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Writing a Thank You Letter

Use the following directions to complete your thank you letter.

Step 1: Heading

The heading includes your (the sender’s) address and the date. Example:

555 NW Holly Street

Issaquah, WA 98027

November 22, 2004

The address should be aligned on the left-hand side of your page.

Type address here

City, State, Zip

Date

Step 2: Inside Address

The inside address includes the name and address of the person or company to whom you are writing.

Company or Name

Address

City, State, Zip

Step 3: Salutation

“Salutation” is a fancy word for greeting. If you know the person’s name, you would write “Dear Mr. Johnson:” In this letter, you are writing to a group of people, so you will need to address it to the whole committee. Remember to use the correct capitalization and a colon at the end of the line.

Step 4: Body

Here is the “meat” of your letter. Use your prewriting page to help you with these paragraphs.

First write a 2-4 sentence introduction. Explain who you are and why you are writing to the committee. This will be a “mini paragraph.” Start on the second line below this box.

Second state your opinion of what to do with the forest land in one clear sentence. Start on the second line below this box.

Third explain each of your three reasons that support your opinion. Also include each of the supporting details that you have already brainstormed. This section of the body will be at least 6 sentences. Remember – this is a draft. If you change your reasons or your supporting details from your prewriting, that’s fine. Just make sure you stay in character and fully explain why you feel the way you do.Start on the second line below this box.

Step 5: Closing

This will be another mini paragraph to conclude your letter. Make one last persuasive statement – 1 or 2 sentences - about why the Forest committee should do what you suggest. Finally, thank the committee for taking time to read and consider your opinion. Start on the second line below this box.

Step 6: Signature

This is the final step to formatting your business letter. In a business letter, you should close your letter by writing “Sincerely,”. This has already been done for you.

Sincerely,

Finally, you will need to type your first and last name, leaving a space above for you to actually sign your letter when you are ready to send it. Type your first and last name on the last line below this box.