EXAMPLES OF UNCLEAR WRITING

Sentences taken from actual and true letters received by the local Welfare Department of Philadelphia in application for support.

1. I am forwarding my marriage certificate and six children. I had seven, but one died which was baptized on a half sheet of paper.

2. I am writing the Welfare Dept. to say that my baby was born two years old, when do I get my money?

3. Mrs. Jones has not had any clothes for a year and has been visited regularly by the clergy.

4. I cannot get sick pay, I have six children. Can you tell me why?

5. I am glad to report that my husband who is missing is dead.

6. This is my eighth child. What are you going to do about it?

7. First find out for certain if my husband is dead. The man I am now living with can't eat or do anything until he knows.

8. I am very annoyed to find you have branded my son illiterate. This is a dirty lie, as I was married a week before he was born.

9. In answer to your letter, I have given birth to a boy weighing 10. I hope this is satisfactory.

10. I am forwarding my marriage certificate and three children, one of which is a mistake as you can see.

11. My husband got his project cut off two weeks ago, and I haven't had any relief since.

12. Unless I get my husband's money pretty soon, I will be forced to live an immortal life.

13. You have changed my little boy to a girl. Will this make any difference?

14. I have no children as yet as my husband is a truck driver and works day and night.

15. In accordance with your instructions I have given birth to twins in the enclosed envelope.

16. I want my money as quickly as I can get it. I have been in bed with the doctor for two weeks and he doesn't do me any good. If things don't improve I will have to send for another doctor.

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