The purpose of writing this memorandum was to learn the format of a common business document as well as learning to give well explained constructive criticism. This memo showcases written criticism that gives straightforward rationale for each suggestion.
MEMORANDUM
To: Noah Saini, Student of UBC ENGL 301
From: Phillip Tellier, Student of UBC ENGL 301
Date: October 4, 2021
Subject: Peer Review of Three Definitions of Hyperinflation
On September 30, you posted three definitions of hyperinflation as part of an assignment. My new assignment is to peer review the definitions to help improve your writing.
Initial Impressions:
While the information given was correct, some of the reasoning given to explain hyperinflation was incomplete, so it is more difficult to parse the meaning of the definition then it could be.
Comments about Purpose and Audience:
The introduction to the three definitions explains who the audience is and says the purpose is to “explain to large customers what is happening in the economy”. This is good except it does not explain what “large customers” are. It would be better if it included why “large customers” need to know about hyperinflation, and how this would lead them to make better decisions.
Suggestions for an Improved Explanation:
Since you can not expect that customers who read the expanded definition will have read the sentence definition, the sentence definition you have would be a good way to start off your expanded definition. Currently, the expanded definition does not begin with an explanation of what inflation is. Also, in your sentence definition, “inflation” should be defined before “hyperinflation” so that readers do not ask what “inflation” is when reading about “hyperinflation”. There are some places where reasoning is not carried all the way through. This makes it difficult for readers who are new to the concept to follow along. For instance: Why does government spending cause inflation (sentence 3)? Why does the buying of non-perishable goods by panicked consumers raise prices (sentence 8)? How does diversifying your assets protect you from inflation (sentence 12)?
Please note that the jargon “diversifying your assets” may not be familiar to all customers.
Missing Requirements for the Assignment:
- The definitions are missing in-text citations which is required for both the MLA and APA reference styles.
- At least one visual
Enclosure: Definitions of Hyperinflation