Includes Review sections as well as references.

1. Introducing yourself

Language focus:
introducing yourself: This is a brief email to introduce myself. My name is Jenny Ho.
writing about work experience: I was appointed sales manager in July. Previously, I was with Costco Stores.

Writing task: writing an introductory email — exchanging emails

2. Arranging meetings

Language focus:
arranging a meeting: Could we meet sometime next week? I'm afraid I'm out of town Tuesday morning. How about Thursday morning?
apologizing for a change of plans: I'm afraid something has come up...
comparing formal and informal writing styles: I look forward to seeing you then. / See you then.

Writing task: writing to suggest a meeting — writing to confirm or change an arrangement

3. Discussing travel plans

Language focus:
writing about definite plans: I am visiting / I plan to visit Japan next month.
making a polite request: I would like to visit your factory. Would this be possible?
promising to do something: We will send you a proposed itinerary immediately.
writing an itinerary: Meet Nobuo Wada in lobby.

Writing task: writing about definite travel plans — writing an itinerary

4. Recommending

Language focus:
writing about indefinite plans: I'm probably / I might be visiting the U.S. in July
asking for recommendations: Can you recommend a good hotel?
recommending: I would recommend the Garden Hotel. The service is excellent. Kyoto is very interesting.

Writing task: writing about a probable business trip — replying to a request for recommendations

5. Inviting

Language focus:
inviting: Would you like to join me for lunch on Friday?
accepting an invitation: Lunch on Friday would be great. I would be delighted to join you for dinner.
discussing likes and preferences: I love sukiyaki. I'm afraid I don't care for sukiyaki, but I do like tempura.
refusing an invitation: Unfortunately, I have an appointment on that day.

Writing task: making an invitation — replying to an invitation.

Review 1

6. Making inquiries

Language focus:
making an inquiry: We would like to know more about...
giving a reason for writing: We were given your name by Hendrik Ibsen of IKEA...
describing your company: Our company is a small budget hotel chain.
describing your interest in a company's products or services: We are considering changing our catering service.
making a request: Please send us your current catalog.

Writing task: writing a description of a company — requesting a catalog, price list, and details of discounts

7. Placing orders

Language focus:
placing an order: We would like to place an order for six desks, model no. S403. Could you deliver the items by March 14?
writing a list of items for a large order: We would like to confirm that we will receive a 10% discount. We will pay by certified cheque.

Writing task: writing a cover letter — placing an order by email — filling out a purchase order

8. Responding to orders

Language focus:
acknowledging an order for goods: Thank you for your order no. 1230 dated June 10.
the passive: Your order is now being processed.
dealing with a problem with an order: Unfortunately, the model you requested has been discontinued.
suggesting alternative action: We suggest that you purchase the new model.

Writing task: making notes for an order — replying to an order with reasons for delay

9. Making payment

Language focus:
informing someone about payment: We have instructed our bank to transfer...
acknowledging payment: Our bank informed us yesterday that...
reminding someone about late payment: This is a reminder that payment of invoice #3204 is 14 days overdue.
using the conditional: If we do not receive payment withing five business days, we will take...

Writing task: writing to inform that payment has been made — acknowledging payment — writing a reminder that a payment is due

10. Complaints

Language focus:
introducing a complaint: I am writing to complain about our last order, which arrived yesterday.
explaining a problem: We regret to inform you that the goods were damaged. The plaster casings were damaged in several places.
suggesting a solution: Please send us the replacement goods as soon as possible.
responding to a complaint: Please accept our apologies for... We look forward to serving you again in the future.

Writing task: writing a letter of complaint — responding to a complaint

Review 2

11. Checking progress

Language focus:
checking progress on a task or project: How is the report going? Is everything on schedule?
explaining progress: Everything is going well. I have slight problem with my computer.
writing about cause and effect: My alarm clock didn't go off. As a result, I had to rush to get ready.
using the present perfect: Have you contacted Mr. Ali yet? I've contacted Mr. Ali. / I haven't contacted Mr. Ali yet.

Writing task: writing to check progress on a project or task — replying to an inquiry about progress.

12. Interoffice memos

Language focus:
writing a short memo: The new cafeteria has been completed.
announcing a future event: The new model will be introduced next month.
making a formal request: All sales staff are requested to attend the meeting. Would all sales staff please attend the meeting.

Writing task: writing a memo to employees — announcing what has happened or will happen in your firm or school

13. Discussing proposals

Language focus:
making a proposal and giving a reason: How about holding a videoconference? I think it would reduce costs.
reporting opinions: Everyone here thinks it's a good idea.
asking for opinions: Could you let me know what you think by Friday?
responding to a proposal: I think it's an excellent idea. I don't think it's a very good idea. I think we should...

Writing task: making a proposal for your company — responding to a proposal

14. Reports

Language focus:
writing a short report: Earlier this month, I visited Italy to investigate the possibility of introducing our products here.
giving reasons: The reason for my trip was...
describing graphs and charts: In the first quarter, sales rose sharply. So for this year, sales have risen.
making recommendations: Based on my research, I recommend that we...

Writing task: writing a short report on a business trip

15. Social situations

Language focus:
congratulating: Please accept my congratulations on your promotion.
expressing sympathy: I was very sorry to hear of your accident.
condolences: We were saddened to hear of your husband's death.
thanking: Thank you very much for inviting us to dinner last Friday.

Writing task: writing a letter of congratulation — writing a letter of sympathy — writing a thank-you letter

Review 3

Pairwork dictation

Reference section

"An introduction to Business Writing: is a 2-level writing course in international English, designed for young adult and adult learners; it provides simple step-by-step practice in writing emails, letters, taxes, forms, CVs practices a range of useful functions, e.g. discussing travel plans, making inquiries, placing orders, and making payment, includes cross-cultural information comparing American and British varieties of English, has a comprehensive reference section covering layout, writing conventions, punctuation, style, and register, and is accompanied by a Teacher's Guide with notes on using the Student Book, optional ideas for mixed ability classes, and photocopiable activities." (Book Cover)