BUSINESS ENGLISH

Writing Emails
*Vocabulary:
1. engagement 2. to keep “someone” posted 2. HQ 3. assembly line 4. however 5. pics

*Activity #1: Read through each email and decide which is “formal / neutral / informal.”
Give reasons to support your answers
EMAIL #1:
Dear Mr. Watkins,
With reference to your letter on March 15th, unfortunately I am unable to attend the video
conference meeting on Friday due to a previous engagement. However, I would be very grateful
if you could send me a copy of the agenda. Please find attached the marketing document. I look
forward to hearing from you in the near future.
Yours sincerely,
David Bell
-Questions:
1. Is this email formal, neutral or informal? __________________________________________
2. Why do you think that? ________________________________________________________
EMAIL #2:
Hi Simon,
Great news! Got the contract! Let me know if you’re interested in working with us on this one.
I’ll keep you posted over the next couple of days to check out your needs so I can tell HQ.
Attached are the pics of our recent holiday party. What you think?
Best wishes,
Paul
-Questions:
1. Is this email formal, neutral or informal? __________________________________________
2. Why do you think that? ________________________________________________________
EMAIL #3:
Hey Joe,
I am writing to ask you about your opinion of the new summary of the final report (Chapter 7).
We will make an individual document for your internal use. Could you possibly send me the
marketing strategy for the new product being produced on assembly line eight? I am sorry about
the website; we are experiencing some technical difficulties. If you have any questions, contact
me on my office number. Look forward to hearing from you.
Denise
-Questions:
1. Is this email formal, neutral or informal? __________________________________________
2. Why do you think that? ________________________________________________________

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 3rd LEVEL
BUSINESS ENGLISH
LESSON 7

*Activity #2: Speaking

Have a conversation with your teacher… How often do you write emails? How often do you
write emails in English? What language do you usually use (formal, neutral, informal)? How can
you improve your email writing skills?

*Activity #3: Complete the following gaps with the most appropriate word or expression
from either the formal, informal or neutral email on the previous page.

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 3rd LEVEL
BUSINESS ENGLISH
LESSON 7

Get It Write!

to

I would like to
apologize for
(+verb in

*Activity #4: Correct the grammar mistakes (G) and the spelling mistakes (S).

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 3rd LEVEL
BUSINESS ENGLISH
LESSON 7

advertisement
Dear Ms. Becket,
In reply of your advertisment who were in today’s edition of The Times, I am (1S/3G)
writing to apply for the position of Customer Servise Manager in you company. (1S/1G)
I graduate from Milan University on 2008 and I has four years of expierince (1S/3G)
working in customer services in many company in Italy and Great britain. (1S/1G)
I am currently working in the Customer Service department of a large IT (0S/0G)
company in Turin. I am responsible of the day-to-day running of the department (0S/1G)
and I manage a team of tree employees. Last year, I implemented a new systeme (2S/0G)
for deal with customer complains which has been extremely success. I would (1S/2G)
like develop my proffessional skills and take on more responsibilities. I am also (1S/1G)
interesting in working in London because it will give me the oportunity for (1S/2G)
improve my English. (0S/0G)
I enclose a copy of my resume for you reference. I would be happy to (0S/1G)
going for an interview at any time but I would need a week’s notice to made any (0S/2G)
nesessary travel arrangements. (1S/0G)
Yours sincerely, Marco Brucato

Dear Lisa Morgan,

Thank your four your email on Febuary 12th, 2013. We haven’t receive (2S/1G)
a reply from our shipping department but we are currently working on a solution (0S/0G)
to your issue. I would be greatful if you can send me a copy of your perchase (2S/1G)
receipt so that I can track the package. If you don’t not receive the package bye (1S/1G)
tomorrow, we will reimburse half the cost of your order and send a new package (0S/0G)
with overnight shipping. Our company value your customer loyalty and is (0S/1G)
comited to providing great service to our customers. I wood like to apologize (2S/0G)
again for the inconvenience. If you have any further questions, please don’t (0S/0G)
hesitate to contact I. We look forward to serving you again on the future. (0S/2G)
-Pablo Martinez

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