Business Writing · Lesson Plan
Preparing to Write
Good business writing starts before the first sentence. This lesson explains why effective written communication matters so much in today’s workplace — where errors cost credibility — and walks students through the questions to answer before they write: What is the goal? Who is the audience? What do they need to know? It sets up the writing-guidelines lesson that follows.
For Teachers
Lesson at a glance
- Topic
- Business Writing
- Grade Level
- Grades 9–12
- Resource Type
- Lesson + Worksheet
- Estimated Time
- 45–60 minutes
- Format
- Lesson + worksheet
- Materials
- Printable lesson, worksheet, pencils
What Students Learn
Learning objectives
- Explain why effective business writing matters
- Identify the goal of a writing project
- Analyze the audience for a message
- Ask the right questions before writing
- Recognize how poor writing damages credibility
Materials
What you’ll need
- Printed lesson and worksheet (one per student)
- Pencils
Key Terms
Vocabulary
- Audience
- The people who will read your message.
- Goal
- What you want the writing to accomplish.
- Credibility
- Being believed and respected by your reader.
- Clarity
- Writing that is easy to understand.
- Tone
- The attitude your writing conveys.
- Proofreading
- Checking writing for errors before sending.
For Teachers
Lesson plan
Estimated time: one 45–60 minute class period.
Lesson sequence
- Why it matters (12 min). Use the real-world error examples to show how poor writing costs credibility.
- Goal & audience (15 min). Identify the goal and analyze the audience for a message.
- Questions to consider (13 min). Work through the preparation questions.
- Worksheet (10 min). Students prepare for a writing task of their own.
Assessment
Assess the worksheet for a clear goal, a well-defined audience, and sound preparation.
Discussion
Discussion questions
- Why does business writing matter so much today?
- What should you decide before you start writing?
- How does knowing your audience change what you write?
- How can a small error damage your credibility?
- What questions help you prepare to write?
Printable Lesson & Worksheet
Preparing to Write — Lesson & Worksheet
A printable business-writing lesson on preparing before you write: why it matters and the goal and audience questions to answer first.
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