For special events,—entertainments, debates, excursions, etc.,—there may be a member of the committee delegated to report, or the accounts may be written as an exercise, and the best one selected by the committee or teacher.
The entry for the week should be made up of these various reports, entered neatly in the class diary, and signed by the pupils composing the committee.
CHAPTER IX
THE LETTER
45. Various Kinds of Letters.—You have seen that the diary or journal is the most informal and simple form of written expression, since it is intended, as a rule, for the writer only. The letter is less personal than the diary, because it is addressed to one other person; but it is more personal than general writing (description, stories, etc.), which is addressed to a number of persons, most of whom the writer does not know. Letters differ widely according to their purposes, but the merit of any sort of a letter may be judged by putting yourself in the place of the person receiving it, and trying to feel whether you would be satisfied by it.
Letters may be classified as follows according to their purposes:—
1. To bridge over, as far as possible, a separation between people who know each other well, and to take the place of a conversation between them. Friendly letters.
2. To arrange matters of social intercourse in the most correct and pleasing manner, to extend and accept or refuse invitations, etc. Social letters.
3. To give information or ask questions as clearly as possible. Business letters.
4. To give information or ask questions as briefly as is consistent with perfect clearness. Telegrams.
5. To take the place of going about and telling many people the same thing. Notices.
6. To present a request for a favor in the most persuasive manner. Petitions.