LESSON LXXII.
PROSE.
The chief varieties of prose composition are Letters, Narrations, Descriptions, and Expositions.
Letters are of two kinds, familiar letters or letters of friendship, and business letters.
Note.—In letter-writing of all kinds, the style should be simple, and the manner of expression natural. Neatness and correctness are essential.
THE PARTS OF A LETTER.
The parts of a letter are the heading, the address, the salutation, the body, the conclusion, and the signature.
The heading should show where and when the letter was written. It should include the address of the writer in full, and the date.
Every important part of the heading should begin with a capital letter. Every abbreviated word should be followed by a period, and the parts of the heading should be separated by commas. A period should be placed at the close of the heading.
The heading should be placed about an inch and a half from the top of the page, and should begin about the middle of the sheet. It may occupy a part of a line, or of two lines.
The address shows to whom the letter is written and his place of residence. It may be placed at the beginning or at the close of a letter. In business letters the best place is at the beginning, and in familiar letters at the close. The address, when placed at the beginning of a letter, should begin near the left margin of the sheet and one inch below the last line of the heading. It should not occupy more than two lines.
The salutation is the greeting with which we begin the letter. There is a variety of forms in keeping with our different relations. The most formal salutation is “Sir.” If our relations are somewhat familiar, we use “Dear Sir,” “My dear Sir,” “Dear Mr. Williams,” etc. In addressing a business firm the salutation is “Gentlemen.”
The body of a letter begins one space below the salutation, and just where the salutation closes. A margin of one-half inch, at least, should be left on the left-hand side of the sheet. Each succeeding paragraph should begin in line with the first word of the first paragraph.
The conclusion consists of the complimentary close and follows the body of the letter. It depends upon the relation of the persons. The closing words in business letters are:—Yours truly, Yours respectfully, Very truly yours, etc. The closing words in letters of friendship are:—Yours sincerely, Your loving friend, Your affectionate niece, etc.
The signature follows the complimentary close, in the next space and to the right. It should end at the right-hand side of the sheet.
Note.—In social letters the address is omitted.
INVITATION.
Note.—Invitations are usually written in the third person.
ACCEPTANCE.
REGRET.
APPLICATION FOR A SITUATION.
LETTER ORDERING GOODS.
Note.—Fold a letter-sheet from the bottom forward, bringing the lower edge to the top, and then break the fold. Next fold twice the other way, beginning at the left edge. Measure these folds so as to fit the envelope. Fold a note-sheet twice, from the bottom forward. If the envelope is nearly square, a single fold of the note-sheet is sufficient.
ENVELOPE ADDRESSES.
Note.—In social correspondence, the envelopes and paper should be white and plain. Always use black ink.
1. Write a social letter to a friend, describing a holiday that you have had.
2. You are clerking for a bookseller. Write a letter to a publisher, ordering a stock of books.
3. Write an invitation to a friend to attend your birthday party.
4. You have been absent from school for some days. Write your teacher a note of explanation.