Final answer:
An administrative assistant writing to request payment of an overdue bill is employing business writing, which is clear, concise, and used in formal communication. Business letters should start with the intended purpose and be supported with facts, finishing with a summarizing conclusion. They are useful in a variety of professional contexts, such as job applications, political advocacy, and inter-company communications.
Step-by-step explanation:
Business writing is essential when conducting formal correspondence with companies, institutions, or politicians. For instance, if an administrative assistant needs to request payment of an overdue bill from a patient, a business letter is the appropriate way to communicate this professionally. Business letters must be clear, concise, and direct, ensuring the message comes across effectively. Writing such letters involves including the letter's purpose in the first paragraph and supporting facts in subsequent paragraphs, before concluding with a restatement of the purpose.
For example, when writing to a local politician to advocate for school or community changes, the letter should articulate the concern or proposal, such as increased library funding or a community clean-up project. Similarly, detecting an overpayment, as Noel did, requires clear communication with the billing department, which could be done formally through a business letter if needed. Practicing good business writing can also help with generating stand-out cover letters and resumes for job applications or compelling college application essays.