using Abbreviations
Writer's Checklist: Using Abbreviations
Forming Abbreviations
Names of Organizations
Measurements
Personal Names and Titles
Common Scholarly Abbreviations
above
absolutely
abstract/concrete words
abstracts
Types of Abstracts
Figure A-1. Informative Abstract (from a Report)
Writing Strategies
accept/except
acceptance/refusal letters (for employment)
Figure A-2. Acceptance Letter (for Employment)
Figure A-3. Refusal Letter (for Employment) Professionalism Note
acknowledgment letters
Figure A-4. Acknowledgement
acronyms and initialismsactive voice (see voice)
ad hoc
adapt/adept/adopt
adapting to new technologies
Technology You Need to Know
*Writer’s Checklist: Strategies for Learning a New Technology Digital Tip: Assessing Hardware and Software
adjectives
Limiting Adjectives
Articles
Demonstrative Adjectives
Possessive Adjectives
Numeral Adjectives
Indefinite Adjectives
Comparison of Adjectives Placement of Adjectives
Use of Adjectives ESL Tip for Using Adjectives
adjustment letters
Figure A-5. Adjustment Letter (Company Takes Responsibility)
Figure A-6. Partial Adjustment (Accompanying a Product)
Full Adjustment*Professionalism Note
Partial Adjustment
Adverbs
Types of Adverbs
Comparison Adverbs
Placement of Adverbs
affect/effect
affectation
Ethics Note
affinity
agreement
Subject-Verb Agreement
Compound Subjects
Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement
Gender
Number
Compound Antecedents
all ready/already
all right
all together/altogether
allude/elude/refer
allusion/illusion
allusions
almost/most
also
ambiguity
amount/number
ampersands
and/or
annual reports
Structure and Parts
Financial Highlights
Statement to Shareholders
Narrative Section
Financial Statement
Board of Directors and Company Officers
Preparing the Report
Design and Visuals
Writer’s Checklist: Annual Reports
antonyms
apostrophes
Showing Possession
Indicating Omission
Forming Plurals
appendixes
application cover letters
*Figure A-7. Partial Job Ad (Description and Requirements)*Figure A-8. Application Cover Letter (Graduate Applying for a Graphic Design Job)
Figure A-9. Application Cover Letter Sent as E-mail (College Student Applying for an Internship)
Figure A-10. Application Cover Letter (Applicant with Years of Experience)
*Writer’s Checklist: Tailoring a Cover Letter to a Job Ad
Opening
Body
Closing*Proofreading and Follow-up
appositives
articles
ESL Tip for Using Articles
as/because/since
as much as/more than
as such
as well as
audience
Analyzing Your Audience's Needs
Writing for Varied and Multiple Audiences
augment/supplement
average/median/mean
awhile/a while
awkwardness
Writer's Checklist: Eliminating Awkwardness Bbad/badlybalance/remainder
be sure to
beside/besides
between/among
between you and me
bi-/semi-
biannual/biennial
biased language
Professionalism Note
Sexist Language
Other Types if Biased Language
bibliographies
blogs and forums
Organizational Uses
Writing Style *Figure B-1. Corporate Blog
Ethics Note
both…and
brackets
brainstorming
Figure B-2. Cluster Map from a Brainstorming Session
brochures
Types of Brochures
Designing the Brochure
Cover Panel
Figure B-3. Brochure (Cover Panel)
First Inside Panel
Subsequent Panels
Figure B-4. Brochure (Inside Panels)
Design Style and Unity
Writer's Checklist: Designing a Brochure
bulleted lists (see lists)business plans Purposes and Audience Format, Length, and Sections Company Description and Strategy Business Description Vision and Mission Statement Goals and Milestones Management and Key Team Members Market Analysis and Strategy Marketing Plan Financial Analysis Supporting Documents Writer’s Checklist: Preparing Business Plansbusiness writing style Ethics Note
buzzwords Ccan/may
cannot
capital/capitol
capitalization
Proper Nouns
Common Nouns
First Words
Specific Groups
Specific Places
Specific Institutions, Events, Concepts
Titles of Works
Professional and Personal Titles
Abbreviations and Letters
Miscellaneous Capitalizations
case
Figure C-1. Pronoun Case Chart
Subjective Case
Objective Case
