Business Correspondence in English:

Samples and Tasks

Business Correspondence in English: Samples and Tasks

 КАРЕЛЬСКИЙ ФИЛИАЛ
ФЕДЕРАЛЬНОГО ГОСУДАРСТВЕННОГО БЮДЖЕТНОГО
ОБРАЗОВАТЕЛЬНОГО УЧРЕЖДЕНИЯ
ВЫСШЕГО ОБРАЗОВАНИЯ
«РОССИЙСКАЯ АКАДЕМИЯ НАРОДНОГО ХОЗЯЙСТВА
И ГОСУДАРСТВЕННОЙ СЛУЖБЫ
ПРИ ПРЕЗИДЕНТЕ РОССИЙСКОЙ ФЕДЕРАЦИИ»

Business Correspondence in English:

Samples and Tasks

Учебное пособие
по ведению деловой переписки
на английском языке

Петрозаводск
2019
УДК 811.111(075.8)
ББК 81.2Англ-923
В97
Рецензенты:
В.О. Павлов, кандидат филологических наук,
доцент кафедры иностранных языков Карельского филиала ФГБОУ ВО
«Российская академия народного хозяйства
и государственной службы при Президенте Российской Федерации»
Т.М. Татарина, кандидат педагогических наук,
доцент кафедры иностранных языков гуманитарных направлений ФГБОУ ВО
«Петрозаводский государственный университет»
Авторы-составители:
М.Н. Горанская, кандидат педагогических наук, доцент,
доцент кафедры иностранных языков Карельского филиала ФГБОУ ВО
«Российская академия народного хозяйства
и государственной службы при Президенте Российской Федерации»
Е.Г. Васильева, кандидат филологических наук, доцент,
заведующий кафедрой иностранных языков Карельского филиала ФГБОУ ВО
«Российская академия народного хозяйства и государственной службы
при Президенте Российской Федерации»
Р.Г. Головчанская, старший преподаватель кафедры иностранных языков
Карельского филиала ФГБОУ ВО «Российская академия народного хозяйства
и государственной службы при Президенте Российской Федерации»

Business Correspondence in English: Samples and Tasks : учеб-

В97 ное пособие по ведению деловой переписки на английском языке /
[авт.-сост.: М.Н. Горанская, Е.Г. Васильева, Р.Г. Головчанская];
Карельский филиал РАНХиГС. – Петрозаводск : КарНЦ РАН,
2019. – 171 с.
ISBN 978-5-9274-0857-3
Учебное пособие «Business Correspondence in English: Samples and
Tasks» предназначено студентам неязыковых направлений, изучаю-
щим английский язык. Цель пособия – развитие у студентов умений
письменной речи на английском языке в рамках разговорного и офи-
циально-делового стилей.
УДК 811.111(075.8)
ББК 81.2Англ-923

ISBN 978-5-9274-0857-3 © Карельский филиал РАНХиГС, 2019

© ФИЦ «Карельский научный центр РАН», 2019
 Contents
Foreword ………………………………………………………………. 4
1. Correspondence at university ……………………………………... 6
1.1 Business card ……………………………………………….. 6
1.2 Envelope ……………………………………………………. 7
1.3 Informal e-mail / letter ……………………………………… 9
1.4 Letter of request …………………………………………….. 20
1.5 Letter giving information …………………………………… 28
1.6 Letter of application to a university (motivation letter) …….. 37
1.7 Application form ……………………………………………. 44
2. Correspondence for job-hunting ………………………………….. 51
2.1 Cover letter (letter of application for a job) ………………… 51
2.2 Resume (CV / curriculum vitae) ……………………………. 62
2.3 Letter asking for a reference ………………………………... 74
2.4 Reference letter ……………………………………………... 78
2.5 Follow-up letter …………………………………………….. 86
3. Correspondence at work …………………………………………… 93
3.1 Letter of enquiry ……………………………………………. 93
3.2 Letter of offer ………………………………………………. 103
3.3 Letter of confirmation ………………………………………. 108
3.4 Letter of refusal ……………………………………………... 111
3.5 Letter of complaint ………………………………………….. 113
3.6 Letter of apology ……………………………………………. 121
3.7 Letter of reminder …………………………………………... 128
3.8 Letter of invitation ………………………………………….. 131
3.9 Letter of thanks ……………………………………………... 135
3.10 Letter of congratulations …………………………………... 143
3.11 Memo ……………………………………………………… 147
4. Attachments ………………………………………………………… 153
4.1 Types of documents ………………………………………… 153
4.2 Dates in English …………………………………………….. 154
4.3 Punctuation and typographic marks ………………………… 155
4.4 Linking words and phrases …………………………………. 156
5. Keys …………………………………………………………………. 160
Resources ……………………………………………………………… 170
3
 Foreword

Business letters and personal letters are two types of letters. For
all official and formal situations you write business letters,
whereas letters written to friends, relatives and acquaintances are
personal letters. Both follow the same format, the difference is
only in the language used for writing. In business letters formal
language is used.
People write business letters and e-mails for a variety of reasons: to
request, to give information, to apply for admission or a job, to offer,
to confirm, to refuse, to complain, to apologize, etc.
Effective business correspondence should be clear and concise,
respectful in tone, and it should be formatted properly. The purpose
of writing a letter should be given in the first paragraph. Give
enough information about the main idea but be specific.
Professionals do not have time to read lengthy letters, so keep the
letters as short as possible.
A typical business letter contains three parts: an introduction, the
body, and a conclusion. The following guide gives the phrases that are
usually found in any standard business letter.

The start
Dear Sir or Madam, / Dear Personnel Director, (if you do not know
who you are writing to)
Dear Dr, Mr, Mrs, Miss or Ms Smith, (if you know who you are
writing to and have a formal relationship with him/her. It is very
important to use Ms for women unless asked to use Mrs or Miss).
Dear Frank, (if the person is a close business contact or friend).

The reference
With reference to your advertisement in The Times / your letter of
23rd March / your phone call today / Thank you for your letter of
March 5th.

The reason for writing

I am writing to enquire about … / to apologize for … / to confirm …

4
 Requesting
Could you possibly …? / I would be grateful if you could …

Agreeing to requests
I would be delighted to …

Giving bad news

Unfortunately, … / I am afraid that …

Enclosing documents
I am enclosing …/ Please find attached … / Enclosed you will find …

Closing remarks
Thank you for your help.
Please contact us again if we can help in any way / if there are any
problems / if you have any questions.

Reference to future contact

I look forward to hearing from you soon / meeting you next
Tuesday / seeing you next Thursday.

The finish
Yours faithfully, … (if you do not know the name of the person
you are writing to)
Yours sincerely, … (if you know the name of the person you are
writing to)
Best wishes, … / Best regards, … (if the person is a close business
contact or friend).

The business letter has to convey the message to the reader

effectively. Here, in this guide, you will get samples of business letters
and tips on how to write them. Use the formats and modify the content
as per your needs.
 1. Correspondence at university

1.1 Business card

Sample

CHEMA Y PUNTO SA Business Systems

BSCS
Consultancy Services
MARGARITA VIDAL
ROMERO DALE CROSBY
Public Relations Officer VICE PRESIDENT
1049 DERWENT DRIVE
AV CORRIENTES 1048 SANTA BARBARA,
1464 BUENOS AIRES, CALIFORNIA
ARGENTINA

Tel: +54-(0)11-4314-2687 Tel: 805-963-9171

Mob: +54-911-435-1214 Cell: 805-962-8593
E-mail: MVRomero@Chema.ar E-mail: Dale.Crosby@BSCS.com

Tasks NIHON INFORMALINK KK

► 1. Study the business cards Noburo Yaegashi

of the people visiting your Sales Representative
university today. Ask and
answer the questions about Informalink BLDG
them: 2-4-8 Kaname-cho
a) What is his/her name? Toshima-ku
b) Who does he/she work for? Tokyo 171-0034
c) Where does he/she work?
Telephone: +81-(0)3 5995 3801/4
d) What is his/her position in the Cell phone: +81-(0)3 5995 3919
company? E-mail:
e) What is his/her e-mail address n.yaegashi@nihoninformalink.jp
and telephone number?

6
► 2. Match each symbol (1 – 6) with its name (a – f):
1. @ 2. . 3. _ 4. – 5. / 6. \
a) underscore b) hyphen c) forward slash d) dot e) at f) backslash

► 3. Read the e-mail and web addresses below:

a) gbrent39@attcanada.net e) www.glf.com/products
b) sales@taylormills.co.uk f) Mary-Ann.Parker@copeland.org.uk
c) bendmurphy@hotmail.com g) a_sanches@central.unav.es
d) natalie.omar@planet.nl h) www.lotushotel/reservations

1.2 Envelope
Sample

Ms Eleanor R. Fleming From sender

Moonlight & Sunset Ltd. (return address)
49 Shasta Avenue
London NW 2 2LK
Great Britain To addressee
(mailing address)
Alexander Smirnov
15 Pushkin Street, Apt. 18
Moscow
Russia 105005

7
 Tasks
► 1. What does the information listed mean?

St. Lewis Power Company

7391 North 82 Road
(1) Brandsfolk (2) RK 7005
(3) Ms Joan Tailer
Director of Supply
(4) Dorstein Printing Company
749 (5) Mashles Road
Dorstein (6) WS 84920

a) the street name in the mailing address

b) the ZIP code in the mailing address
c) the addressee
d) the town the letter comes from
e) the addressee’s company name
f) the ZIP code in the return address

► 2. Write the postal address of the International Strategy Office

of Oxford University in the proper way (1 – 6):
a) OX1 2JD b) International Strategy c)Wellington Square
d) University Offices e) the UK f) Oxford

► 3. You would like to get some information concerning the

process of application to Oxford. Complete the envelope with your
own address (you are the sender of the letter) and the postal
address of the International Strategy Office of Oxford University.

8
 1.3 Informal e-mail / letter
Sample

Date

Dear Helen,

How are you? Sorry I haven’t written sooner, but I’ve been really
busy with my summer job here in London. Anyway, I thought
I’d drop you a line and tell you all about it.

As you know, I’m working as a tour guide for a company called

“Star Travel.” My job is to look after the people who come on
the tour bus and tell them about the history of the places we visit.
The company gave me all the information I needed, but I had to
study very hard to learn it. Now I’m an expert on all the main
London sights like St Paul’s, the Houses of Parliament and the
Tower of London. So, if you want to know anything, I’m the
person to ask!

What I like most about the job is meeting people from all over
the world. So far I’ve met people from America, Africa and New
Zealand. I’ve even been out in the evenings with some of the
new friends I’ve made.

The only thing I don’t really like about the job is having to get
up at six o’clock every morning in time to greet people as they
arrive. You know how I hate getting up early!

Anyway, I must close now. I hope your family are well. Write
back soon and tell me all your news.

Love,
Molly

9
 Tasks

► 1. Kelly sent an e-mail to her old friend Grace. Complete it

with the phrases below:
a) There’s another d) I really hope you are g) As you know,
reason I wanted to get well! h) Lots of love,
in touch. e) P.S. You can see some i) I want to hear
b) Please let me know. photos of me now on my all your news!
c) I still remember profile page.
f) So, how are things with
you?

Hi Grace,
Long time no see! It’s been a few years but I hope you remember me!
After we left university I lost your details, so I was really happy to find
you again on this website. You look great in your photo. (1___)!
(2___)? What are you doing now? Are you still living in Manchester?
Sorry for all the questions but (3___)! And how is your family? Is your
brother still training to be a lawyer? And what are your parents doing?
(4___) that holiday I spent at your house with your family. Happy days!
(5___), after university I moved back to Slovakia. I’m still there
now. I live in Bratislava with my husband, Hendrik. He’s a TV
producer. I work for a media company now. Life changes so
quickly! I really love my life here but I still miss our time together
at university. It was so much fun!
(6___). My company is sending me to Manchester for three days
next week. Hendrik is coming with me. While we’re there we would
really love to meet up with you. Is that possible? (7___).
Take care. (8___).
Kelly
(9___).

10
► 2. Charlotte is getting in touch with an old school friend,
Laura, via the “Friends Reunited” website. Complete it with the
following sentences (a – i):
a) How are things d) How is all your h) Do write back – I’d
with you? family? love to hear your
b) Send them my e) my parents are really news.
love, won’t you? well. i) P.S. I’ve attached
c) I really hope f) Take care of yourself. some photos of me
you’re well. g) I decided to drop you now.
a line

Hi Laura!
Remember me? I was really pleased when I found your name on the
Friends Reunited website – so (1___) straight away!
(2___)? (3___). Last time we met you were still at university, but I
guess you’re working now. What are you doing? I remember you
always wanted to work with children. Are you still with Simon or is
that all in the past now? (4___)? What are your parents doing these
days, and how about Joe and Kim? (5___)?
I work now for a big property company as a sales manager, and at the
moment I’m living in Australia, working in the Sydney office.
I absolutely love it over here, and even more exciting, I’m getting
married next April to Matt – a gorgeous Australian guy I met here! We
don’t know yet if we’re going to live in England or stay in Sydney.
As for my family, (6___). Dad retired about three years ago, and
they’re travelling all over the world these days. They came to see me
here a few months ago. And remember my big brother Anthony? He’s
married now (to Rosie, a girl he met at university) and they’ve got two-
year-old twins, so his life’s really changed!
Well, I think that’s all the main news from me. (7___). Maybe we
could meet up when I’m back in England?
(8___).
Love, Charlotte
XOXOXO
(9___).

11
► 3. Change the style of the letter from formal to informal
(1 – 10) using the words and phrases below (a – j):
a) ages b) drop you a line c) let you know d) really e) am sorry

Dear Bob,
How are you? I (1 – apologize) for the fact that I haven’t written
for (2 – a considerable time), but I’ve been (3 – extremely) busy.
Anyway, I thought I’d (4 – communicate with you briefly) to
(5 – inform you) that I’ve just passed my driving test!

f) can’t wait to hear g) lots of love h) that’s all for now i) write soon
j) you’ve been up to

Well, (6 – I have no further news at present). Please (7 – reply

promptly) – I (8 – am anxious to learn) what (9 – your recent
activities have been). Take care.
(10 – Yours sincerely),
Karen

► 4. Read the following letter and replace the formal phrases

in bold (1 – 8) with more appropriate informal ones:

Dear Mum,
(1 – I felt obliged to write to inform) you how everything
is going here in Spain since I started university. (2 – Please accept
my sincere apologies for not writing sooner) but I’ve been so
busy I really haven’t had (3 – a suitable opportunity).
I managed to find a nice place to live. It’s a small flat just round
the corner from the university. I’m sharing the flat with a girl
called Anita who seems really nice; she has been here for a year.
I (4 – have become familiar with) my surroundings and have
been practicing my Spanish which (5 – is improving
considerably) every year.

12
 I (6 – hope to return) home for Christmas once the examinations
are over. It will be wonderful to see everyone again. I do get
homesick, you know.
(7 – I look forward to hearing from you soon).
(8 – Yours sincerely),
Julie

► 5. Read the letter below and choose the correct tenses in bold
(1 – 8):

Dear Sharon,
How are you? Sorry (1 – I’m taking / I’ve taken) so long to write,
but I’ve been busy settling in. Anyway, I thought (2 – I’d drop /
I’ve dropped) you a line to let you know how I’m getting on here.
Birmingham is a really exciting city with millions of things to do.
There’s so much to choose from I sometimes find it hard to make
up my mind where to go! Although I still (3 – didn’t get / haven’t
got) used to the traffic, the noise and the huge crowds, I think it’s a
great city.
I like living here now, but I sometimes feel homesick as I miss lots
of things about Gowrie. (4 – I’ll never / I don’t) forget the
beautiful countryside and the old stone cottages. Living in the city
means I can’t go for long walks by the sea, either. Most of all,
I miss my friends – especially you, of course! We always (5 – had /
were having) such a great time together, (6 – haven’t / didn’t) we?
Well, that’s all my news for now. Please write back and let me
know what (7 – you were / you’ve been) up to since I (8 – heard /
have heard) from you last. Say “Hi” to Tom and Joanna, too.
I promise I’ll come back and visit all of you as soon as I can.
Lots of love,
Angela

13
► 6. Complete the e-mail with the verbs below (a – h):
a) ask c) meet e) spend g) visit
b) hire d) recommend f) think h) want

To: Alessandra
From: Daniel
Subject: Exams
Hi Alessandra!
Thanks for your last e-mail. I hope your exams went well. I have
some exciting news and I’m writing to (1___) for your advice.

I (2___) to go on holiday to Argentina next year. What do you

(3___) is the best month for me to come? I can only come for three
weeks, so which place do you think I should (4___)? Do you think
I should (5___) a car or travel around by bus or train?
I’m planning to (6___) a few days in and around Mendoza, and it
would be great if we could (7___). Can you (8___) a good hotel
(not too expensive)?
Hope to hear from you soon!
Best wishes,
Daniel

► 7. Complete the letter with the words that pass (1 – 10):

Dear Julie,
Thanks so much for your latest letter. I’m really (1 – exciting /
excited) to hear that you’re planning to visit Toronto. It will give
me a chance to take you around, as you did so (2 – kind / kindly)
for me when I was in Amsterdam last year.

14
 (3 – Regards / Regarding) your visit, I would be happy to help in
any way possible. First, unless you really like (4 – freezing /
frozen) weather, I suggest you come in the summer months of July
or August. Though most hotels are expensive at that time, we have
some wonderful guest (5 – suits / suites) available in our high-rise
building, for only about $50 per night. They are fully furnished
studio apartments, with a kitchen, so you can have the option of
(6 – eating out / eating in). Just let me know your dates and I can
make a reservation for you.
Summer is also the time when all the tourist sites are open. We can
visit Centre Island, Canada’s Wonderland, Niagara Falls, the CN
Tower, the Royal Ontario Museum, the Science Centre and
Thousand Islands. The weather should be (7 – warm / warmth)
and comfortable, around 25 – 30 degrees Celsius, so bring your
(8 – formal / informal) summer clothes, a swimsuit and an umbrella,
too. We do get summer (9 – showers / snows) quite often.
I (10 – can / can’t) wait for you to come! Write soon with more
details!
Warmest wishes,
Tina

► 8. Read the e-mail from Meg to her friend Joe. One word is
missing in each line. Find the missing words in the box and put
them in the correct places in the e-mail:
be can forward have last my tell
but for going holiday ’m should

Hi Joe,
1) Guess what! I bought a lottery ticket week, and I won £3
million!
2) I so excited.

15
 3) I’m going to make some big changes in my life, starting with
job. I’m leaving today!
4) I’ve decided I’m going to go to university. I’ve always
wanted to be a doctor, my
5) parents couldn’t pay for my studies. Now I finally do it!
6) I’m going to split up with Kevin tomorrow. We nothing in
common, and he doesn’t
7) like my friends. I don’t want a boyfriend now. I’m going to
too busy with my studies!
8) And I’m moving out of my sister’s flat tomorrow. I’m looking
to that. She’s so bossy!
9) I’m going to buy a house of my own. Do you think I give
some money to my sister?
10) But it’s not all me, me, me! I want to do something
worthwhile too. I’m to give some
11) money to Greenpeace. But first I’m planning a in a warm
place. Do you want to come
12) to Thailand with me, Joe? I’ll pay your ticket!
13) You mustn’t Kevin I won this money.
Love,
Meg

► 9. Read the e-mail and correct 10 mistakes (word order,

grammar, wrong word) in it:

Dear Jenny,
How are you? I hope you’re well. I’ve got so many to tell you!
Visiting Kenya is fantastic!
The beaches are absolutely wonderful. The sea is like glass and the
white sand is as soft like powder. I’ve collected loads of shells
already and yesterday I have ridden an elephant. The local people
also are very friendly and almost every night we have the
opportunity to watch traditional dancing. You’d love Africa.

16
 The most excited part of the holiday was the hot-air balloon safari
last week. It was amazing! We floated quietly above all these teams
of wild animals. The scenery absolutely was breathtaking. I have
never seen nothing like that before.
As soon as I will get back, I’ll phone you and tell you all about it.
Till then, take care.
Love,
Fiona

► 10. Complete the e-mail from Mia to her friend Irene. Use the
words below (a – n) in spaces (1 – 14):
a) In the d) forward g) bank job j) full-time m) Aside
meantime, e) heart h) downtown k) moved from
b) big news f) all over the i) a change l) out of that,
c) recent world touch n) let me

To: Irene Arnold

Sent: Tuesday, April 17, 20__ 4:18 p.m.
Subject: Changes at work
Dear Irene,
How are you? I hope you’ve been well. Sorry for having been
(1___) for a short while. There have been some changes in my life
and I wanted to let you know the latest from my side.
The (2___) is that I have finally changed my job! Do you remember
when you were here on holiday, I always talked about how I hated
my boring (3___)? Well, it was clear I needed (4___). So, finally,
I took a part-time TESL course and trained to be an ESL teacher.
Now I’m working (5___) in a private language school. I teach
General English, Business English and IELTS. Each day, I look
(6___) to going to work. My students come from (7___) and I love
teaching them as well as learning from them.

17
 (8___), I also (9___) to a new apartment near the school where I
work. It’s small, but (10___), so I am right in the (11___) of the
city, instead of way out in the suburbs. Suddenly, there are so many
fun things to do, in the evenings too. I am a much happier person
today because of these (12___) changes.
So, how about you? I hope you’ll have a chance to visit Canada
again soon. (13___), please write and (14___) know what’s new
with you.
Warm wishes,
Mia

► 11. Read the e-mail written by Christian and say which things
(a – g) you would expect to see in Kaila’s response to it:
a) a description of Kaila’s life e) a general statement about how
b) an informal greeting Kaila feels
c) information about Kaila’s job f) examples of what Kaila does to
d) questions for Christian to relax
answer g) a sign-off message to end the
e-mail

Hi Kaila,
How are things in sunny Spain? I’ve got so much to do here, and
I can’t seem to stop thinking about work.
Can I ask you a favour? You always seem so relaxed even when
your work is really stressful. How do you do it? Can you give me
some tips so I can get a better work-life balance?
Thanks in advance,
Christian

18
Now read Kaila’s response to Christian’s e-mail and match the parts
of her letter (1 – 5) with the descriptions in the task above (a – g):

1. Hi Christian,
2. Everything’s good here, but it’s really hot at the moment.
I hope it’s cooler there!
I’m not sure I’m always as relaxed as you think I am, but
maybe I can still help. There are a few things I do to try to
reduce how stressed I feel.
3. The first is to spend as much time as possible outside. When
I’m walking or sitting in a park, I don’t think so much about
work. I listen to the birds and breathe the fresh air. Just being
surrounded by nature makes me feel so much better.
Another thing that might help is to do some yoga. My friend
told me about an app which shows you exercises to do for ten
minutes every day. When I first started, I didn’t really think it
would help, but now I really notice if I miss a day.
The last idea I have is to read or to watch something funny. It’s
true when they say that laughter is the best medicine! The thing
that makes me laugh most is cat videos on YouTube.
4. What about you? What helps you to relax?
5. Hope that helps, Kaila

► 12. Write an informal e-mail / letter on one of the situations:

a) You have just passed an important test or exam. Tell your friend
about your success and describe your plans for the future.
b) Your cousin is moving to your city. He/she wants to attend the
same university as you. Describe your university, teachers and
timetable, mentioning extracurricular activities the university offers.
c) You are about to visit a friend in another country and you are not
sure what clothes to take with you or how to get to his/her house.
d) A friend of yours who has been living in another country for some
time is going to visit you for a week. Suggest what you might do
together and what sights you might visit.

19
 1.4 Letter of request
Sample

Sender’s address
Date
Addressee’s name
Company name
Address
Dear Sir / Madam,
I am writing in connection with my upcoming training course at
your college in Sydney, Australia. I will be there to attend the
Brain-Based Learning Programme at Victoria College for a period
of three weeks from July 02 to July 22. I am hoping that you will
be able to assist me with my accommodation arrangements.
As I am slightly older than most of the other participants, I would
appreciate it if you could find a private studio apartment for me, close
to the college. It would be ideal if I could walk to school each day, but
if not, I would need access to public transportation. I understand some
of the events on campus finish quite late so I would prefer not to walk
in an unfamiliar neighbourhood after dark. In terms of the apartment,
all I require is a bed, a desk, an Internet connection, a kitchen and a
bathroom. My budget is around US $1,000 for 3 weeks.
As I will be arriving on July 01, I would need the apartment to be
available from that night until the day of my departure, which is
July 23. My last night in the apartment would be July 22.
Please let me know if you are able to find such an apartment and if
not, please suggest other suitable arrangements.
I look forward to hearing from you,
Yours faithfully,
Jane Goodwin

20
 Tasks

► 1. Complete the “How to structure a formal letter” box (1 – 4)

with headings (a – d):
a) start a formal e-mail / letter c) ask for the exact information
b) finish a formal e-mail / letter d) say your main reason for writing

How to structure a formal letter

1) Dear Mr Smith (if you know the name),
Dear Sir / Madam (if you don’t know the name),
2) I recently saw your advertisement in The Times
and I would be grateful if you could give me some
more information.
3) Does your school give help with arranging accommodation
with local families?
4) Yours sincerely (if you know the name), John Brown
Yours faithfully (if you don’t know the name), John Brown

► 2. Match the beginnings (1 – 3) and the endings (a – c) of the

letters written to a friend, a former teacher and a careers adviser:
Beginning Ending
1) Dear Karen, a) Thank you for taking the time
Hi! How are you? I’m writing to read this letter. I look forward
because I’ve no idea which to hearing from you.
course to take at university next Best wishes,
year. I really need your advice! Amy Milton

2) Dear Mrs Arnold, b) I would be extremely grateful

I hope this letter finds you well.
I am writing to ask you for
some advice about which course
to take at university next year.
if you could advise me on what
to do. Thank you in advance for
your kind cooperation.
Yours faithfully,
Amy Milton

21
 3) Dear Sir / Madam, c) What do you think I should
I am writing to enquire whether do? Please write back soon and
you could advise me on which tell me.
course to apply for next year at Love,
university. Amy

► 3. Match the table below (1 – 4) with the phrases (a – d):

a) Dear Mike, / Dear Jane, c) Lesley Bolan,
b) Dear Sir, / Dear Sirs, / Marketing Manager
Dear Madam, d) Matt

Salutation Complimentary close Signature

1) Yours faithfully, Patrick Paterson,
General Manager

Dear Mr Leighton, Yours sincerely, 3)

Dear Mrs Jones,
Dear Alex Lee,
Dear Megan,
2) Love, 4)
Lots of love,
With all my love,
Hugs from

► 4. Read the e-mail below and answer the questions:

a) Who is Matt writing to? Why?
b) Which topics does he want to know about: accommodation, dates,
times of courses, prices, social activities, other students or meals?
c) Does Matt know the name of the person he’s writing to?
d) How does he finish the e-mail?
e) How many of the topics (accommodation, dates, times of courses,
prices, social activities, other students or meals) does he write
about in each paragraph?
f) Does he use contractions, e.g. I’d, I’m?
g) Does he use mostly direct or indirect questions?

