Let's see how well you answered the questions.
Help Pauline compose a letter to a potential client in Japan. Pauline and Hiro Sazaki enjoyed an authentic sushi lunch at a restaurant Mr. Sazaki recommended. Mr. Sazaki is a young Japanese man about Pauline's age. He attended an American university so his English language skills are excellent. While he is comfortable in the American culture, his company is very conservative. Howie recommends that Pauline write a traditional Japanese letter. The letter's tone and language should be very respectful and formal. Pauline is writing her letter in the month of October.
You may have to do some research at the library or on the Internet to answer these questions.
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Greeting: Choose an opening statement that sets an appropriate tone for the letter. |
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a. I write the following most respectfully, |
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b. Dear Hiro: |
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c. Dear Mr. Sazaki: |
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Your Answer:
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Correct Answer: a |
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"I write the following most respectfully" is the traditional greeting. To address Mr. Sazaki by his first name would be inappropriate and may even be offensive. While addressing him by his title and last name is acceptable, it does not follow the tradition of extreme respect. |
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Opening statement: The opening statement usually begins with a seasonal greeting. Choose the best greeting: |
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a. The autumn leaves are stunning this time of year! |
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b. Autumn becomes deeper, and the night becomes longer day by day. |
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c. Happy Halloween! |
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Your Answer:
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Correct Answer: b |
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Choose a traditional greeting, like that in choice "b". While it would be appropriate to mention the beauty of the autumn leaves, the exuberance and the double meaning of "stunning" make choice "a" a poor one. Choice "c", with its reference to Halloween, may be misunderstood by a reader who is not familiar with the holiday. |
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Introducing the topic: Begin by making reference to the previous contact with the reader. |
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a. I am so happy that you insisted we go to Yoshimori Sushi. I would never have gone by myself but I really enjoyed the delicious sushi. Your business is quite interesting and I liked talking over lunch. |
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b. New York City can be such an intimidating place. Don't feel bad that you had your wallet stolen—I was happy to pick up the tab for the sushi. Your business is really booming and I can help you to increase sales. |
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c. Thank you for the time you spent with me during your recent visit to New York. The meetings I had with you were enjoyable and rewarding. |
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Your Answer:
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Correct Answer: c |
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The content and tone of choice "c" are best. Pauline graciously thanks the client for his time, and she then mentions the value of the meetings. The content of choices "a" and "b" are too informal and familiar with the reader. The mention of the stolen wallet is inappropriate and rude. |
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Exploring the topic: Choose the paragraph that shows respect for Mr. Sazaki's analysis and suggestions. |
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a. It was fascinating to hear about all the problems your company has encountered. We're a pretty good team. Together we were able to come up with some pretty good ideas for solutions. What are our next steps? |
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b. It was fascinating to hear your analysis of the major challenges your company has encountered over the past several years. You helped me to fully understand the situation and also suggested several valuable potential solutions. As a result, I now believe we should be able to come up with an ideal solution sooner. |
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c. It was fascinating to hear how you analyzed the nature and extent of your company's problems. From what you said, I figured out some very good potential solutions. I'll come up with some solutions as soon as possible. |
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Your Answer:
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Correct Answer: b |
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Only the tone and language in choice "b" are appropriate. In choice "b", Pauline credits Mr. Sazaki for his analysis and suggested solutions. She also gives him credit for any ideas she may develop since he provided such strong background materials. In both choices "a" and "c" Pauline assumes credit for the ideas. |
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Complimentary close: Choose the complimentary close that is most appropriate. |
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a. With highest respect, Pauline Peterson |
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b. Sincerely, Pauline Peterson |
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c. Warm regards, Pauline Peterson |
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Your Answer:
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Correct Answer: a |
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"With highest respect" is the traditional—and most respectful—way to close the letter. |
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Now that you've thought about how these ideas apply to the crisis in the Introductory Video, proceed to the next page to see how things turned out at CanGo.
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