Asking for instructions is a common style in legal official documents, and it is also an upward official document with a wide range of applications and high frequency, and it is also a more difficult style. One of the main tasks of secretarial work is writing, and asking for instructions is one of the writing problems. This article provides you with basic guidance on writing for reference only.

(1) Meaning, function and nature

"Request for instructions" is an official document style "for requesting instructions and approval from higher authorities". Asking for instructions is an upward document written by the lower authorities to the higher authorities and the abundant management departments, which is used by the party and government, organizations, enterprises and institutions. Designed to request approval or instructions for legal action, thus embodying the leadership relationship and implementing superior leadership.

(II) Use and category of "asking for instructions"

The lower authorities should handle the problems already stipulated in the principles and policies of the higher authorities without asking for instructions within the established terms of reference. Need to use "request for instructions", or there are unclear, unclear or even inappropriate issues in relevant laws and policies; New problems or special circumstances that are difficult to deal with according to the original regulations have occurred in this organ's system, or it is difficult to implement the unified regulations due to the specific conditions of this region and this department, and the requirements for the use of new tasks and other funds are required. Commonly used are the following:

1. Suggestions for instructions. When a problem is found that involves the overall situation and is beyond the scope of authority of this organ, it is suggested to the superior for approval or approval.

2. Ask for approval. Where the implementation requires the approval of the superior or involves the problem that the organ has no right to solve, it requests approval.

3. Ask for help. Ask the superior for help when you encounter problems that you can't solve but need to be solved or the masses demand to be solved.

4. discuss asking for instructions. For superior decisions and documents, it is requested to reconsider the decision from the reality, or the content of the request has universal significance and requests for approval.

(III) Format and writing

The format and characteristics of "request for instructions" are as follows: the title must be written with "request for instructions", the reasons should be summarized accurately, and the issuing unit can write it on the title or sign it at the back of the text without writing it. Under the heading and before the text, the name of the unit or competent leader who accepts the request should be written in the top box. The text should come straight to the point and write the reasons for asking for instructions, and then focus on writing the questions for instructions (the order can also be reversed); From the content point of view, we should pay attention to put forward opinions for the superior to judge and choose. After the text, a separate page should be set up, indicating the request for instructions, such as "please approve", "please review instructions" and "hope to reply as soon as possible"; You can also request to forward to what range for execution or refer to execution. Finally, sign the name of the organization or the name of the leader at the bottom right, and write the date below.

The writing of instructions is similar to that of "report" in terms of words and structure, and it is easy to be confused because it used to be two kinds of the same category, so it must be prevented. First, the title should not be written as "request for instructions"; Second, don't include instructions in the "report" and other non-instruction documents (except for the report that says "please indicate whether the above report is appropriate"); Third, you must ask for instructions in advance, and you can't "act first and then act" like a summary report; Fourth, we must ask for instructions one by one, and we must not mix many things together like a comprehensive report; Fifth, it is necessary to ask the competent department for instructions, not to go beyond the level and not to ask for instructions from many parties. If it is a unit under dual leadership or involves several units or leaders, it is necessary to specify the main sending organ and the cc organ, and the main sending organ is responsible for solving or replying, and cc the relevant organs and leaders to make them know; Sixth, when the request involves the business scope of other departments, it should be reported after reaching an agreement through consultation. If it fails to reach an agreement, it should be clearly stated in the "Request for Instructions". Several agencies have the same thing to ask for instructions. If they want to work together, they will sign and print the newspaper.

(4) Analysis of Examples

Request for instructions 1:

Request from the State Administration for Industry and Commerce on gradually implementing the model system of economic contracts throughout the country

the State Council:

Since the implementation of the Economic Contract Law of the People's Republic of China in 1982, economic contracts have been widely used in China's urban and rural economic life. In recent years, more than 711 million written economic contracts have been signed every year in China, and the economic contract system is playing an increasingly important role in China's socialist planned commodity economy. However, many years of practice have also exposed some problems in signing economic contracts, mainly because the economic contracts signed by some parties are not standardized, the terms are incomplete, and there are many loopholes and problems, which bring great difficulties to the performance of economic contracts. The result not only affects the performance rate of economic contracts, but also leads to the increase of contract disputes and the difficulty of solving economic disputes.

there are many reasons for the above problems, among which the most important one is the lack of standardized and effective guidance and management of economic contract texts. In recent years, the contract management organs of some provinces and cities have adopted the practice of formulating a unified contract text to guide the parties to sign economic contracts correctly, which has received positive results. According to the survey, unifying the text of economic contracts not only strengthens the management of economic contracts, but also is widely welcomed by the parties to economic contracts. In order to further implement the policy of rectification and deepening reform, improve the economic contract system, standardize the behavior of the parties to the contract, and maintain the normal economic order, we propose to gradually implement the model text system of economic contracts throughout the country, that is, to formulate standardized and guiding texts on the main clauses and styles of various economic contracts, actively advocate and publicize them throughout the country, and gradually guide the parties to adopt them when signing economic contracts, so as to realize the standardization of signing economic contracts. We believe that the implementation of this system will, on the one hand, help the parties to understand and master the relevant laws and regulations, standardize the signing of economic contracts, avoid the lack of funds and items and the untrue and inaccurate expression of the parties' will, and prevent the emergence of obviously unfair and illegal clauses; On the other hand, it is convenient for contract management organs to strengthen supervision and inspection, and it is beneficial for contract arbitration organs and people's courts to solve contract disputes in time, protect the legitimate rights and interests of the parties and safeguard the interests of the state and society.

