Using Problem-Based Scenarios to Teach Writing

Please read pages 74-79 from the article, “Using Problem-Based Scenarios to Teach Writing,” by Hicks et al.  Then answer the following questions. 

1. This article provides three possible responses to Mr. Riley.  How is response #2 an improvement over response #1?  Please write two to four sentences in your response.

2. How is response #3 an improvement over both responses #1 and #2?  Does response #3 read like a “bad news” letter?  What strategy did Paula Persuader use in her response to Mr. Riley that was different from those of the two other writers?  Please write two to four sentences in your response.

3. Please describe a situation in which you had to write a message of bad news.   Without giving away names or personal information, please describe in as much detail the situation you encountered.  This could be a denial of a request from a customer, a note to a contractor that you no longer want his or her services, a message to a company indicating that you are returning a product, etc.  Did you apply any of the principles outlined in this article?  The authors in this article state that not all “bad news” situations are necessarily bad.  In Todd Riley’s situation, it was turned into an opportunity by Paula Persuader.  You might comment on whether you used this type of language in your personal situation.