22
 To: admin@madridcollege.org.es
From: Davis, Matt [mattdavis@topmail.uk]
Subject: Summer Intensive Courses
Dear Sir / Madam,
I recently saw your advertisement in The Times for Spanish
Language Summer Intensive Courses at your school and I would
be grateful if you could give me some more information.
Firstly, I would like to know the dates of the courses during July
and August. Can you tell me if it is possible to start the course on
any date, or only at the beginning of a month? Would it be possible
to study for about three hours a day?
Secondly, I am interested in finding out about the other students.
Do you know how many students there will be in the classes?
Also, could you tell me what other nationalities will be in your
school? I am an English speaker and I would prefer not to have too
many other English speakers in the same class.
Finally, can you tell me about accommodation? Does your school
give help with arranging accommodation with local families or is
that something I have to do myself?
Yours faithfully,
Matt Davis

Complete each sentence from the e-mail above with three words:
1) I would ___ ___ ___ you could give me some more information.
2) I would ___ ___ ___ the dates of the courses.
3) Can you ___ ___ ___ it is possible to start the course on any date?
4) Would it ___ ___ ___ study for about three hours a day?
5) I ___ ___ ___ finding out about the other students.
6) I ___ ___ ___ to have too many other English speakers in the
same class.

23
► 5. Complete the letter of request with one word per gap (1 – 10):

Dear Sir / Madam,

I am writing to enquire (1___) the English courses offered at your

school as I am currently (2___) to send my 17-year-old daughter,
Lucia, to England for two months this summer.

I would be most (3___) if you could forward me details

regarding the levels, times and cost of classes offered. I am
keen for Lucia to study at (4___) three hours a day, if that is at
all possible. I am also (5___) if your school offers any kind of
social programme, as I am sure she would be (6___) in
exploring the city and getting the chance to meet other
students.

Finally, would it be (7___) to forward me details of

accommodation for students that is available in Hull. If
possible, I would like my daughter to stay with an English host
family as I feel that would help her integrate whilst also
ensuring she has the opportunity to practise her English on a
daily (8___). Does the Canary School arrange any form of home
stay itself, by any (9___)? I look forward to hearing from you
soon and thank you in (10___) for your help.

Yours faithfully,
Marcello Lupoli

24
► 6. Complete the letter of request with the words below (a – j):
a) appreciative c) behalf e) mutually g) possible i) understand
b) aware d) kind f) pleased h) question j) wondering

Dear Mr Skiner,

I am an English language teacher at the Gates School of England

in Chichester and I am writing to you on (1___) of my students.
I (2___) that you are visiting Chichester during the week
beginning 15 November and I was (3___) whether it might be at
all (4___) for you to visit the school and give a short talk to the
students. The students are aged between 18 and 30 and come from
a variety of countries. My current class is fascinated by the
political system in the UK and they have been working on a
project about our electoral system. I know that they would be
extremely (5___) of a visit by a Member of Parliament.

I am well (6___) that you must be extremely busy and that your
schedule may already be completely full, but I truly believe that
you would find such a visit most rewarding.

If you feel that you could make time to visit the school, would
you be (7___) enough to ask your secretary to contact our
academic administrator, Miss Markham, who would be (8___) to
arrange a (9___) convenient time. However, if such a visit is out
of the (10___), perhaps you would be so kind as to send the
students a letter, which they could then include in their project.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and I hope to
hear from you in the near future.

Yours sincerely,
Kelly Gilbert

25
► 7. Match the phrases below (a – g) with their places in the letter
of enquiry (1 – 7):
a) Could you please tell me
b) Finally, could you please send me
c) First of all, I would like to know a
little more about
d) I am writing with reference to
Dear Sir or Madam,
(1___) your advertisement in the
newspaper yesterday.
I am interested in applying for a
position with your organization
and (2___) more information.
(3___) your organization. Your
advertisement says that it is for
young people. (4___) how old I
must be to apply? I am going to
be 18 next month. (5___) the
kinds of projects that you
support.
(6___) an application form.
(7___)
Yours faithfully,
Cosmo Brickett
26
e) I look forward to hearing
from you soon.
f) I would like some
g) In addition, could you
possibly tell me more about
VOLUNTARY WORK
CAMPS
Learn new skills and a new
language at our international
voluntary work camps!
Our volunteer work
programme offers a huge
range of possibilities to
responsible young people
who want to discover the
world and make it a better
place to live.
Your accommodation will be
in our dormitories and all
meals are provided.
Places available in our
programmes starting July,
September and January.
Don’t delay – apply today!
► 8. Read the letter to a company asking for more information
about a job. Re-write it using more formal language:

Hello,
Just seen your advertisement for a trainee chef in the paper and I’m
interested in applying. But I’d like to check a couple of things
before I make my application.
The advertisement says that it helps if applicants have some
previous experience of cooking, but I don’t have any experience. Is
that a problem?
The advertisement doesn’t give details of the hours and pay. Where
can I find this information?
Look forward to hearing from you.
All the best,
Zoe Naismith

► 9. Read the advert below and say: a) how to start and finish your
e-mail, and b) three things to ask about. Write a formal e-mail /
letter asking for information. Use some of the typical phrases:
 I am writing to ask if you would be
so kind as to ... Learn English offer!
 I wonder if you could possibly ... Come and study
at Clayhill College!
 I wonder if it would be possible for
The college is in a beautiful
you to ...
part of England. Some courses
 I would (greatly) appreciate it if
are now at discount prices.
you could ...
We have small classes and
 I would be most grateful if you friendly teachers.
could ... For further enquiries
 I am writing to enquire if / whether e-mail us at:
you could possibly inform me on ... clayhillcollege@hotmail.co.uk
 I wonder if I might ask you for
your (valuable) advice concerning ...

27
► 10. Work in groups and write a letter to the company asking
them to consider your request for sponsorship. Read the other
groups’ letters. Consider each one as if you were the company
directors. Which project would you choose and why? Use the
guidelines below to help you:

Dear …,
(Opening paragraph) I am a member of a team … (give details)
currently working on … (present the project in general terms). I am
contacting you because … (introduce the idea of their possible
interest in the project).
(In the second paragraph, outline the project giving dates, times and
activities. Give specific reasons why the project should interest the
company, including possible media coverage, customer appeal, etc.).
(In the closing paragraph, say how you hope the project will be of
interest to the company).
(Closing formalities and signature)

1.5 Letter giving information

Sample

Sender’s address
Company name
Address
Date
Addressee’s name
Address
Dear Mr Huston,
I am writing in response to your request for information regarding
university accommodation. I have included details of our
accommodation in general, as well as a booklet describing the
individual halls of residence.

28
As you can see from the booklet, the university has a number of
student halls of residence, ranging from those offering full board
and lodgings to those with self-catering accommodation only.
Students who prefer to have their meals provided can expect to
have three meals a day, served at set times in the hall dining-room.
The self-catering units, however, are based on five people sharing a
kitchen – crockery and cutlery are not provided – and bathroom
facilities comprising two showers and a bath per corridor.
All the halls of residence have a laundry room with washing
machines (£1 per load) and tumble dryers (50 p for 10 minutes’
drying). Irons and ironing boards are also provided. The rooms
are cleaned twice weekly by the domestic staff, and clean linen is
distributed once every two weeks.
As well as halls of residence, accommodation is also available in the
form of private flats and houses, which can be shared with other
students. Bedsits are also available. Private accommodation is limited
so you are urged to submit your application as soon as possible.
Most of the accommodation is near the campus; buses run
frequently and are relatively cheap. The halls are mostly situated
in residential areas and a number of them have tennis courts and
croquet lawns. Access to these facilities is restricted, though, to
protect playing surfaces.
University accommodation prices range from £30 per week for self-
catering to £75 per week for a room with an en suite bathroom and
full board. Private accommodation varies from £40 to £90 per week.
I trust this information will be of some assistance and I look
forward to meeting you in September when the term starts. I have
enclosed application forms for you to complete. Please do not
hesitate to contact me should you require any further information.
Yours sincerely,
Keith Raymond
Accommodation Officer

29
 Tasks
► 1. Read a letter written by a member of the university
advisory committee to a foreign student who is concerned about
various problems related to studying abroad. Name all the
phrases that:
a) offer practical advice;
b) give reassurance:

Dear Ms Yagniq,
I am writing on behalf of the Students’ Advisory Service in reply
to your letter of 23rd March, and would like to congratulate you on
obtaining a place at Shelbourne University. I understand that you
are nervous about moving to a foreign country, and I hope the
following advice will be of some help to you.
You mentioned that you are afraid of being lonely and unable to
make friends when you get to university. Firstly, I would suggest
that you try to meet as many people as possible during the first
few days, as this is when many friendships are formed. I would
also recommend joining some clubs and societies as a way of
meeting people with the same interests as yours.
Let me reassure you that if you follow this advice, you will not
feel lonely. When you arrive, you will realise that everyone is in
the same situation and that your fellow students will be more than
willing to make friends.
In your letter, you also refer to your worries about coping with
work. I would advise you to make sure that you always do each
piece of work immediately after it is assigned so that you do not
fall behind. Additionally, if you find that you need help, the best
course of action would be to speak to your tutor. Most important
of all, I strongly recommend that you organise your timetable
carefully so that you can combine work and recreation.

30
 You may rest assured that, although some students take time to
adjust to the workload, with proper organisation they find it easy
to cope with.
I would like to wish you good luck with your course. Please do not
hesitate to contact me again should you have any further
questions.

Yours sincerely,
Alicia Hill

► 2. Mario is going to take part in an exchange programme which

will involve his staying with an English family for a month in
summer. He receives an e-mail from the family he will be staying
with. Read part of this e-mail and the notes he has made on it.
Which of the following sentences (a – h) would be suitable for
Mario’s reply (1 – 4):
a) Unfortunately, there has been a change in dates.
b) I’m staying until the 28th and there’s nothing I can do about it.
c) I don’t care which room I have – it’s all the same to me.
d) I don’t mind which room I have – I’m sure either will be fine.
e) I’m not a vegetarian but I’m not very fond of fish.
f) I can’t eat fish because it makes me sick.
g) I need a computer in my room.
h) Is there a computer that I could use for a few hours a week?

Dear Mario,
We are very much looking forward to your stay with us and
I thought I would write and clear up one or two details.
Firstly, I understand that you will be arriving on June 30th and will
stay until July 15th (1 – No, until July 28th). Is this still the
arrangement?

31
 There are two spare rooms and you can choose which one you’d
prefer. The larger room is downstairs and has a door into the
garden. There is also a smaller room in the attic which has a
telephone socket and a window overlooking the river (2 – Tell him
which one and why).
Also, my wife would like to know if you are a vegetarian or if there
is any food that you don’t eat (3 – Mention fish). If there is
anything else we can do to make your stay more comfortable, don’t
hesitate to let us know (4 – A computer?).
We’ll be there to meet you at the airport, so could you let us know
the details as soon as you have them. (Send flight number and
arrival time).
Looking forward to seeing you,
David Graham

► 3. Read Reply A and Reply B to the e-mail from David Graham

(see the task above) and say which reply is relevant:

Dear Sir, Reply A

Thanks a lot for dropping me a line – it was great to hear from

you. It’s so nice to get letters, don’t you think? Especially these
days when most people only write e-mails or send text messages.
So I was really over the moon when I saw the envelope. I’ve saved
the stamp too, as my little brother collects them.
Your house sounds lovely! We don’t have a garden and I love rivers.
I would like to go for a walk along the river. This would suit my needs.
By the way, I love food and I am not a vegetarian. But I don’t
eat fish. I had an allergic reaction once, after I ate some fish,
and I was fine for about an hour, then I started to feel hot and
dizzy. Then my stomach really hurt and I felt sick. For two
days! So I avoid it now.

32
Anyway, it has been nice writing to you. I look forward to staying
in your nice house and I’m sure I will be very comfortable.
Especially when I go for a walk along the river.
Best wishes to you and your wife.
Yours faithfully,
Mario

Dear Mr Graham, Reply В

Thank you very much for your letter. I am writing to give you the
information you asked for.
Firstly, I had hoped to stay until July 28th. Will that be all right?
I will still be arriving on June 30th as planned. My flight number
is BA 451 and it lands at 4:30 in the afternoon. I could phone
you when I arrive.
Secondly, regarding accommodation, the larger room would be
perfect. You mention that it looks out onto the garden and since
I live in a flat and only have a balcony that would be a real treat.
I’m looking forward to sitting in it if the weather is good!
As far as food is concerned, I’m not a vegetarian, and I’m looking
forward to trying traditional roast beef and Yorkshire pudding! The
only thing I don’t really like is fish.
And finally, there are one or two things I would like to ask you.
What is the weather like in Wales in July? How cold is it? Do you
think I need to bring warm clothes? Also, I wonder if you could get
me a local map and a bus timetable as I’m really looking forward to
exploring the area during my stay.
Thank you again for your kind letter. I am looking forward to
meeting you all.
Best wishes,
Mario

33
► 4. Read the letter with instructions and advice to people doing
a house swap. Complete each gap (1 – 10) with one word only:

Dear Oliver,
Thanks for your letter with all the details about your house and
area. Just one small thing – you mentioned we could use your car,
but you weren’t absolutely clear about the arrangements (1___)
regard to sorting out insurance, etc. Will you do it and, if so, what
details do you need (2___) me?
Getting in. I’ve arranged to leave keys with two of our neighbours –
in (3___) one of them is out – Dorothy at number 3, and Vince and
Duncan at number 4. They’re all very friendly and will help you out
if you have any problems with anything. When you come in, you’ll
have to turn off the burglar alarm, which you’ll find in the cupboard
under the stairs. The code is 6711. Again, I’ve told Dorothy and
Vince to (4___) you in, so you shouldn’t have any problems the first
day. Make sure you set the alarm when you go out, though. Close all
the doors downstairs and then press AWAY and then ARM. You
then have ten seconds to close the door.
The rest of the house. I think everything is fairly self-explanatory
and I’ve left notes where you may need help. The only thing I should
warn you about is that the oven is a bit temperamental. I’d keep an
eye on anything you put in there, (5___) you want it burnt to a crisp.
Shops and places to eat. We’ll leave you something to eat in the
fridge for when you arrive. If you’ve got any special requests, let us
know! For the basics, like bread and milk, there’s a small shop in the
village, but for anything else you’d (6___) go into Skipton. There are
a couple of supermarkets and on Tuesdays there’s a street market.
If you want to eat out, The Six Trees does very good food, although it
is a bit pricey. The pub in the village serves a decent Sunday lunch.
There are also a couple of good places in Skipton. If you like Indian
food, Shariff’s is particularly good and very reasonable. I only steer
clear of Moretti’s, the Italian one on the main high street, though.
We had a very bad experience when we went there last time.

34
 Places to see. Obviously, the main attraction round here is
walking. You must go to Malham Cove and if you’re feeling
particularly energetic, you could try The Three Peaks. The idea
is to do the 26-mile walk, climbing all the peaks, (7___) 12
hours. You get some fantastic views from the top. If the
weather gets the better of you, you could visit the castle in
Skipton or, if you don’t (8___) a bit of a drive, there’s The
National Museum of Film and Photography in Bradfort, which
is fantastic. There are a number of leaflets and maps in the
cupboard and drawers in the living room. I (9___) to admit,
there’s not a great deal specifically aimed at teenagers. You
might be tempted by the ads for Dalesville you will see, but I
really wouldn’t bother. It tries to sell (10___) as a theme park,
but the rides are very small and more suited to young children.
The rest of it is just a glorious farm really.
Anyway, that’s about it. Obviously, if there’s anything else you
need to know, just get in touch.
Regards,
Marjorie

► 5. The university has decided to organize a service in the local

area to collect waste paper and glass for recycling. Read the letter
to the local radio station, giving details of the planned service and
asking them to pass on the information for the benefit of local
residents. Replace the informal expressions in the letter (1 – 10) by
the formal ones (a – j):
a) We would be extremely f) should you enquire any further
grateful information
b) in the hope that you could g) I would like to express my
inform thanks
c) It is hoped that by doing this h) This would ensure that
d) As you are doubtless aware, i) it would be greatly appreciated
e) Residents need only take their j) This service will undoubtedly

35
 Dear Sir / Madam,
I am writing to you on behalf of the students at Tipton College
(1 – so you can tell) your listeners of a recycling project we are
starting in this area. (2 – I am sure you know that) there are
currently no recycling facilities in Tipton itself. There are a
number of large stores outside the town centre which provide this
service, but this is inconvenient for many residents.
The students of Tipton College have decided to organize a scheme
whereby volunteers will collect any waste paper and glass for
delivery to a local company which will recycle it. (3 – We think
that if we do this) on a regular basis, more residents of the town
will stop discarding their reusable rubbish and recycle it instead.
The service will begin on the first Monday of next month, and
collections will take place every Monday thereafter. There will be
collection points at various locations around the town, which will be
clearly marked for easy identification. (4 – All you have to do is
take your) waste paper and glass to these points. All glass products
should be washed thoroughly and have their lids removed
beforehand.
(5 – We’d like it) if the above information could be included in
your bulletins of local news. (6 – I’m sure you’ll agree that this
service will) be of interest to many people who are willing to help
in environmental matters but cannot do so for practical reasons.
Furthermore, (7 – it would be great) if the announcement could be
repeated several times during the day. (8 – This way) the maximum
number of people will be made aware of the scheme.
(9 – Thanks a lot) in anticipation of your assistance in this matter.
Please do not hesitate to contact me (10 – if you want to know
anything else).
Yours faithfully,
Alison Brown

36
► 6. Write a letter giving information on one of the topics:
a) The students of your university are organizing an event to raise
money for a worthwhile cause. Write a letter to your local newspaper
giving details of the event and explaining how the money will be used.
b) Sarah Jones is a student who is about to graduate from university.
She wants to start looking for a job, but does not know how to go
about it. Offer advice to her in your letter on behalf of the advisory
service of the university.
c) Your friends have accepted an invitation to come and stay in your
house while you and your family are away. Write a letter giving them all
the information necessary to make their visit enjoyable and trouble-free.

1.6 Letter of application to a university (motivation letter)

Sample

Sender’s address
Date
Addressee’s name
Company name
Address
Dear Sir / Madam,
I am writing to apply for the Journalism Foundation Course offered
by your university for the academic year beginning October, 20__.
I am a 24-year-old French citizen, currently living in Paris. Since
leaving school in 20__, I have held a variety of positions working
for a local newspaper. For the last two years I have been employed
as an assistant in the editing department of an English language
newspaper published in Paris.
I am a holder of Bachelor degree, as well as having successfully
completed a course in English literature. Furthermore, I have been
studying English since the age of 12 and have recently obtained
grade B in the Cambridge Proficiency in English examination.

37
 I believe that I am well-suited to a career in journalism and I am
keen to continue working in this field. However, I feel that I lack
the formal qualifications and training necessary to progress beyond
my present level of assistant editor. A foundation course would give
me an excellent basis for further study, together with an insight into
journalism from an international perspective.
Your university has an extremely good reputation in the field of
journalism and media studies. The facilities which you offer to
students seem both practical and up-to-date. The “Gender and
Media” option on your syllabus is of particular interest to me, as is
the opportunity to study in a large city such as London.
Please find enclosed my CV, giving further details of my educational
qualifications and work experience. I hope you will consider my
application and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Yours faithfully,
Marcel Martin

Tasks

► 1. Read the letter and name formal expressions in it:

To whom it may concern,

I am writing to apply for a place on the Archaeology MA course
which commences this September at Macbriney University.
I am 25 years old and I have completed a Bachelor degree in
Archaeology at Drakeham University, where I received first class
honours. Prior to this I was a pupil at Berkeley Comprehensive,
where I obtained 9 GCSEs and three A-levels in History,
Geography and Latin.

38
 Since the completion of my BA I have spent two years working as
an assistant archaeologist on a site in Egypt. During this expedition
I have assisted in the discovery of several interesting artefacts. This
work was extremely enjoyable and I am now anxious to specialize
by gaining further qualifications before embarking on my chosen
career in this field.
I enclose a detailed curriculum vitae in the hope that you will
consider my application for entry. I look forward to receiving your
response in the near future.
Yours faithfully,
Jill Holland

► 2. Complete the motivation letter with suitable words (1 – 10):

Dear Sirs, Madams,

I am writing to (1 – apply / application) for the Master of Business
Administration programme at the University of the Future starting
in September 20__. I believe this programme will be a solid step
towards pursuing my ambition to excel in business and management
arena. Having studied the course outline in detail, I found parity
between what it offers and my interests in business and technology.
Another key point is that the programme provides a (2 – super /
superb) opportunity for students to gain (3 – hands-on / hands-
free) experience while taking classes.
Last year, I obtained my Bachelor Degree in Business Administration
from the Best University with a 3.1 GPA. (4 – In addition, /
Nonetheless,) I attained an award for my final year project, which
was based on research and development work for ABC company.
After graduating from the Best University, I worked as an
(5 – internship / intern) for ABC company that helped me gain a
deeper insight into business management processes. There, I was
deemed “Intern of the Quarter” because I added much value to
both their marketing and management projects.

39
 Both my academic and professional accomplishments confirm
that I will be a good student at the University of the Future.
With an (6 – exceptional / exceptionally) strong background
in business processes and administration, I will be able to
provide the maximum output as far as exams and projects
are concerned. Above all, my admission to this MBA
programme will prove to be a two-way learning since I will
bring a (7 – diverse / diversity) knowledge and multicultural
experience into the class.
(8 – Apart from / Except for) relevant education and internship,
I acted as a student leader while in college, and volunteered in
other activities including working as a Greenpeace activist.
In the hope that I will be (9 – admitted / omitted), I have
enclosed my transcripts, project outlines and reference letters with
this letter. If you need any other documents or information, please
feel free to contact me at (000) 744-1421.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Yours (10 – sincerely / faithfully),
Adam Burns

► 3. Complete the motivation letter with the verbs in the proper

tense (1 – 10):

Dear Sir or Madam,

I (1 – am applying / apply) for your Master programme of
“Cognitive Neuroscience” with specialization in “Action,
Perception & Consciousness” starting in September 20__. My
career ambition is to research Brain-Computer Interface (BCI).
In high school I (2 – have graduated / graduated) with
mathematics and physics as my majors. I am continuing my
academic career with the study of “Knowledge Engineering /
Computer Science” at Technical University of Munich. In June
20__ I (3 – would graduate / will graduate) with a Bachelor of

40
Science degree with an expected average score above 85 percent.
While I rank among the top five students, I am trying to graduate
among the top three.
As my first exposure to neuroscience, I took the course “Knowledge
Representation and Cognitive Psychology” in my studies. I was
especially impressed that, despite the advances in technology, there
remains much to learn about ourselves, most especially about the
human brain. After attending your Open Day, I (4 – become /
became) acquainted with the fascinating method of BCI. I want to
study at your university and focus on BCI because that will allow
me to combine both my interests in learning more about applied
computer science and investigating cognitive processes.
Complementing my strong academic performance (5 – is / are) my
advanced skills in leadership and communication. In several of the
projects during my studies, I was the team leader responsible for
building and leading our project team. Through this experience I
(6 – strengthened / had strengthened) my interpersonal skills by
working with fellow team members and others.
By donating my time as a promotion team member of the university,
I learned to understand how emotions, especially enthusiasm, can
motivate others. My task was to represent my study programme and
to convince prospective students of the university’s excellence.
Throughout my service, I successfully (7 – help / helped) many
students understand the benefits of my study programme by giving
presentations and one-on-one interviews.
I am fortunate to have an exciting opportunity in performing
research as an intern at the English Forums BCI Institute in
Germany soon, starting in June 20__. This internship (8 – was /
will be) an excellent preparation for your programme and an
important milestone in my young career.
I (9 – wanted / want) to study at the Best University because of
your outstanding educational system, focus on gathering relevant
work experience, and your excellent facilities. With many

41
 distinguished scientists as professors, I know that I will gain
expert knowledge at the forefront of discovery. Moreover, by
combining my theoretical and specialized education with hands-on
research in the second year, I will gain critical work experience.
All these strong positives will allow me to do research with
cutting-edge technologies and to pursue my dreams and ambitions.
Given my past history of commitment to excellence, I (10 – am / will
be) confident that I will bring a high level of energy and enthusiasm to
your programme. I am sure to exceed your expectations because of
both my academic and interpersonal skills and the experience gained
from my internship. I will enrich the programme by enabling fellow
students and professors to benefit from my ambitious and open nature.
Furthermore, my international background and interdisciplinary
education will add more diversity to your programme.
Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to
your acceptance.
Faithfully yours,
Melinda Archer

► 4. Arrange parts of the letter of interest for internship position

(a – g) in order (1 – 7):

a) Please consider this as a letter of interest for the internship

position in the finance department of your bank. I will call you
next week to enquire about the possibility of an interview.
Should you need to contact me in the interim, I may be reached
at (000) 333-3333 or via e-mail at bridget.hope@mail.com.
b) Thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward
to hearing from you soon.
c) Dear Mr Aberdeen,
d) As indicated in the enclosed resume, I possess a substantial
knowledge of the finance world gained through education and

42
 finance related assignments over the last four years. As part of
a university project earlier this year, I conducted research on
the macroeconomics of the finance industry. This research in
itself was educational to a very high level and taught me to
partner with cross-functional teams in order to gather data-
driven inputs. I also have a strong background in developing
and analysing financial metrics since this is my prime area of
interest.
e) I would like to deliver my skills in financial planning and
analysis and proposal development which I believe is the
backbone of a company. Furthermore, I am interested in both
investor relations and business process management in which
I have sizeable book knowledge.
f) Sincerely yours,
Bridget Hope
g) With a brilliant educational record, related banking projects
and a sharp eye on current business trends, I would like to
explore any potential internship opportunities at the Bank of
America. As a senior at the University of Pennsylvania
currently pursuing a Master’s degree in finance, I would like to
contribute to your long-term goals.

