Read Chapter $11,$ Writing Negative Messages, closely, paying particular attention to the models presented.

Make sure you understand the following:

a$.$ When to use the direct versus the indirect plans for bad$-$news messages

b$.$ How to provide a brief rationale as well as the bad news in the first paragraph when using the direct plan

c$.$ How to write a buffer in the first paragraph when using the indirect plan

d$.$ How to justify your decision and give the bad news in the middle paragraphs while maintaining an appropriate tone and avoiding needless negativity

e$.$ How to close on a pleasant note

Complete the discussion assignment to make sure you understand when to use the direct versus indirect plans as well as how to compose effective buffers.

Scenario

You are the manager of Bike World, a retail motorcycle sales and repair shop. Jim Derwood purchased a Benson $500$ motorcycle from your shop four months ago. He brought his bike in yesterday because the engine was not running. Mr$.$ Derwood was anticipating that the repairs would be covered under the one$-$year warranty.

Your mechanic has examined the bike and determined that $10W30$ oil along with leaded gasoline had been used in the bike. You are not going to cover the repairs under warranty because it covers all parts and labor under normal usage. The owner's manual states that $2-$cycle engine oil and unleaded gasoline must be used for the warranty to be in effect.