A policy memo is a document that gives analysis and/or suggestions for a specific audience about a specific situation or problem. A well-written policy memo demonstrates purposefulness, organization, and a clear, succinct language. It should be written such that it achieves its purpose without boring or irritating the reader. The goal of a good policy memo is to make others think and act. The best memos do this by clearly stating the problem or issue, explaining why it is important, offering many possible solutions, and finally making a choice on what action should be taken. A good memo should be no longer than one page. However, a two-page memo provides more detail and is therefore better. Longer memos are difficult to read and understand; they also tend to be more detailed which may not be necessary if the issue at hand can be explained in a few short paragraphs. It is important to know what type of memo you are writing before beginning. There are four types of memos: analytical, factual, procedural, and strategic. Analytical memos summarize information from other sources to help readers understand a situation or problem within their organization. They identify issues affecting the organization's success and explain how those issues have been dealt with in past situations similarly situated.