► 5. You have been studying English for several years in your

own country, and feel that you would benefit from an eight-week
intensive course for foreign students offered by a college in the
south of England. Write a letter applying for a place on the
course, stating your reasons for choosing this particular college.
Use some of the suggested opening and closing remarks:
 I am writing to apply for a place on the course in ...
 I enclose further details of my education / qualifications to date.
 I hope that you will consider me for entry / admission to ...
 I would like to be considered for admission to the course in ...
 Please find enclosed a copy of my degree / diploma.

43
 1.7 Application form

Sample

APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION TO A UNIVERSITY

FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS
WITH FOREIGN ACADEMIC QUALIFICATION

1. Desired degree programme

 Desired major / core subject of study
 Desired minor
 Desired degree of your subject of study: Bachelor’s / Master’s /
Doctorate / other degree or qualification / no formal degree
 Are you applying for the winter / summer semester?

2. Personal details (enter exactly as shown in your passport)

 First / Given name(s)
 Surname / Family name
 Gender: male / female
 Date of birth (dd / mm / yy)
 Place of birth, country of birth
 Nationality
 Country of permanent residence
 Marital status: married / single
 Number of children

3. Mailing address (please write in block capitals)

 c/o
 P.O. Box
 House No., Street, Flat No.
 Postal / zip code, town, county / province / state
 Country
 E-mail address
 Telephone number, including area code

44
4. Educational background (you are required to substantiate
the data below with certified copies and translations of your
certificates. Please submit these together with this
application)
 Secondary school education: name of the institution, from – to,
type of final examination, school-leaving certificate awarded on
(dd / mm / yy)
 University preparatory / Foundation course: if you attended a
university preparatory / foundation course, please enter the name
and place of the course
 Prior university study, advanced education, internships,
vocational training (please list any periods of prior university-
level education, the names of institutions, countries, subjects of
study, passed (and failed) examinations, gained qualifications /
degrees)
 Higher education (university or other degree-awarding
institution): name of the institution, from – to, academic year at
the time of application, main subject (major), subsidiary subject
(minor), expected date of final examination
 Degrees held: exact degree title, awarded on (dd / mm / yy),
subject
5. Language proficiency (please include certified copies of
certificates)
 Since when and where have you been learning English?
 Which level do you have (beginner A1, elementary A2,
intermediate B1, upper-intermediate B2, advanced C1,
proficiency C2)?
 Full name of the certificates awarded, place and date awarded
 Are you currently attending a language course? If yes, please
enter the full name of the institution
 Have you taken any of the following examinations:
Cambridge Certificate / TOEFL / IELTS academics / other
certificates?
 What other languages do you speak?
 What is your native language (mother tongue)?

45
 6. Other admission-relevant questions
 Financial aid: have you been awarded a scholarship / a grant?
If yes, please enter the source of funding
 Are you currently applying to other institutions? If yes, enter the
names of institutions
 Can the degree programme you are applying for be studied in
your home country?
 Are you taking part in an exchange programme with our
university? Please enter the name of your home university
 If you have any special reasons for wishing to take up study at
our university, please specify them (please use an additional
sheet of paper if necessary)
 If you have academic referees, please submit their names,
academic field, university and contacts
 Previous visits abroad for study or work of at least one month:
from – to, where, what for
 Practical or professional work experience during or after higher
education: from – to, where, type of work, position / professional
status
 Present professional occupation (please enclose written proof)
 Will you be granted leave of absence for your studies abroad? If
yes, will this leave be paid? If possible, enclose confirmation
from your employer
 What professional career do you envisage?
 What are your extracurricular interests?

Is your application complete? Then print it out, sign below and

don’t forget to include all your documents.

Place ____________________________ Date ___________

Signature _______________

46
 Tasks

► 1. You would like to take IELTS exam which is an

international standardized test of English language proficiency for
non-native English language speakers. Fill in the application form
below:

IELTS Application form

1. Preferred date of test (dd / mm / yy) Second choice (dd / mm / yy)

2. Title (Dr / Mr / Mrs / Miss / Ms)
3. Last (family / surname) name
4. First (given) name(s)
5. Address
6. Telephone / mobile phone
7. E-mail
8. Date of birth (dd / mm / yy)
9. Gender (male / female)
10. Passport or National Identity Card number
11. Country / region of origin
12. First language
13. Occupation (sector):
– administrative services – law and legal services
– agriculture, fishing, – manufacturing and assembly
forestry, mining industries
– arts and entertainment – personal services
– banking and finance – retail trade
– catering and leisure – technical and scientific
– construction industries – telecommunications and the
– craft and design media
– education – transport
– health and social services – utilities (gas, water, etc.)
– installation, maintenance – wholesale trade
and repair services – other

47
 14. Occupation (level):
– self-employed – worker
– employer / partner – retired
– employee (senior level) – student
– employee (middle or junior – other
level)
15. Why are you taking the test?
16. Which country are you applying to / intending to go? (Australia
/ Canada / New Zealand / the Republic of Ireland / the United
Kingdom / the United States of America / other)
17. Which IELTS test are you taking? (Academic / General Training)
18. Have you taken IELTS before?
19. Where are you currently studying English (if applicable)?
20. What level of education have you completed? (secondary / degree
or equivalent / post-graduate)
21. How long have you been studying English?
22. Do you have any special requirements due to ill health / medical
conditions?

► 2. Use the letter of application below to fill in the missing

information in the application form (1 – 12):

Dear Sir,
I would like to apply for the post of Export Manager which I saw
advertised in last Saturday’s Daily Chronicle.
I am 30 years old and unmarried. At present I am an Assistant
Manager at Wright & Company, a firm which makes reproduction
furniture, much of which is sold for export to France and Germany.
Prior to this, I worked for two years as a secretary at IBM and for
three years as a Sales Manager at Suffolk Chemicals.
I attended Hove Comprehensive School from the age of eleven to
eighteen, where I obtained seven 0-levels and one A-level. After
this I went on to Brighton College of Further Education, where I

48
obtained my Certificate of Business Studies. At present I am
attending courses in French and German and have a working
knowledge of both languages.
Although I enjoy my present job, I would like the one which offers
more responsibility and especially a job where I would be able to
use my own initiative and to travel abroad.
I enclose my present employer’s name as a referee and look forward
to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully,
Julie Evans

APPLICATION FORM

Name (1): …………… Job applied for (3) : …………………

Address: ……………. Telephone: ……………………………
Age (2): …………….. Marital status (4) : …………………..
Education
School (5): ……………………………………................................
College / University (6): ……………………………………...........
Qualifications
School (7): …….......……………………..........................................
College / University (8): ………..…………….................................
Present job (9): ……………………………………………………
Previous jobs – state number of years and start with most
recent (10): ……………………………………...............................
…………………………………………..…………………………..
………………………………………………………………………
Foreign languages spoken (11): French / German / Italian /
Spanish / Other
Reasons for leaving present job (12): ……………………………
Date: ………………………….. Signature: ……………………...

49
► 3. Supply suitable headings for each entry in the application
form below:

JOB APPLICATION FORM

Personal data
1) Full name _ Jane Rachel Ellis

2) ______________ The Cottage, 2 West Street, Southampton,

SW4 2AA
3) ______________ 842 796 389
4) ______________ 26 June, 19__
5) ______________ Single
6) ______________ Even-tempered, open-minded, able to cope in
a crisis, able to work under pressure, tolerant,
good communication skills, dedicated
7) ______________ Photography; member of a camera club;
sports; member of local gymnastics, tennis
and sailing clubs
8) Education
20__ – 20__ Glenn House Primary, Bath, Somerset
20__ – 20__ West Park Comprehensive, Bath, Somerset

9) ______________ G.C.E. “O” levels: Mathematics, History,

French, Spanish, Biology
G.C.E. “A” levels: English, Human Biology
10) _____________
Period covered: 20__ to present (still employed)
Employer: Totton General Hospital
Position: Staff Nurse (RGN)
Totton General is a busy modern hospital with 600 beds. At
present I am in charge of the intensive care ward, with staff of
eight under my supervision. My responsibilities include dealing
with administration, training student nurses, and of course the
day-to-day running of the ward.

50
11) Previous employment
Period covered: 20__ – 20__
Employer: Malham General Hospital, Yorkshire
Position: Nurse

2. Correspondence for job-hunting

2.1 Cover letter (letter of application for a job)

Sample

Sender’s address
Date

Addressee’s name
Company name
Address

Dear Mr. Carter,

I will be graduating from Boston University (BU) this May with a
BA in economics, and I am interested in exploring career
opportunities with the Bank of the USA in the Fitchburg area. I am
aware that the Bank of the USA is a leading bank in Massachusetts
and, therefore, is the kind of organization within which I would like
to begin building my career.

You will note from my enclosed resume that I have a strong

background in banking, reinforced by several related courses at
BU. I am currently interning at a credit union where I interact
with customers on a daily basis and process a variety of loans
including home equity and mortgage loans. I am seeking a
position leading towards a managerial career in the lending /
credit industry.

51
 My strong math skills and attention to detail combined with my
commitment to customer service will allow me to be successful in
this field. I am confident that I would be an asset to the Bank of
the USA and I hope that you will seriously consider me as a
candidate for an entry level opportunity.
Since my home is in Southborough and I attend school in Boston,
I am readily available for an interview at either location. I will
contact your office within the next two weeks to determine your
level of interest in arranging a meeting. In the meantime, I can be
reached at 545-343-7238.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Sally Williams

Tasks
► 1. Read the letter of application below and say which job Steffi
applied for:

Advertisement A
Hard-working young assistant
wanted for part-time work in a
bookshop during July / August.
No sales experience needed, but
a good understanding of English
is essential.
Apply in writing to Bookworms.
Advertisement B
Large department store seeking
ambitious and experienced
floor manager to work on a full
time basis. Computer skills an
asset. For more information
call J.T. Reeves at 217-3232.

Dear Sir / Madam,

I am writing to apply for the position of a part-time shop assistant
which was advertised in this week’s edition of The Frankfurt
English News.

52
 I am a 16-year-old student. In December I passed the examination
for the First Certificate in English with Grade A. It is my ambition
to become a teacher of English. Therefore, employment in an
English-language bookshop particularly appeals to me.

Despite my lack of formal work experience, I feel that I would be

well-suited for the position. For the past two years I have been a
volunteer helper in our school library. In my school report I was
described by the librarian as enthusiastic, dedicated and reliable.

Since the school holidays include the months of July and August,
I will have no other commitments and would be available to work at
any time, excluding Saturdays, for as many hours as needed.

I may be contacted at the above address, or by telephone on

4351798. I look forward to receiving a reply in due course.

Yours faithfully,
Steffi Braun

► 2. Read the advertisement and two letters of application which

respond to it. Which of the letters uses the wrong style?

Need a summer job?

Do you enjoy meeting new people?

We’re looking for lively young waiters and waitresses to work
at our sea-front cafe. Drop in or drop us a line
if you’d like to earn some extra cash this summer.

Contact: Barry Murphy

Bright’ n’ Bubbly Bistro
3, Apple Tree Street, Brighton
Tel: 8432712

53
 Letter A
Dear Sir / Madam,
In response to your
advertisement in this morning’s
Brighton Advertiser I would
like to indicate my interest in
the post of a waiter.
I am twenty-two years old and
have completed my BA in
Oriental Studies. I plan to do a
Master’s Degree in Medieval
Chinese Literature next
academic year, and I am
therefore seeking to improve
my economic situation over the
summer months.
I am highly qualified for a
position of this kind. I am used
to dealing with people as I am
on the Executive Committee of
the Student Union at City
University. I would also like to
ask about the following: the free
days and the pay you offer.
I trust meals are provided.
I look forward to hearing from
you at your earliest
convenience.
Yours faithfully,
James White
54
Letter B
Dear Mr Murphy,
I saw your advertisement in
the newspaper and I’m very
interested in the waitressing
job you are advertising.
I’m eighteen years old and
I’m planning to go to
university in September, so
I’m looking for a job in order
to earn some money.
I have done a lot of summer
work in the past, including
working in a coffee bar.
I don’t mind hard work and
I learn quickly.
I’ve got a few questions,
though, such as what pay you
are offering and how many
hours per day you will need
me to work. Could you also
tell me if I would get any days
off and whether you provide
any meals for your staff?
I’m looking forward to
hearing from you soon.
Yours sincerely,
Ceila Dobbs
► 3. Read the letter of application to the job advertisement
below and:
a) say what qualifications, experience and personal qualities Steve has –
do you think he will get the job?
b) find formal expressions in this letter of application to match the
informal ones in the table, as in the example:

Informal style Formal style

St George’s 1) About your advert → 1) With
Primary School 2) I want to apply for reference to your
is looking for a young, 3) I got my teaching advertisement
energetic and certificate
experienced school 4) I’ve had a job in
teacher to join us in 5) I think I’m always
September. Must be a on time
good organizer and 6) I like working with
keen on sports. Please kids
apply in writing to Mrs 7) There’s a note from
Hunter, giving details my boss
of qualifications, skills 8) I’d like it if you
and previous hired me
experience and saying 9) I’m free to talk to you
why you think you are 10) Drop me a line
suitable for the job. sometime
Closing date 12th May.

Dear Mrs Hunter,

With reference to your advertisement in Thursday’s edition of The
Daily Star, I am interested in applying for the position of a primary
school teacher.
I am 28 years old and currently teaching in Margate. I have a BSc
degree awarded by Glasgow University in 20__. I completed my
certificate in Education at Preston Teacher Training College in 20__.

55
 I have been working for Margate Education Department since 20__.
During this time, I have enjoyed teaching a variety of subjects
including English, General Science and Games.

I consider myself to be punctual, hard-working and fair. I enjoy

working with children and have good organizational skills.

I enclose a reference from my present employer. I would be grateful

if you considered my application. I am available for an interview
any weekday morning. I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,
Steven Davies

► 4. Read the letter of application for a job at Reynold’s

Department Store. Use the words and expressions below (a – f) to
improve the parts of the letter that are highlighted (1 – 6):
a) enclosed c) Sir or Madam e) a new challenge
b) look forward to d) would like to f) reached retirement
hearing apply for age

Dear (1 – Reynold’s),
I saw your advertisement for a position as a sales assistant in your
garden furniture department and I (2 – want) the job.
I am an experienced shop assistant and I have worked in many
different departments. Please see my curriculum vitae, (3 – in the
same envelope), for more details.
I started working in shops when I was twenty-one, forty-five
years ago. I left my last job six years ago when I (4 – got too
old), but I get terribly bored at home. I feel I am ready for
(5 – new things) now.

56
 I would be available for an interview at any time, even at short
notice.
I (6 – can’t wait to hear) from you.
Yours faithfully,
Enid Smith (Ms)

► 5. Read the letter of application and replace the items in bold

(1 – 10) with more formal words and phrases given below (you may
need to change the form of the verbs):
a) be confident c) possess e) leading g) obtain i) become
b) significant d) intend f) complete h) secure j) seek

Dear Sir / Madam,

I was very interested to hear about the new position at Conor
Communications. I (1 – am looking for) a new challenge and I
(2 – have) all the required qualifications for the post, as well as
(3 – a lot of) experience in staff training.
I worked as a receptionist for two years before (4 – getting) a role in
customer service for a large supermarket chain. During my time
there, I (5 – did) a professional development course and (6 – got) a
diploma in customer care. I (7 – want) to move into
telecommunications because I see it as an exciting area with growing
opportunities, and Conor Communications is clearly a (8 – top)
organization in the field.
I (9 – think) you will be impressed with my people skills and my
attitude to work. I hope to (10 – be) a valued member of your team
and look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.
Kind regards,
Kimberley East

57
► 6. Complete the cover letter with the words below (a – j):
a) committed c) extend e) possess g) reputation i) teamwork
b) currently d) interpersonal f) recruitment h) role j) wish

Dear Sir / Madam,

I was sent your recent advertisement for a deputy manager at your

Croydon venue by a (1___) agency and I am writing to apply for the
position.

I am (2___) employed as an assistant manager at “Atlanta” in

Southampton, where I have been working for three years. Prior to
this, I worked in a wine bar and gained a degree of managerial
experience in my (3___) as a duty manager.

As you will see from my enclosed CV, I have experience in all

areas of retail management – from stock control to staffing levels.
I (4___) all relevant certificates, including the national licensee
certificate and the door supervisor licence.

I feel that my greatest strengths lie in my (5___) skills and the

ability to encourage (6___) among my staff. I am always (7___) to
whatever challenges I accept and have the confidence to face both
success and disappointment, and learn from the experience.

I am looking to (8___) my experience by working in a large venue

with an emphasis on catering and dance. I am also attracted by the
(9___) of your company for staff and managerial progression.

Should you need further details or (10___) to arrange an interview,

please do not hesitate to contact me.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours faithfully,
Beresfort Hammond

58
► 7. Assemble the phrases in bold (1 – 10) in this cover letter:

Dear Ms Naqvi,
As a second-year student at Cracow University of Economics,
(1 – am business experience gain I keen to) through a three-
month work placement (July – September) with a leading
international retailer like PC Warehouse.
(2 – extensive of have I knowledge the PC market), and
(3 – assembling considerable of computers experience) for
family and friends. In addition, my university course in Customer
Relationship Management (4 – a has in given interest me
retailing strong).
I will be a (5 – and highly hard-working intern motivated) and
I feel sure that I can (6 – a contribution make your valuable
organization to). I am interested in all aspects of your business
model, and (7 – accept any happy position to be would) you are
able to offer me.
(8 – to answer any call I next questions week you will) you may
have, but (9 – at contact time free to me any feel please) for
more details or to arrange an interview.
Thank you (10 – and time your consideration for).
Sincerely yours,
Karol Kowalski

► 8. Read the following letter of application and correct

grammar, word order or wrong word mistakes (1 – 10):

Dear Sir / Madam,

I am writing to apply for the (1 – place) of Physical Education teacher
at the All Saints’ Girls’ School in Liverpool as (2 – advertising) in The
Herald of 25th May.

59
 I am twenty-six (3 – year) old and obtained a degree in Sports
Science at Liverpool University (4 – at) 20__. I am presently
(5 – worked) as a teaching assistant in the P.E. department at
Highfield Grammar School in Manchester where I (6 – was) for the
last four years. Prior to this, I (7 – wasted) two years as a
swimming coach in Garfield at the Regent Leisure Centre.
I am (8 – interested extremely) in the post available as I am eager
to upgrade my present status from teaching assistant to fully
appointed P.E. teacher. I am patient and believe in encouraging
(9 – the all) pupils to reach their full potential.
If you wish me to attend an interview, I shall be glad to do so. I am
looking forward to (10 – hear) from you.
Yours faithfully,
Barbara Winters

► 9. Arrange the parts of the cover letter (a – j) in the correct

order (1 – 10):

a) Although I am presently employed by a non-profit making

organization, it has always been my intention to work in a
commercial environment. I would particularly welcome the chance to
work for your company as I have long admired both the quality of the
products that it provides and its position as a defender of
environmental causes. As you will notice in my enclosed CV, the job
you are offering suits both my personal and professional interests.
b) I would be pleased to discuss my curriculum vitae with you in
more detail at an interview. In the meantime, please do not hesitate
to contact me if you require further information. I look forward to
hearing from you.
c) Dear Ms Baudoin,
d) 08 January, 20__
e) I am writing to apply for the position which was advertised last
month in The Independent.
f) 52 Hanover Street Edinburgh EH2 5LM UK

60
 g) Natalie Baudoin Patagonia Gmbh Reitmorstrasse 50 8000
Munich 22 Germany
h) My work experience has familiarized me with many of the
challenges involved in public relations today. I am sure that this,
together with my understanding of the needs and expectations of sport
and nature enthusiasts, would be extremely relevant to the position.
Moreover, as my mother is German, I am fluent in this language and
would definitely enjoy working in a German-speaking environment.
i) Fiona Scott
j) Yours sincerely,

► 10. Read the advertisements below and write a letter applying

for a place on a training course / for a job. You should include
details of your qualifications and experience, as well as the
reasons why you think you are suitable:

CHANGE MANAGEMENT Maple & Woodlings

COURSE
Our newest course will help
you to understand how
individuals and organizations
react to change. We are
looking for applicants who:
 have experience of
organizing other people;
 work well in a team;
 speak English to a good
level.
There are only ten places
available on the course so
please send in your letter of
application, telling us why you
should be given a place as soon
as possible.
Stockbrothers Ltd.
Our London office seeks two
brokers to manage its Foreign
Claims department.
Applicants should have the
following:
 a degree in Economics,
Accounting or other
subjects considered
relevant by the Board
 3 years’ experience
(minimum)
Applications to be sent to:
Mrs Karen Armstrong
(Personnel Manager)
Maple & Woodlings Ltd.
49 Chinswick Alley
Barmbury, Wilts

61
 OFFICE MANAGER WANTED!
Our small company needs a hard- Volunteers for the
working office manager who isn’t summer to help run
afraid of long hours and challenging hostels for
projects. We have a lot of paperwork, international groups.
so you need to be organized to find Duties include
information quickly. If you are cooking, cleaning and
ambitious and want us to promote you entertaining! Further
quickly, there is plenty of opportunity details from:
with our growing company. Show us Economy Holidays
that you’re enthusiastic about work 16 Brisney Lane
by arriving at the interview Taunton
with a smile on your face! TX1 32R

2.2 Resume (CV / curriculum vitae)

Sample

Susan W. Cole
Date of birth: 25.07.19__ Address: 229 Main Street
Marital status: single Anytown, WI 12345
Dependants: none Mob. phone: 370 699 68 945
E-mail: susan.cole@hotmail.com
OBJECTIVE: Management trainee position in the life insurance
industry
SUMMARY:  One year experience in life and property
insurance
 Management internship with Northwestern
Mutual
 Magna Cum Laude graduate with BA in
Business Administration

62
EDUCATION: Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration,
May 20__
Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois
Graduated Magna Cum Laude with a GPA of 3,6
on a 4,0 scale
Courses taken included:
 Strategic  Personnel Planning
Management and Selection
 Organizational  Business Data
Decision Making Communications
 New Venture  Performance
Creation Appraisal
 Quality Assurance  Staffing and Selection
EXPERIENCE: Insurance Internship, May 20__ to August 20__
Northwestern Mutual, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
 responsible for documenting standard
workflow within agent offices
 involved in developing specifications for
standard system configuration for agencies
 developed programme for tracking agent
commission annuity streams
Property Internship, May 20__ to August 20__
American Family Insurance, Madison,
Wisconsin
 developed marketing programme to target
rural farm customers
 assisted with developing actuarial tables for
new market segments
 named department Employee of the Month
ACTIVITIES:  Vice President, AMA Student Chapter, 20__ –
20__
 Secretary, Beta Gamma Sigma honours
society, 20__– 20__
 Dorm Resident Assistant, 20__– 20__

63
 Tasks

► 1. Answer the following questions about a CV/ resume:

1) What is the reason why the different sections on the CV / resume
are in the order they are?
a) Potential employers are used to CVs having this section order.
b) It looks good.
2) Why are the section titles in the middle of the page and use a
large font?
a) To make the resume look pretty.
b) To help people quickly find the information they are looking
for.
3) What style of vocabulary should you use on a CV / resume?
a) Formal
b) Informal
c) It doesn’t matter
4) Which of the three factors below is the most important in deciding
what information to include on a CV / resume?
a) It sounds professional.
b) It’s relevant for the job your are applying for.
c) It makes you seem very important.
5) Why should a CV / resume be short (two pages long), well
organized / structured and only contain information relevant to the job
you are applying for?
a) That’s what other people do.
b) It makes it quicker and easier to read for potential employers.

