BULATS Writing Part One Rephrasing the question
Look at the answer to this task below and say what you think is good and bad about it.
Task
You attended a presentation by one of your subordinates. Write a brief email:
- Telling him how well he did
- Asking him to put the presentation materials on the intranet
- Inviting him to give a similar presentation in the future
Write approximately 60 words in the space given below.
Student Answer
Dear Matt
Just a quick one to tell you how well you did with yesterdays presentation. It really was
one of the best I have ever seen. Could you possibly put the presentation materials on the
intranet so that people who missed it can have a look?
Id also like to invite you to give a similar presentation in the future.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
All the best
Alex
56 words
Check what is wrong with the answer above on the next page.
Written by Alex Case for UsingEnglish.com 2011
There are too many words and expressions repeated from the question in the answer on
the previous page. Replace words and expressions to make it better, just changing the
grammar (e.g. changing a verb to a noun) if you cant think of any different words.
Also replace as many words and expressions as you can in the following email and then
see if you have managed to avoid the words in the question (given under the folded line).
Hi Melanie
Hope your week is going okay.
Im writing because Im interested in meeting the important guests who are coming from
Taiwan next week. My reason for wanting to meet them is to have a chance to use my
Chinese language skills, as I dont often get the opportunity in my present job.
Do you think it is likely to be okay, even though Im not in sales? If it could be okay, do you
have any idea who I can contact about this matter?
Thanks in advance for your help.
BR
Alex
Task
You have received the following memo:
To: All staff
This is just to let you know that the sales team have some very important
guests coming from Taiwan next week, so if you see them around the office
please make them feel at home.
Thanks.
Melanie Smith, pp. Head of Sales
Write an email to Melanie saying that youd like to be introduced to the guests. Things to
include:
- Explain your reasons for wanting to meet them
- Ask if it is likely to be okay
- Ask for details of who else you can contact about this matter
Write between 50 and 60 words below.
Written by Alex Case for UsingEnglish.com 2011
Using as different wording from the question as possible, fill the gaps below:
Task
You were late for some of your appointments last week and your line manager
has noticed. Write to him/ her:
- Saying sorry
- Giving reasons for your lateness
- Giving ideas for ways to avoid such problems in the future
Write 60 words on the lines given below.
Dear Martin
I am writing to ______________________________. ____________________ the recent
disruption in the underground service.
Unfortunately, it looks like they wont sort out the trains until at least the end of the month.
__________________ allowing me to work flexitime or partly from home for a couple of
weeks?
Please let me know if that is okay.
Best regards
Jane
Written by Alex Case for UsingEnglish.com 2011
Do the following task, either individually in 15 minutes or in pairs. Be careful to avoid
repeating the words in the question, and only use the model below the folded line if you
really need to.
Task
You have received the following email:
Hi Alex
As requested, here are the minutes from the meeting that we both attended last
week. I think I got all the important information, but as this is my first time in
charge of taking notes and feedback would be very gratefully accepted.
Please let me know if anything needs changing or explaining in more detail.
Thanks
Samir
Write an email to reply to Samir. In that email:
- Thank him for the minutes
- Suggest some changes
- Try to arrange to talk about the issues further
Write about 60 words in the space given on this page.
Hi Samir
Thanks for the _______________________. There were just a couple of things
_______________________.
1. I seem to remember we agreed that the work would be split 50/50.
2. Some people suggested bi-weekly progress check meetings, but no final decision was
made.
__________________________ on Friday morning to ____________________?
Thanks again.
Alex
Written by Alex Case for UsingEnglish.com 2011
Possible answers
Dear Matt
Just a quick one to congratulate you on a great presentation. It really was one of the best I
have ever seen. Could you possibly put the PowerPoint and handouts up on the company
intranet so that people who missed it can have a look?
Would you be interested in also leading the same event next year?
Looking forward to hearing from you.
All the best
Alex
56 words
Hi Melanie
Hope your week is going okay.
Im writing because Im interested in meeting the Taiwanese guests who are visiting from
Monday. My main motivation is to have a chance to use my Chinese language skills, as I
dont often get the opportunity in my present job.
Do you think it might be possible, even though Im not in sales? If it might, do you have
any idea who I should ask for permission?
Thanks in advance for your help.
BR
Alex
67 words
Written by Alex Case for UsingEnglish.com 2011
Dear Martin
I am writing to apologise for my lack of punctuality last week. This was due to the recent
disruption in the underground service.
Unfortunately, it looks like they wont sort out the trains until at least the end of the month.
Might I suggest allowing me to work flexitime or partly from home for a couple of weeks?
Please let me know if that is okay.
Best regards
Jane
58 words
Hi Samir
Thanks for the attachment and for getting it to me so quickly. There were just a couple of
things that I didnt entirely agree on.
3. I seem to remember we agreed that the work would be split 50/50.
4. Some people suggested bi-weekly progress check meetings, but no final decision was
made.
Are you free on Friday morning to continue the discussion?
Thanks again.
Alex
66 words
Written by Alex Case for UsingEnglish.com 2011