Possessive Case
Appositives
Determining the Case of Pronouns
cause-and-effect method of development
Evaluating Evidence
Linking Causes to Effects
center on
chronological method of development
Figure C-2. Chronological Method of Development
cite/sight/site
clarity
clauses
clichés
coherence
collaborative writing Tasks of the Collaborative Writing Team
Planning
Professionalism Note
Research Writing
Reviewing
Revising
Professionalism Note
Writer's Checklist: Writing CollaborativelyDigital Tip: Using Collaborative Software
collection letters
Figure C-3. First-Stage Collection Letter
Figure C-4. Second-Stage Collection Letter
Figure C-5. Third-Stage Collection Lettercolons
Colons in Sentences
Colons with Salutations, Titles, Citations, and Numbers
Punctuation and Capitalization with Colons
Unnecessary Colons
comma splice
commas
Linking Independent Clauses
Enclosing Elements
Introducing Elements
Clauses and Phrases
Words and Quotations
Separating Items in a Series
Clarifying and Contrasting
Showing Omissions
Using with Numbers and Names
Using with Other Punctuation
Avoiding Unnecessary Commas
compare/contrast
comparison
comparison method of development
Figure C-6. Whole-by-Whole Method of Comparison
Figure C-7. Part-by-Part Method of Comparison
Figure C-8. Comparison Using a Table to Illustrate Key Differences
complaint letters
Figure C-9. Complaint Letter
complement/compliment
complements
compose/constitute/comprise
compound words
conciseness
Causes of Wordiness
Writer's Checklist: Achieving Conciseness
conclusions
Figure C-10. Conclusion
conjunctions
connotation/denotation
consensuscontext
Assessing Context
Signaling Context
continual/continuous
contractions
copyrights, patents, and trademarks
Ethics Note
Permissions
Exceptions
Ethics Note*Patents*Trademarks*Figure C-11. Sample Trademarks
correspondence
Audience and Writing Style Openings and Closings
Goodwill and the "You" Viewpoint
Writer's Checklist: Using Tone to Build Goodwill
Direct and Indirect Patterns Direct Pattern Figure C-12. A Good-News MessageIndirect Pattern Figure C-13. A Courteous Bad-News Message
Clarity and Emphasis
Lists
Headings
Subject Lines
Writer's Checklist: Correspondence and Accuracy
cover letters (or transmittals)
Figure C-14. Cover Message
credible/creditable
criteria/criterion
critique Ddangling modifiers
dashes
data
datesde facto/de jure
defective/deficient
defining terms
definite/definitive
definition method of development
Extended Definition
Definition by Analogy
Definition by Cause
Definition by Components
Definition by Exploration of Origin
Negative Definition
description
Figure D-1. Simple Description
Figure D-2. Illustrated Description
design (see layout and design)
despite/in spite of
diagnosis/prognosisdictionaries
Abridged Dictionaries
Unabridged Dictionaries
ESL Dictionaries
Subject and Specialized Dictionaries
differ from/differ with
different from/different than
direct address
discreet/discrete
disinterested/uninterested
division-and-classification method of development
Division
Classification Figure D-3. Classification (Tools Placed into Categories)
*document management *Document Management Systems *Document Naming Conventions*Writer’s Checklist: Naming Filesdocumenting sources
APA Documentation
APA In-Text Citations
APA Documentation Models
APA Sample Pages
Figure D-4. APA Sample Page
Figure D-5. APA Sample List of References
CMS Documentation
CMS In-Text Citations CMS Documentation Models CMS Sample Pages
Figure D-6. CMS Sample Page from Report
Figure D-7. CMS Sample Bibliography
MLA Documentation
MLA In-Text Citations
MLA Documentation Models
MLA Sample Pages
Figure D-8. MLA Sample Page
Figure D-9. MLA Sample List of Works Cited
Ethics Note
double negatives
drawings
Figure D-10. Conventional Line Drawing Illustrating Instructions
Figure D-11. Exploded-View Drawing
Figure D-12. Cutaway Drawing Ethics Note
Writer's Checklist: Creating and Using Drawings
due to/because of Eeach
economic/economical
editing (see both revision and proofreading)
e.g./i.e.
