As a professor at State University, you have been asked to write a letter of recommendation for one of your advisees who is applying for an internship. The student is now a senior and you have known her since she was a freshman. She has taken two courses from you, and she's active in a club for which you are the faculty advisor. Which of the following would be the BEST way to begin the letter?

a. Give an overview of the student's academic achievements.

b. List specific details that you remember about the work she produced in each of the classes she took with you.

c. Make it clear that you're recommending the student for the internship and then show how well and how long you've known her.

d. Give specific reasons that she would do well in this particular internship.

I think the answer is d.

That would not be the best way to begin the letter.

Please read your text materials.

My understanding from my text materials is that I think the correct answer is b.

The best way to begin the letter of recommendation for your advisee applying for an internship would be option (c): Make it clear that you're recommending the student for the internship and then show how well and how long you've known her.

When starting a letter of recommendation, it is important to clearly state your intention to recommend the student. By making it clear that you are recommending the student, you set a positive tone from the beginning.

Additionally, it is valuable to mention how well and how long you have known the student. This establishes your credibility as someone who has a strong understanding of the student's abilities, character, and potential. It is often persuasive for the reader to know that you have a well-established relationship with the student and are speaking from personal experience.

It is still essential to provide details and specific examples of the student's qualities and achievements in the later sections of the letter, as this will support your recommendation and give the reader a better understanding of why the student is suitable for the internship.