What should determine how short memos are written?

• A. The memo's title
• B. Their appearance in the text
• C. The date
• D. The recipient's department

Answer: (B)

Short memos should be as brief as needed to fit naturally in the text and still convey the message clearly. The amount of detail you include is driven by how the memo appears within the document or email—the reading context and the need for quick skimming. If it sits inside a larger report or thread, keep it tight so readers can grasp the purpose, requested action, and any deadlines at a glance. If it’s a standalone memo, you can add a bit more context, but the aim remains brevity and relevance. The title, date, and recipient’s department don’t determine length; those elements are metadata or audience notes, while the actual length should suit the placement and the information required to communicate the point effectively.