ellipses
Review and Confidentiality
Professionalism Note
*Writer's Checklist: Maintaining Professionalism
*Digital Tip: Sharing Electronic Files Writing and Design
Figure E-1. E-mail Signature Block
Writer's Checklist: Managing Your E-mail and Reducing Overload*Ethics Note
emphasis
Achieving Emphasis
Position
Climactic Order
Sentence Length
Sentence Type
Active Voice
Repetition
Intensifiers
Direct Statements
Long Dashes
Typographical Devices
English as a second language
Count and Mass Nouns
Articles and Modifiers
Gerunds and Infinitives
Adjective Clauses
Present Perfect Verb Tense
Present Progressive Verb Tense
ESL Entries
English, varieties of
Colloquial English
Dialectal English
Localisms
Slang equal/unique/perfect
etc.
ethics in writing
Ethics Note
Writer's Checklist: Writing Ethicallyeuphemisms
Ethics Note
everybody/everyone*everyday/every dayexclamation marks
executive summaries
Writer's Checklist: Writing Executive Summaries
expletives
explicit/implicit
exposition Ffact
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Ethics Note
Questions to Include
Organization
Placement
Writer's Checklist: Developing an FAQ
feasibility reports
Figure F-1. Feasibility Report
Report Sections
Introduction
Body
Conclusion
Recommendation
few/a few
fewer/less
figuratively/literally
figures of speech
Types of Figures of Speech
fine
first/firstlyflowcharts
Figure F-2. Flowchart Using Labeled Blocks
Figure F-3. Flowchart Using Pictorial Symbols
Figure F-4. Common ISO Flowchart Symbols (with Annotations)
Writer's Checklist: Creating Flowcharts
footnotes (see documenting sources)
forceful/forcible
foreign words in English
foreword/forward
form letters When to Use Form Letters Professionalism Note Writing Form Letters Figure F-5. Headline Lead
Repurposing Form Lettersformal reports *Digital Tip: Digitally Enhancing Formal Reports Front Matter
Title Page
Abstract
Table of Contents
List of Figures
List of Tables
Foreword
Preface
List of Abbreviations and Symbols
Body
Executive Summary
Introduction
Text
Conclusions
Recommendations
Explanatory Notes
References (or Works Cited)
Ethics Note
Back Matter
Appendixes
Bibliography
Glossary
Index*Digital Tip: Creating an IndexSample Formal Report
Figure F-6. Formal Report*Digital Tip: Creating Styles and Templates
format
former/latter
forms
Figure F-7. Form (for a Medical Claim) Ethics Note
*Choosing Paper or Digital Designing a Form
Entry Lines and Fields*Sequencing Entries *Writing Questions
*forums (see blogs and forums)fragments (see sentence fragments)
functional shift Ggarbled sentences
gender
ESL Tip for Assigning Gender
general and specific methods of development Figure G-1. General to Specific Method of Development Figure G-2. Specific to General Method of Development
General to Specific
Specific to General
global communication
Writer's Checklist: Communicating Globally
global graphics
Figure G-3. Graphics for U.S. and Global Audiences
Figure G-4. ISO Symbols Writer's Checklist: Using Appropriate Global Graphics
glossaries
gobbledygook
good/well
grammar
grant proposals
Cover Letter
Title Page
Application Form
Introduction
Literature Review
Project Narrative Project Description Project Outcomes
Budget Narrative Task Schedule Organization Description
Conclusion
Attachments (appendixes) Writer's Checklist: Writing Grant Proposals
graphs
Line Graphs
Figure G-5. Double-Line Graph (with Shading)
Ethics Note
Figure G-6. Distorted and Distortion-Free Expressions of Data
Bar Graphs Figure G-7. Bar Graph
Figure G-8. Bar (Column) Graph
Figure G-9. Gantt Chart
Pie Graphs
Figure G-10. Pie Graph (Showing Percentages of the Whole)
Picture Graphs
Figure G-11. Picture Graph
Writer's Checklist: Creating Graphs Hhe/she
headers and footers
Figure H-1. Header and Footer
headings
Figure H-2. Headings Used in a Document
General Heading Style
Decimal Numbering System
Writer's Checklist: Using Headings
hyphens
Hyphens with Compound Words
Hyphens with Modifiers
Hyphens with Prefixes and Suffixes
Hyphens and Clarity
Other Uses of the Hyphen
Iidioms
illegal/illicit
illustrations (see visuals)
