As we learned in chapter 10, a routine message has three parts: an opening, a body, and a close. Using the direct approach, open with your main idea, which is a clear statement of your request. Use the body to give details and justify your request. Finally, close by requesting specific action.

For our final exam, let's write two letters.

The first letter will be from you to Seal Corporation. You'll make a claim and request an adjustment. Here are the facts:

1. 14 days ago, you purchased an expensive holiday tree from the company. It was delivered on time, 5 days ago.

2. You attempted to put the tree together according to the instructions, but it doesn't fit. You aren't an engineer, but you are handy and can follow directions of the type required for the tree assembly.

3. Your calls to customer service, then "tech support," were very unsatisfactory, bordering on rude.

4. There is no distributor of the product nearby.

5. You need an accommodation of some kind from the company. You may wish to return it for a full refund, you may want the right part sent to you so you can put the tree together, perhaps you want a full refund but don't want to go to the expense of return postage, or you may want something else entirely. (You'll decide what you'll ask for in your letter.)

Be sure to use all the information we've learned so far. I recommend at least a quick review of chapter 10 before you write this letter.

The second letter will be from Seal Corporation to you, responding to your letter. You can get some tips for this letter from chapter 10, especially the section starting on page 290.

Points will be based on content including your use of the three parts of a routine message for both letters and the degree to which you follow the guidelines from the textbook, especially chapter 10. This section isn't just about the format but also the words you use.