Writing Practice

I. A Brief Introduction

A letter of congratulations, or congratulation letter, is used in both personal and business situations. Its primary purpose is to formally congratulate someone on an outstanding achievement. Certain types of congratulation letters are also referred to as “commendation letters” in some situations. In order to write an effective congratulation letter, you can follow the following tips:

-        Write the congratulation letter as soon as possible after the fortunate event takes place.

-        State in the beginning the specific occasion that has motivated you to write your letter.

-        Express praise and approval of the reader’s accomplishments.

-        Keep your congratulation letter simple and concise —under one page in length.

-        Be positive and don’t include any negative comments or unhappy news.

-        Don’t suggest that the fortunate event should benefit the letter-writer in any way.

-        Don’t exaggerate your congratulatory words, or your letter may seem sarcastic or mocking.

-        Edit your letter for correct structure, grammar, and punctuation.

-        Don’t forget to spell check your letter.

-        Wait some time and proof-read your letter again before sending it.

II. Sample Letters

Informal

Hi Moon,

I am very glad to hear from you that you are getting married. Congratulations on your marriage.

You are so lucky. You married a handsome and intelligent man. Anyway, I wish you happiness.

By the way, since you are getting married, how are you going to plan your wedding? Is there a wedding ceremony or a wedding party? I think it would be romantic if the ceremony is held in a church. And where are you going to spend your honeymoon? I really hope to join your wedding ceremony. Congratulations again. How lovely to hear the good news.

Yours sincerely,

Edward

Formal

June 25, 2009

Belinda Asher

620 Mayview Ave.

Pineville, WV 24874

Dear Belinda:

On behalf of everyone here at Deerwood Resorts Ltd., I would like to sincerely congratulate you on your recent graduation from Mountain State University with your M.B.A. (Marketing).

I must say that I was not surprised to read of your success in the newspaper. During your first of four summers as an employee at our Lakeland Family Resort, I noted how bright and quick-minded you are for business. Combine those attributes with your relentless work ethic and commitment to quality customer service, and it is obvious that you have a wide-open future ahead of you. I can only hope that your experience working with us contributed in some small way to your success.

On behalf of the management and staff at Deerwood Resorts, I wish you all the best in your future career and life endeavors, whatever they may be.

Yours sincerely,

Bruce Atkinson

President and CEO