imply/infer
in/into
in order to
in terms of
*incident reports *Figure I-1. Incident Report *Ethics Noteindexing
Figure I-2. Index Entry (with Main Entry, Subentries, and Sub-subentries) Digital Tip: Creating an Indexindiscreet/indiscrete
*infographics
*Figure I-3. Infographic Describing a Process *Writer’s Checklist: Creating Infographics inquiries and responses
Figure I-4. Inquiry
Figure I-5. Response to an Inquiry
*Writer’s Checklist: Writing Inquiries and Responding
inside/inside ofinstant messaging
Figure I-6. Instant Messaging Exchange
Ethics Note
Writer's Checklist: Instant Messaging Privacy and Security
instructions
Writing Instructions
Illustrating Instructions
Figure I-7. Illustrated Instructions Writer's Checklist: Writing Instructions
insure/ensure/assure
intensifiers
interface
interjections
international correspondence
Cultural Differences in Correspondence
Cross-Cultural Examples
Figures I-8. Inappropriate International Correspondence (Draft Marked for Revision)
Figure I-9. Appropriate International Correspondence Writer's Checklist: Writing International Correspondence
interviewing for information
Determining the Proper Person to Interview
Preparing for the Interview
*Professionalism Note
Conducting the Interview Professionalism Note Expanding Your Notes Soon After the Interview
Interviewing by Phone or E-mail
*Writer's Checklist: Interviewing Successfully
interviewing for a job
Before the Interview
Professionalism Note
During the Interview
*Professionalism Note
Behavior
Responses *Ethics Note Salary
Conclusion
After the Interview
Figure I-10. Follow-up Correspondence
introductions
Routine Openings
Opening Strategies
Objective
Problem Statement
Scope
Background
Summary
Interesting Detail
Definition
Anecdote
Quotation
Forecast
Persuasive Hook
Full-Scale Introductions investigative reports
Figure I-11. Investigative Report
italics
Foreign Words and Phrases
Titles
Proper Names
Words, Letters, and Figures
Subheads
*Exceptionsits/it's Jjargon
job descriptions
Figure J-1. Job Description
Writer's Checklist: Writing Job Descriptions
job search
*Professionalism Note
Networking and Informational Interviews
Campus Career Services
*Strategic Web Searches
Social Media
Professionalism Note Job Advertisements Trade and Professional Journal Listings
Employment Agencies (Private, Temporary, Government)
Internships
Direct InquiriesJob or Internship Applications Figure J-2. Sections from a Job Application Form
*Ethics Note
*Writer's Checklist: Completing Job Applications: In Print and Online *Ethics Note
*journal articles (see trade journal articles) Kkind of/sort of
know-how Llay/lie
layout and design
*Design Principles *Grouping *Contrast *Repetition Typography Figure L-1. Primary Components of Letter Characters
Type Face and Type Size
Figure L-2. Type Sizes (6- to 14-Point Type)
Type Style and Emphasis.
Page-Design Elements
Justification
Headings
Headers and Footers
Lists
Columns
White Space
Color
Visuals
Icons
Captions
Rules
Page Layout and Thumbnails
lend/loan
letters
Letter Format
Figure L-3. Full-Block-Style Letter (with Letterhead)
Heading
Inside Address
Salutation
Subject Line
Body
Complimentary Closing
Writer's Signature Block
End Notations
Continuing Pages
Figure L-4. Alternative Headers for the Second Page of a Letter like/as
listening
Fallacies about Listening
Active Listening
Step 1: Make a Conscious Decision
Step 2: Define Your Purpose
Step 3: Take Specific Actions
Step 4: Adapt to the Situation
lists
Figure L-5. Bulleted List in a Paragraph Writer's Checklist: Using Listslogic errors
Ethics Note
Lack of Reason
Sweeping Generalizations
Non Sequiturs
False Cause
Biased or Suppressed Evidence
Fact Versus Opinion
Loaded Arguments
loose/lose Mmalapropismsmaps
Figure M-1. Map
Writer's Checklist: Creating and Using Maps
maybe/may be
media/medium
meetings
Planning a Meeting
Determine the Purpose of the Meeting
Decide Who Should Attend
Choose the Meeting Time
*Digital Tip: Scheduling Meetings Online
Choose the Meeting Location *Digital Tip: Conducting Online Meetings
Establish the Agenda.