► 2. Look at the job-related words below and match the ones that
go together:
1) how much you earn a) address
2) where you live b) income
3) who you work for c) marital status
4) Mr or Mrs d) CV

64
5) all about you
6) written work history
7) family name
8) when you were born
9) married or single
10) position held
► 3. Sean Richardson tailors his resume to each job he applies
for. Which of the job advertisements (A – D) do you think he is
applying for?
Advertisement A
TRAINEE MARKETING
ASSISTANT:
Botswana Adventures
Wild African Adventures is a
travel company that specializes
in once-in-a-lifetime holidays to
Botswana in Africa. We are
looking for a trainee marketing
assistant to join our team and
help find new customers. Some
travel to Africa may be required.
A love of foreign adventure, an
enthusiastic attitude and an
ability to work in a team are
essential.
Send your resume
to Karen Bexley
karen.bexley@wildafricanadventu
res.net
e) personal details
f) date of birth
g) job title
h) surname
i) employer
j) title
Advertisement B
TRAINEE FITNESS
INSTRUCTOR
Silver Fit Gym is a
friendly, modern gym. We
have a team of fitness
instructors who help our
customers to achieve their
goals. We are currently
looking for new trainee
fitness instructors to join
our team. No previous
experience is required but
a love of sport and fitness,
a positive attitude and an
ability to inspire people
are essential.
Send your resume
to Jim Price
enquiries@silverfitgym.com
65
 Advertisement C
COMPUTER TRAINEE
New Skills Training is a charity
that helps the elderly and
disadvantaged to get online. We
are looking for an enthusiastic
and outgoing person with
excellent computer and
interpersonal skills to join our
team and help get people online.
Previous experience not essential.
Send your resume
to Marion Nelson
marion@newskillstraining.co.net
Advertisement D
SECRETARY
Gold Star Appliances sells
top-quality domestic
appliances. We are looking
for a friendly, professional
secretary with an excellent
telephone manner. Must be
able to type. No previous
experience required, but
enthusiasm is essential.
Send your resume to
info@goldstarappliances.net
or call Wendy Yang
on 0283 383 128

SEAN RICHARDSON
Flat 23, Tel.: 0161 599 376
Portman House Mob.: 0788 548 3829
Belfast Road sean.richardson@totalmail.net
Manchester M36 9EZ
PROFILE  Final-year student in Information
Technology at Leeds Metropolitan
University
 Excellent computer skills combined
with experience of one-to-one training
 Strong interpersonal skills and the
ability to work in a team
EXPERIENCE Two-month work placement with an IT
training company:
 learning how good IT trainers work;
helping to train people in basic
computer skills

66
 Volunteer for a local charity:
 working with disadvantaged teenagers
and helping them to learn new computer
skills
EDUCATION AND  BA degree in Information Technology,
QUALIFICATIONS Leeds Metropolitan University (due to
graduate in July)
 High school graduate, Thomas Manly
Secondary School, Leeds
PERSONAL Full clean driving licence  Non-smoker 
DETAILS Languages: English and Hindi (mother
tongue), Urdu (fluent), Spanish
(conversational)  Interests include
working-out, reading and photography
REFERENCES  Available upon request

► 4. Read the job ad, the letter of application and the resume. Say
which information in the resume has not been included in the
letter of application for a job, and why:

Rapidly expanding marketing company

seeks a marketing manager for an overseas office
in Tokyo.
The successful candidate should be fully qualified in the
marketing field and have knowledge of the Japanese
language. The applicant should be between 30–40 years old,
single and willing to relocate at very short notice.
All letters, including a CV and one photograph,
should be marked
for attention of Mrs Dominique Lloyd
(Personnel Manager)
CFF Marketing Ltd 7, Brompton Rd, Surrey, Tel.: 8219434

67
 Dear Mrs Lloyd,
I am writing to apply for the position of a marketing manager in
your Tokyo office, as advertised in last week’s Guardian
newspaper on 09 October.
As outlined in my curriculum vitae, which I have enclosed, I attended
Riverside secondary school in Gloucester where I completed my
GCSE and “A” Level studies. In 20__, I graduated from the University
of Wales with a BSc in Business Studies and Marketing.
After graduation, I moved to Tokyo where I trained as a market
researcher for The Yen Company for two years. On my return to
England, I continued working as a market researcher until 20__
when I obtained my present job.
I am currently employed as Assistant Managing Director at Melton
Enterprises, where my duties include the organisation of staff and
stock, as well as the allocation of budget within the sales department.
I am also responsible for overseeing the whole business, and am
generally noted for my good organizational and managerial skills.
I believe that I would be an ideal candidate for the position you have
outlined, as I have had extensive marketing training with a well-known
Japanese marketing and public relations firm. My time spent living in
Tokyo also ensured that I obtained a valuable insight into Japanese
culture and working practices. I also have a number of very good
business contacts in Tokyo, as well as a basic understanding of the
Japanese language which is necessary if one is to be able to work
effectively. Finally, I am willing and able to relocate at short notice,
which I understand to be a requirement for the position.
I enclose my curriculum vitae and a photograph as requested, and
I would be happy to supply you with further details should they be
required. I thank you for considering my application and am
willing to attend an interview at any time.
Yours sincerely,
Steven Bradley

68
 Resume
Name: Steven Bradley
Date of Birth: 06 December, 19__
Address: 21, Pine Avenue, Gloucester
Education / Qualifications:
19__ – 19__ Riverside secondary school, Gloucester GCSE:
Maths, Economics, English, Computing, History,
Political Science, Japanese, Asian Studies
“A” Levels: Maths (B), Economics (B), General
Studies (B), Business Studies (B)
19__ – 19__ BSc in Business Studies – University of Wales
Work experience:
April 19__ – Sept. 19__ Assistant Managing Director, Melton
Enterprises, London
Sept. 19__ – April 19__ Market Researcher, BLD Service, Oxford
June 19__ – Aug. 19__ Trainee Market Researcher, The Yen
Company, Tokyo
Other Information:
 Basic Japanese
 Full, clean driving licence
 Interests: sailing, cooking, jogging, karate
Referees:
Carl Spencer (President) Susan Marcus (Managing Director)
BLD Service Melton Enterprises
2, Downing St. 42, St Catherine St.
Oxford London

► 5. Match each resume section (1 – 8) with the correct title (a – h).

Then arrange the best order for these sections:
a) Referees c) Interests e) Date of birth g) Other skills
b) Achievements d) Work f) Education h) Contact
experience details
69
 1) 2)
David Haywood  managed cost analyses for
P.O. Box 25127 specific products and
Dubai countries in relation to
United Arab Emirates total consumption, market
Tel./fax:0207 845 337 share and local production
d_haywood@interplexus.net.ae facilities
 increased market share
of an industrial paper
product from 27% to
36% in a year

3) 4)
20__ – present Rahman Good computer skills (Word
Chemicals Dubai, and Excel)
sales manager Fluent German
20__ – 20__ K-Chem Some Arabic
Chemicals, Kuwait,
international sales 5)
representative Basketball, fencing and
20__ – 20__ hotel work and photography
teaching English in
Aswan, Egypt

6) 7)
Dr Kevin Smith, PhD 20__: MBA in International
Department of Business Studies Business, University of
University of Southampton Southampton
kewinsmith@southampton.ac.uk 20__: Degree BA (Hons) in
Middle Eastern
Mr Khaled Sayed Studies, University of
Managing Director Leeds
Rahman Chemicals
Dubai
UAE 8)
Ksayed@rahman.ae 12 June 19__

70
► 6. Read the resume and choose the words that suit best (1 – 7):

JAMES BEACON

Personal profile and key skills

A hard-working and enthusiastic salesman, (1 – been keen / keen)
to use my experience as a mountain guide to promote and sell
outdoor equipment. My key skills (2 – are / were) an understanding
of outdoor equipment and an ability to listen to customers’ needs.
Recent achievements (3 – include / including) a highly successful
adventure camp for international executives.
Employment history
Mountain Guide, Franklin Rose Adventure Services (July 20__ –
Present)

Responsibilities
 (4 – Leading / Led) customers on three-to seven-day outdoor
adventures
 (5 – Think / Thinking) of new promotion and marketing ideas
Achievements
University of York (September 20_ – June 20__) BA in Business,
(6 – specialized / specializes) in management)
Hobbies and interests
Running, mountain climbing, writing ((7 – write / wrote) an
equipment review for Outdoor Sporting Life, January 20__)

► 7. Read Robert’s CV. How has he formulated the following

information in more appropriate language?
1) I sometimes phoned people in Germany.
2) I’m good with computers.
3) I was the contact for the transfer of the company to new offices.
4) I gave some colleagues some English lessons.
5) I spoke on behalf of 400 students in meetings with teachers.
6) I was the general assistant to the computer consultants.
71
7) I sold tents.
8) I had to learn how to set up a LAN (local area network).
9) I’m the only member of the team who believes we can win.
10) My job was to introduce the speakers and thank them at the end.

Robert Khan

Date of birth: 29 April 20__

Nationality: British
Current address: 27 Keats Road, London SE4 3KL
Permanent address: 247 Newmarket Road, Norwich NR4 ET
E-mail: r.khan@rambler.de
Tel.: 9020 8088 8965

EDUCATION
20__ – 20__ BA in Business Studies at Chelsea School of Business
(Exam results to date 2:2; Expected final grade 2:1)
20__ – 20__ Norwich School: 3 “A” levels: Economics (A), Maths
(B), History (C)
20__ – 20__ Norwich School: 10 GCSEs, including Maths and
English

WORK HISTORY
Jan. – June 20__ Work placement, Atherton Consultants
I played an integral part in a team of consultants
working on IS projects. This position required
familiarity with networking solutions and Web
design and involved liaising with a client’s parent
company in Germany.
July – Sept. 20__ Vacation Trainee, Jardine, White & Partners
I coordinated an office reorganization project.
20__ – 20__ Sales Assistant, Kaufhaus des Westens, Berlin
I was responsible for managing the outdoor
exhibition of camping equipment. I ran a
language training programme for members of the
department.

72
 POSITIONS OF RESPONSIBILITY
20__ – 20__ President of CSB Students’ Union
I represented over 400 members in faculty
meetings and organized and chaired conferences
with visiting speakers.
20__ to present Captain of CSB Squash Team
I run training sessions and am responsible for
organizing matches and motivating the team.
OTHER
 Fluent German
 Advanced computer literacy: Office software, networking and
Web design
 3rd trombone in the London Students’ Jazz Orchestra
 Clean driving licence
REFERENCES
 Available upon request

► 8. Read the facts about Justine Collier and write her CV,
presenting the information appropriately and using relevant
language and expressions:

 Voluntary work since 20__ – OUTLOOK, charity for disabled

children – parties, visits, etc.
 Play violin in string quartet
 University basketball team – my job to bring drinks
 20__ – 20__Northern High School “A” level Maths (A),
Economics (B), French (B)
 Secretary, Newcastle Junior Chamber of Commerce in 20__ –
minutes of meetings, monthly newsletter, etc. Sometimes
phoned VIPs to invite to receptions, etc.
 June – Sept. 20__ Holiday job, Newcastle Social Security, entered
personnel data into new HR management software. Confidential,
very boring. Visitor from Spanish government, three days

73
  References – tutor, Mr Bowers, Newcastle University; Mrs
Broadbent, Principal, Northern High School
 Typing speed 90 wpm
 Justine Dominga Collier
 14 Green Street, Newcastle NEI3 8BH Tel.: 01879 122 7769
 Oct. 20__ – March 20__ Internship Arbol Oil: finance department,
small jobs, learned accounts software, e-mail from S. America
 Bilingual: Spanish and English
 04/11/20__, Auckland NZ
 20__ – 20__BA Economics, Newcastle University

► 9. Write or update your own resume.

2.3 Letter asking for a reference

Sample
Sender’s address
Date
Addressee’s name
Company name
Address
Dear Mr Denver,
I am writing to ask whether it would be possible for you to provide
a reference for me.
As you know, I worked as a Personal Assistant for you between
September, 20__ and March, 20__, during which time I maintained
a perfect attendance record and earned high scores on my
performance evaluations. If you could attest to my qualifications for
employment and to the skills I attained during my tenure at ABC
Company, I would sincerely appreciate it.
I am in the process of seeking employment as an HR manager and a
positive reference from you would enhance my prospects of
achieving my career goals; I need to have my list of references
ready to submit by June 18, 20__.

74
 Please let me know if there is any information I can provide
regarding my experience to assist you in giving me a reference; I’ve
attached my resume for your review. I can be reached at
jsmith@abc.com or 8-921-783-2367.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely yours,
Charlie McGann

Tasks
► 1. John Smith asks three people for a reference. Read the three
letters asking for a reference below (A, B, and C) and say which
one he wrote to his C.E.O., which one to his supervisor and which
one to his acquaintance:

Dear Ms Samuels, Letter A

I am writing to you in the hope that you might be able to provide a

reference for me.
I feel that I grew tremendously as a worker while working under
your supervision at Widgets, Inc., and that the quality of my work
greatly improved thanks to my experience there. If you feel able
and willing to attest to my skills as an employee, I would greatly
appreciate your assistance.
I am currently relocating and in the process of searching for a new
job, and a positive reference would be of great value right now. If
you need any further information, such as a current copy of my
resume or a link to my LinkedIn profile, I would be more than
happy to provide it.
Thank you for any consideration you give to my request.
Yours sincerely,
John Smith

75
 Dear Linda, Letter В

I was wondering if you would be able to help me with my job search

by providing me with a reference. As I mentioned to you before, I
will be relocating to Seattle in a little over a month, and I am still in
the process of looking for a new job. I have worked under your direct
supervision for many years now, so a positive reference from you
would, I think, greatly improve my odds of landing a new job.
If you are able to speak to my skills and qualifications, and if you do
not mind doing so, I would like to provide your contact information
to prospective employers as a reference. I will make sure to let you
know whenever I give out your information so that you can be
prepared. I am also willing to provide you with a current copy of my
resume, along with any other information that would be of use to you.
Again, any help you could offer me would be greatly appreciated.
At your earliest convenience, please let me know if you are willing
to act as a reference.
Thank you in advance,
John Smith

Dear Mr Johnson, Letter С

I am writing to you to ask if you would be willing to provide me
with a job reference.
I am currently in the process of relocating and, as such, am searching for
a new source of employment. Given the impressive history and status of
Widgets, Inc., a reference from you would greatly enhance my portfolio.
I entered your company immediately out of college, and in the twelve
years that followed, my experience there moulded me into a hard worker
with a positive track record and a notable list of contributions. If you are
able and willing to attest to my record with your company, would you
also be willing to provide me with a reference?
If you need any additional information, I would be glad to provide you
with my current resume and a list of the work-related skills I possess.

76
 My supervisor is Ms Samuels, and she would also be able to provide
you with further information about my history with your company.
Thank you for your consideration, and thank you for any help you
can provide me with.
Sincerely yours,
John Smith

► 2. Arrange the passages in the letter below (a – f) in the correct

order (1 – 6):

a. Grace Smith
b. In the letter of reference, I would appreciate it if you could
include information related to my trustworthiness, my
enthusiasm and my cross-cultural awareness while in teacher
training college. As the job is in Japan, they do not have the
chance to interview me and will base their decision largely on
my letters of reference. I would need to have the letter in two
weeks, by July 01. Thank you kindly in advance,
c. Dear Mrs Schön,
d. Yours sincerely,
e. I am writing in connection with a letter of reference that I need
for a job that I have applied for recently. As I am due to
graduate next month, I have applied for a position as an ESL
teacher at a private language school in Tokyo, Japan. You
might remember my telling you how very much I looked
forward to teaching and travelling around the world. Now I
have the chance. I am confident that I can make a difference in
the lives of students who need to learn English.
f. How are you? I hope everything is fine at the school and that
you have been well. I still remember the dynamic way in which
you taught grammar to me and all of the teacher trainees in your
English class. Thanks again for those important lessons.

77
► 3. You have recently graduated and have been asked by a
prospective employer to provide a university reference. Write a
letter to your former teacher telling him/her how you have been
getting on and asking for a reference.

2.4 Reference letter

Sample

Sender’s address
Date
Addressee’s name
Company name
Address
Dear Ms Chement,
I am writing to you regarding Suzanne Johnson. I have known
Suzanne personally for over ten years, and have always known her
to be an organized, responsible, and easy-going individual. I believe
that her skills and experience make her an excellent candidate for an
office manager in your organization.
When I met Suzanne, she had just left an administrative position in
a busy Fashion House, where she was responsible for book-keeping,
answering phone calls and making appointments.
During the time I have known her, Suzanne has been active in our
community, serving on the Library Board and the Historical Society.
Her contributions included acting as Secretary of the Library Board,
and heading the Historical Society’s Annual Fund Drive.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me by
phone or e-mail.
Best regards,
Jill Saunders
89217827529
jill.sunders@yahoo.com

78
 Tasks
► 1. Third-year student P. of the Karelia Branch of RANEPA is
applying for the participation in the Moscow campus in summer
20__ advertised on the site of RANEPA. The Assistant Director of
the Karelia Branch is writing a letter of recommendation for her.
He is dictating the letter to his secretary. Write the letter using the
correct business letter format, punctuation, and capital letters:

dear sir or madam i am very happy to give student p a reference

for participation in the Moscow campus in summer 20__
advertised on the site of RANEPA she is a brilliant student
intelligent and also efficient in scientific work she gives great
inputs in charity work undertaken by the students of the karelia
branch she is cheerful pleasant and helpful in class I can certainly
recommend her for the work of the campus yours faithfully

► 2. As a supervisor of a children’s summer camp, you have been

asked by the managing director to write an assessment of one of
the group leaders who is being considered for promotion to a
group coordinator. Read the reference letter and:
a) fill in the appropriate sub-headings (Purpose, Recommendation,
Leadership, Personal Qualities, Achievements) in the character
reference (A – E);
b) choose the most suitable word or phrase in bold (1 – 10).

To: John Wood, Managing Director

From: Amanda Hall, Camp Supervisor
Subject: Assessment of Victoria Collins
Date: 14 August, 20__
A___
As requested, this report is an assessment of the suitability of
Victoria Collins for promotion to a group coordinator. The report
summarizes her personal qualities, leadership qualities and work-
related achievements, on the basis of which her suitability depends.

79
 B___
Victoria is a very enthusiastic member of staff who is always
pleasant and considerate and whose punctuality record is
commendable. She has proved herself to be reliable and helpful
with a positive attitude towards all aspects of her work. For this she
is admired and respected by her colleagues. (1 – In addition / As
well as) she has a wonderful rapport with children. (2 –
Nevertheless / Despite the fact that) she has a tendency toward
timidity, this does not seem to have affected the quality of her work.
C___
(3 – Besides this / Although) Victoria has only been employed
here for a short time, she has already demonstrated good
leadership qualities. (4 – In spite of / Moreover) her shyness, she
has (5 – despite / nonetheless) shown that she possesses the
ability to assert herself over her group in a constructive way
whenever the need arises. Her organizational skills are
outstanding; (6 – to sum up / furthermore), she is able to work in
a calm and methodical manner to achieve the desired results
quickly and efficiently, even under pressure.
D___
Over the course of this summer, Victoria has voluntarily taken on
many extra responsibilities involving the planning and
organisation of new entertainment. (7 – For instance /
Therefore), she recently helped to plan a series of new activities
which proved extremely successful and also very popular with the
children. (8 – For example / Moreover), many of her innovative
ideas have been added to our existing programme, (9 – despite /
thus) providing group leaders and camp guests with a much wider
variety of activity options to choose from.

E ___
(10 – Additionally / In conclusion), I strongly recommend that
Victoria should be promoted to the position of a group
coordinator. I feel she is an excellent candidate for the job and
would be a valuable addition to the team.

80
► 3. As the head of a department you have been asked by the
company manager to comment on an employee’s performance as
he is being considered for promotion. Look at the draft notes and
fill in the gaps (1 – 9) with appropriate linking words (a – i):

To: Michael Adams, Manager

From: John McDonald, Department Head
Subject: Work performance of Peter Thompson
Introduction: the purpose of this report is to assess the work
performance of Peter Thompson, who is currently being
considered for promotion.
Customer relations:
а) also, b) although, c) however
 usually polite and cheerful; has rarely been the subject of
customer complaints;
 (1___), helpful and sociable; has a good approach when dealing
with customers;
 there have, (2___), been times when he has been rather
aggressive, (3___) this is not his usual manner;
d) in addition to, e) on the other hand, f) as well
 he has recently been assisting with the training of new
personnel; has been the staff representative (4___), so he knows
how to deal with difficulties;
 (5___) being highly motivated, he also motivates other
employees;
 (6___), he can be stubborn and will stop at nothing to persuade
the others he is right;
 he is respected and popular with the staff; works well with other
people;
g) but also, h) not only, i) to sum up
 he would be valuable addition to management team; he (7___)
knows all levels of business, (8___) relates well to other staff
members;
 (9___), he is an excellent candidate for promotion.

81
► 4. A chemical company is recruiting a sales manager to work
in South America. Read the interviewer’s notes and complete the
letter of reference. Put the verbs (1 – 8) into Past Simple or
Present Perfect:

 Candidate: Celia Hill

 Post: Sales Manager, Chile
 Experience of working for a large manufacturing
company: Yes, with Ball Aerospace (19__ – 20__) and Saturn
(20__ – present)
 Experience of a position of responsibility: Yes, assistant
sales manager (19__ – 20__) and sales manager (20__ –
present)
 Experience of a chemical industry: Yes, she had a job with
American Gas and Chemicals before she went to college
 Experience of living abroad: No, and she can’t speak
Spanish either

In some ways, Ms Hill is an ideal candidate for this position.

She is knowledgeable, intelligent, and adaptable. She (1 – to
have) sales experience with two large manufacturing
companies. She (2 – to work) for Ball Aerospace for six years,
and she (3 – to work) for Saturn since 20__. She (4 – to be) an
assistant sales manager for two years at Ball and (5 – to be) a
sales manager since she joined Saturn. She has also had direct
experience of the chemical industry. She (6 – to have) a job
with AGG before she went to college.

The problem is she (7 – to never live) abroad. She (8 – to never

learn) Spanish either. She speaks French well, but that’s no use in
Chile.

82
► 5. Complete the following report that a personnel manager
wrote after interviewing a candidate for the position of Director of
Software Development. Put the verbs in brackets (1 – 13) in either
Present Simple or Present Continuous:

INTERVIEW ASSESSMENT
Articulate and well-presented, Paul Sutherland is an excellent
candidate for the post of Director of Software Development. He
(1 – to want) to leave his present employer, a small computer
company, because he (2 – to feel) that he (3 – not to use) his
knowledge of software engineering to the full. He (4 – to look for) a
more challenging position where his field of specialization can be
exploited in a more stimulating environment. He (5 – to realize) that
our company (6 – to grow) rapidly, and that he would be expected to
contribute to that growth. He is familiar with our existing range of
software and regularly (7 – to read) our publications.
Although at present he (8 – to live) in the south, he (9 – to say)
that he is willing to go wherever we (10 – to decide) to send
him. He occasionally (11 – to travel) to various European
countries for trade fairs and exhibitions and (12 – to enjoy)
meeting people of different nationalities. At the moment he
(13 – to attend) a training course at the Goethe Institute in order
to perfect his German.
J. Hargreaves
Personnel Manager

► 6. Complete the following profile of a company manager putting

the verbs in brackets (1 – 12) in either Past Simple or Present Perfect:

Jim Blake (1 – to join) Hodson Electricals in 19__, immediately after

finishing his degree in chemical engineering. In 19__, the company
(2 – to choose) him to run the consumer products division. Then, in
19__, Jim’s strong performance (3 – to earn) him the top job. He
(4 – to become) the CEO of Hodson Electrics at the age of just 46.

83
 Since then, Jim’s career (5 – to be) an example of how to manage
a company successfully. For the last ten years, Hodson Electrics
(6 – to expand) continually and now it (7 – to become) one of the
most highly valued companies in Europe. One of Jim’s secrets is
to develop talented people. Recently, he (8 – to establish) a series
of performance measures that identify who the best performers
are. Executives are now promoted without regard to seniority. For
example, when he had to choose a new Chief Financial Officer
two years ago, Blake (9 – to pass) over several candidates in
favour of 38-year-old Ben Bradley. He has always insisted, “Age
doesn’t matter. It’s your ability that counts.”
People have called Blake many things during his career but one
thing that nobody can call him is lazy. His energy and enthusiasm
(10 – to make) the company what it is today.

► 7. Read the letter and complete the gaps (1 – 5) with the

prepositions below (a – e):
a) in b) by c) with d) of e) upon

Dear Mr Tobin,

I am pleased to be able to reply favourably to your enquiry of 07

April concerning Mr James Harvey.

Mr Harvey is an excellent linguist and for the past five years has
been in sole charge (1___) our foreign correspondence, most of
which is with European companies.

We have been extremely pleased (2___) the services provided

(3___) Mr Harvey. Should you engage him, you may rely (4___)
him to produce well-written and accurate transcripts of letters
(5___) French and German. He is a very reliable and steady worker
and has an excellent character.

84
 We wish him success, but at the same time shall be very sorry to
lose him.

Yours sincerely,
Mrs Taylor

► 8. Choose the words that suit best (1 – 10):

Dear Mr Jones,

Thank you for your letter of 11th August regarding Mr John

Parker, who has been (1 – employed / granted) by this company
for the past nine years.

Mr Parker (2 – worked / served) his apprenticeship with

Vickers Tools Ltd in Liverpool, followed by a course for the
Engineering and Work Study Diploma of the Institution of
Production Engineers. He is technically well (3 – prepared /
qualified) and for the past five years has been our Assistant
Works Manager (4 – responsible for / obliged for) production
and associated activities in our Sheffield factory. In all aspects
of his work he has shown himself to be hard-working,
conscientious and in every way a very (5 – dependent /
independent) employee.

I can (6 – advise / recommend) Mr Parker without the

(7 – slightest / smallest) hesitation. I feel sure that he was
(8 – designated / appointed) to manage your factory in
Harare. He would bring to his work a (9 – genuine /
authentic) spirit of service, which would be found
stimulating and (10 – helping / helpful) by all who worked
with him.

Yours sincerely,
Jason Cavallier

85
► 9. As a senior assistant in the Personnel Department of your
company, you have been asked by the Managing Director to
submit a report on one of the temporary employees. The report
should include comments on the employee’s performance, and
state whether you would recommend him/her for a permanent
position in the company or not.

2.5 Follow-up letter

Sample

Sender’s address
Date

Addressee’s name
Company name
Address

Dear Ms Roberts,

Thank you for your time and attention during my interview with
you last week. I appreciated the opportunity to discuss my
qualifications and aspirations with you.

