This booklet provides guidelines to produce effective, responsive business letter writing, which promotes public relations, gives plain answers to questions, clearly states requests for additional information, and increases office efficiency and economy. Four major characteristics of such letters are discussed: (1) brevity and the avoidance of needless words and information; (2) the use of plain, everyday language, which means letter writers must possess a thorough understanding of the subject so that they can confidently use nontechnical language in place of specialized terms; (3) strength, which requires the use of concrete, specific words and a logical organization of ideas; and (4) sensitivity, which calls for a human, personal approach. Specific examples of phrases and words to be avoided are included as well as simple paraphrases to substitute for awkward, wordy, or technical terminology. Methods for planning and organizing a business reply are outlined, stressing the importance of its three main components: the opening, which should immediately stimulate the reader's interest; the body, which should contain the progression of thought necessary for a complete answer; and the closing, which should summarize the contents and propose any recommendations. (ELG)