Write About Myself
DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTANCY UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: ACCY students (need first and last name of recipient(s) if provided) Kelly Lewis (if there is more than one person writing this memo, write all first and last names here) October 8, 2012 (NOTE: no “th”, “st”, “nd”, or “rd” in the date) Students’ Guide to Memorandum Writing (do not mention “case” or “assignment”)
INTRODUCTION In this memorandum, I will discuss proper writing specifically for your memo-format assignments. I will address distinct components and styles of a memorandum. I also will make recommendations for using visual aids at the end of your document. MEMO FEATURES A memo typically has three or four components: introduction, body, recommendations and/or conclusion, and visual aids (if needed). These features help the writer to transition smoothly from one analysis point to the next. They also allow the reader to easily follow the writer’s train of thought and to jump to one specific section or discussion point with little or no difficulty. Introduction Business memo introductions usually start with a purpose statement related to the subject line. Very short memos generally do not require formal introductory and concluding paragraphs. However, most memos assigned in Accountancy classes will be at least one page long. Therefore, unless an instructor specifies otherwise, memos should include a brief introduction and conclusion. The type of assignment generally dictates the format of your memo’s introductory paragraph. For example, your introduction for a case analysis should include the following information: a statement of purpose, a list of actions you will take to accomplish your task, and a preview of the recommendations/suggestions provided later in the memo. You should not detail your specific recommendations in the introduction; instead, you should indicate that you will provide recommendations to help Manager X or XYZ Company handle some particular concern or
INTRODUCTION In this memorandum, I will discuss proper writing specifically for your memo-format assignments. I will address distinct components and styles of a memorandum. I also will make recommendations for using visual aids at the end of your document. MEMO FEATURES A memo typically has three or four components: introduction, body, recommendations and/or conclusion, and visual aids (if needed). These features help the writer to transition smoothly from one analysis point to the next. They also allow the reader to easily follow the writer’s train of thought and to jump to one specific section or discussion point with little or no difficulty. Introduction Business memo introductions usually start with a purpose statement related to the subject line. Very short memos generally do not require formal introductory and concluding paragraphs. However, most memos assigned in Accountancy classes will be at least one page long. Therefore, unless an instructor specifies otherwise, memos should include a brief introduction and conclusion. The type of assignment generally dictates the format of your memo’s introductory paragraph. For example, your introduction for a case analysis should include the following information: a statement of purpose, a list of actions you will take to accomplish your task, and a preview of the recommendations/suggestions provided later in the memo. You should not detail your specific recommendations in the introduction; instead, you should indicate that you will provide recommendations to help Manager X or XYZ Company handle some particular concern or
Citations: www.business.illinois.edu/accountancy/programs/communications Page 3 ACCY students October 8, 2012 Page 4