TO THE ISSUE OF DEVELOPMENT OF STUDENTS’ BUSINESS LETTER WRITING SKILLS

The article focuses on the main aspects the students should be taught to acquire the skills of business letters writing in English, as well as the peculiarities of the style of business letters that should be explained to students to give them clear understanding of this way of business communication. In order to communicate effectively in written English, a person must not only possess a good understanding of the English lexicon and related syntactical structures and rules but also be able to use the appropriate lexical and syntactic structure in particular types of written business correspondence. The requirements to foreign language proficiency are significantly changing today, the practical skills of using business language in oral and written language, the ability to use a foreign language in professional activity are becoming more and more important. It is stated that since English has acquired the status of the language of international business communication, the development of business letter writing skills can hardly be overestimated. In the article the role of business correspondence, as well as its structure, main qualities and style of presentation are defined. Business letters are defined as a media or means through which views are expressed and ideas or information is communicated in writing in the process of business activities. Students in their future business activity will have to write letters seeking information about availability of goods, services, their price, quality, offering some products, placing orders for purchase of goods, looking for a job, etc. In order to write business letter successfully, the author should be aware of the peculiarities of its content, structure and style. It is stated that in the process of teaching the general features of business correspondence should be explained to students. The style and the language of business letter are its most important components, as through them the main purpose of the letter is fulfilled - bringing the information to the recipient that would cause a reaction and result. The process of teaching should be organized in the way students are able to work out all the necessary material and to learn the necessary skills of writing business letters. First of all, the samples of different types of business letters should be represented to students, theoretical and practical recommendations for their use should be given. The article emphasizes that business letters provide conditions for the development of students' thinking, contribute to forming certain skills of oral and written speech in the sphere of business.