the gradual implementation of the model text system of economic contracts throughout the country is an important measure to implement the Economic Contract Law of the People's Republic of China and improve the management of economic contracts. It is also a major event related to the vast number of enterprises and parties involved in various economic activities, so as to be prudent and safe. Therefore, since 1986, according to the provisions of the Economic Contract Law of the People's Republic of China and relevant laws and regulations, we have successively designed several contract texts, worked out implementation methods and plans, and solicited the opinions of relevant competent departments and local industrial and commercial administrations. After revision and enrichment, we have initially formed a set of model texts and draft management measures for economic contracts. Other related preparations are also under way. The conditions for gradually implementing the model text system of economic contracts have been initially met, and it is feasible to carry out this work in time. To this end, we suggest:

First, unify the formulation of the model text of economic contracts. The State Administration for Industry and Commerce and local administrations for industry and commerce at all levels, as the functional departments for the management of economic contracts, are responsible for the management of demonstration texts of economic contracts, and formulate various demonstration texts of economic contracts in accordance with the principle of unified leadership and division of responsibilities. The specific division of labor is as follows:

1. Model texts of purchase and sale contracts, construction project contracts, processing contracts, property lease contracts and warehousing contracts shall be formulated by the State Administration for Industry and Commerce and relevant competent departments of the State Council.

2. Model texts of loan contracts, property insurance contracts, cargo transportation contracts and contracts for the supply and use of electricity, water, heat and gas shall be respectively formulated by the relevant competent business departments in the State Council according to the Economic Contract Law of the People's Republic of China and its relevant laws and regulations, and submitted to the State Administration for Industry and Commerce for the record. Among them, the text of a standard contract (that is, a contract in which the rights and obligations of the parties to the contract have been determined and included) can still be implemented according to the prescribed management measures.

second, unify the printing of demonstration texts of economic contracts. The administrative departments for industry and commerce at all levels and the relevant competent departments shall, in accordance with the division of labor, do a good job in the printing management of demonstration texts of economic contracts, designate printing enterprises to undertake it, and be responsible for supervising the production. Printing enterprises shall print in accordance with the format and content of the model text formulated and provided by the State Administration for Industry and Commerce and the relevant competent departments of the State Council.

third, do a good job in distributing the model text of the economic contract for the convenience of the parties. After the implementation of the model text system of economic contracts, the text of economic contracts used by the parties can be obtained from the local administrative department for industry and commerce or the competent business department at any time, or in batches on a regular basis. The administrative department for industry and commerce and the relevant competent business departments shall collect the fee, and the charging standard shall be formulated jointly with the price management authorities. If it is inconvenient to collect it at one time, the parties are allowed to print and use it by themselves in accordance with the model text formulated by the state.

4. Carry out extensive publicity and education, actively advocate and guide enterprises and other parties to adopt the model text of economic contracts uniformly formulated and printed by the state. We should conscientiously do a good job in propaganda and education for the implementation of this system, train grassroots cadres and relevant personnel of enterprises, make economic contract managers familiar with this system, and make the parties to economic contracts understand and master the use methods and precautions of the model text. At the same time, in the implementation steps, we should be active and steady, and do not engage in coercive orders and "one size fits all." For some economic activities with special requirements, the parties to the contract are allowed to use the self-made contract text or handwritten (handwritten) contract text. The existing contract text should be used as much as possible if it can continue to be used to reduce unnecessary losses.

5. The State Administration for Industry and Commerce shall be responsible for formulating measures for the administration of model texts of economic contracts; The State Administration for Industry and Commerce shall be responsible for organizing and coordinating the implementation preparation and deployment. The model text system of economic contract is planned to be gradually implemented in the whole country from October 1 this year.

VI. Implementing the model text system of economic contracts is a new task. It is planned to invite local people's governments at all levels and relevant departments in the State Council to actively assist and cooperate with the administrative authorities for industry and commerce in the formulation, printing, distribution, collection and management of the model text, extensively carry out study, publicity and education, seriously organize its implementation, pay attention to summing up experience and constantly improve it, so that this system can play its due positive role.

if there is nothing wrong with the above, please forward it to all regions and departments for implementation.