Figure M-2. Meeting Agenda
Figure M-3. E-mail Announcing a Meeting with Attached Agenda
Assign the Minute-Taking
Conducting the Meeting
Deal with Conflict
Close the Meeting
Writer's Checklist: Planning and Conducting Meetings
memos
Memo Format Figure M-4. Typical Memo Format
Professionalism Note
Additional Pages
Figure M-5. Alternate Headers for the Second Page of Memos
methods of development
minutes of meetings
Figure M-6. Minutes of a Meeting
Writer's Checklist: Items to Include in Minutes of Meetingsmission statements Figure M-7. Mission Statement Writing a Mission Statement Format and Length
mixed constructions
modifiers
Stacked (Jammed) Modifiers
Misplaced Modifiers
Squinting Modifiers
mood
ESL Tip for Determining Mood
Ms./Miss/Mrs.
mutual/common Nnarration
Figure N-1. Narration from an Accident Report
nature
needless to say
newsletter articles
Figure N-2. Newsletter Article
Writer's Checklist: Writing Newsletter Articles
newsletters
Types of Newsletters
Figure N-3. Company Newsletter (Front Page)
Developing Newsletters
Professionalism Note
nominalizations
none
nor/or
note-taking
Ethics Note
Writer's Checklist: Taking Notes
nouns
Types of Nouns
Noun Functions
Collective Nouns
Plural Nouns
number (grammar)
numbers
Numerals or Words
Plurals
Measurements
Fractions
Money
ESL Tip for Punctuating Numbers
Time
Dates
Addresses
Documents Oobjects
OK/okay
on/onto/upon
one
one of those . . . who
only
order-of-importance method of development Figure O-1. Decreasing Order-of-Importance Method of Development
Decreasing Order
Increasing Order
Figure O-2. Increasing Order-of-Importance Method of Development
organization
organizational charts
Figure O-3. Organizational Chart
outlining
Advantages of Outlining
Types of Outlines
Creating an Outline
Digital Tip: Creating an Outline
outside [of ]
over [with] Ppace
paragraphs
Topic Sentence
Paragraph Length
Writing Paragraphs
Paragraph Unity and Coherence
parallel structure
Faulty Parallelism
paraphrasing
Ethics Note
parentheses
parts of speech
party
per
percent/percentage
periods
Periods in Quotations
Periods with Parentheses
Other Uses of Periods
Period Faults
personpersonal/personnelpersons/people
persuasion Figure P-1. Persuasive Memo
Ethics Note
phenomenon/phenomena
photographs
Figure P-2. Photo (of Aircraft Door)
Ethics Note
phrases
Prepositional Phrases
Participial Phrases
Dangling Participial Phrases
Misplaced Participial Phrases
Infinitive Phrases
Gerund Phrases
Verb Phrases
Noun Phrases
plagiarism
Citing Sources
Common Knowledge
Ethics Note
plain language
Writer's Checklist: Using Plain Language
point of view
Ethics Note
ESL Tip for Stating an Opinionpolicies and procedures Policies Procedures Figure P-3. Procedures Chart
positive writing
Ethics Note
possessive case
Singular Nouns
Plural Nouns
Compound Nouns
Coordinate Nouns
Possessive Pronouns
Indefinite Pronouns
prefixes
preparation
Writer's Checklist: Preparing to Write
prepositions
Prepositions at the End of a Sentence
Prepositions in Titles
Preposition Errors
presentations
Determining Your Purpose
Analyzing Your Audience
Gathering Information
Structuring the Presentation
The Introduction
The Body Transitions
The Closing
Using Visuals
Ethics Note
Flip Charts
Whiteboard or Chalkboard Presentation Software Figure P-4. Presentation Slides*Professionalism Note Writer's Checklist: Using Visuals in a Presentation
Delivering a Presentation
Practice
Delivery Techniques That Work
Presentation Anxiety
Writer's Checklist: Preparing for and Delivering a Presentation press releases Figure P-5. Press Release
Writer’s Checklist: Preparing Press Releases
principal/principle
process explanation
progress and activity reports
Figure P-6. Progress Report
Figure P-7. Activity Report
Progress Reports
Activity Reports promotional writing *Writer’s Checklist: Promotional Writing Ethics Note
pronoun reference
pronouns
Case
ESL Tip for Using Possessive Pronouns
Gender
Number
Person
proofreading*Professionalism Note
Writer's Checklist: Proofreading in Stages
Figure P-8. Proofreaders' Marks
