Assignment 1: Cognate Strategies In Business Writing

Essay Question

Choose 5 out of the 9 cognate strategies found in Chapter 4 that are used in business writing. Describe, these strategies in your own words, and in one well-formed paragraph each, describe how these strategies have been implemented in your own writing in the past. When coming up with examples, try to include pieces of writing that were created at work or in another business-related setting.

Prepare a two page (double-spaced) essay on this topic. Cite references to material that you use in preparing the essay, according to APA conventions.

Student X

University of the People

Cognate strategies is one of the two systems of communication, the other being rhetorical elements. Both are fundamental in developing good

The reader of your message will find it easy to interpret and fully understand your message if it’s written clearly. Therefore, avoid using inappropriate language such as jargons, slangs, clichés, and so forth, they are barriers to communication. Here is an example of one of my pieces of writing that clearly expresses and communicates my message: A banner at the entrance of Ramayana boutique reads: Attention! Attention! Do not miss out on our massive discount offer, starting 9/10/2015, women and men’s shoes - 30% discount, children’s shoes – 50% discount and hair accessories – 40%

Therefore, it calls for avoiding being too wordy, as it easily distracts the receiver or reader from your message. For example, instead of using this wordy phrase – “regardless of the fact that…….,” you can substitute it with – although – which is concise. Below is an example in business context: Following last week’s meeting, Mr. Keys and I, came to a conclusion that: all staff members must renew their membership with IHK, there will be no more salary advances, and meals and refreshments is individual responsibility, all take effect starting 1/10/2015.

Credibility: It is important that you earn the trust of the reader or receiver of your message. For example, a workmate recommended a certain dairy company to supply our company with milk for staff tea. I will quote, “For over 6 years now, I’m a happy customer of Wada dairy. They have proved to me beyond doubt, that they are the best in the milk business. The quality of their milk is unquestionable, delivery is on time, and have excellent customer care. All these strong positives give me more than enough reason to recommend it as a supplier for our company.” Kate