I hope that all the questions were answered to your satisfaction,

but, of course, I would be happy to supply any further information
you may need.

I am very interested in the growth potential of the position we

discussed, and I hope you will consider me a serious candidate.

I am looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely yours,
Jeanne Nguyen

86
 Tasks

► 1. Read the follow-up letter written after a job interview and

ask as many questions on the situation as possible:

Dear Mr Hayes,

Thank you again for the opportunity to be interviewed for the

marketing position. I appreciated your hospitality and enjoyed
meeting you and members of your staff.

The interview confirmed me how compatible my background,

interests, and skills are with the goals of Best Products
Incorporated. My prior marketing experience with the
Department of Commerce has prepared me to take a major role
in developing domestic and international marketing strategies.
I am confident that my work could result in increased market
shares for Best Products Incorporated in the rapidly expanding
Pacific Rim market.

Please feel free to contact Mr John Smith at the Department of

Commerce at 555-266-0074 if you would like more information
on the new product promotion programme that I mentioned.
I spoke with Mr Smith this morning and mentioned your interest
in this programme.

I look forward to meeting you and your staff again.

Sincerely yours,
Matt Rogers

87
► 2. Read the letters (A – D) concerning job interviews and say
what purposes they have:
Letter A
Dear Mr Smith,
It was a pleasure speaking with
you and Mr Mansfield yesterday,
regarding job opportunities at
Super Systems. I am very
interested in the work you are
doing and am extremely
impressed with the advanced
applications being used in your
company.
As I mentioned during our
conversation, my past two
summer positions were related to
the development and design of
software programmes for
industrial computer-vision
experiments. With my skills and
interest in software design, I
believe I could be of value to
Super Systems.
Thank you for your time, the
interview was very informative.
Please let me know if you need
any more information about my
background. I look forward to
hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Julia Tailor
88
Letter В
Dear Mr Savage,
I am writing to thank you for
the offer to join Northeast
Electronics Laboratories as a
member of the research and
development staff.
Unfortunately, I must decline
your offer. I have accepted a
position with another
company.
It was a difficult decision for
me because I was both
excited and impressed by the
work at Northeast
Electronics. I appreciate you
giving me the opportunity to
meet with you and the
members of the research
staff.
Again, thank you for your
time.
Sincerely,
Brian McKinley
 Letter С
Dear Mr Freeman,
I would like to thank you for
supporting my application for
the post as a manager of the
Barker Petrochemical
Company in Nairobi.
I know that the generous terms
in which you wrote about me
had much to do with my being
offered the post and I am very
grateful to you for the
reference you provided for me.
Your help and encouragement
have always been much
appreciated and this will
always be remembered.
Yours sincerely,
Helen Greene
► 3. Unscramble the phrases below and insert them in the follow-
up letter:
a) please us know let
b) meeting forward look we you to e) your thank interest in you for
c) that to am I pleased you inform
Dear Mr Tang,
(1___) the post of marketing executive. (2___) you have been
shortlisted for the post.
Letter D
Dear Ms Geavons,
I am writing because I have not
had further news about my
application. Four weeks ago I
sent an application form for a
job at your company. You
replied saying you were
interested in my application
and would like to meet me for
an interview.
That was the last
communication I had. Can you
let me know if you are going to
take my application any
further? Thank you.
Yours sincerely,
Sasha Michaels
d) to like would we you
89
 (3___) attend an interview at WWT at the above address on 28
October at 11:30 a.m. Please come to the reception desk in the
main building.

(4___) as soon as possible if you are unable to attend at this time.

(5___).

Yours sincerely,
Tsui Kuen Fung
Human Resources Manager

► 4. Read a follow-up e-mail and put the verbs (1 – 7) in the

appropriate tense:

To: martinwallace@manning-barton.co.uk
Subject: Yesterday’s interview

Dear Mr Wallace,

I (1 – to want) to thank you again for taking the time to meet

with me regarding the position of Accounts Manager at your
company. I very much (2 – to enjoy) the experience and I
(3 – to enjoy) talking to you and the other members of the
interview panel.

After our conversation, I (4 – to be) confident now that my skills

and experience (5 – to be) ideal for your needs. I hope that you
feel the same and if you (6 – to have) any further questions,
please (7 – not to hesitate) to get in touch with me.

Thank you once again for your time. I look forward to hearing
from you soon.

Yours sincerely,
Felipe Marcos Covas

90
► 5. Read the letter and say which of the expressions (1 – 6) the
writer uses:
a) to thank and to express appreciation;
b) to say “no;”
c) to refer to possible future contact

Dear Mr Brackley,

(1 – We’d like to thank you for) coming to the interview for the
position of Financial Services Advisor on 14th August. (2 – We
were pleased to have the opportunity to) discuss your
qualifications and expectations.

We have given your application a great deal of consideration

but (3 – we regret to inform you that) (4 – we are unable
to) offer you a position at this time. There was considerable
competition and many of the applicants had many years
of experience in banking. We feel that you have a great deal
of potential but do not yet have the necessary experience for
this position.

(5 – Would you mind if we keep your records on file?)

(6 – We will certainly contact you if) any suitable vacancies
arise in future.

Yours sincerely,
Christopher Pattinson
Human Resources Manager

91
► 6. Mr Tang attended the interview but was not offered the post.
Match the beginnings of the sentences (1 – 6) with suitable endings
(a – f). Then arrange the sentences in order:
Re: Post of marketing executive
Dear Mr Tang,
1 – Your qualifications and previous
job experience are clearly
relevant to the post ...
2 – Our decision was made after long
and careful thought...
3 – We wish you every success ...
4 – Many thanks for attending ...
5 – However, after much consideration,
we decided to appoint ...
6 – I am sorry to inform you,
however, ...
Yours sincerely,
Tsui Kuen Fung
Human Resources Manager
► 7. Put the verbs in the correct tense:
Dear Ms Decker, E-mail A
I (1 – to come) for an interview last
week, but I (2 – not to hear)
anything from you. I (3 – to tell) you
that I (4 – to have) another job offer
and that I needed to give the other
company an answer. Could you tell
me if you still (5 – to consider) me
for this position?
Yours sincerely,
Hannah Brown
92
a) … as the standard of
applicants was very high.
b) … a candidate with
previous experience of
the travel and tourism
industry.
c) …in your future
career.
d) … that you have not
been selected for this
post.
e) … and we very much
enjoyed meeting you.
f) … the interview for
the above vacancy.
Dear Ms Brown, E-mail В
Thank you for your e-mail.
Owing to the large number
of applications, the
interview process
(6 – to take) longer than
expected. We (7 – to let)
you know in the next two
days.
Yours sincerely,
Ms Decker
 3. Correspondence at work

3.1 Letter of enquiry

Sample

To: Leila Brooks

From: RosaGreer@trekandfund.com
Subject: Conference booking
Dear Sir / Madam,
I would like to enquire if your conference centre is available from
23rd to 25th May inclusive. I would be grateful if you could e-mail me
your rates for 15 event rooms with audiovisual equipment. We are
expecting between 400 and 500 delegates with two overnight stays.
Kind regards,
Rosa Greer

Tasks

► 1. Last week Janice Rose booked a hotel online for Richard

Jackson. Read the e-mail and answer the questions:
1) For how many nights was the original reservation?
2) When is Richard Jackson arriving?
3) What day of the week is he now leaving?
4) What is the room price per night on a weekday: £105, £110, or £120?

Dear Sir / Madam,

I would like to make a change to online booking No. 8815F. The
booking was for three nights (arrival Tues. 16 April, departure Fri.
19 April) in the name of Mr Richard Jackson, Capital City Finance.
Can I please book one extra night (19 to 20 April)?

93
 I understand that the room price over the weekend (Fri. – Sun.) is
£130 per night, so the total price is now £445. Is this correct? Please
send me a new booking confirmation by e-mail.
Thank you for your help.
Best regards,
Janice Rose
Capital City Finance

► 2. Choose the words that suit best:

Dear Sir / Madam,

I would like to (1 – book / magazine) places for four members of

the staff on the “Psychology of Selling” course. Please could you
send a booking form to the above (2 – address / addressee)?

Ideally, the (3 – trainers / trainees) should attend the course in

May if there are still places available. Please could you let me
know if we (4 – are worth / qualify) for the corporate group rate?
Thank you.

I look forward to (5 – hearing / listening) from you.

Yours faithfully,
Donella Wood

► 3. Put the sentences (a – g) in order (1 – 7) and divide the

message into paragraphs:

Dear Ms Weinburger,
a – Please give my regards to Steven Hill.
b – It was interesting to hear your views on our new products.

94
 c – I would be very grateful, therefore, if you could recommend
any agents to me. We have found lots on the internet, but it is
difficult to know which ones are reliable or well established.
d – As you know, our company is planning to open a branch in
Los Angeles.
e – I was wondering if you could help us.
f – It was a pleasure to meet you at the Trade Fair last month.
g – We are now looking for office space in the town centre and
we need to know the names and addresses of some property
agents.
Yours sincerely,
Hans Seitz
Divisional Director

► 4. Complete the gaps (1 – 7) in the following letter using the

words and phrases (a – g):
a) I’d appreciate it if you could d) I’m writing to f) yours
b) Thank you for your help. confirm g) Regarding
c) I look forward to hearing from e) Could you

Dear Ms Hendrickson,
(1___) our telephone conversation today, (2___) that I will be in
Sweden from June 11th – 14th. (3___) arrange for me to visit the
technical department in Stockholm. If possible, I would also like
to meet Sven Elmqvist.
(4___) also send me a list of any hotels near the office that you
would recommend, and I will make a reservation from here.
(5___)
(6___) you.
Sincerely (7___),
M.K. Vernon

95
► 5. Complete the reply to Mr Vernon using the words and
phrases below (a – h):
a) I am afraid that e) Sincerely
b) Please contact me again if f) I look forward to meeting you
c) Thanks for your letter of g) I am writing to
d) Please find attached h) I would be delighted to

Dear Mr Vernon,

(1___) May 21st.

(2___) give you details of the arrangements for your visit.

(3___) show you around the technical department when you
arrive.

I have arranged a visit for Monday, June 12th at 11:00 a.m.

(4___) Sven Elmqvist will not be here when you come, but his
deputy, Anders Karlsbad, will be happy to meet you.

(5___) a list of hotels near the office. I recommend the Sheraton,

where most of our visitors stay.

(6___) we can help in any way.

(7___) in June.

(8___) yours,

Katarina Hendrickson

96
► 6. Match phrases in bold (1 – 8) from e-mail A with informal
phrases from e-mail B:
E-mail A
Subject: Visit to Osaka
Securities
Dear Mr Watanabe,
(1 – Thank you for your e-mail
received) March 21. (2 – With
regard to) my visit next month I
need to tell you that I will arrive at
Osaka airport at 14:30 on Thursday
14th April. As this will be my first
visit to Japan (3 – Japan so can you send
I would be very grateful if)
somebody could meet me at the
airport. Also, (4 – would it be
possible for you to) make a
reservation at a nearby hotel for
me? I would really appreciate it.
In addition, (5 – could you
possibly) send me a copy of the
agenda for our meeting and a copy
of your most recent sales figures.
(6 – Please accept my apologies)
but my colleague Ms Lee will not
be able to join me on this visit as
she is attending an investment
conference in Singapore at the
same time.
(7 – I look forward to meeting
you.)
(8 – With best regards,)
Lars Oluffson
E-mail В
Subject: Visit
to Osaka Securities
Dear Haruki,
Thanks for your message.
Re next month’s visit to
Japan, I’m going to arrive
at Osaka airport at 14:30
on Thursday 14 April. This
will be my first visit to
somebody to meet me at
the airport please? Can you
book a hotel for me near
your offices too?
Also, can you please send
me a copy of the agenda
for our meeting and a copy
of your most recent sales
figures?
I’m sorry but my colleague
Ms Lee won’t be able to
come with me as she is
going to an investment
conference in Singapore at
the same time.
See you next month,
All the best,
Lars
97
► 7. You want your business partner to speak at the International
Management Conference in Las Vegas on December 15th. The talk
should be on his/her company’s current projects. Write an e-mail
of request using instructions (1 – 6):

To: marcus@topspeaker.br.com
From: jacky.scott@wxyznet.com
Subject: Las Vegas talk

Dear Marcus,

(1 – give reference) your phone call yesterday. (2 – give a

reason for writing) to confirm that (3 – agreeing to a request)
to come and speak at the IM Conference in Las Vegas. The
agenda for the conference is attached.

(4 – make a request) send me more details as soon as you have

them.
(5 – refer to future contact).
(6 – finish the e-mail),

Jacky Scott
Vice President, Sales
Tel.: 617-555-6092
WXYZ Net

98
► 8. Complete the Repairs Request Form based on the two
e-mails below (A – B):
Repairs Request Form
For the attention of:
Equipment:
Location:
Problem:
Noted by:
Date noted:
To: May Hawkins E-mail A
From: Richard Ray
Sent: 15 June
Subject: Training session
Dear May,
I’m afraid my training
session today was a bit of a
disaster. We were moved
from Seminar Room 1 to
Seminar Room 2 because of
the last-minute board meeting
but space was a real problem.
There were three desks
missing.
However, the worst thing was
the PowerPoint presentation.
I couldn’t use the projector at
all because the bulb needs
changing. Who should I
report this to?
Richard
1 (Department) ...
2 (Name) ...
3 ...
4 ...
5 ...
6 ...
7 ...
To: Richard Ray E-mail В
From: May Hawkins
Sent: 15 June
Subject: Re: Training session
Dear Richard,
Sorry about that! Broken
equipment should be reported on a
Repairs Request Form, so please
could you fill one in and give it to
technical support? Robert Beale,
the equipment technician, is away
until 20 June but you can give it to
Murat Yuzgun who’s helping out
at the moment.
I know the room is smaller but it
is supposed to have the same
number of desks so I don’t know
why you didn’t have enough.
Did you find three spare desks
from anywhere?
May
99
► 9. Read the e-mail to Janet Jeffries from Angelo Buti. Read the
e-mails below (A – C) from people Janet works with and write a
reply to Mr Buti’s e-mail:
To: “Janet Jeffries”
janetj@darworth.com
From: “Angelo Buti”
a.buti@nikk.it
Subject: My inspection visit
Janet,
I’ll be arriving at JFK at 3:40
p.m. on June 16th (Alitalia flight
number 7614). Could you make a
hotel reservation for three nights
somewhere near your office? And
could you arrange a meeting for
me with Data Link on June 17th if
possible?
I look forward to seeing you on
the 16th.
Best regards,
Angelo Buti
Subject: Meeting E-mail В
Angelo’s flight
Janet,
I’m sending a limo to meet
Angelo at the airport on June 16th.
What terminal is he arriving at?
Regards,
Frank
100
Subject: June E-mail A
17th meeting
Janet,
Great to hear Mr Buti is
coming to New York. Yes,
we’re free on June 17th and
we’d be thrilled to meet him.
Does 10 a.m. at the Data
Link office work for you?
I’ll arrange for the whole
team to be here.
Best regards,
Tom Bennet
VP Marketing
Data Link
Subject: Angelo E-mail С
Buti’s accommodation
Janet,
The Holiday Inn on Wall
Street had just one room left,
so I reserved it for three
nights. It’s only a small
single room. Is it OK?
Thanks,
Peter
► 10. Complete the e-mail from Hugh Bradshaw (1 – 7) to Ms
Noonan using the words below (a – g):
a) reply c) discount e) payment g) trade price
b) delivery d) place f) supply

Dear Ms Noonan,

Following our telephone conversation last week, I would like

to (1___) an order for 500 notebooks. Your catalogue gives the
(2___) of the notebook as €10, can you confirm that this is still
the price?

Also can you send details of the terms of (3___) that you can offer
for (4___) within 30 days on an order of this size?

Please note that we need (5___) of the notebooks before the end
of this month. We would be grateful if you could (6___) the items
as soon as possible.

I look forward to receiving your (7___).

Yours sincerely,
Hugh Bradshaw

► 11. Meg Spitz works in the Purchasing Department at Rainbow.

Read her enquiry to an Indian company and say if it:
1) says where the potential customer is based;
2) says what the customer’s line of business is;
3) says what sort of product the customer is looking for;
4) asks for information about the supplier’s other customers;
5) asks for information about the supplier’s prices;
6) says how big the potential order is.

101
 Dear Sir or Madam,

I visited your company’s website and I am interested in more

information.
We are a German company which specializes in well-designed
outdoor goods. Demand for our camping and trekking equipment
is growing quickly, and we are urgently looking for new suppliers.
We are planning to develop a new range of lightweight silk
products and need a supplier who will produce silk sleeping bags
for us. If you can supply this product, please send detailed
information about qualities, prices, and delivery terms. We hope
to develop a long-lasting business relationship.
If you do not produce items of this sort, could you please
recommend a company that has a good reputation for quality and
reliability?
Yours faithfully,
Meg Spitz
Purchasing Department

► 12. Your boss at ChemTech left you a note. Write an enquiry to

International Chemicals using your boss’s instructions:

Please send an enquiry to Steven Thomas at International

Chemicals.

Tell him a few facts about Ask for the following:

ChemTech:  a brochure
 largest chemical company in  discount if we order next
Europe week
 more demand from customers  amount in stock
 need new suppliers  delivery within five weeks

102
 3.2 Letter of offer

Sample

Sender’s address
Date
Addressee’s name
Company name
Address
Dear Mr North,
Thank you very much for your enquiry. We are, of course, very
familiar with your range of vehicles and are pleased to inform you that
we have a new line of batteries that fit your specifications exactly.
The most suitable of our products for your requirements is the
Artemis 66A Plus. This product combines economy, high power
output and quick charging time and is available now from stock.
I enclose a detailed quotation with prices, specifications and
delivery terms. As you will see from this, our prices are very
competitive. I have arranged for our agent Mr John Martin of
Fillmore S.A. to deliver five of these batteries to you next week, so
that you can carry out the laboratory tests. Our own laboratory
reports, enclosed with this letter, show that our new Artemis 66A
Plus performs as well as any of our competitor’s products and, in
some respects, outperforms it.
If you would like further information, please telephone me: my
extension number is 776. Or you may prefer to contact Mr John
Martin of Fillmore S.A. – his telephone number is 51 77 99 02.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Fred Stock

103
 Tasks
► 1. Read the reply to the letter of enquiry and ask questions on
the suggested terms:

Dear Ms Richardson,
I am writing with further information about the laser printers you
were interested in. I would like to tell you that we can now offer
you a discount of 7% on an order of 30 laser printers. The unit
price is £186.99.
Unfortunately, we do not have 30 laser printers XS/6 in stock. The
delivery date would be the beginning of the next month.
There is also a special offer at the moment. With an order of more
than 30 printers you get a free optical mouse.
Please contact me if you have any more questions. Let me know
when you are ready to order. If you cannot reach me, my PA will
be happy to help you.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards,
Dan Jacobs
Customer Service

► 2. Read the letter of offer written to Ms Tanzi, the owner of a

cake shop which specializes in Southern European products.
Re-write the pairs of sentences (1 – 5), joining them with a relative
pronoun (who / whose / that / which / whose / where):

Dear Ms Tanzi,
(1 – We are a newly formed company. It specializes in the
production of Greek snacks and pastries.) We are writing to ask
if you would be interested in stocking our products.

104
 (2 – We were given your name by Ms Tina Furlan. We believe
she is one of your regular customers.) She would be happy to
recommend our products. (3 – We enclose a complete product
list and three samples. We hope you will enjoy them.)
Our snacks are all based on authentic Greek recipes. (4 – They
are made from high quality ingredients. We import the
ingredients especially from Greece.) (5 – We began selling
our products six months ago at a local market. There, they
proved to be very popular.)
We would very much like to meet you to discuss the possibility
further. We can be contacted on the above number or by e-mail.
We look forward to meeting you.
Yours sincerely,
Kostas and Alex Niarchos

► 3. Read the e-mail to a customer. Re-write it using more formal

language:

Hi Paul,
Thanks for your e-mail about visiting our showroom to look at
bathrooms. No problem. Just need to know when’s a good time
for you. We’re having some building work in the showroom next
week, so I reckon the week after is probably better.
Look forward to hearing from you.
All the best,
Tim
Customer Services

► 4. Read the letter and answer the questions:

a) What is the purpose of this letter?
b) What incentive is the company offering if you fill in the questionnaire?
c) What does the attachment to the letter include?
d) Why do companies run this type of promotion?
105
 Emirates, First Floor, Gloucester Park, 95 Cromwell Road,
London SW7 4DL
Dear Mr Foley,
A free flight voucher and a chance to win
a luxury Far East holiday
As someone who has flown Emirates in the past year, you will have
experienced our outstanding service to the Middle East. But were
you aware that Emirates also flies to an extensive network of major
destinations all around the world?
By filling in the enclosed questionnaire, you’ll be helping us with
our research on your views as a business traveller, as well as
providing an update for our database. This will ensure that we only
send out information and offers that are relevant to you personally.
To thank you for your time and effort we will send you a free flight
voucher. You can use this to claim a free Economy ticket if you take
a First or Business Class trip with Emirates before July this year.
In addition we will be entering all respondees’ names in a free prize
draw, and the winner will receive a Business Class trip for two people
including seven nights’ luxury hotel accommodation in a choice of
three exotic locations – Hong Kong, Singapore, or Bangkok.
To qualify for your free voucher and enter the prize draw, please
ensure your completed questionnaire reaches us by 22nd January.
You’ll find full details in the enclosed leaflet. I do hope you find the
information in it interesting and that you take advantage of our free
flight offer – and I wish you the best of luck with our prize draw.
The winner will be notified by 5th March. Most of all, I hope we
will be welcoming you once more on board an Emirates flight.
Yours sincerely,
Vic Sheppard
Sales Manager – UK & Ireland

106
► 5. Read the e-mail and answer the questions:
a) Who’s the e-mail from? d) What are the three options that were
b) Who is it to? discussed?
c) What was the meeting about? e) Which option was chosen?
f) What action should the reader take?

To: All staff

From: Sports and Social Committee
Subject: End-of-year social event
Dear colleagues,
We haven’t been able to organize an end-of-year social event for the past
two years due to our limited funds in the Sports and Social Club. This
year, however, the company is going to support the event. We discussed
various options, such as an office party, a meal out and a day trip.
Firstly, we considered an office party held on the premises. The
main advantage of this would be that it avoids any need for people
to make special travel arrangements. On the other hand, the
building doesn’t really have enough space that is suitable.
We therefore looked at a meal out. There are a number of suitable
restaurants and hotels close to the office. One argument against this
was that sitting at tables is not a very good way for us to mix and
get to know people from other departments.
Finally, we discussed a day trip, for example to a local tourist spot.
The main drawback of this is the cost. In addition, it’s difficult to
find somewhere that caters for all of our needs and interests.
Taking all of the points into consideration, we propose an office
party for all staff to be held in the main reception area. Date and
time are to be confirmed.
Please let us know your opinion, preferably before the end of next
week.
Thank you,
SaSC

107
 3.3 Letter of confirmation
Sample
Sender’s address
Date
Addressee’s name
Company name
Address
Dear Karen,
Regarding our telephone conversation today, I’m writing to confirm
our order for 6 Photoconductor units Ref. No. 76905. I’d really
appreciate it if you could deliver them as soon as possible.
Thank you for your help.
Sincerely yours,
Juan Lopez
Director – Procurement

Tasks:
► 1. Read the letter of confirmation below and ask as many
questions as possible on it:

Dear Mr Flintstone,
With reference to our telephone conversation today, I am writing to
confirm your order for 120 Cheddar Deluxe Ref. No. 856.
The order will be shipped within three days via UPS and should
arrive at your store in about 10 days. Please contact us again if we
can help in any way.
Yours sincerely,
Kenneth Beare
Director of Ken’s Cheese House

108
► 2. Read the e-mails of confirmation (A – B) and restore the
situations providing as many details as possible:

Dear Mr Hanif, E-mail A Hi Andrea, E-mail В

Thank you for your e-mail about our
residential weekend. I am pleased to
say that there are still a few places
available. You can fill in the form
on our website and pay the deposit
online. We look forward to meeting
you next month.
Thanks for sending me the
payment. I think you will
get your parcel by the end
of the week, but don’t
hesitate to get in touch if
there are any problems
with it.

Kindest regards, All the best,

Isabella Castillo Grace Fox

► 3. Correct five mistakes in this e-mail of confirmation:

Dear Ms Bell,

Thank you for send proof of payment. I have forwarded it to our

accounts department and I am pleased say that we have now
received your payment.

I apologize for the mix-up regarding payment and would like offer
you a refreshments voucher, which can be used at the conference
venue, as an apology. Please find attaching the voucher, as well as
details of our latest offers and events.

We look forward to see you again soon.

Yours sincerely,
Daniel Tokutake

109
► 4. Re-write this response to an enquiry to make it more formal
and say what and why Dan Reynolds cannot confirm:

Hi Steve,

Thanks for your e-mail about our weekend training course for
health and safety technicians. Sorry I didn’t reply earlier.

Yes, there are some places left on the next course. It’s on 07 –
08 July from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There’ll be a buffet lunch and a
couple of coffee breaks. All participants will get a certificate of
completion at the end of the course.

I can’t confirm your place until you send me the registration form.
It’s here at the bottom of the e-mail. You need to send it to me
asap and pay the deposit online.

Send me an e-mail if you have any questions. See you soon!

Thanks,
Dan Reynolds

► 5. Read the e-mail and write a response confirming the

booking:

Dear Mr Ross,

I would like to book your Community Hall for May 25th. Please
find attached the completed booking form. I would be grateful if
you could confirm the booking at your earliest convenience.

Kind regards,
Nicholas Marshall

110
 3.4 Letter of refusal

Sample

Sender’s address
Date

Addressee’s name
Company name
Address

Dear Mr Lea,

I am writing with reference to your recent enquiry about the hall.

