“To Say or Not to Say”

Write a memo to Rita (from the “To Say or Not to Say” case posted under documents tab) conforming to the parameters given below and submit it using this link by the start of class Monday.

• Presume that you are a 3rd party consultant hired by Rita to write this memo advising her. She has asked for advice on what she should do.
• Your memo should be a complete argument. A memo that advises a course of action that would not resolve her ultimate dilemma is incomplete.
• Maximum of 600 words, excluding headers/footers.
• Consult the structure notes provided below.

Here is a template for structuring this memo. The template is very specific for the intro paragraph and you should precisely follow it when writing your memo. The rest of the template is less specific and has more room for you to do what you think is best.

• Introduction Paragraph
  • In a single sentence, plainly state the problem that is being addressed by the memo
  • In a single sentence, clearly identify each of the viable choices she has
  • In a single sentence articulate what her goal is (i.e. what is the criteria by which she should make the choice)
  • In a single sentence, explicitly state which of the viable choices you recommend she do and briefly state why. (think of the why here as an explanation of how the choice recommended connects with the goal stated)
• Body paragraph 1
  • Start with a single topic sentence that conveys your overall assessment of one of the choices identified in your introduction paragraph
  • Prove the overall assessment in the topic sentence correct in the remainder of the paragraph, providing evidence where appropriate
• Body paragraph 2
  • Repeat body paragraph 1 for the other choice identified in your introduction paragraph
• Additional body paragraphs
  • Add body paragraphs as needed depending on the choices you presented in the introduction paragraph. Keep this in mind before starting the memo- each choice presented mandates its own assessment in the body of the memo. If you think strategically enough, you can cover your bases with only two choices presented. You should not present more than 3 choices.
• Conclusion
  • This can be very short. Even a single sentence to wrap your memo up can be appropriate.