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TO: TCC 315: Invention and Design
FROM: Gorman, Richards, and Scherer
RE: Proper Format for the Standard 1-Page Memo on Weekly Readings
DATE: 10 February 1996

This is a typical example of the standard memo. One should assume that we have read the assigned reading(s) and have a copy at hand. Thus the standard memo is not designed to be a precis or a summary. Rather, we want an analysis of the document(s). Please seek and give a key sentence (or concept). This is a single sentence (or concept) that conveys the author's message. Comment on whether the sentence (concept) is good, bad or indifferent and why. This can be done by comparing it to other material on the subject.

A general problem that occurs to memo writers is to find a structure for their document that will ensure a complete treatment. Random jotting of ideas as they occur to you really isn't good enough. Two general approaches to structuring your document may be appropriate. First, one might analyze the target document(s), sentence by sentence or paragraph by paragraph and then move on to some general comments and overall observations (bottom-up). The second approach might be to apply the steps of systems analysis, specifically goal development (top-down).

Your goal is to capture the essence of the authorŐs message and to establish his/her position in the assigned reading with respect to the previous literature and its contribution to the field. Thus your informed judgment is sought rather than merely a neutral abstract.

Give complete references for the assignment and any other material you may choose to cite. Use only one side of the paper and memorandums must be typed. Brevity is desirable, but your analysis should be definitive.