Summary

Effective writing is a critical skill to have at the Bank; you are expected to communicate your ideas to others so that they can act on them. Writing well contributes to your success at the Bank. In turn, it contributes to the Bank’s success in its overall mission of eradicating poverty.

This course focuses on e-mails, letters, and other short documents. Each format has its unique purpose and characteristics. However, whatever type of document you produce, your writing will be more effective if it demonstrates the following characteristics:

• Good organization
• The purpose is clearly stated.
• The main message is stated up front, close to the beginning of the document.
• Similar information is grouped and labeled.
• The text has an established and evident hierarchy of organization.
• The text has one idea per paragraph.
• Reader focus
• The document anticipates questions the reader might ask.
• The reader’s questions are answered in a logical sequence.
• The document sets up and fulfills the reader’s expectations.
• Tone and style are appropriate for the reader.
• Good mechanics
• Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are consistent and appropriate.
• The document uses visual techniques to support the logic of the text.

Overall, effective writing successfully communicates the intended message to the intended audience.