Digital Tip: Proofreading for Format Consistency
proposals
Proposal Strategies
Audience and Purpose
Project Management Proposal Context and Types
Writer's Checklist: Writing Persuasive Proposals Internal Proposals
Informal Interpersonal Proposals Formal Internal Proposals Figure P-9. Sales Proposal
External Proposals
Solicited Proposals
Unsolicited Proposals
Sales Proposals
Ethics Note
Ethics Note Grant Proposals (see entry grant proposals)
Figure P-10. Sales Proposal (Cover Letter)pseudo-/quasi-
punctuation
purpose Qquestion marks
questionnaires
Figure Q-1. Questionnaire
Selecting the Recipients
Preparing the Questions
Ethics Note
Writer's Checklist: Designing a Questionnaire
quid pro quo
quotation marks
Direct Quotations
Ethics Note
Words and Phrases
Titles of Works
Punctuation
quotations
Ethics Note
Direct Quotations
Indirect Quotations
Deletions or Omissions
Inserting Material into Quotations
Incorporating Quotations into Text
Figure Q-2. Long Quotation (APA Style) Rraise / rise
readers
really
reason is [because]
reference letters
Figure R-1. Reference Letter
Ethics Note
refusal letters
Figure R-2. Refusal with Low StakesFigure R-3. Refusal with High Stakes
regarding / with regard to
regardless
repetition
reports
repurposing
Repurpose for the Context
Repurpose for the Medium
Ethics Noteresearch
Primary Research
Ethics Note
Secondary Research
Library Research Strategies
Digital Tip: Storing Search Results
Online Catalogs
Online Databases and Indexes
Reference Works
Web Research Strategies
Search Engines
Writer's Checklist: Using Search Engines and Keywords
Web Subject Directories
Evaluating Sources
Writer's Checklist: Evaluating Print and Online Sources
resignation letters
Figure R-4. Resignation Letter (to Accept a Better Position)
Figure R-5. Resignation Memo (Under Negative Conditions)
respective / respectively
restrictive and nonrestrictive elements
résumés
Ethics Note Sample Résumés
Figure R-6. Student Résumé (for an Entry-Level Position)
Figure R-7. Résumé (Highlighting Professional Credentials)
Figure R-8. Recent Graduate Résumé (for Graphic Design Job)
Figure R-9. Résumé (Applicant with Management Experience)
Figure R-10. Résumé (Experienced Applicant Seeking Career Change) Figure R-11. Advanced Résumé (Combining Functional and Chronological Elements) Analyzing Your Background
Returning Job Seekers
Organizing Your Résumé (Sections)
Heading
Job Objective vs. Tagline
Professionalism Note
Qualifications Summary
Education
Employment Experience
Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Honors and Activities
References and Portfolios
Professionalism Note
Digital Formats and Media
E-mail-Attached Résumés *Applicant Tracking System Résumés
Plain-Text Résumés Scannable Résumés
Web-Posted Résumés
*Professionalism Note
revision
Writer's Checklist: Revising Your Draft
Digital Tip: Incorporating Tracked Changes
rhetorical questions
run-on sentences Ssalary negotiations (see interviewing for a job)sales letters Ethics Note Writer’s Checklist: Writing Sales Letters
scope
selecting the medium Figure S-1. Choosing the Appropriate Medium
Memos
Letters Text and Instant Messages Phone and Voice Messages Faxing
Meetings
Web and Video Conferencing
*Web Networking and Promotion
semicolons
With Strong Connectives
For Clarity in Long Sentences
sentence construction
Subjects
ESL Tip for Understanding the Subject of a Sentence
Predicates
Sentence Types
Structure
Intention
Stylistic Use
Constructing Effective Sentences
ESL Tip for Understanding the Requirements of a Sentence
sentence faults
sentence fragments
sentence variety
Sentence Length
Word Order
Loose and Periodic Sentences
sequential method of development Figure S-2. Sequential Method of Development
service
set / sit
shall / will
slashes
so / so that / such*social media *Choosing the Appropriate Platform *Figure S-3. Comparison of Social Media Platforms *Writing Style and Privacy Considerations *Writer’s Checklist: Judicious Use of Social Media
some / somewhat
some time / sometime / sometimes
spatial method of development
