A BUSINESS LETTER
In this activity, students attempt to re-write an inappropriately informal business letter in a more appropriate, formal style.
They then compare their version with a model text, helping them to notice the conventional formulae used in this type of letter, and incorporate some of this new language into another similar letter.
(1)
(2)
ACTIVITY FROM READING 2 : “Fine Foods Ltd. Letter” (Workshhet 2)
I.- Select the best alternative according to the reading
1.- What is the purpose of J. Brown’s letter to R. Jones?
- a) To request information about a stock control system
- b) To clarify some points about the stock control system
- c) To cancel an order
- d) To renegotiate a contract
2.- What specific points does J. Brown want to clarify about the stock control system?
- a) The price and installation
- b) The discount on future upgrades and the implementation period
- c) The compatibility with other systems
- d) The training for employees
3.- What is the implementation period for the stock control system mentioned in R. Jones’ letter?
- a) 1 week
- b) 3 weeks
- c) 2 months
- d) Not mentioned
4.- What does J. Brown request at the end of the letter?
- a) A demonstration of the system
- b) A discount on the price
- c) A swift response to her queries
- d) Cancellation of the order
5.- What is J. Brown’s position at Fine Foods Ltd.?
- a) Sales Manager
- b) Purchasing Manager
- c) Human Resources Manager
- d) Finance Manager
6.- What is the address of Fine Foods Ltd.?
- a) 10 Bridge Street, London SW10 5TG
- b) River Buildings, Stockwell Walk, London SW17 5HG
- c) 10 Bridge Street, London SW17 5HG
- d) River Buildings, Stockwell Walk, London SW10 5TG
7.- What system is being considered by Fine Foods Ltd.?
- a) Human Resource Management System
- b) Stock Control System
- c) Customer Relationship Management System
- d) Accounting System
8.- When did J. Brown receive R. Jones’ letter?
- a) 1 September 2006
- b) 12 September 2006
- c) The letter does not mention the date of receipt
- d) 10 September 2006
9.- What does J. Brown request regarding future system updates?
- a) A discount on the upgrade price
- b) Free access to future updates
- c) Additional training for employees
- d) Priority technical support
10.- How does J. Brown close the letter?
- a) Sincerely
- b) Best regards
- c) Cordially
- d) Greetings
2.– Fill-in-the-Blank Exercises
- Fine Foods Ltd. is considering implementing a _______________ system.
- The stock control system has been recently _______________.
- J. Brown requests a _______________ response to her questions.
- The system implementation period is _______________ weeks.
- J. Brown is the _______________ of Fine Foods Ltd.
3.– True or False Exercise
- _____ Fine Foods Ltd. has placed a formal order for the stock control system.
- _____ J. Brown is satisfied with the system implementation period.
- ______Thames Software Systems is located in London.
- ______ J. Brown requests a system demonstration.
- ______J. Brown’s letter is a response to R. Jones’ letter.
(3)
(4)
