Writing Test

Questions 6-7
Respond to a written request

A Focus: Requesting goods,

services, and information

Test tip In the test

The directions for

e-mail to read and respond to.
Questions 6-7 ask • In this part of the test, you will be given an the THREE tasks specrfred rn the directi
you to respond to an sure that you have comp leted ons
You must make
e-mail. For example, at the end of the e-mail.
who you are writin g to.
you may be asked to • You must use suitable language depending on
explain a problem, 4-5 sentences long.
grve information, or • Your reply should be about the role of a different person.
make a request on Sometimes you will be playing
the basis of the • This unit will focus on making polite requests. ations, descriptions, instructions, and
on giving explan
information you read • In the next one, we will focus
in an e-mail. opinions.
1 Language building: Making polite requests
A The sente nce be ginnings {in bold) in 1-6 show common phrase s for making
Testti� polite requests. Matc h t he beginnings to t he e ndings a-f. The first one is done
Use common for you.
request phrases 1. Please se nd us ... C
Making requests is a 2. Could you tell me w here ...
common task in
Questions 6-7. 3. Would it be possible to have a ...
Become familiar with 4. I was wondering if it would be possible to ...
the common words
and phrases for 5. I would appreciate it if you could have ...
making polite 6. Would you mind ...
requests.
a. repair person come to fix t he air conditione r?
b. get some samples of your product.
c. th ree boxes of w hite le tterhead pape r.
d. your delive ry staff use t he back entrance .
e. postponing our meeting until t he e nd of May?
f. I could have my car repainte d?

B Write �he num�e r of eac h comple ted sentence {1-6) from A next to th e
_
matc hing description and re cipient (a-f) below.
-- a. A request for a recommendat·ion of an automobile service {to the
.
representative of an auto association).
- b. A re quest to change a sche du Ied appoint .
ment {td a coworker from
anot her department).
c. An order for office supplies {to a
stat·1onery store)
d. A re quest for repairs {to the sup .
erinte ndent of your apartment
building).
-- e. A request for example s of a com
pany •s products {to a manufacturing
company).
f. A re quest about how a de r•v
e ry should be made
s hipping department). {to a supplier's
 Writing Test
Questions 6-7
Respond to a written request

A Focus: Giving exp 1

. . anat1ons, descriptions directions,
an d opinions
In the test

Writing Test Questions 6-7

• In this part of the test • you .
• In Unit 15 • you pract1c . ed wi-11 be given an e-mail to read and respond to.
. . _ requesting goods• services and information
• This unit will focus on g·iving •
· exp IanatIons, . .' · . .
• .
You will a 1 so practic descriptions of problems, and instructions.
e how to begin and organize your message.

1 Language building: Explaining, describing a situation, giving

information and directions
A Match the useful phrases (in bold) in sentences 1-4 to their uses in a-d below.
Leam useful 1. The main reason I am transferring my membership is because of the price
phrases
change. ___
Knowing the words
and phrases 2. I think the best way to solve the problem is by discussing the situation
commonly used for
with all concerned.
explaining situations,
describing problems, 3. The problem is that we haven't received any of the last six deliveries on
and giving instructions
can make your writing time. ___
more appropriate and 4. I'm pleased to let you know that your order will reach you today.
easier to understand.
a. Explaining a possible solution
b. Giving an explanation
c. Describing a problem
d. Giving information
in
B Write sentences based on the information in parentheses. Use the phrases
bold in A.
1
· (inform employees that they will receive their annual bonuses next month)
2.
work harder for a while)
· that the solution is for everyone to
(exp I am
3.
that the part is unavailable at the moment)
(say th at the Problem is
4.
ttending the meeting is a very tight deadline)
(the reason for nOt a
 conjunction in bold to its use, a or b.
C Read sentences 1-3 and match the
I v
Include clear class on Wednesday because have to isit rny
1. I will not be able to come to
reasons
mother in the hospital.
You may be asked to e to an increase in fuel prices.
explain why 2. The extra expense in May is du
something can or t we can increase our production.
can't happen. Use 3. 1 hired three new workers so tha
marker words
(because I due to I so
that) to signal your a. giving a reason
explanation. b. explaining a purpose
nces 1-5.
D Choose the correct conjunction to join sente
to I so that we have
1. We require two extra delivery trucks because I due
new custom ers that we have to service in the Danforth area.
fifteen
that I got offered a better job.
2. I left my last company because/due to/so
3. The problem with attenda nce last month was because /due to/so that
many people in the office catching a cold.
4. Our terrific sales in June were because/due to/so that the hiring of three
new sales staff.
5. I quit my job because/due to/so that I could start my own company.

E Match the phrases in 1-6 to the uses a-c.

Introduce requests/
suggestions I
problems
Use marker words
(I'd like/I think you
should/I'm sorry that)
to indicate what kind
of information you
are giving.
1. I think you/we should ...
2. I'm afraid ...
3. I believe ...
4. I'm sorry, but ...
5. In my opinion ...
6. Why don't you ... ?
a. giving an opinion
b. making a suggestion
c. introducing bad news

F Complete sentences 1-4 with one of the p hrases .

m E.
1. open a branch office in the Newton area so that
we can .increase our coverage i·n th.
1s area.
2. Due to an increase in costs,
--------- we must increase
Your rent by $ 50 per month.--
3.
. · b he
that John deserves a b onus for the great JO
.
did completing the proJect on time.
4.
that I won't b e able to send a repair person to
fix your plumbing unt'II
next week.
 2 Test tactics: Openings,
connectors, and organization
A �a ch opening sentences/
� references 1-5 to the appropriate descriptions a-e.
a e a note of the useful
use an appropriate phrases in bold. The first is done for you.
opening sentence 1. Re: Order No. 2354b e
or reference
2. Thank you for your inquiry
The open ing sentence about our new machinery.
or reference of your 3. I am wr iting about/ in regards to
the ad I saw in the Daily News.
message c an explain 4. I am writing to inquire abou
why you are wnttng t ...
and sets an 5. I received your invoice dated June 11.
appropriate tone.
a. You wish to get information.
b. You are referring to some information you have received.
c. You are writing to someone for the first time based upon something you
have seen in the newspaper, on the Internet, etc.
d. You are writing to a potential customer and want to be very polite.
e. The mail you are replying to included a reference or account number.

B Match connectors 1-10 to their uses in a-f (each use may apply to more than
one connector).
Use connectors to
organize your ideas 1. First of all, ...
6. I'm afraid that ...
Use connecting words 2. I have a few questions about ...
7. Next, ...
to clearly show the (the job/the bill/etc.)
order of each part of 8. Sincerely, ...
3. In response to your questions/inquiries, ...
your e-mail. 9. To begin with, ...
4. Best wishes,
10. Also, ...
5. Finally, ...
a. Used when asking/answering questions.
b. Signals the first point you wish to make.
c. Signals a subsequent point you wish to make.
d. Signals the last point you wish to make.
e. Signals that you are going to end your message and is followed by your
signature/name.
f. used to introduce problems.

C Complete the e-mail using appropriate phrases from A and B.

Dear Mr. Gracy,
Use appropriate
salutations and (1) -----
------- your ad in the newspaper for clerical staff.
closings , could you tell me when the position will
Make sure any 2
< > --- ��������������� -- I would like to know if it is a full-time
salutat!On or closing begin? (3) - -
!Oea, • .., Sincerely or part-time position.
l'Oo,s, etc.) in your
� is appropriate. (4) -------. , -=-.
time
1 can't work on weekends or after 6:00. Will
Jlage 262 for
riher information
the job require much over
about salutations. (5)

Peter Barnett