I am afraid that I am unable to confirm your booking. Our website
didn’t make it clear that the hall is not available on that date.
Please accept our apologies for the mix up.

Yours sincerely,
Jessica Gardner

Tasks

► 1. Put all the parts of the letter of apology (a – e) in the correct

order (1 – 5):
a) Fred Richardson, b) Dear Mr c) I look forward to
Director Richardson, hearing from
Fred & Co you.
75 Sixth Avenue Yours sincerely,
Cork, IM David Cole
Sales Manager

111
d) Thank you for your letter. I am e) GSI Ltd
afraid that we have some problems 8 Windsor Road,
with your order. Pitzbridge, TF741
Unfortunately, we cannot supply the Telephone: 6018 726391
goods you wish to order until April Fax: 6018 720195
due to force-majeure circumstances. e-mail: davc@mail.com
Could you possibly wait until the
goods are available? February 07, 20__

► 2. Read the e-mail below and say which of the expressions

(1 – 6) the writer uses:
a) to thank and to express appreciation;
b) to say “no;”
c) to refer to possible future contact

Dear Estelle,
(1 – Many thanks for) helping us with the preparations for the
Avondale Community Summer Party last month. (2 – We very
much appreciated) the efforts you made to decorate the
community centre and ground. Your contribution played a
significant role in the success of the event.
You asked if you could help out again with the Autumn Festival.
(3 – I am sorry to say that) we already have enough volunteers
for that event and that, as far as we know at this point, (4 – we
will not need) any more.
(5 – We have your contact details), of course, and (6 – we will
be sure to get in touch if) we require your assistance for any
future event. Thank you very much again.
Best wishes,
Gudrun Olsen

112
► 3. Write a letter of refusal on one of the situations:
a) Margaret Largas has been invited by Liang Shen to present a paper
at an economics conference in Taiwan. She can’t attend but wants to
participate in future events held by his organization. She might be able
to go in the first half of next year. Margaret writes to Liang Shen.
b) Kevin Hall was an assistant coach for the Children’s Basketball
Club last season, which was very successful. He wants to do it again.
However, the coach has resigned, the future of the club is in doubt,
and they don’t need him at present. Casey Mann, the Club director,
writes to Kevin.

3.5 Letter of complaint

Sample

Sender’s address
Date
Addressee’s name
Company name
Address
Ref: Our Order №142 of 21 March, 20__
Dear Sirs,
Thank you for your delivery of men’s silk shirts, which we
ordered on 21 March, 20__. At the same time we would like to
draw your attention to the following.
After examination of the shirts we discovered some manufacturing
defects:
– there are oil stains on 12 shirts;
– the colour of buttons of 5 shirts does not match the colour of
these shirts;
– one shirt is in a different style.

113
 We are returning defective shirts by separate mail, carriage
forward, and would ask you to replace them by shirts in the
colours and sizes specified below:

Size Colour Quantity

15 white 9
17 white 1
14 blue 6
16 blue 2

We would appreciate a prompt reply.

Yours faithfully,
Mr Smirnov
Export-Import Manager

Tasks

► 1. The following letters are from people who have just returned
from holiday. What is each person complaining about? Match the
letters (1 – 3) to the complaints (a – c):
a) hotel staff b) a hotel room c) a travel delay

Letter 1 Letter 2 Letter 3

I am I am I am
writing to express my writing to express writing to
disappointment my total complain about
regarding the dissatisfaction and the level of
standard of frustration with the customer service
accommodation that amount of time I at your hotel
your company had to wait for my during my stay
arranged for my flight to Barcelona last weekend.
holiday in Malta last last week.
month.

114
Who do you think each person is complaining to? Match the same
letters (1 – 3) to the businesses (d – f):
d) package holiday company e) hotel f) airline

Which writer feels most strongly about his/her complaint? How

does he/she express it?

► 2. Complete the gaps in the e-mail of complaint (1 – 9) using the

words below (a – i):
a) departure lounge d) long-haul flight g) carry-on luggage
b) travel agency e) economy class h) check-in desk
c) duty-free shop f) boarding pass i) American Express

From: Larson, Paul paul.larson@treble.com

To: Harriet, Julie julie.harriet@treble.com
Subject: My flight to Japan last week
Julie,
Why did you buy me an (1___) ticket for my trip to Japan?
I know we have to save money, but it was a (2___).
When I got to the airport, there was a long line at the (3___). I had
to wait for half an hour to get my (4___), and they only allowed
me to take one small piece of (5___) onto the plane. I was late
going into the (6___), so there was no time to visit the (7___) and
buy the clients a present.
On the plane, the seats were small and uncomfortable, and I
couldn’t sleep or do any work. When I arrived in Tokyo, I was
tired, jet-lagged, and unfit for the meeting. I needed to change my
ticket for the flight home, but the (8___) told me I couldn’t. I had
to buy a new one, which was very expensive. I paid by (9___) and
travelled first-class.
Paul

115
► 3. Read the letter of complaint and choose the correct linking
words (1 – 3):

Dear Mrs Brosnan,

I am writing to complain about a waterproof jacket I purchased

from your shop last week. (1 – However / Although) the jacket
was supposed to be completely waterproof, I got soaked the first
time I wore it in wet weather. (2 – Furthermore / But), when I
tried to take the jacket off, the zip wouldn’t open and when I tried
to get it unstuck, the jacket tore.

I sent the jacket back to your shop after having been assured by
one of the assistants that I would be sent a refund. (3 – However /
In addition), I still have not received one.

As a regular customer of yours, I feel disappointed with the way I

have been treated and hope that steps will be taken to rectify the
situation.

I trust this matter will receive your immediate attention.

Yours sincerely,
John Wells

► 4. Read the advertisement and the letter of complaint. How

many complaints are stated and what reasons are given? Is it a
mild or a strong complaint?

Dear Sir / Madam, Sunnysands Hotel

I am writing to express my Come and stay at our glorious

strong dissatisfaction with the hotel, situated right on the sea
holiday my wife and I had at front:
your hotel in June.

116
Having paid for your all-  tennis courts, swimming
inclusive package, we were pool and gym facilities
upset, to say the least, when  beautiful rooms with
your coach did not come on gorgeous sea views
time to take us to the hotel.  wonderful cuisine
However, to make matters  downstairs bar open until
worse, our room did not have 2 a.m.
a nice view at all. In fact,  friendly staff
there was only a small
window, which looked out Our two-week package
onto filthy rubbish bins at the includes:
back of the hotel.  transport to and from the
In addition, the food was airport
tasteless and the service  buffet breakfast
extremely slow. What is more,  three-course evening meal
the noise from the bar kept us
awake until 6 a.m. every Write to:
morning, as the bar did not SunnysandsHotel@hotmail.com
close at two, as stated in the
advertisement. The last straw
was when my wife went down
for a swim on our second day,
only to find that she could not
swim as the pool was being
cleaned. It remained closed for
the rest of our holiday.
We feel that we should be
fully compensated for our
great disappointment with
this holiday. We look forward
to a reply at your earliest
convenience.
Yours faithfully,
Alan Parker

117
► 5. Read the letter of complaint and fill in the table below:
Complaint Justification (but I was told that …)

Dear Sir / Madam,

I want to express my strong dissatisfaction with the service I
received during a visit to your restaurant on December 12th.
First, I had booked a table for my wife and myself for 8:30, but it
was 9 o’clock before we were seated. Such a delay seems to me
inexcusable.
Then, in spite of the fact that I had repeated our order to check that
the waiter had heard me correctly, he proceeded to bring us the
wrong starters. Such careless service should not be tolerated in a
restaurant which charges such high prices.
To make matters worse, the chocolate gateau we were served for
dessert was quite stale. The menu claimed, though, that all desserts
were freshly prepared that day.
My wife and I will not be dining in your restaurant again.
However, as a manager, you would be wise to guard against such
appalling treatment of your customers in future.
Yours faithfully,
Larry Dunman

► 6. Read the letter of complaint and correct grammar, spelling,

word order or wrong word mistakes (1 – 16):

Dear Sir / Madam,

I (1 – wrote) to complain (2 – for) the washing machine

(3 – who) I recently (4 – took) from your company.

118
 When I used the machine for the first time, (5 – properly it
worked) and the clothes (6 – come) out clean and fresh.
(7 – Also), when (8 – i) used the machine the second time,
(9 – it) seemed to have been a malfunction (10 – while) the rinse
cycle. The clothes still had quite a lot of soap in them when I
(11 – have taken) them out.
Furthermore, when I (12 – want) to wash another load of laundry,
the same thing happened. In addition to this, the machine did not
(13 – hit) the water to the right temperature. Even though I had
turned the dial to 50 °C, the water in the machine remained cold
throughout the entire cycle.
I assume you will replace the washing machine as it is obviously
(14 – wrong). I hope the matter (15 – will resolve) promptly.
Yours (16 – faith),
Nancy Gillis

► 7. Complete the letter of complaint to the landlord by using the

words in brackets (1 – 10) in the correct part of speech (e.g. noun,
verb, adjective, adverb) in the correct form:

Dear Mr Shah,
I hope you and your family are all well. I am writing in (1 – to
connect) with a problem I have with the new tenant, Jack, who has
moved in downstairs. Unfortunately, his habits and needs appear to
be quite (2 – difference) from my own.
The issue is that Jack is a professional (3 – music) who plays his
electric guitar late into the night. I understand he is in a band and needs
to (4 – practice); however, I think he cannot do so in a (5 – to reside)
building such as ours. As I mentioned to you when I (6 – signature)
the lease to the apartment, I am a full-time writer who works from
home. For me, it is essential to have (7 – silent) so I can concentrate on
my work. With Jack playing at all hours, I have been unable to get any
of my writing done, except when he is out. In some cases, I have even

119
 been forced to leave the apartment and work at a nearby coffee shop or
library as the guitar playing was causing such a (8 – to disturb).
I would (9 – appreciation) it if you could speak to Jack and ask
him to turn down the volume on his guitar or else to use
headphones. I have spoken to him about it, but to no avail. I will let
you know as soon as the situation improves.
Thank you (10 – kind) in advance and please give my best regards
to your family,
Yours sincerely,
Meg Snyder

► 8. You attended an intensive Spanish course but you were

dissatisfied with it. Using the advertisement below and the notes
you made, write a letter to complain about the course:

Castile Spanish School

Intensive Courses
Learn Spanish fast! Our system
guarantees huge improvements in just
two weeks.
 Accommodation with a Spanish mine was in a tiny
family room to share with one
 Intensive grammar course more student!
 Debating to improve pronunciation and
conversation skills in small groups 25 people in a class!
 Highly experienced tutors university students
 Digital learning materials included
 Trip to city museum was cancelled and
 Salsa parties and paella classes money wasn’t refunded!
 Guided walks around the city and pubs or TV most
cultural activities nights
 Attendance / achievement certificates

120
 3.6 Letter of apology

Sample

Sender’s address
Date
Addressee’s name
Company name
Address
Ref: Order №142 of 21 March, 20__
Dear Mr Smirnov,
Your letter of 18 April, 20__ was duly noted. The shirts you returned
us are indeed defective. We have to admit that these defects were
overlooked by our controller and we offer apologies for the oversight.
We are sending you new shirts as a replacement this week by air,
carriage paid, and would ask you to confirm their arrival by e-mail.
If any other problems arise, please do not hesitate to contact us in
the shortest possible time.
Yours sincerely,
Jack Brown
Claims Department

Tasks

► 1. Read the two e-mails below (A – B) and answer the

questions: What is each person apologizing for? Who is each
person apologizing to? What explanation does each person give?
Number the topics (a – d) in the order they appear (1 – 4):
a) make an offer c) apologize
b) apologize again d) give an explanation

121
 E-mail A
Dear Ms Brenda Dell,

I apologize for not coming to class last week. It was raining

really heavily when I left the house and when I got to the bus
stop, I was completely soaked. I waited for about ten minutes
for a bus, but when it arrived, it was full and I couldn’t get on.
After waiting for another fifteen minutes, I was really wet and
cold, so I went home.

Is there any homework I need to do? I will make sure I do it before

next week’s class. Once again, I’m sorry that I couldn’t come to
class.

All the best,

George Ginger

E-mail В
Hello Anna,

I’m very sorry I couldn’t come to your party last Saturday. That
morning, I woke up feeling terrible. I had a splitting headache, a
really high temperature and I felt sick. I went straight back to bed
and I thought that I would be better by the evening, but I felt
worse! In the end, I stayed in bed for three days and now I finally
feel better.

I’m so upset that I missed the party. I was really looking forward to
seeing you all. I hope you had a great time. Why don’t we get
together very soon? I’ll phone you! Sorry again! By the way, Gary
says “hi.”

Love,
Jane

122
► 2. Read the letter of apology and divide it into paragraphs:

Dear Mrs Brown,

On behalf of Sunrise Travel, please accept my sincere apologies for
your dissatisfaction with your Caribbean holiday in February. Due to a
computer error we were forced to change your accommodation at the
last minute to what we had been led to believe was a hotel of equally
high standard. Sadly, it was not until later that we discovered the hotel
in question did not meet the requirements demanded of Sunrise Travel
accommodation. As a long established travel company, we are well
aware of the upset that can be caused by problems experienced while
on holiday. For this reason we would like to offer you a weekend for
two in Prague at a top-class hotel as compensation. Once again, our
sincerest apologies for the inconvenience caused. We look forward to
hearing from you. Yours sincerely, John Greenway

► 3. Complete the two letters (A – B) with suitable expressions

below (1 – 10):
1. to apologize / to say how sorry I am
2. bad behaviour / disgraceful conduct
3. I know / I realize
4. sort out the problem / resolve the
matter
5. Due to my absence / Because I
wasn’t there
6. but / However
7. severely reprimanded /
properly told off
8. be sure / rest assured
9. what happened / this
incident
10. put you off / deter you

Dear Mr Johnson, Dear Belinda,

I am writing to you (1___) for the
(2___) of a member of our staff
towards you on Saturday April
23rd. (3___) how much this must
have upset you, and I hope that
we can (4___) agreeably.
I’m writing (1___) for my
son’s (2___) last week.
(3___) how upset you were,
and I thought I’d write to
you to try and (4___).

123
 (5___) at the time, I was unable to
apologize to you in person. (6___),
we always take such incidents
extremely seriously and, following
your letter of complaint, the
member of staff has been (7___).
You can (8___) that he will be
treating our customers quite
differently in future.
I hope that (9___) will not (10___)
from using our store in future. In
an attempt to make up for the
inconvenience caused, we are
sending you a complimentary gift.
Yours sincerely,
Peter Brown
Manager
(5___) when you called
round, I didn’t realize what
had happened straight
away, (6___) when I got
your letter, I promise you
that he got (7___). You can
(8___) he’ll never speak to
you like that again.
I hope (9___) won’t (10___)
coming round to our house
again. I’d like to make up
for my son’s behaviour by
inviting you to dinner on
Thursday so that he can
have the chance to say how
sorry he is himself.
Love,
Joanne

► 4. Read the letter of complaint and arrange parts of the letter

of apology (a – e) in order (1 – 5):

Dear Ms Bonelli, a) Best regards,

I am writing to inform
you that we are very
dissatisfied with the
quality of the above order.
There are three problems:
1. The colours are
incorrect.
2. The quantities are
incorrect.
3. There are no S and
XXL sizes in the
shipment.
Anna Bonelli
b) We can send the correct goods
today. To compensate you for
the unsatisfactory completion of
your order, we would like to
offer you a 10% discount, and
also 10% on your next order.
c) Please let us know if you would
still like us to send you the
goods. Please accept our
apologies again for any
inconveniences.

124
Please contact me when d) Thank you for your e-mail
you receive this e-mail so concerning order No. PX46F.
that we could clarify the We are very sorry that you have
matter as soon as possible. received the wrong goods. The
reason for this was a software
Best regards, error in our warehouse.
Robert Wilkins
e) Dear Mr Wilkins,

►5. Read the e-mail that Franz Reynolds wrote in response to

Alison’s complaint and assemble the phrases (1 – 5):

Subject: RE Ticket refund (Order 769246 / JT)

Dear Ms Aloisi,
I am writing (1 – the to relation in problem) that you encountered
when buying tickets for the International Car Exhibition. Please
(2 – apologies our accept sincere) for this problem.
I am also sorry to hear that you were dissatisfied with our
customer helpline. We (3 – seriously in complaints take very all
this area) and I apologize for the way your enquiry was handled.
We had some problems with the server because of the large
number of people who were buying tickets at the same time. There
was a technical problem and (4 – every resolve are we case
trying to) where customers were charged the wrong amount.
We are sending you two free tickets for the exhibition and (5 – as
€120 of apology a an refund).
We hope that you enjoy the exhibition.
Best wishes,
Franz Reynolds
Customer Relations Manager

125
► 6. Complete the e-mails of apology (1 – 2) using the words
below (a – j):
a) been c) have a look e) I haven’t g) look into it i) Regarding
b) respond d) send f) takes h) Thanks j) to hear

E-mail 1 E-mail 2
Dear Ms Ramos, Anton,

(1___) the wallet you ordered, (6___) for the e-mail about
I am sorry (2___) about the your article. I’m sorry (7___)
delay. My colleague has told responded. I’ve (8___) really
me that this product usually busy. I’ll (9___) tomorrow and
(3___) five days to deliver. I’ll I’ve asked Monika to (10___)
(4___) and (5___) this you my comments on
afternoon. Thursday.

Yours sincerely, Wilma

Heinrich Neuhaus

► 7. Your company’s new brochures are still at the printer. You

expect them to arrive today. Write a letter of apology to an
important customer using instructions:

Dear Mr Cochet,
(1 – give reference) your phone call today. (2 – give a reason for
writing) for not sending you our new brochure. (3 – give bad
news), it is still at the printer, but I will send it to you next week.
Until then, (4 – write about enclosing documents) a copy of our
old brochure and an up-to-date price list.
(5 – refer to future contact).
(6 – finish the letter),
Jacqueline Scott
Vice President – Sales

126
► 8. Complete the “How to use punctuation” box (1 – 6) with
punctuation marks (a – f):
a) apostrophe (’) c) comma (,) e) exclamation mark (!)
b) full stop (.) d) question mark (?) f) quotation marks (“ ”)

How to use punctuation

Use …
(1___) to finish a sentence.
(2___) to finish a sentence and show emotions like surprise,
excitement, etc.
(3___) to finish a sentence and show you are asking a question.
(4___) to show a pause in speech or to separate clauses in a sentence.
Also used to separate items in a list.
(5___) to show the words someone speaks.
(6___) to show where letters are missed out of a word (a contraction)
or to show possession.

Add the correct punctuation and capitalization to the sentences:

a) why don’t we go out for dinner next week
b) im sorry i didnt go to bens party
c) jenny davidson and bryan all said sorry
d) what a fantastic surprise
e) when i last spoke to lillian she wasn’t feeling well
f) if you finish your essay will you come out with us after work

► 9. Write an e-mail apologizing for not going somewhere / to

some event. Make notes for each question (a – c). Use your
notes to help you and check whether punctuation is used
correctly:
a) What did you not go to?
b) What is your explanation for not going?
c) What will you offer to do to make things better?

127
 3.7 Letter of reminder
Sample

From: Michael Pitt

To: Accounting Department
cc: IT Department
Date: 01.03.20__
Subject: John Doe visiting our home offices on March 06
Hello,
Just a quick note to remind you that John Doe, Vice President of
Marketing for Doe Corporation, will be visiting our home offices on
Friday, March 06, to discuss current marketing trends.
He also wants to talk about long-range strategies, so it is important
that we are prepared with current data. Please have your monthly
reports on my desk by Wednesday, March 04, at 10:00 a.m., and be
prepared to meet with us Friday morning.
Yours sincerely,
Michael Pitt

Tasks

► 1. Match the e-mails of reminder (A – B) with short replies (1 – 2):

Dear Tara, E-mail А I am sorry to hear Reply 1

about this
Sorry to trouble you. Do you delay.
remember – I asked if you
could look at my report. I’d I’ll look into it and respond
really appreciate your opinion. within the next 24 hours.

Best wishes,
Paul

128
 E-mail В
Hello,
I ordered this chair from you last
Monday. Your website said that it
would take two working days, but it
hasn’t arrived. Can you let me know
what’s happening?
Yours sincerely,
Zak Lehman
► 2. Read the e-mail exchange below (A – B). Complete the reply,
promising action. Use one word in each space (1 – 8):
Dear Customer E-mail А
Services,
I ordered some books for my
students on 25 September. It is
now October and I have not
received them yet. I am
getting a bit worried – we
need the books for the exam in
January. Please can you let me
know when I can expect my
order.
Regards,
Ms Ramen
Reply 2
I’m sorry
for not getting back
to you about your
report.
I know I said that I
would look at it as soon
as I could, but I’ve been
really busy.
I’ll have a look later
today and send you my
comments.
(1___) Ms Rahmen, E-mail В
Please (2___) not worry. This
is normal. We (3___) send the
books out to you (4___) the
next two weeks. So you
(5___) receive them in good
time. If you need any further
help, please (6___) me know.
(7___) sincerely,
Tom Hardy
Customer Services
129
► 3. Read the letter and complete the gaps (1 – 6) with the
prepositions below (a – f):
a) to b) at c) on d) from e) in f) without

Dear Mrs Taylor,

I received your call confirming my order two weeks ago today.
(1___) that time your secretary assured me my refrigeration
element would be shipped immediately (2___) stock. I have not
received the unit yet; (3___) the new unit I cannot open my
expanded produce counter (4___) time for the Grand Reopening in
one week, (5___) October 09. Please see (6___) it that I receive
one Doe P180 refrigeration element on or before October 08.
Yours sincerely,
Shirley Thomson

► 4. Complete the e-mail of reminder (1 – 10) using the words (a – j):

a) appreciate c) get back to e) urgently g) could i) hesitate
b) attached d) grateful f) would h) further j) regard

Dear Mr White,
I am writing with (1___) to my order placed online last week. It still
hasn’t arrived. I (2___) be (3___) if you (4___) ship the order
immediately.
For your reference, I have (5___) a copy of the confirmation you
sent me. Do not (6___) to (7___) me if you need any (8___)
information.
I would (9___) a quick response as these items are needed (10___).
Best regards,
J. Garcia

130
 3.8 Letter of invitation

Sample

Date

Dear Ann and David,

We’re inviting you to our house-warming party on May 03.

Our new house is wonderful; it’s a semi-detached town

house with three bedrooms and a small back garden. The
kitchen is huge, and it is fitted with wooden cupboards that
make you feel as if you are in a country kitchen. All three
bedrooms are rather small but very cosy. The living room is
quite big and has lovely French windows which open onto a
terrace.

You shouldn’t have too much trouble finding the house, but here
are a few directions so you don’t get lost. Take the A27 road for
Lewes and turn right at the roundabout where there is a signpost
for Hawkstead. Drive through the town until you get to the post
office, then turn left into Potter’ Lane. Our house is number 9,
on the right-hand side.

We hope you’ll be able to make it to our party. Looking forward

to seeing you then.

Love,
Bill and Laura

131
 Tasks

► 1. Read the e-mail of invitation and describe the situation

concentrating on the points “who – to whom – who with – when –
where – what – what for – how – if”:

Dear Ms Klug,

Thank you for your e-mail. We are looking forward to seeing you
in Brugg in September. You asked about directions to the
conference centre. I’m attaching a map, but this is how to get there
from the station.

When you arrive at the station, go down the steps to the underpass
and turn right. Look out for signs to the Hochschule. You’ll come
into a large square. Just cross the square and you will see the
Hochschule opposite you. The conference centre is along the same
street on your left.

I don’t know what your exact plans are, but if you arrive the day
before, you will be welcome to join us for dinner at The Grotto
with some other delegates. It’s a Portuguese restaurant on
Hummelstrasse, also near the train station, but on the other side of
the railway lines. We will be there from eight o’clock. If you let
me know, I will add your name to the list (about ten other
delegates have also said they will attend).

I look forward to hearing from you.

With kind regards,

Stephanie Hüber
Conference Organizer

132
► 2. Compare the e-mails (A – B) and say which one is formal
and which one is informal:

E-mail А E-mail В
Hi Jim, Dear Jim,

Good to see you at the It was good to see you at the

conference last week. We’re
having a party to say goodbye
to Isabelle Jacobs, who’s
leaving at the end of the
month. Just wondered if
you’d like to come (details
attached).
conference last week. The
company is organizing a
farewell party for Isabelle
Jacobs, who is leaving at the end
of the month. I just wondered if
you would like to come (the
details are attached).

Look forward to hearing from I look forward to hearing from

you. you.

All the best, Kind regards,

Theresa Theresa

► 3. Correct the mistakes in the layout of this informal letter of

invitation:

Hello Jenny! Many thanks for your letter and apologies for the
delay in replying but I’ve been up to my eyes preparing for our
holiday next week. Anyway, the reason I’m writing now is to
invite you and Joe to a party at our home on New Year’s Eve. As
you know, it’s Edward’s birthday on the 2nd January so we thought
we’d make it a double celebration. We wondered whether you’d
like to stay for the weekend, then we could show you round the
city. It would be really good to have you here so do try and make
it. Well, I’d better stop now and get back to the packing. I suppose
I shall need a holiday just to recover from the preparations. Love
from us both. Yours, Helen

133
► 4. This is the letter Jenny sent after staying with Helen and
Edward. Put Jenny’s letter of invitation in the correct order (1 – 9):

Dear Helen,

a) I think you’d like it up here – the cottage is miles from anywhere

so you’d have real peace and quiet.
b) Living in the country is wonderful but it is good to get back to
civilisation once in a while.
c) I’m mentioning it now so that you can keep your diary free for
that time.
d) Just a quick line to thank you again for the lovely weekend in
Frankfurt.
e) Well, that’s all for now.
f) There’s plenty of fishing for Edward, too – he can even go shark-
fishing if he’s feeling ambitious!
g) It was such a nice change from my usual surroundings.
h) Now, what about you coming up to see us during the Easter
holidays?
i) Drop me a line as soon as you can.

