Checklist for Opening Paragraph:
1. Chose an opening appropriate for the message, purpose and for the reader.
(a) Main idea or good news first for direct request, neutral and good news message.
(b) Buffer first for the bad new message.
(c) Attention getting statement first for persuasive requests.
2. Make the opening considerate, courteous, concise and clear.
(a) Get reader into opening.
(b) Keep first paragraph relatively short.
(c) Focus on the positive.
(d) Use courteous conversational language.
(e) Avoid unnecessary reputation.
3. Check for completeness regarding.
(a) Sentence structure.
(b) Date of letter you are answering.
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