目录

  • 1 An Overview of Business Writing
    • 1.1 Visual materials for the Chapter
    • 1.2 Functions of Business Writing
    • 1.3 Criteria and Techniques for Effective Business Writing
    • 1.4 Approaches to Organizing Business Writing
  • 2 Structure and Styles of Business Letters
    • 2.1 Structure of Business Letters
    • 2.2 Styles of Business Letters
  • 3 Sales-related Inquiries and Replies
    • 3.1 Introduction
    • 3.2 Sample Analysis
    • 3.3 Useful Patterns and Sentences
  • 4 Order Letters and Confirmation Letters
    • 4.1 Introduction
    • 4.2 sample Analysis
    • 4.3 Useful Sentences and Patterns
  • 5 Letters of Shipment
    • 5.1 Introduction
    • 5.2 Sample Analysis
    • 5.3 Useful Sentences and Patterns
  • 6 letters of Payment and Settlement of Accounts
    • 6.1 Introduction
    • 6.2 Sample Analysis
    • 6.3 Useful Sentences and Patterns
  • 7 Routine Claims and Adjustments
    • 7.1 Introduction
    • 7.2 Sample Analysis
    • 7.3 Useful Patterns and Sentences
  • 8 Persuasive Claims and Refusals
    • 8.1 Introduction
    • 8.2 Sample Analysis
    • 8.3 Useful Patterns and Sentences
  • 9 Sales Letters
    • 9.1 Introduction
    • 9.2 Sample Analysis
    • 9.3 Useful Patterns and Sentences
  • 10 Invitation and Thank-you Letters
    • 10.1 Introduction
    • 10.2 Sample
    • 10.3 Useful Patterns and Sentences
  • 11 Letters of Apology and Congratuation
    • 11.1 Introduction
    • 11.2 Sample Analysis
    • 11.3 Useful Patterns and Sentences
  • 12 Notices and Announcements
    • 12.1 Introduction
    • 12.2 Sample Analysis
    • 12.3 Useful Patterns and Sentences
  • 13 Memos and Minutes
    • 13.1 Memos
      • 13.1.1 Introduction
      • 13.1.2 Sample Analysis
      • 13.1.3 Useful Patterns and Sentences
    • 13.2 minutes
      • 13.2.1 Introduction
      • 13.2.2 Sample Analysis
    • 13.3 Useful Patterns and Sentences
  • 14 Resume
    • 14.1 Introductioon
    • 14.2 Sample Analysis
    • 14.3 Useful Patterns and Sentences
    • 14.4 More reference: Steps in Resume Writng
  • 15 Letters of Application
    • 15.1 Introduction
    • 15.2 Sample Analysis
    • 15.3 Useful Patterns and Sentences
  • 16 Letters of Recommendation
    • 16.1 Introduction
    • 16.2 Sample Analysis
    • 16.3 Useful Patterns and Sentences
  • 17 Proposals
    • 17.1 Introduction
    • 17.2 Sample Analysis
    • 17.3 Useful Patterns and Sentences
  • 18 Reports
    • 18.1 Introduction
    • 18.2 Sample
    • 18.3 Useful Patterns and Sentences
  • 19 Questionnaires
    • 19.1 Introduction
    • 19.2 Sample Analysis
  • 20 Business Agreements
    • 20.1 Introduction
    • 20.2 sample  Analysis
    • 20.3 Useful Patterns and Sentences
Introduction






INTRODUCTION

 

Questionnaires are common tools used by companies who intend to gather information on customers’ needs, preferences, their evaluation of the products or services, company’s image, etc. It always consists of a series of questions on a topic or several topics designed to be answered by a number of people. The topic or topics should be closely related to the aim of the questionnaires. Since it takes people time and energy to fill the questionnaire, the questions on it should be brief, clear and easy to answer.

 

A questionnaire usually consists of three parts:

1. A well-written introduction in which there are some instructions on how to complete          the questionnaire and information on how to return it.

2. A series of questions related to the topic or topics. Make sure the questions are                easy to answer. You may also include optional questions such as age, gender and              profession of the person who fills it.

3. A remark of appreciation to people who have taken time and effort to fill the                      questionnaire.

 

The following are some useful tips on the wording of questions in questionnaires:

Make sure the reader understand your meaning. Don’t use jargons, difficult terms or technical words.

Be concise and clear.

Avoid asking double questions, i.e. two questions in the same sentence.

Avoid asking negative questions, for example, “Are you against the prohibition of smoking?”

When using multiple choice questions, pay attention that your answers include all the possible alternatives.