Love,
Jenny and Joe

► 5. Write out the letter below with capital letters and correct
punctuation:

dear jared

sorry i haven’t written for so long but I’ve been really busy with
the new job i hope you’re well and still enjoying life at university

the main reason I’m writing is to tell you that julia and I are staying at
uncle joe’s villa in italy for the easter holidays would you like to come
and stay for a few days the villa is in a really beautiful place very near
the beach you can fly to rimini airport and get a bus from there

134
 can you give me a ring to tell me if you’re interested our new
phone number is 01804 747 4219 we’d love to see you
see you soon
miles

► 6. Write a letter on one of the situations:

a) You are a former high school student trying to organize a reunion
with classmates of ten years ago. Write a letter inviting them to the
event. Include the following notes:
Venue – Queen’s Hotel
Date – Saturday, 12 September
Time – 8:00 p.m.
Dress – formal
b) You have received an invitation to a house-warming party
organized by your friends. Write a letter thanking them for the
invitation and saying why you will be unable to attend.
c) You have received an invitation to a Christmas party from your
cousin. Accept the invitation and suggest that you organize the music.

3.9 Letter of thanks

Sample

From: carol.fro@aeol.com
To: ajay.ferguson@gmail.com
Date: 18.11.20__
Subject: Thank you!

Dear Ajay and Sunita,

Thanks so much for your kind letter and the lovely photos of my
holiday in Mumbai. Sorry for the delay in acknowledging your
mail, but your package arrived just as I was about to leave town on
a business trip. I’ve just returned to Toronto today.

135
 Looking at the photos brings back so many happy memories of
the times we spent together and the wonderful hospitality you
extended to me. I felt completely pampered by both of you!
You surrounded me with warm friends, good food, amazing
sights, great shopping, unforgettable cultural events and
laughter-filled evenings. I would have been lost without you.
I can’t thank you enough.

These good memories gave me an idea. I know you’ve always

wanted to visit Canada. Why don’t you plan a holiday and stay
with me this summer? The weather is great at that time of year, all
tourist sites are open and I could take two weeks off from work.
Aside from seeing Toronto, we could drive to Niagara Falls, the
Thousand Islands, Montreal, Ottawa and Quebec City. I would be
thrilled if you could make it.

Thank you both again for the beautiful holiday and the photos
which are already up on my wall. Now, I’m looking forward to
hearing from you.

Warm wishes,
Carol

Tasks

► 1. Read the e-mail and match its parts (1 – 4) with the functions
(a – d):
a) saying why the person is pleased with the present
b) saying thank you again
c) saying why they are writing
d) inviting the other person to do something

136
 Hi Bella,
1. This is just to say thanks so much for the cookbook “French
Mouthwatering Desserts” – where did you get it?
2. Anyway, you know I love Inès de La Fressange, and this is
definitely her best – I spent the entire weekend cooking Tarte
Tatin, Chocolate Profiteroles, Flan Parisien!
3. You must come round one evening, and we could cook Gâteau
Saint Honoré together, if you like.
4. Thanks again,
Sue

► 2. Say what these two letters of thanks (A – B) have in common

and what is different:

Dear Richard and Letter А Dear Richard and Letter В

Judy,
Thanks for the invitation to
your Christmas party on
December 18th.
John and I were really pleased to
receive it and we’d love to come.
It’s lucky for us that you chose
the 18th, actually, as it’s the only
day of that week that we’re free.
It’s been such a long time since
we’ve seen each other so it will
be great to get together and catch
up on all the news. Please let me
know if there’s anything I can
bring or anything I can do to help.
Judy,
The Christmas party you
invited us to on December
18th sounds lovely.
Unfortunately, we won’t be
able to make it as it is John’s
mother’s birthday on that
day and she is having a small
family party to celebrate.
She’s almost eighty years old
and still as strong as ever –
it’s amazing!
It’s such a pity because we
haven’t seen each other for
ages. You must give us a call

137
 Oh, one other thing. Will it be
all right to bring Samantha? I’m
not sure if we can get a
babysitter on that day. Thanks
again, and see you on the 18th.
Love,
Ann and John
so we can arrange to get
together another time instead.
Perhaps we’ll throw a party on
New Year’s Eve so we can see
everyone. We’ll let you know.
Thanks for the invitation,
and hope the party goes well.
Love,
Ann and John

► 3. Use suitable expressions (1 – 10) in the thank-you letters

given below (A – B):
1. Hi, just a quick note / I am
writing
2. thank you very much / say
thanks to
3. all your help / your kind
assistance
4. getting ready / preparations
5. Your contribution / What you did
6. played a big part / was very
important
7. making sure / ensuring
8. occasion / whole thing
9. went so well / was such a
success
10. tell you how much I appreciate
/ thank you enough for

Dear Gavin, Letter А Dear Mr Conway, Letter В

(1___) to (1___) to
(2___) for (2___) for
(3___) with (3___) with
(4___) for the end-of-term (4___) for the end-of-term
party. party.
(5___) (5___)
(6___) (6___)
in (7___) in (7___)
that the (8___) that the (8___)
(9___). (9___).

138
 I can’t (10___) I can’t (10___)
all your hard work. all your hard work.

Love, Best wishes,

Becky Becky Jones

► 4. Complete Mr Schulz’s thank-you letter to his Qatari host by

putting one phrase (a – h) in the correct gap (1 – 9). One gap
doesn’t need anything:
a) Finally, thank you once again e) I was also very interested
b) I am writing to thank you f) I was most impressed
c) I especially enjoyed g) It was most interesting
d) I look forward to hearing h) Please extend special
from you thanks

Dear Mr Amin,

(1___) for a most enjoyable visit to Doha. (2___) to see the

city and the fort and (3___) the meal in your beautiful
restaurant along the Corniche. (4___). All of your staff were
extremely courteous and (5___) with their knowledge of
irrigation technology.

(6___) to see the destination plant. (7___) to Mr Ashraf Zanaty

for taking so much time to guide me around.

(8___) in due course regarding your decision on our irrigation

equipment. (9___) for making my stay in Qatar such a pleasant
experience.

Yours truly,
Helmut Schulz

139
► 5. Fill in the missing words that suit in this thank-you letter:

Dear Mr Kopecky,

I am writing to (1___) you for your hospitality during my visit to

Prague and especially for the very pleasant (2___) at the
restaurant.

The tour of your factory and Mr Kozak’s presentations were very

useful. I will put together a detailed report for our (3___) this
week and will certainly recommend your company as a supplier.
We hope to make a final (4___) in the next two (5___).

Thank you once again for a most enjoyable visit.

Yours truly,
Sarah Walker

► 6. You are on the committee of a local charity organization

which recently held auditions for its annual fund-raising variety
concert. You have been asked to write a letter to one of the groups
who auditioned, thanking them for taking part and expressing
your opinion of their performance. Correct the mistakes (1 – 10)
in this thank-you letter:

Dear Mr Potts,

I am writing on behalf of the “Featherton Friends” with regard to

your recent audition (1 – about) our fund-raising concert.

To begin with, I would like to thank you for your (2 –

generous) in offering to appear in the concert. We realize that a
great deal of time and effort (3 – were) necessary to prepare
your act.

140
 We were very (4 – impressive) with your performance at the
audition and the members of the (5 – commitee) enjoyed it
enormously. We felt that the singing and dancing were of a (6 –
great) standard and your (7 – groups) members showed a very
professional approach.

I would be grateful if you (8 – can) contact me to arrange rehearsal

times. I look forward to hearing from you (9 – sooner).

Yours (10 – faithfully),

J.P. Douglas

► 7. Read the letters of thanks below (1 – 3) and match them with

their purposes (a – с):
a) letter of thanks for information received;
b) letter of thanks for service performed;
с) letter of thanks for prompt settlement of accounts

Letter 1
Dear Mr Watts,

I am writing to say how much we appreciate the promptness with

which you have settled your accounts with us during the past year,
especially as a number of them have been for very large amounts.

This has been of great help to us at a time when we have been

faced with heavy commitments connected with the expansion of
our business.

I hope our business relationship will continue in the future.

Yours sincerely,
Daniel Ferguson

141
 Letter 2
Dear Miss Armstrong,

Thank you for your letter of 30 March returning the draft of the
catalogue we propose to send to our customers.

I am very grateful for the trouble you have taken to examine the
draft and comment on it in such detail. Your suggestions will be
very helpful.

I realize the value of time to a busy person like you and this
makes me all the more appreciative of the time you have so
generously given.

Yours sincerely,
Yan Johnson

Letter 3
Dear Mrs Webster,

Thank you for your letter enclosing an article explaining the

organization and work of your local trade association.

I am very grateful for the interest you have shown in our proposal
to include details of your association in the next issue of the Trade
Association Year Book, and for your trouble in providing such an
interesting account of your activities. This feature is sure to
inspire and encourage associations in other areas.

Yours sincerely,
Peter Saunders

142
 3.10 Letter of congratulations
Sample

Sender’s address
Date
Addressee’s name
Company name
Address
Dear Mr White,
On looking through The Camford Times this morning I came
across your name in the New Year Years Honours List. I would
like to add my congratulations to the many you will be receiving.
The award will give much pleasure to a wide circle of people who
know you and your work. Your services to local industry and
commerce over many years have been quite outstanding and it is
very gratifying to know that they have been so suitably rewarded.
With very best wishes,
Sean Fry

Tasks
► 1. Put the parts of this letter of congratulation on a promotion
(a – e) in order (1 – 5):

a) My fellow directors and I are delighted that the many years of

service you have given to our company should at last have been
rewarded in this way.
b) Sincerely yours, Fred Vargas
c) Dear Dr Roberts,
d) I would like to convey my warm congratulations on your
appointment to the Board of Electrical Industries Ltd.
e) We all join in sending you our very best wishes for the future.

143
► 2. Read the letter and choose the right word or expression (1 – 4):

My dear Sita,
Hope this letter will find you in best of your health. I am (1 – glad /
sorry) to learn that you became the champion in badminton. Please
(2 – take / accept) my heartiest (3 – wishes / congratulations).
Wish you a happy future. (4 – Hard / good) work always brings
desired results.
Pay my regards to your parents.
Best wishes,
Clare

► 3. Read the letter below. Find and correct a total of 10 spelling

mistakes in it:

My Dear Friend Rebecca,

It gives me imense pleasure to know that you won the first prize in
the essay writing competition organized at the Univercity College.
Hearty congratulations! I read all the details of the competition in
the newpaper yesterday and I must say, yours is a splendid
achivement. Winning the first prize among the hundred odd
entries is no child’s play. I am proud of you, Rebecca. I am praud
to have such a friend.
Rebecca, I have seen your grouth as a writer. You love writing;
I know and I have seen the eforts you have taken to groom yourself as
a writer. You read a lot. You try to remember a lot and I think these
are some of your qualities which help you win compititions. I am sure
you will bloom as a prolific writer in the coming futur. I wish you all
luck for your future achievements. Congratulations once agen!
Your friend,
Belinda

144
► 4. Translate examples of Seasons’s Greetings messages:
1) This card is for you, Luke, and all the family, to wish you all a very
Happy Christmas and a New Year of many blessings.
2) With good wishes for you at Christmas and every happiness in the
New Year.
3) To David and family, with best wishes for Christmas and the New
Year.
4) Wishing you a Happy and Magical New Year. I hope it will bring
you lots of joy and happiness! All the best.
5) Wishing you a Happy New Year with the hope that you will have
many blessings in the year to come.
6) Out with the old, in with the new: may you be happy the whole year
through. Happy New Year!
7) May this year bring new happiness, new goals, new achievements
and a lot of new inspirations on your life. Wishing you a year fully
loaded with happiness.
8) Wishing every day of the New Year to be filled with success,
happiness and prosperity for you. Happy New Year.
9) May the New Year bring you warmth, love and light to guide your
path to a positive destination.
10) Here’s wishing you all the joy of the season. Have a Happy New
Year!
11) Warm Wishes for a Bright and Prosperous New Year.
12) May there be happiness the whole year through. Happy New
Year!

► 5. Distribute New Year greetings below (1 – 14) in two columns

(a – b). Some greetings can be put to both groups:
a) Greetings to relatives and b) Greetings to business
friends partners

1) All the best for your exams!

2) Cheers to the New Year! Wishing you a Happy Holiday season
from the team at [company name].
3) Happy Holidays and warm wishes for 20__!
145
4) Happy Holidays from everyone at [company name]. We hope your
holidays will be filled with joy and laughter through the New Year.
5) Hope New 20__ showers you with love, health and prosperity!
6) Lots of health, wealth and hopefully all your dreams come true.
7) Season’s greetings from the entire crew at [company name].
8) We wish you a very Happy Holiday season and a peaceful and
prosperous New Year.
9) Wishing you a Happy Holiday and a joyful New Year. Best wishes
from your friends at [company name].
10) Wishing you a joyous holiday season with peace & cheer in the
New Year!
11) Wishing you a wonderful holiday season.
12) Wishing you all the best in 20__.
13) Wishing you all the joys of the season and happiness throughout the
coming year.
14) Wishing you great success in the year to come.

► 6. Write out the letter below with capital letters and correct
punctuation:

dear colleagues
we wish you a very happy holiday season and a peaceful and
prosperous new year
best wishes from the team at karelika
merry christmas and happy new year
director ____________ ivan petrov

► 7. Write:
a) a New Year card to your British friend / to your groupmate / to
your business partner / to your English teacher;
b) a letter to your friend congratulating him/her on his/her success in
the English examination.

146
 3.11 Memo

Sample

MEMO
To: GTS Sales Staff
From: Karen Moore
cc: Mr. John Sakazaki
Date: April 28, 20__
Subject: Customer Presentation
The JSKL Marketing presentation you prepared last week to
showcase our new product line was exceptional!
Your enthusiasm, sales strategy, and product knowledge were
impressive and certainly sealed the deal with Mr. Lockhart!
Thank you for your outstanding work and dedication. Bonus checks
will be distributed next week.
My sincere congratulations to all of you!
K.R.

Tasks

► 1. Read the memo and match its parts (1 – 6) with the

descriptions (a – f):
a) the “body” of the memo;
b) a short heading which tells you what the memo is about;
c) when the memo is sent;
d) the conclusion of the memo, which often recommends a course of
action;
e) name of the person to whom the memo is sent;
f) a brief introduction to the memo giving the most important
information.
147
 MEMO
1. To: Vincent Mills, Human Resources Manager
From: Philip Jones, Managing Director
2. Date: 09 June
3. Subject: Seminars on Japanese culture and management
Philip,
th
4. The trip to Japan has been confirmed for the 15 of next month.
I’ve decided to go ahead with the seminars as we discussed.

5. Could you contact the consultant you mentioned and get back
to me about the following:
 the topics she covers;
 short description of each topic;
 whether you think we should use her services or look for
someone else.

6. We don’t have much time, so could you do this a.s.a.p. and also
check the availability of the executives who will be involved in
this training.
P.J.

► 2. Complete the memo with the given words (a – d):

a) Subject b) D.M. c) Export Manager d) From

MEMO
To: Secretarial Supervisor
(1___) : Don Murphy
(2___) : Booking a hotel
The (3___) of Times Flooring, Ltd. will visit us on September 14.
Please book a suite in a hotel for two nights.
(4___)

148
► 3. Identify the type of the document below:
а) memo b) contract c) CV d) letter of enquiry / request

We have got the information about your activities from The Times,
and would be grateful if you kindly sent us details of your services.
Could you tell us if your services are applied for organizing
international conferences on the premises of our company?
We would appreciate it if you sent us some booklets with
quotations.

► 4. Read the memo and answer the questions:

1) Who can go on the incentive trip?
2) Is this the first time the company has organized such a trip?
3) When and why was the memo sent?
4) What sort of customers does St John’s Beach Club aim to
attract?

Ashton Pharmaceuticals – Memo

To: All sales reps
Re: Incentive trip
Just a quick reminder that our top ten performers will win an all-
expenses paid holiday for two in the sun. As usual, our destination
is the Caribbean, and this year we have chosen St John’s Beach
Club in Antigua (see attached brochure). So, if you haven’t yet
made it into the top ten, and you want to be on the beach this
December, there’s still time to record really excellent figures in Q4!
Good luck!
Malcolm Roberts
Sales Director

149
► 5. Read the memo and ask as many questions on the situation
given as possible:

MEMO
To: All department heads
From: Patricia Marchland, General Manager
Date: 12 April
Subject: Visit of German agent

Please note that Lena Schmidt, our German agent, will be visiting
the company on Friday, 26 April.

There will be a meeting on that day at 11:30 a.m. in the Boardroom,

which you should all attend. Ms Schmidt will be presenting her
marketing plan for expanding sales in the German market.

If you wish to join us for lunch at a local restaurant, please let me

know as soon as possible.

P.M.

► 6. Complete the memo with suitable words in brackets (1 – 7):

MEMO
To: Harry King, Manager, Public Relations
From: Roxanna Hunt, Chief Executive
Date: 02 June
Re: Mr Lee Chung’s visit

Harry,

Mr Lee Chang and Mr John Wong will arrive (1 – in / at) 9:10

a.m. (2 – on / at) Monday (3 – in / on) 20 June and leave on
Thursday, 23 June.

150
 When you prepare the (4 – draught / draft) programme, please
schedule a meeting (morning and afternoon) during which we can
discuss our business plans with Mr Chang and Mr Wong. Also,
make sure that our visitors have opportunities to meet our (5 – staff
/ stuff) and gain a complete understanding of our business.
Above all, we do not want to make any cultural mistakes during
the visit. We want Mr Chang and Mr Wong to (6 – leave / live)
with an excellent impression of our company and the way we treat
foreign visitors.
To help you plan the visit, I enclose some comments from our
manager in Hong Kong, Kenneth Eng. He knows both our visitors
well, and he is an (7 – expertise / expert) on Chinese business
culture.
R.H.

► 7. Study two memos below (A – B) and fill in the missing

information (1 – 5):

Staff vacancies
Job title: (1___)
Starting date: (2___)
Section: (3___)
Requirement(s) (4___)
Advertise in: (5___)

Caradoc Clothing Memo A Caradoc Clothing Memo B

(Manufacturing) Ltd. (Manufacturing) Ltd.
To: Katy Phipps, Personnel To: Jack Thompson,
Officer Personnel Advertising
From: Gary Campbell, Design From: Katy Phipps,
Manager Personnel Officer
Date: 19 October Date: 19 October
Subject: New vacancy Subject: New vacancy

151
 Sam, the technical assistant in the
children’s clothes section, has
decided to leave on Dec. 01. I’m
not sorry, as he had no computer
skills. We should insist on that in
the ad for a replacement. We
usually demand clothes industry
experience, but it isn’t really
necessary – good people can
learn very quickly – which
means we could use the local
paper instead of Clothing Weekly.
At the moment we’re short of
staff in Sportswear, so I want the
new person to start there.
Please note Gary’s memo.
Sam Cosgarve’s leaving on
01 December, so we’d better
advertise asap, and aim to get
someone from 24 November.
Remember the changes to job
titles – a technical assistant is
now called a design assistant.
Thanks,
K.P.

Thanks,
G.C.

► 8. Read the memo and write a response memo from Tony to

Helen:

MEMO
To: Tony Petroff
From: Amira Ahmed
Tony,
I saw a training course advertised in “Management Today.” I think
it would be just the thing for Helen Kadera in Sales. See if you can
get her to fill in a training request form and apply for a bit of
funding. She needs to send it to Ruth Uden in the Personnel
Department. Don’t let her go until April though, as we’re going to
be very busy until the end of the financial year.
Amira

152
► 9. Read the memo from a secretary. Write a similar memo to
the staff about the medical room hours. Say what time the nurse is
available and where the medical room is.

MEMORANDUM
To: All staff
From: Secretary, Reception department
Date: 15 June 20__
Subject: Annual Report

All the staff is invited to participate in the meeting devoted to

annual reporting.
The reporter: Director of the Karelia Branch of RANEPA.
The meeting takes place on 18 June, 20__, at 16:00, Room 212.

O.D.

4. Attachments

4.1 Types of documents

автобиография – autobiography приложение к контракту –

анкета – questionnaire
аттестат о среднем (полном
образовании) – certificate of
secondary (full education)
виза – visa
водительские права – driving
license
военный билет – military ID
гарантийное обязательство –
guarantee certificate
генеральный полис – open
cover, general policy
диплом – diploma
appendix (to a contract),
supplement (to a contract)
приказ – decree
протокол – protocol, minutes of
meeting
разрешение на работу – work
permit
расписка – receipt
распоряжение – order
свидетельство о рождении –
birth certificate
свидетельство о заключении
брака – marriage certificate

153
договор – agreement, contract
доверенность – power of
attorney
заказ-наряд – order
зачетная книжка – record book
заявление – statement
инструкция – instruction,
regulations
квитанция – receipt
международный паспорт –
international passport
объяснительная записка –
explanatory note
постановление – ruling
свидетельство о разводе –
divorce certificate
сопроводительное письмо –
cover(ing) letter
страховой полис – insurance
policy
студенческий билет – student ID
счет – invoice
таможенная декларация –
customs declaration
трудовая книжка –
employment history
указ – decree
устав – charter

4.2 Dates in English

793 seven hundred ninety-three

1900 nineteen hundred
1905 nineteen oh five
1910 nineteen ten
1945 nineteen forty-five
1999 nineteen ninety-nine
2000 (the year of) two thousand
2001 two thousand (and) one / twenty oh-one
2010 two thousand ten / twenty ten
2011 two thousand eleven / twenty eleven
2019 two thousand nineteen / twenty nineteen
2020 two thousand twenty / twenty twenty
2100 twenty-one hundred
the 1850s the eighteen fifties
the 1900s the nineteen hundreds
the 1960s (the ’60s) the nineteen sixties / the sixties
mid-’70s the mid seventies
the 2000s (the ’00s) the two thousands / the twenty hundreds

154
British English day – month – year the first of September
01 September, 2020 twenty twenty
1st September, 2020
01.09.2020

American month – day – year September the first

English September 01, 2020 twenty twenty
September 1st, 2020
09.01.2020

4.3 Punctuation and typographic marks

. full stop, dot, period – точка • bullet point – пункт

… ellipsis – многоточие
? question mark – вопроситель-
ный знак
! exclamation mark – восклица-
тельный знак
, comma – запятая
; semi-colon – точка с запятой
: colon – двоеточие
– dash – тире
- hyphen – дефис
_ underscore, low line – нижняя
черта
“ ” quotes, quotation mark –
кавычки
’ apostrophe – апостроф
( ) parentheses – скобки
[ ] square brackets – квадратные
скобки
< > angle brackets – угловые
скобки
маркированного списка
* asterisk – звездочка
~ tilde – тильда
/ forward slash, stroke – косая
черта
\ backward slash – обратная
косая черта
| pipe, vertical bar –
вертикальная черта
§ section sign – параграф
& ampersand – и
@ at symbol, at commercial –
«собака»
# hash, number sign – решёт-
ка, октоторп
№ numero sign – номер
Р rouble sign – рубль
€ euro sign – евро
£ pound sign – фунт
$ dollar sign – доллар

155
 4.4 Linking words and phrases
To state personal opinion:
 In my opinion,  I think
 In my view,  I feel
 To my mind,  As I see it,
 I’m sure  I feel (very) strongly
 I have no doubt  It seems to me
 To my way of thinking,  I am convinced
 (Personally) I believe  It is my firm belief
 I am inclined to believe  As far as I am concerned,
To express limit of knowledge:
 As far as I know,  To the best of my knowledge,
To emphasize your statement:
 Obviously, / It is obvious that  Actually,
 Needless to say,  In fact, / As a matter of fact,
 To tell you the truth,  Of course,
 Indeed,  Naturally, / Clearly,
To state other people’s opinion:
 It is popularly believed that  Many argue that
 People often claim that  Many / A lot of / Most people
 It is often alleged that feel that
 Some people argue that  Some people point out that
 Contrary to the popular belief,
To make general statements:
 As a (general) rule,  Generally, / In general,
 By and large,  It is typical (of ...) to
 On the whole,  It is common practice (among ...) to
To make cautious statements:
 Up to a point,  In a way,
 To a certain extent, / To some extent,  In a sense,
 To a certain degree, / To some degree,  To a limited extent,
156
To list advantages and disadvantages:
 One advantage / disadvantage of
 Another advantage /
disadvantage of
 One other advantage /
disadvantage of
 A further upside / downside of
 The main pros / cons of
 The greatest benefit /
drawback of
 The first plus / minus of
 The last advantage /
shortcoming of

To list points:
 First, / Firstly, / First of all,  Second, / Secondly,
 In the first place,  Third, / Thirdly,
 To start with, / To begin with,  Finally,

To show sequence of events:

 First, / First of all, / To start with, / In the first place,
 Secondly, / After this, / After that, / Then, / Next, / Afterwards,
 Finally, / Lastly, / Last but not least,

To add more points on the same topic:

 What is more,  Besides (this),
 Furthermore,  Also
 Moreover,  , too
 Apart from this (that),  Both ... and
 In addition (to this),  Not only ... but also ...
 ..., not to mention the fact that  Not only ... but ... as well

To refer to other sources:

 With reference to ...,  According to ..., / Regarding ...

