MEMORANDUM FOR

DETAILS OF EVENT
Features of a Memo
◦Layout is conventional.
◦Topic is specific.
◦Content relates only to that topic.
◦Style is simple and straightforward.
 Standard layout of a Memo
Six elements:
#1 heading: MEMO OR MEMORANDUM
#2 TO: Name or position of the person you are sending
the memo to (John Smith/ Director of Purchasing). Or
name of a staff group (All staff).
#3 FROM: Name of person or department issuing the
memo.
#4 DATE: Date sent.
#5 SUBJECT: The reason you are writing the memo
(stated in a short phrase, not a sentence).
e.g. Traffic accidents, New health insurance plan,…
 #6 Content:
Follows the same pattern as the business letter( but no
salutation or complimentary close)
- Opening sentence
- Content (Details of the event: Event date, time,
location)
- Closing sentence
- May be initialed (no signature)
 MEMORANDUM
TO
FROM
DATE
SUBJECT

(body of memo: content)

Example Memo
TO Mr Eric Roberts
FROM Student’s name
DATE Date of examination
SUBJECT Carol Dando’s retirement party

Here are the details for Carol Dando’s retirement party. This will take place on 20 March at the
Crossway Hotel, starting at 7.30 pm.
It is the firm’s policy to invite all staff to these social events. It is a good opportunity for people to meet
and chat. There will be a reception followed by dinner and dancing for everyone.
We would like you, of course, to make the presentation to Carol. She has been a cheerful and reliable
worker in the firm for 30 years. Her leaving present is a DVD system, plus a cheque for $500. A short
speech praising her work for the firm will be very nice. The rest of the evening is free for dancing and
enjoying ourselves.
The timetable for the evening is as follows:
7.30 pm Reception
8.00 pm Dinner
9.00 pm Presentation
9.30 pm Dancing
 Exercise
◦ Situation: You are employed as Assistant Manager at
Sleepytime Beds Ltd. Six new employees are due to start at
Sleepytime in a week’s time, and the works manager has
promised to lead a half-day induction course a few days
before they start work.
◦ Task: Write a memo to the works manager, Enrico Celli,
reminding him of this promise. Say what usually happens on
these occasions, and suggest a suitable date, time, and
timetable for the half day.
◦ You may invent any details you think are necessary.