Chapter 6: Review Test 6

Annotating a Text and Creating a Summary

A. As you read, annotate or mark this passage from a college English textbook. You can download a PDF file of the passage here. (1) Locate and underline the central idea. (2) Write a question based on the central idea in the space provided below. (3-9) Number the major details that answer the question.

Writing Business Letters

      ¹Good business letters follow some standard practices and well-known formats and guidelines. ²Most business letters are presented in either block format or modified block format. ³The modified block format is often used for longer letters. ⁴In this format, the return address and the closing and signature are centered on the page. ⁵But the paragraphs are not indented from the left margin.⁶The block format is often used for short letters. ⁷In this format, all paragraphs are flush at the left margin. ⁸This includes the greeting and the signature. In both styles, notations following the signature are flush left. ⁹This includes initials for the writer and typist (RL:gw), Enc. or Enclosure, or cc: Nancy Harris (the name of a person sent a copy). ¹⁰Follow these additional guidelines for business correspondence.
     Stationery. ¹¹The best is 25 percent or 50 percent white cotton bond paper. ¹²Avoid colors and fancy paper styles.
     Print quality. ¹³Check that your typewriter or word processor is in good repair. ¹⁴Use a laser printer or a letter-quality impact printer. ¹⁵Your credibility will be damaged and your readers may be frustrated by fuzzy or light print. ¹⁶Avoid nonstandard or stylized print styles—they are often hard to read.
     Salutations. ¹⁷Use the first name of your recipient only if you are already on a first-name basis. ¹⁸Use the full name if you don't know the person's gender. ¹⁹Avoid male-specific salutations such as "Dear Sir" or "Gentlemen"; they are no longer appropriate. ²⁰If you do not know exactly to whom you are writing, use salutations such as these.
     ²¹Dear Accounts Department:
     ²²Dear Credit Manager:
     Longer letters. ²³Use plain paper of the same weight as the first page. ²⁴Use letterhead stationery only for the first page.
     Envelope. ²⁵Envelope paper should be the same color and weight as the letter, and the type style should match that of the letter.

—Adapted from Anson and Schwegler, The Longman Handbook for Writers and Readers, pp. 52–53.


		1. What is the central idea of the passage. To create paragraphs in your essay response, type <p> at the beginning of the paragraph, and </p> at the end.

		2. Write a question based on the central idea of the passage. To create paragraphs in your essay response, type <p> at the beginning of the paragraph, and </p> at the end.

		B. Complete the summary of the passage. Use the ideas you marked as you read. To write good (10) __________ letters, you must use standard formats and rules. (11) __________ letters use the (12) __________ format. (13) __________ letters use the (14) __________ format. In both formats, notations that follow the signature are printed at the (15) ___________ margin. Additional rules deal with (16) __________, (17) __________, (18)__________, (19) __________, and (20) __________. To create paragraphs in your essay response, type <p> at the beginning of the paragraph, and </p> at the end.