Unit themes - Business Writing

1 The basics

  • Beginnings and endings: the writers know each other well
  • Beginnings and endings: the writers know each other
  • Beginnings and endings: the writers do not know each other
  • Basic layout: a standard letter
  • Basic layout: a memo
  • Basic layout: a group email

2 Making contact

  • A first contact from an individual
  • An acknowledgement
  • Chasing up information
  • A first contact from a company
  • A request for further information
  • Introducing the company

3 Arrangements 

  • Arranging a visit: an invitation
  • Arranging a visit: a confirmation
  • Arranging a visit: sending directions
  • Arranging a visit: chasing up information
  • Travel arrangements: an intinerary
  • Travel arrangements: making, confirming and checking reservations
  • Taking and forwarding messages

4 Meetings 

  • Setting up a meeting: suggesting dates, times and venues
  • Setting up a meeting: agreeing and confirming a meeting
  • An urgent meeting
  • Setting an agenda
  • Changing and negotiating changes to an agenda
  • Finalising arrangements
  • Meeting follow-up: minutes, amendments, comments and thanks

5 Enquiries

  • A general enquiry
  • Responding to enquiries: replies and requests for further information
  • A cover note •Specific enquiries
  • Advice and recommendations
  • Requests: forwarding a request, providing details

6 Orders, dealing with problems 

  • Orders: requesting a quote
  • Orders: placing a first order
  • Orders: placing a repeat order
  • Dealing with problems: problems with a schedule
  • Dealing with problems: damaged goods
  • Dealing with problems: unacceptable service
  • Dealing with problems: misleading information
  • Dealing with problems: rejecting a complaint

7 Short reports

  • Providing information
  • Requesting information
  • A short report
  • Asking for missing information
  • Providing further information
  • Focus on facts and figures
  • Presenting numbers and describing trends
  • Making comparisons and drawing conclusions

8 Personal messages

  • Appreciation
  • Congratulations
  • A personal announcement
  • Saying goodbye
  • Saying thank you
  • Responding to thanks
  • Good news
  • Bad news
  • A reminder
  • Replying to a reminder