activity 6

To: Y. Liu
From: Z. Tijerina
Subject: Errors found in exercise five
Date: October 1, 2007

The purpose of this memo is to present the errors found in the claim letter and adjustment letter found in exercise five of the course book. The exercises gave two examples of technical writing with several errors.

Summary
For the most part, I felt both the claim letter and the adjustment letter contained several errors both with the format and the content. I think that both need to be revised both grammatically and materially.

Discussion
The exercise contains a claim letter and an adjustment letter addressing Sea-Tasty Tuna. The company having a complaint filed because an insect was found in a customer’s can of tuna. The customer has written an angry letter to Sea-Tasty Tuna. The company responds to the letter and offers free goods to gain the trust of the client.

In the claim letter, many errors can be found. First the letter is not written in block formatting. Also, the salutation is unacceptable because the term “gentlemen” refers only to men. There may be a good chance that a woman will be reading the letter. Also, the letter is very hostile. The client has used a rude tone throughout the letter and has even taped a fly to the bottom of the letter. Next, the customer does not write the letter using complete sentences. Many of the thoughts in the paper are short and choppy questions which gives no information to the problem. Finally, the customer does not provide a solution. He should be able to explain what he feels an appropriate action to the problem will be.

In the adjustment letter, many errors can be found as well. First the company takes a forward tone when responding to the client. The company is not understanding of the problem and states that their packaging process does not allow for error. Second, the company does not offer a solution to the problem. The company should be able to tell the client that they are going to increase security when packaging cans. If the company were to tell the client this, it would help game trust.

Recommendation
I would like to further discuss the errors on this page in the near future. You can reach me at my e-mail which is Zachary.tijerina@ttu.edu.