To show cause:
 because / because of  since / as
 due to the fact that  on the grounds that
 owing to the fact that / owing to  Seeing that ...,
 for this reason ...  Now that
157
To show effect / result / consequence:
 So,  Therefore,
 Thus,  By doing this,
 As a result,  Consequently,
 This way,  As a consequence,

To show purpose:
 to  in case
 in order to  for fear that
 so that  with the purpose of
 so as to  with the intention of
To express reality:
 It is a fact that  As a matter of fact,
 In effect,  The fact of the matter is (that)
 In fact,  Actually,
 Indeed,  In practice,
To express the difference between appearance and reality:
 Initially,  At first, / At first sight
To express similarity:
 similarly,  likewise, / in the same way

To show contrast:
 yet  At the same time,
 but  Although / Even though
 even so  in contrast,
 still  alternatively,
 however,  In spite of the fact that
 nevertheless,  Despite the fact that
 nonetheless,  Regardless of the fact that
 on the one hand – on the  While
other hand

158
To show exception:
 except for  apart from / but for

To give examples:
 for instance,  like
 for example,  such as
 especially  particularly, / in particular,

To show time:
 when / whenever / before /  as soon as
 since  while
 as  now that
To express condition:
 on the condition that  as long as
 provided (that)  in the event of/that
 providing (that)  in case of smth. / in case
 only if / if  or else / otherwise
To clarify:
 In other words,  To put it another way,
 That is to say,

To make a conclusion:
 Finally, / Lastly,  All things considered,
 All in all,  For the above mentioned
 Taking everything into account, reasons,
 Taking everything into  In conclusion, / To conclude,
consideration,  To sum up,
 On the whole,  To summarize,
 In short,  This means that
 Briefly, / To put it briefly,  As I have said,
 After all,  As was previously stated,

159
 5. Keys

1. Correspondence at university
1.1 Business card
► 1. a) Margarita Vidal Romero / Noburo Yaegashi / Dale Crosby
b) CHEMA Y PUNTO SA / NIHON INFORMALINK KK /
BUSINESS SYSTEMS CONSULTANCY SERVICES
c) Av CORRIENTES 1048, 1464 Buenos Aires, Argentina /
Informalink BLDG, 2-4-8 Kaname-cho, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-
0034 / 1049 DERWENT DRIVE, SANTA BARBARA,
CALIFORNIA
d) Public Relations Officer / Sales Representative / Vice President /
e) Tel.: +54-(0)11-4314-2687, mob.: +54-911-435-1214,
MVRomero@Chema.ar /
Tel. +81-(0)3 5995 3801/4, cell phone: +81-(0)3 5995 3919,
n.yaegashi@nihoninformalink.jp / Tel.: 805-963-9171, cell: 805-962-
8593, Dale.Crosby@BSCS.com
► 2. 1 – e; 2 – d; 3 – a; 4 – b; 5 – c; 6 – f

1.2 Envelope
► 1. 1 – d; 2 – f; 3 – c; 4 – e; 5 – a; 6 – b
► 2. 1 – b; 2 – d; 3 – c; 4 – f; 5 – a; 6 – e

1.3 Informal e-mail / letter

► 1. 1 – d; 2 – f; 3 – i; 4 – c; 5 – g; 6 – a; 7 – b; 8 – h; 9 – e
► 2. 1 – g; 2 – a; 3 – c; 4 – d; 5 – b; 6 – e; 7 – h; 8 – f; 9 – i
► 3. 1 – e; 2 – а; 3 – d; 4 – b; 5 – c; 6 – h; 7 – i; 8 – f; 9 – j; 10 – g
► 5. 1 – I’ve taken; 2 –I’d drop; 3 – haven’t got; 4 – I’ll never;
5 – had; 6 – didn’t we; 7 – you’ve been; 8 – heard
► 6. 1 – a; 2 – h; 3 – f; 4 – g; 5 – b; 6 – e; 7 – c; 8 – d
► 7. 1 – excited; 2 – kindly; 3 –Regarding; 4 – freezing; 5 – suites;
6 – eating in; 7 – warm; 8 – informal; 9 – showers; 10 – can’t
► 8. 1 – last; 2 – ’m; 3 – my; 4 – but; 5 – can; 6 – have; 7 – be;
8 – forward; 9 – should; 10 – going; 11 – holiday; 12 – for;
13 – tell

160
► 9.

Dear Jenny,
How are you? I hope you’re well. I’ve got so many much to tell
you! Visiting Kenya is fantastic!
The beaches are absolutely wonderful. The sea is like glass and the
white sand is as soft like as powder. I’ve already collected loads of
shells and yesterday I have ridden rode an elephant. The local
people are also very friendly and almost every night we have the
opportunity to watch traditional dancing.
The most excited exciting part of the holiday was the hot-air
balloon safari last week. It was amazing! We floated quietly above
all these teams herds of wild animals. The scenery was absolutely
breathtaking. I have never seen nothing anything like that before.
As soon as I will get back, I’ll phone you and tell you all about it.
Till then, take care.
Love,
Fiona

► 10. 1 – l; 2 – b; 3 – g; 4 – i; 5 – j; 6 – d; 7 – f; 8 – m; 9 – k; 10 – h;
11 – e; 12 – c; 13 – a; 14 – n
► 11. 1 – b; 2 – e; 3 – f; 4 – d; 5 – g

1.4 Letter of request

► 1. 1 – a; 2 – d; 3 – c; 4 – b
► 2. 1 – c; 2 – a; 3 – b
► 3. 1 – b; 2 – a; 3 – c; 4 – d
► 4. 1 – be grateful if; 2 – like to know; 3 – tell me if; 4 – be possible
to; 5 – am interested in; 6 – would prefer not
► 5. 1 – about; 2 – planning; 3 – grateful; 4 – least; 5 – wondering;
6 – interested; 7 – possible; 8 – basis; 9 – chance; 10 – advance
► 6. 1 – c; 2 – i; 3 – j; 4 – g; 5 – a; 6 – b; 7 – d; 8 – f; 9 – e; 10 – h
► 7. 1 – d; 2 – f; 3 – c; 4 – a; 5 – g; 6 – b; 7 – e

161
1.5 Letter giving information
► 2. 1 – a; 2 – d; 3 – e; 4 – h
► 4. 1 – in / with; 2 – from; 3 – case; 4 – let; 5 – unless; 6 – better;
7 – in; 8 – mind; 9 – have; 10 – itself
► 5. 1 – b; 2 – d; 3 – c; 4 – e; 5 – a; 6 – j; 7 – i; 8 – h; 9 – g; 10 – f

1.6 Letter of application to a university (motivation letter)

► 2. 1 – apply; 2 – superb; 3 – hands-on; 4 – In addition; 5 – intern;
6 – exceptionally; 7 – diverse; 8 – Apart from; 9 – admitted;
10 – faithfully
► 3. 1 – am applying; 2 – graduated; 3 – will graduate; 4 – became;
5 – are; 6 – strengthened; 7 – helped; 8 – will be; 9 – want; 10 – am
► 4. 1 – c; 2 – g; 3 – d; 4 – e; 5 – a; 6 – b; 7 – f

1.7 Application form

► 2. 1 – Julie Evans; 2 – 30; 3 – Export Manager; 4 – single;
5 – Hove Comprehensive School; 6 – Brighton College of Further
Education; 7 – seven 0-levels and one A-level; 8 – Certificate of
Business Studies; 9 – Assistant Manager at Wright & Company;
10 – for two years as a secretary at IBM and for three years as a
Sales Manager at Suffolk Chemicals; 11 – French and German;
12 – would like to have more responsibility, to use her own
initiative and to travel abroad
► 3. 2 – Address; 3 – Phone Number; 4 – Date of Birth; 5 – Marital
Status; 6 – Personal Characteristics / Traits of Character; 7 –
Interests; 9 – Exam Results; 10 – Work Experience

2. Correspondence for job-hunting

2.1 Cover letter (letter of application for a job)
► 4. 1 – c; 2 – d; 3 – a; 4 – f; 5 – e; 6 – b
► 5. 1 – j (seek); 2 – c (possess); 3 – b (significant); 4 – h (securing);
5 – f (completed); 6 – g (obtained); 7 – d (intend); 8 – e (leading);
9 – a (am confident); 10 – i (become)
► 6. 1 – f; 2 – b; 3 – h; 4 – e; 5 – d; 6 – i; 7 – a; 8 – c; 9 – g; 10 – j

162
► 7. 1 – I am keen to gain business experience; 2 – I have extensive
knowledge of the PC market; 3 – considerable experience of
assembling computers; 4 – has given me a strong interest in
retailing; 5 – highly motivated and hard-working intern; 6 – make a
valuable contribution to your organization; 7 – would be happy to
accept any position; 8 – I will call you next week to answer any
questions; 9 – please feel free to contact me at any time; 10 – for
your time and consideration
► 8. 1 – position; 2 – advertised; 3 – years; 4 – in; 5 – working;
6 – have been; 7 – spent; 8 – extremely interested; 9 – all the;
10 – hearing
► 9. 1 – f; 2 – d; 3 – g; 4 – c; 5 – e; 6 – a; 7 – h; 8 – b; 9 – j; 10 – i

2.2 Resume (CV / curriculum vitae)

► 1. 1 – a; 2 – b; 3 – a; 4 – b; 5 – b
► 2. 1 – b; 2 – a; 3 – i; 4 – j; 5 – e; 6 – d; 7 – h; 8 – f; 9 – c; 10 – g
► 5. 1 – h; 2 – b; 3 – d; 4 – g; 5 – c; 6 – a; 7 – f; 8 – e; in order:
1–8–3–2–7–4–5–6
► 6. 1 – keen; 2 – are; 3 – include; 4 – Leading; 5 – Thinking;
6 – specialized; 7 – wrote
► 7. 1) This position involved liaising with a client’s parent company
in Germany; 2) Advanced computer literacy; 3) I coordinated an
office reorganization project; 4) I ran a language training
programme for members of the department; 5) I represented over
400 members in faculty meetings; 6) I played an integral part in a
team of consultants working on IS projects; 7) I was responsible
for managing the outdoor exhibition of camping equipment;
8) This position required familiarity with networking solutions;
9) I am responsible for motivating the team; 10) I chaired
conferences with visiting speakers.

2.3 Letter asking for a reference

► 2. 1 – c; 2 – f; 3 – e; 4 – b; 5 – d; 6 – a

163
2.4 Character reference
► 1.
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am very happy to give student P a reference for participation in the
Moscow campus in summer 20__ advertised on the site of RANEPA.
She is a brilliant student, intelligent, and also efficient in scientific
work. She gives great inputs in charity work undertaken by the
students of the Karelia branch. She is cheerful, pleasant, and helpful
in class. I can certainly recommend her for the work of the campus.
Yours faithfully,

► 2. A – Purpose; B – Personal Qualities; C – Leadership;

D – Achievements; E – Recommendation
1 – In addition; 2 – Despite the fact that; 3 – Although; 4 – In spite of;
5 – nonetheless; 6 – furthermore; 7 – For instance; 8 – Moreover;
9 – thus; 10 – In conclusion
► 3. 1 – also; 2 – however; 3 – although; 4 – as well; 5 – in addition
to; 6 – on the other hand; 7 – not only; 8 – but also; 9 – to sum up
► 4. 1 – has had; 2 – worked; 3 – has worked; 4 – was; 5 – has been;
6 – had; 7 – has never lived; 8 – has never learnt
► 5. 1 – wants; 2 – feels; 3 – isn’t using; 4 – is looking for;
5 – realizes; 6 – is growing; 7 – reads; 8 – is living; 9 – says;
10 – decide; 11 – travels; 12 – enjoys; 13 – is attending
► 6. 1 – joined; 2 – chose; 3 – earned; 4 – became; 5 – has been;
6 – has expanded; 7 – has become; 8 – has established; 9 – passed;
10 – have made
► 7. 1 – of; 2 – with; 3 – by; 4 – upon; 5 – in
► 8. 1 – employed; 2 – served; 3 – qualified; 4 – responsible for;
5 – independent; 6 – recommend; 7 – slightest; 8 – designated;
9 – genuine; 10 – helpful
2.5 Follow-up letter
► 3. 1 – e (Thank you for your interest in); 2 – c (I am pleased to
inform you that); 3 – d (We would like you to); 4 – a (Please, let us
know); 5 – b (We look forward to meeting you)
164
► 4. 1 – want; 2 – enjoyed; 3 – enjoyed; 4 – am; 5 – are; 6 – have; 7 –
do not hesitate
► 5. 1 – a; 2 – a; 3 – b; 4 – b; 5 – c; 6 – c
► 6. 1 – e; 2 – a; 3 – c; 4 – f; 5 – b; 6 – d
► 7. 1 – came; 2 – haven’t heard; 3 – told; 4 – had; 5 – are still
considering; 6 – has taken; 7 – will let

3. Correspondence at work
3.1 Letter of enquiry
► 2. 1 – book; 2 – address; 3 – trainees; 4 – qualify; 5 – hearing
► 3. 1 – f; 2 – b; 3 – d; 4 – e; 5 – g; 6 – c; 7 – a
► 4. 1 – g; 2 – d; 3 – a; 4 – e; 5 – b; 6 – c; 7 – f
► 5. 1 – c; 2 – g; 3 – h; 4 – a; 5 – d; 6 – b; 7 – f; 8 – e
► 6. 1 – Thanks for your message; 2 – Re; 3 – Can you ... please; 4 –
Can you; 5 – can you please; 6 – I’m sorry; 7 – See you next
month; 8 – All the best
► 8. 1 – Technical support department; 2 – Murat Yuzgun; 3 – the
projector; 4 – Seminar Room 2; 5 – the bulb needs changing; 6 –
Richard Ray; 7 – 15 June
► 10. 1 – d; 2 – g; 3 – c; 4 – e; 5 – b; 6 – f; 7 – a
► 11. 1 – yes; 2 – yes; 3 – yes; 4 – no; 5 – yes; 6 – no

3.2 Letter of offer

► 2. 1 –We are a newly formed company which / that specializes in
the production of Greek snacks and pastries; 2 – We were given your
name by Ms Tina Furlan who, we believe, is one of your regular
customers; 3 – We enclose a complete product list and three samples
which / that we hope you will enjoy; 4 – They are made from high
quality ingredients which / that we import especially from Greece;
5 – We began selling our products six months ago at a local market
where they proved to be very popular.

3.3 Letter of confirmation

► 3. 1 – sending; 2 – am pleased to say; 3 – would like to offer you;
4 – Please find attached the voucher; 5 – look forward to seeing you
again soon
165
3.4 Letter of refusal
► 1. 1 – e; 2 – a; 3 – b; 4 – d; 5 – c
► 2. a – 1, 2; b – 3, 4; c – 5, 6
3.5 Letter of complaint
► 1. a – Letter 3; b – Letter 1; c – Letter 2; d – Letter 1; e – Letter 3;
f – Letter 2
► 2. 1 – e; 2 – d; 3 – h; 4 – f; 5 – g; 6 – a; 7 – c; 8 – b; 9 – i
► 3. 1 – Although; 2 – Furthermore; 3 – However
► 6. 1 – am writing; 2 – about; 3 – which / that; 4 – have recently
bought; 5 – it worked properly; 6 – came; 7 – However; 8 – I;
9 – there; 10 – during; 11 – took; 12 – wanted; 13 – heat; 14 –
faulty; 15 – will be resolved; 16 – faithfully
► 7. 1 – connection; 2 – different; 3 – musician; 4 – practise;
5 – residential; 6 – signed; 7 – silence; 8 – disturbance; 9 –
appreciate; 10 – kindly
3.6 Letter of apology
► 1. 1 – c; 2 – d; 3 – a; 4 – b
► 3. Letter A: 1 – to apologize; 2 – disgraceful conduct; 3 – I realize;
4 – resolve the matter; 5 – Due to my absence; 6 – However; 7 –
severely reprimanded; 8 – rest assured; 9 – this incident; 10 – deter
you. Letter B: 1 – to say how sorry I am; 2 – bad behaviour; 3 –
I know; 4 – sort out the problem; 5 – Because I wasn’t there; 6 – but;
7 – properly told off; 8 – be sure; 9 – what happened; 10 – put you off
► 4. 1 – e; 2 – d; 3 – b; 4 – c; 5 – a
►5. 1 – in relation to the problem; 2 – accept our sincere apologies;
3 – take all complaints in this area very seriously; 4 – we are trying
to resolve every case; 5 – a refund of €120 as an apology
► 6. 1 – i; 2 – j; 3 – f; 4 – g; 5 – b; 6 – h; 7 – e; 8 – a; 9 – c; 10 – d
► 8. 1 – b; 2 – e; 3 – d; 4 – c; 5 – f; 6 – a
a) Why don’t we go out for dinner next week?
b) I’m sorry I didn’t go to Ben’s party.
c) Jenny Davidson and Bryan all said sorry.
d) What a fantastic surprise!
e) When I last spoke to Lillian, she wasn’t feeling well.
f) If you finish your essay, will you come out with us after work?
166
3.7 Letter of reminder
► 1. e-mail A – Reply 2; e-mail B – Reply 1
► 2. 1 – Dear; 2 – do; 3 – will; 4 – in / within; 5 – will; 6 – let;
7 – Yours
► 3. 1 – at; 2 – from; 3 – without; 4 – in; 5 – on; 6 – to
► 4. 1 – j; 2 – f; 3 – d; 4 – g; 5 – b; 6 – i; 7 – c; 8 – h; 9 – a; 10 – e

3.8 Letter of invitation

► 2. e-mail A – informal; e-mail B – formal
► 3. Letter layout:

Date

Hello Jenny!

Many thanks for your letter and apologies for the delay in
replying but I’ve been up to my eyes preparing for our holiday
next week.

Anyway, the reason I’m writing now is to invite you and Joe
to a party at our home on New Year’s Eve. As you know, it’s
Edward’s birthday on the 2nd January so we thought we’d
make it a double celebration. We wondered whether you’d
like to stay for the weekend, then we could show you round
the city. It would be really good to have you here so do try
and make it.

Well, I’d better stop now and get back to the packing. I suppose
I shall need a holiday just to recover from the preparations.

Love from us both.

Yours,
Helen

167
► 4. 1 – d; 2 – g; 3 – b; 4 – h; 5 – c; 6 – a; 7 – f; 8 – e; 9 – i
► 5. Capital letters and punctuation:

Dear Jared,

Sorry I haven’t written for so long but I’ve been really busy with
the new job. I hope you’re well and still enjoying life at
university.

The main reason I’m writing is to tell you that Julia and I are
staying at Uncle Joe’s villa in Italy for the Easter holidays. Would
you like to come and stay for a few days? The villa is in a really
beautiful place, very near the beach. You can fly to Rimini
Airport and get a bus from there.

Can you give me a ring to tell me if you’re interested? Our new

phone number is 01804 747 4219. We’d love to see you!

See you soon,

Miles

3.9 Letter of thanks

► 1. 1 – c; 2 – a; 3 – d; 4 – b
► 3. Letter A: 1 – Hi, just a quick note; 2 – say thanks to; 3 – all
your help; 4 – getting ready; 5 – What you did; 6 – played a big
part; 7 – making sure; 8 – whole thing; 9 – went so well;
10 – thank you enough for. Letter B: 1 – I am writing; 2 – thank
you very much; 3 – your kind assistance; 4 – preparations;
5 – Your contribution; 6 – was very important; 7 – ensuring;
8 – occasion; 9 – was such a success; 10 – tell you how much I
appreciate
► 4. 1 – b; 2 – g; 3 – c; 4 – not needed; 5 – f; 6 – e; 7 – h; 8 – d; 9 – a
► 5. 1 – thank; 2 – meal; 3 – meeting / talks; 4 – decision; 5 – days /
weeks

168
► 6. 1 – for; 2 – generosity; 3 – was; 4 – impressed; 5 – committee;
6 – greatest; 7 – group; 8 – could; 9 – soon; 10 – sincerely
► 7. Letter 1 – c; Letter 2 – b; Letter 3 – a

3.10 Letter of congratulations

► 1. 1 – c; 2 – d; 3 – a; 4 – e; 5 – b
► 2. 1 – glad; 2 – accept; 3 – congratulations; 4 – Hard
► 3. 1 – immense; 2 – University; 3 – newspaper; 4 – achievement;
5 – proud; 6 – growth; 7 – efforts; 8 – competitions; 9 – future;
10 – again
► 5. Greetings to relatives and friends: 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13,
14. Greetings to business partners: 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14
► 6. Capital letters and punctuation:

Dear colleagues,
we wish you a very Happy Holiday season and a peaceful and
prosperous New Year!
Best wishes from the team at Karelika!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Director ____________ Ivan Petrov

3.11 Memo
► 1. 1 – e; 2 – c; 3 – b; 4 – f; 5 – a; 6 – d
► 2. 1 – d; 2 – a; 3 – c; 4 – b
► 3. d) letter of enquiry / request
► 6. 1 – at; 2 – on; 3 – on; 4 – draft; 5 – staff; 6 – leave; 7 – expert
► 7. 1 – a design assistant; 2 – 24th November; 3 – Sportswear;
4 – computer skills; 5 – the local paper
 Resources

1) Богацкий И.С., Дюканова Н.М. Бизнес-курс английского языка:

Словарь-справочник / Под общ. ред. Богацкого И.С. – 4-е изд., испр. –
Киев: Логос; М.: Рольф: Айрис-пресс. 1999. – ISBN 966-509-054-2. – 352 с.
2) Cotton D., Falvey D., Kent S. Market Leader / David Cotton, David
Falvey, Simon Kent. – UK: Pearson Education Limited, 2000. – ISBN 0582
328381. – 176 pp.
3) Cunningham S., Moor P., Bygrave J. New Cutting Edge (Intermediate,
3rd edition) / Sarah Cunningham, Peter Moor, Johan Bygrave. – UK: Pearson
Education, 2013. – ISBN: 978-1-4479-3687-9. – 175 pp.
4) Dellar H., Walkley A. Innovations: a Course in Natural English / Hugh
Dellar, Andrew Walkley. – UK: Thomon Learning. – 2007. – ISBN 1-4130-
2184-0. – 176 pp.
5) Downes C. Cambridge English for Job-Hunting / Colm Downes. – UK:
Cambridge University Press, 2008. – ISBN 978-0-521-72215-5. – 112 pp.
6) Dummett P., Stephenson H., Lansfort L. Keynote TED Talks
(Intermediate, Upper-Intermediate) / Paul Dummett, Helen Stephenson,
Lewis Lansford. – US: National Geographic, Cengage Learning, 2016. –
ISBN 9781305399136. – 181 pp.
7) Evans V. Successful Writing (Intermediate, Upper-Intermediate,
Proficiency) / Virginia Evans. – UK: Express Publishing, 2009. – ISBN 978-
1-84216-880-6. – 176 pp.
8) Hallows R., Lisboa M., Unwin M. IELTS Express. Intermediate
Coursebook. – Second edition / Richard Hallows, Martin Lisboa, Mark
Unwin. – UK: Hampshire, 2014. – ISBN 978-133-31306-9. – 144 pp.
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for Beginners / Mike Hogan, Britta Landermann, Shaunessy Ashdown. –
Berlin: Cornelsen Verlag, 2011. – ISBN 978-3-06-020660-5. – 112 pp.
10) Hollett V. Business objectives / Vicki Hollett. – UK: Oxford
University Press, 2013. – ISBN 9780194513913. – 191 pp.
11) Kay S., Jones V. New Inside-Out (Pre-Intermediate) / Sue Kay,
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9960-8. – 159 pp.
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Cambridge University Press, 2008. – ISBN 978-0-521-60975-3. – 129 pp.
13) Oxenden C., Latham-Koenig Ch., Seligson P. New English File /
Clive Oxenden, Christina Latham-Koenig, Paul Seligson. – UK: Oxford
University Press, 2014. – ISBN 978 0 19 455840 2. – 169 pp.

170
 14) Richardson K., Kavanagh M., Sydes J., Emmerson P. The Business /
Karen Richardson, Marie Kavanagh, John Sydes, Paul Emmerson. – UK:
Macmillan Education, 2008. – ISBN 978-0-230-02156-3. – 159 pp.
15) Stephens M. Practise Advanced Writing (analysis and practice for
CAE and Proficiency) / Mary Stephens. – UK: Longman Group UK Limited,
1992. – ISBN 0582 06437 6. – 112 pp.
16) Taylor S. Model Business Letters, E-mail & Other Business
Documents. – 6th edition. – London: Pearson Education Limited, 2003. –
ISBN 0-273-67524-9. – 506 pp.
17) Tilbury A. English Unlimited / Alex Tilbury, Leslie Anne Henra,
David Rea, Theresa Clementon. – UK: Camridge University Press, 2011. –
ISBN 978 0 521 73991 7. – 161 pp.
18) Tullis G., Trappe T. New Insights into Business / Graham Tullis,
Tonya Trappe. – UK: Longman, 2007. – ISBN 978-0-582-84887-0. – 176 pp.
19) Watcyn-Jones P. Pair Work 2 (Intermediate to Upper-Intermediate) /
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0582514622. – 106 pp.
20) Whitby N. Business Benchmark (Pre-Intermediate to Intermediate) /
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0521672848. – 183 pp.

Internet resources
1) https://gecd.mit.edu/resources/career-handbook
2) https://grad.illinois.edu/careerdevelopment
3) http://www.bu.edu/careers/
4) https://ocs.fas.harvard.edu/resumes-cvs-cover-letters
5) https://en.wikipedia.org
6) http://www.wikihow.com
7) https://www.ielts.org/
8) http://www.oxforddictionaries.com
9) http://www.merriam-webster.com
10) http://dic.academic.ru
11) http://images.yandex.ru
12) https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/writing-help/letter-formats-block-modified-
block-and-semi-block
13) https://www.thoughtco.com/business-letter-basics-1209018
14) https://www.bestsampleresume.com/letters/
 Учебное издание

Business Correspondence in English:

Samples and Tasks

Учебное пособие по ведению деловой переписки

на английском языке

Печатается по решению Учёного совета Карельского филиала ФГБОУ ВО

«Российская академия народного хозяйства и государственной службы
при Президенте Российской Федерации» от 27 декабря 2018 г.

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