State Administration for Industry and Commerce

February 6, 1991

Brief analysis:

Example 1 is a request for advice, requesting approval and implementation. The title is complete in three parts, with detailed reasons. The text under the head is divided into two parts except the end. The first three paragraphs are the motivation, including the basis and explanation. The first paragraph outlines the signing of economic contracts since the implementation of the Economic Contract Law, which definitely plays a great role, and points out that there are some problems such as irregularities, so it is unnecessary to implement the model text system if both are missing. On the basis of the situation, the second paragraph points out that the reason of the problem is the lack of standardized management of contract texts, and proves it with the good effect of provinces and cities that have formulated unified texts, and leads to the suggestion of implementing the model text system of economic contracts throughout the country, and then defines its scientific meaning and explains its necessity. The third paragraph reports the formation process of the model text and implementation methods, indicating that it is prepared and mature. At this point, the basis, necessity, function and possibility are all laid out. The latter part summarizes the specific contents of the proposed text demonstration in six articles: first, the formulation and management of the division of labor; second, printing; third, distribution; fourth, publicity and advocacy; fifth, the formulation and implementation coordination of management measures and the implementation date; and sixth, the assistance of relevant departments. The last part is the request for approval and implementation. Finally, the signature and date. A complicated problem, written in 2,111 words, is well organized and worth pondering.

Request for instructions Example 2:

Request for instructions on establishing a friendship port relationship between Ningbo Port and Shimizu Port in Japan

the State Council:

In September 1984, Shizuoka Prefecture Governor Keizaburo Yamamoto proposed that Shimizu Port in this county would like to establish a friendship port relationship with Ningbo Port when meeting with a transportation delegation from _ _ _ _ _. Since then, the chairman of Shizuoka Japan-China Friendship Association, Guangyi Inoue, and the director of Shimizu Harbor Bureau, Minjie Xiaoshan, have repeatedly proposed to establish friendly port relations with Ningbo Port. Shizuoka Prefecture also sent people to _ _ province to talk about this matter. _ _ province and Shizuoka Prefecture established friendly provincial and county relations in 1982.

__ city is one of the 14 port cities open to the outside world in China, and Ningbo Port is the largest coastal port in _ _ province, which has not yet established friendly port relations with foreign ports. In order to develop economic and technological exchanges between China and Japan and friendly exchanges between ports, and promote the development of shipping, we intend to agree to establish friendly relations between Ningbo Port and Qingshui Port. The Agreement on Establishing Friendly Port Relations between Ningbo Port of the People's Republic of China and Shimizu Port of Japan (Chinese draft) is attached. The agreement was reached through consultation between China and Japan, and it is planned to be formally signed by the port (bay) bureau directors of both sides in the second half of 1986. If there is no change in principle to the draft agreement during the negotiation, it will not be asked for instructions.

if no, please give instructions.

Attachment: Agreement between the People's Republic of China * * * and Ningbo Port of China and Shimizu Port of Japan (Chinese draft)

Communication Department

__ Provincial People's Government

Analysis on June 25th, 1986:

Example 2 is a joint request for approval and submitted to the State Council, with the issuers of the two units indicated at the beginning. Three paragraphs of the text. The first paragraph is the motivation, writing the reasons for asking for the establishment of a friendly port relationship, which is well written; In the second paragraph, I put forward my own proposal (proposed agreement, practice and schedule) after a brief explanation; At the end of the third paragraph, there is only one sentence "If no, please give instructions", which is the requirement of "asking for instructions". Indicate the attachment before signing. Because since the opening to the outside world, there have been many similar situations, which need not be discussed and explained in detail. This kind of official documents only need to be able to handle affairs effectively. This article is written in detail and appropriately, without wearing boots and hats and empty words, which is standardized and clean.

Request for instructions Example 3:

_ _ Request for instructions from the provincial people's government on the allocation of relief funds and materials in case of floods and droughts

the State Council:

Since June this year, the weather in our province has been abnormal, with torrential rains in southern areas, flash floods in mountainous areas and waterlogging in some plain lakes; Severe drought has occurred in the northern region, and large-scale landslides, strong winds and hail have also appeared in some parts of Yichang, Yunyang, Ezhou, Xiaogan and other cities, forming a situation of multiple disasters, which has brought serious disasters to people's lives and property and industrial and agricultural production, causing serious losses. According to incomplete statistics, 44 counties and cities and 775 towns and villages in the province were affected by disasters, with more than 11 million people affected and more than 6 million people affected by disasters. The affected area of crops is more than 17 million mu, causing disasters of more than 5 million mu, with no harvest of more than 1 million mu, grain loss of more than 511 million kilograms, 71,111 houses flooded, more than 31,111 houses collapsed and more than 91,111 houses were damaged. Forty-six thousand people were trapped by water, and more than 21 thousand victims were transferred, and 811 thousand people were short of food because of early rice washing; Fifty-six people died as a result of the disaster, and 718 people were seriously injured and hospitalized; More than 111,111 mu of cultivated land was washed away, more than 3,711 roads were washed away, with 171,111 meters, 839 bridges, more than 1,611 culverts and more than 6,111 channels.