Figure S-4. Spatial Method of Developmentspellingstyle
Formal Writing Style
Informal Writing Style *Professionalism Note
Writer's Checklist: Developing an Effective Style
subordination
suffixes
surveys (see questionnaires)
synonyms
syntax Ttables of contents
tables
Table Elements
Figure T-1. Elements of a Table
Table Number
Table Title
Box Head
Stub
Body
Rules
Footnotes
Source Line
Continuing Tables
Informal Tables
Figure T-2. Informal Tabletelegraphic style *Professionalism Note
tenant / tenet
tense
Past Tense
Past Perfect Tense
Present Tense
Present Perfect Tense
Future Tense
Future Perfect Tense
Shift in Tense
ESL Tip for Using the Progressive Formtext messaging
that / which / who
there / their / they're
thesaurus
titles
Reports and Long Documents
E-mail, Memos, and Online Postings
Formatting Titles
Capitalization
Italics
Quotation Marks
Special Cases
to / too / two
tonetransition
Methods of Transition
Transition between Sentences
Transition between Paragraphs
trip reports
Figure T-3. Trip Report Sent as E-mail (with Attachment)
trouble reports (see incident reports)
try to Uunity
up
usage
utilize Vvague words
verbals
Gerunds
Infinitives
Participles
verbs
Types of Verbs
Forms of Verbs
Finite Verbs
Nonfinite Verbs
Properties of Verbs
ESL Tip for Avoiding Shifts in Voice, Mood, or Tense
very
via
visuals
Selecting Visuals
Figure V-1. Chart for Choosing Appropriate Visuals
Ethics Note
Integrating Visuals with Text
Ethics Note
Writer's Checklist: Creating and Integrating Visuals
voice
Using the Active Voice
Improving Clarity
Highlighting Subjects
Achieving Conciseness
Using the Passive Voice
Ethics Note
ESL Tip for Choosing Voice Wwait for/wait on
Web design (see writing for the Web)when / where / that
whether
whilewho / whomwho’s / whose / of whichword choice
writing a draft
Writer's Checklist: Writing a Rough Draft
writing for the Web Crafting Content for Your Site
*Text Content
Headings
Lists
Keywords
*Directional Cues
Graphics
Fonts
Making Use of Links
Posting an Existing Document
Ethics Note
Protecting User Privacy
Writing for a Global Audience
Digital Tip: Using PDF FilesY
"you" viewpoint
your / you're
Business Writer's Handbook
Eleventh Edition| 2015
Gerald J. Alred; Walter E. Oliu; Charles T. Brusaw
Authors
Gerald J. Alred
Gerald J. Alred is Professor Emeritus of English at the University of Wisconsin– Milwaukee, where he is a teaching-award recipient and an adviser to the Professional Writing Program. He is the author of numerous scholarly articles and several standard bibliographies on business and technical communication, and he is a founding member of the editorial board of the Journal of Business and Technical Communication. He is a recipient of the prestigious Jay R. Gould Award for “profound scholarly and textbook contributions to the teaching of business and technical writing.” He developed and manages the Web site InlandChorus.comTM.
Walter E. Oliu
Walter E. Oliu served as Chief of the Publishing Services Branch at the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, where he managed the agency’s printing, graphics, editing, and publishing programs, as well as the daily operations of the agency’s public Web site. He is the recipient of the agency’s Meritorious Service Award. He has also taught at Miami University of Ohio, Slippery Rock State University, Montgomery College, and George Mason University.
Charles T. Brusaw
Charles T. Brusaw served as a faculty member at NCR Corporation’s Management College, where he developed and taught courses in professional writing, editing, and presentation skills for the corporation worldwide. Previously, he worked in advertising, technical writing, public relations, and curriculum development. He was also a communications consultant, an invited speaker at academic conferences, and a teacher of business writing at Sinclair Community College. He passed away in 2015.
Business Writer's Handbook
Eleventh Edition| 2015
Gerald J. Alred; Walter E. Oliu; Charles T. Brusaw
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