functional writing
 : Fax Message
 860k
Approach: Station                                                                                                               Level: Year 4 and year 8
Resources: Fax message received and blank copy reply form.


From: Pat Dodds
      16 South Road, Nelson,
      Fax number: 03 456 123

To:   Year 8 Class
      Newtime School
      Fax number: 02 987 654

Date:  1 August 1998

Dear Year 8 Class,

Next year I will be going to your school.
Could you please send me the following information:
    The time when your school starts and finishes each day.
    Does your school have a uniform?
    What sports and activities are most popular?
Please fax me back.

Thanks,

Pat Dodds
Fax Message
Questions / instructions:
Look at the fax message. Imagine that you are at Newtime School and that your class has been sent this fax. Write a reply to the fax, using the special fax form on the next page.
  % responses
y4
y8

Aspects included:

 
appropriate salutation
welcoming comment
school start time
school finish time
school uniform needed ?
extra details on uniform
popular sports & activities
[popular sports only] 
48
18
57
56
62
12
8
37
80
55
83
80
77
39
15
55

Appropriate ending e.g. name
From: year 8 class
individual
To: Pat Dodd
Date: indicated

47
24
55
65
89
79
61
36
86
96

Commentary:
 On average, about 25 percent more year 8 than year 4 students included each of the listed features. The largest differences occurred on features which made the message more personal and welcoming.

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