Module 1
Writing E-mails and Letters at the World Bank

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Comparing E-mails and Letters

Complete the table below to identify what you consider to be the similarities and differences of between e-mails and letters. When you are finished, click Submit to compare your answers.

  E-mails Letters

Typical reader
(Are readers internal or external to the organization?)


Could be internal or external


External

Format/appearance
 (What elements does the correspondence include, and how are they displayed?)


• Date automatic
• To/From line required
• Clear subject line essential
• May use subheadings


• Uses appropriate letterhead (consult “WBG Group Forms” icon in MS Word)
• Date required
• Recipient’s address required
• May use a subject line
• May use subheadings

Beginning/end
(Any patterns in how the correspondence usually begins or ends?)


• Usually has a greeting
• Often (but not always) includes a complimentary close
• Often includes a name and/or “signature” line at end


• Must have greeting
• Must have complimentary close
• Must have signature at end

Formality
 (Typically, how formal is this type of correspondence? Are there exceptions?)


Can range from casual to formal depending on the purpose and the audience


Often more formal— depends on audience and purpose