Business English – Practice Test for Writing Task

SHORT REPORT

1. Prompt: Your Helpdesk has a high rate of employee turnover and you have been asked to look into
it and write a report (120/140 words) giving recommendations.
Include the following points:
 The way you got the information
 Lack of training of the personnel was noticed
 No breaks because of the frequent calls
 No chance of career progression
Model Answer:
Introduction
This report aims to investigate the high turnover rate among employees. This information is based on
interviewing staff, checking administration records and observations.

Findings
One of the first things that I noticed was the lack of training of the personnel in handling a call.
Although short breaks are accepted, the long queue of callers on hold meant that a break was impossible,
especially during peak hours.
Many employees complained that there was no chance of decent career progression.

Recommendations
1 A team of full time training officers should organise a proper training session for all incoming staff.
2 The number of helpdesk operators should be increased by 10% during peak hours. Centre managers must
ensure that break hours are not shortened or skipped.
3 Team leaders should receive either a pay increase or an improved annual bonus.

2. Prompt: Your boss wants to relocate his factory to another town and has asked you to investigate
about the information he needs. You have visited the town, write a report (120/140 words) on your
findings including:
 Location (check out the Westside Industrial Estate)
 Communication
 Housing (cost, availability)
 Any government grants available
Model Answer:
Introduction
This report aims to show some info about Westside, the town where we are going to relocate our factory.
Findings
Location
Westfield Industrial Estate has two or three vacant, but small units. We might buy and develop the
neighbouring field. The owner will discuss.
Communications
The motorway to the east has easy access. The railway runs through the town centre. The goods yard is to
the SE, but we ship mainly by road.
Housing
There are many old properties near the centre, most of which are rented. There are always properties on
the market, so workers' housing is not a problem.
Grants
The town is an Enterprise Zone. We might get a grant if we relocate here. This needs to be investigated
further.
Recommendations
Providing we can get the field and a government grant, the town is well situated to our needs.

3. Prompt: Staff turnover in your company has increased dramatically. Your manager has asked you
to write a report about the situation. You distributed a staff questionnaire and have discovered the
following points:
 The computer system was changed last year and staff feel they have received inadequate training.
 The new bonus scheme has increased stress levels at work.
 Unsociable working hours (weekends and evenings) are unpopular with staff.
 Increased staff turnover has resulted in a decrease in team spirit because staff don’t have time to
form relations.
You should write about 120-140 words.
Model Answer
Report on Staff Turnover
Introduction
This report aims to explain our high turnover and make recommendations for improvement based on the
findings of a staff survey.
Findings
Staff felt that they had received inadequate training on the new computer system which had led to
mistakes and complaints.
The new bonus system was seen as unfair because productivity had reduced due to lack of familiarity with
software. Staff do not reach targets and so do not receive a bonus.
Unsociable working hours resulted in staff having family problems.
Team spirit had reduced and morale was low because of continual ‘new faces’.
Recommendations
Staff training sessions on the new computer system should be introduced immediately and the bonus
scheme suspended temporarily.
The introduction of a rota system may help staff improve their work life balance. Team building initiatives
and social events should be organised to help staff build strong relations.

4. Prompt: The company you work for is having problems with Johnson Ltd, one of its suppliers. Your
line manager has asked you to write a report giving details of the problems and recommendations.
Include the following points:
  How do Johnson Ltd’s costs compare with the other suppliers.
 Late deliveries have increased by 20%
 The goods have often been of poor quality
 The finance department has regularly made errors on invoices
You should write about 120-140 words.
Model answer
Report on Supplier Problems – Johnson Ltd
Introduction
This report aims to outline the problems we are currently experiencing with our supplier Johnson Ltd and
recommend a solution.
Findings
Cost Analysis
Johnson Ltd is the most expensive of our suppliers and plans to increase their rates next month.
Service Provided
In the last year 20% of deliveries have arrived late and goods have often been returned due to
unsatisfactory quality. Furthermore, frequent errors on invoices have caused problems and further delays.
Recommendations
As a result of these problems, I recommend using more than one supplier in future and changing supplier
completely if the forecast price rise is implemented. We should also inform Johnson Ltd that we are
monitoring the situation and that we will end our business relationship if their unacceptable and
unprofessional behaviour continues.
Prompt: You are Ms Sanchez, the CEO of a leading leather goods company. You recently negotiated the
terms of a new contract for leather bags with a well-known US distributor. The points negotiated were as
follows:
Models: You can supply 3 models (Trend, Dazzle and Everyday)
Each model is available in 4 different colours, (black, brown, blue and red).
Quantity: First order of 3,000 for each model. Following quarterly orders reduce to 2,000.
Payment: By bank transfer as soon as the goods have been dispatched.
Guarantee: 3 years
Length of contract: 4 years
You should write about 120-140 words.