Match the email beginnings (1–8) with the endings (a–h).

Beginnings …	… Endings
1.I am writing with regard to your recent email. We regret to inform you that there are no double rooms available for the nights you require.	a)Anyway, thanks again for inviting me, and I’m really looking forward to it. Do you want me to bring anything?
2.Thanks so much for the wonderful present. It’s exactly the book that I wanted – how did you know? I’m really looking forward to reading it.	b)You know you can count on me if you need any support. I’ll call you at the weekend to see how things are.
3.Patricia, I’ve just read your email. I’m so sorry to hear about what happened.	c)Should you need any further information about room availability, we will be happy to assist you.
4.Sorry, I can’t make it to your birthday party at Fishers restaurant, as I’m away on that day.	d)I look forward to receiving this information as soon as possible.
5.I am mailing this via the ‘Contact Us’ link on your website. I’d like to know a few more details about the anti-virus software that’s listed on the site.	e)It really is great news, and I’m sure that it’s only the beginning of our work in the French market.
6.I am writing with reference to our order number GH67. The goods arrived this morning, but you only sent 200 pieces instead of the 300 that we ordered.	f)Please deal with this matter urgently. I expect a reply from you by tomorrow morning at the latest.
7Yes! Great! I’d love to come to the party.	g)Thanks again for the gift, and give my regards to your family.
8I’ve just heard from Antonio about the Paris contract. It’s fantastic news – you worked really hard on this and you deserve the success.	h)Anyway, sorry again that I can’t come, but have a great time. I hope we can meet up soon. What about going to see that new Speilberg film?

Match the beginning and ending pairs in ex 2 with the descriptions (1–8) below.

1. An email asking for information. Neutral style. 5d

2. An email giving information. Formal style.

3. An email accepting an invitation. Informal style.

4. An email refusing an invitation. Informal style.

5. An email of congratulations. Neutral style.

6. An email of complaint. Formal style.

7. An email of thanks. Neutral style.

8. An email of sympathy. Informal style.

 

Read the following sentences. Decide whether they are beginnings or endings. Then decide whether they are neutral or informal.

1. The computer network will be shut down for maintenance at 5pm on Thursday.

Beg/End - Neut/Inf

2. Oh, yes – I’ll be back late tonight. Can you do the shopping and buy something nice for dinner? Thx. Beg/End - Neut/Inf

3. I look forward to receiving your advice on this matter. Beg/End - Neut/Inf

4. What a surprise – how nice to hear from you! Beg/End - Neut/Inf

5. Bye for now. See you soon. Beg/End - Neut/Inf

6. I hope that everything is okay, but do not hesitate to contact me if you need any clarification. Beg/End - Neut/Inf

7. Please find attached my report, as promised in Friday’s meeting. Beg/End - Neut/Inf

8. I’m so happy for you! Write again soon and tell me how it’s going. Beg/End - Neut/Inf

9. We are writing to advise you about some changes in our price list. Beg/End - Neut/Inf

10. If you’d like any more details, just let me know. I’m away all next week but Andrea is dealing with this in my absence. Beg/End - Neut/Inf

11. Just a quick note to say I really enjoyed last night. Beg/End - Neut/Inf

12. Simon and I have been talking about your holiday plans for next August. It looks like we won’t be able to join you. I’m really sorry. Beg/End - Neut/Inf

 

5. Look back at the examples in ex 13. Find:

a) two letters written to someone unknown or little known.

b) four letters written to colleagues, perhaps sent to several people.

c) five letters written to a friend.

d) one letter written to a very close family member.

 

Look at the paragraph structure below for two emails: an inquiry (request for information) and the reply. Then write the correct paragraph reference next to each sentence (a–j).

Inquiry

1. How you got the contact.

2. Something about your company, and why you are writing.

3. General request for information.

4. Other specific/unusual questions.

5. Close, perhaps including a reference to future business.

Reply

1. Thanks, referring to the date.

2. Say what you are attaching.

3. Highlight one or two key points.

4. Answer any specific questions.

5. Close, saying you are ready to answer any other questions.

a) We are a distributor of kitchen products in Hungary. We are interested in …

b) I am attaching our current catalogue and price list as a pdf file.

c) I look forward to an early reply, and am sure that there is a market for your products here in Hungary.

d) Could you also provide details of your delivery times, and whether there is any minimum order.

e) Thank you for your email of 4 June inquiring about our products.

f) You will note that our line of MagicMix food processors is on special offer.

g) Please send us information about your product range, including a price list.

h) We met last Thursday on your stand at the Munich Trade Fair.

i) If you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

j) We dispatch the goods within 24 hours of a firm order, and for first-time customers our minimum order is C =5,000.

6. Reschedule a Meeting Voicemail. Prepare a voice mail message cancelling and rescheduling a meeting.

Read the information.

 

Imagine that you have a meeting scheduled with Maria Bonetti from CPT in London. Your original appointment was next Tuesday at 9:30 a.m., but your plans have changed and you cannot meet her at that time.

Prepare a 30- to 45-second voice mail message to Maria Bonetti cancelling your meeting and asking to reschedule the time.

• Explain that you cannot keep the appointment and give your reason.

• Suggest another time.

 

7. Prepare a voicemail message to a hotel.