Submit a short discussion memo (three pages) that analyzes the topic as well connects history and contemporary issues. The discussion memo and feedback paper should be Standard 1-inch margins, 12-point font, double spaced writing, free of grammatical and spelling errors. Appropriate use of varied references is required; this includes interviews, newspaper, magazines and books (Chicago / MLA). Papers will be subject to checks for plagiarism. 

How to Write an Effective Memo

Memo (short for memorandum) is a business-oriented style that is best suited for interoffice or intercolleague correspondence. More informal in tone and organization than a letter, memos are generally used to provide or ask for information, announce a new policy, update on personnel transfers, or for any other internal issues.

Elements of an Effective Memo

An effective memo:

•   grabs the reader’s attention
•   provides information, makes a recommendation, or asks for action
•   supports your position or explains benefits to reader
•   mentions next steps and deadlines
  When composing a memo, always take the four-step approach to writing: plan what you want to say, write a draft, revise the draft, and edit.
  Types of Memos
  There are four types of memos you might have to write, each with its own organizational format: information, problem-solving, persuasion, and internal memo proposal.
  Information Memo
•   used to deliver or request information or assistance
•   first paragraph provides main idea
•   second paragraph expands on the details
•   third paragraph outlines the action required
  Problem-solving Memo
•   suggests a specific action to improve a situation
•   first paragraph states the problem
•   second paragraph analyzes the problem
•   third paragraph makes a recommendation
•   when making a recommendation, include not only the positive details but also the drawbacks and diffuse them yourself
  Persuasion Memo
•   used to encourage the reader to undertake an action he or she doesn’t have to take
•   first paragraph begins with an agreeable point
•   second paragraph introduces the idea
•   third paragraph states benefits to the reader

 fourth paragraph outlines the action required fifth paragraph ends with a call to action

Internal Memo Proposal

•   used to convey suggestions to senior management
•   first paragraph states reason for writing
•   second paragraph outlines present situation and states writer’s
  proposal
•   third paragraph describes advantage(s)
•   fourth paragraph mentions and diffuses disadvantage(s)
•   fifth paragraph ends with a call to action
  Memo Parts
  More informal in appearance and tone than a letter, a memo is set up in a special format. Headings, lists, tables or graphs are often used to make the information more readable.
  All memos consist of two sections: the heading and the body. The heading indicates who is writing to whom, when, and why. The heading should include the following parts:
  1. To
•   lists the names of everyone who will receive the memo
•   includes the first and last name and titles or departments of the
  recipients for formal memos, memos to superiors, or if everyone
  on the list does not know each other
•   if all recipients know each other’s names and positions, use just
  the first initial and last name of each recipient
•   can be listed alphabetically or by rank
•   if it is not possible to fit all the names in the To: area, use the
  phrase “See distribution list”
•   at the end of the memo add the word “Distribution” and then list
  the names of the people who will receive a copy of the memo
•   arrange the names by rank, department or alphabetically
  2. From
•   lists the name of the writer(s) in the same way as the name(s) of the recipient(s)
•   there is no complimentary close or signature line, but authors initial their names on the From: line
  3. Date
•   lists the month, date, and year the memo was written
•   do not use abbreviations
•   avoid using numbers for months and days

4. Re: or Subject

•   indicates the main subject of the letter
•   should be as specific and concise as possible 5. Ccorc
•   lists those readers who should have a copy of the memo for their information or reference but are not expected to carry out the same action as the recipients listed in the To: line
•   “cc” can also be placed at the end of the memo below the distribution list (if used)
  The body of the memo conveys the message and generally consists of 4 parts:
  1. Introduction

 states the general problem or main idea

2. Statement of facts
 states the facts or discusses the problem or issue

3. Argument
 explains importance or relevance of facts

4. Conclusion

•   summarizes the main idea, suggests or requests action
•   memos do not have a complimentary close or signature line
•   memos end with a call to action