Word-processing programs such as Microsoft Word offer series of templates for writing letters. (Templates are preformatted layouts that can be used to create resumes, memos, letters, and other documents.)

Templates can help you get started with the writing.

Templates can also be a problem, however, because instead of thinking for yourself about the audience, purpose, and appropriate organizational pattern and language usage, you may end up letting the template do the thinking. Look at the various templates available in your word-processing program and on the Internet, and make a list of ways in which the template may or may not work for your purposes