Life Advanced. Business Writing Worksheets With Answer Keys

36 Pages·5.606 MB·English

by  Hill David A.

Advanced Business Writing
Li fe
Worksheet 1: A CV or resume

1 Read Paul Lyons’ CV, or resume, and answer these questions.
1 Where does Paul currently work?
2 What sort of company does he want to work for?
3 What positive nouns and adjectives does Paul use to describe himself and the type
of people he wants to work with?
2 Paul uses positive verbs to make his CV dynamic and interesting. Match the verbs
1–8 from the CV to these synonyms.
providing helping talking to keeping up
showing examining making certain putting into action
1 analysing 2 implementing 3 assisting in
4 ensuring 5 liaising with 6 upholding
7 demonstrating 8 delivering
3 Clauses with reduced past and present participles are often used to provide
information in CVs. They can go before or after the main clause. Look at the
example then rewrite the sentences using reduced past and present participles.
1 I am a highly motivated individual and I possess the enthusiasm and drive needed
to succeed. I am looking to join a dynamic company.
A highly motivated individual, possessing the enthusiasm and drive
needed to succeed, I am looking to join a dynamic company.
2 Samantha is an experienced engineer who is prepared to work long hours. She is
looking to take on more responsibility.
An _______________________________________________________________,
Samantha is looking to take on more responsibility.
3 Andrew is a senior manager who is committed to improving the profile of his
company. He has the ambition required to take the company forward.
A _________________________________________________________________
4 Stephen is a well-regarded manager who works in the oil industry. He would like to
gain experience in HR.
A _________________________________________________________________
4 Read the job ad. Decide what experience, skills and personal qualities an applicant
will need. Then write the CV.
TECHNICAL CONSULTANT
DFT International is a global leader with over 20 years’ experience providing

recruitment solutions to the energy sector.
We are looking for a Technical Consultant to be based in Dubai.
Ideally you will have over five years’ experience of working for a
multinational resource & energy company.
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Paul Lyons Resume

PERSONAL DETAILS

Paul Lyons
12 Rugby Avenue
Rugby R32 7FT
Mobile: [phone]
PROFILE
A highly motivated individual, possessing the enthusiasm and drive needed to succeed in this competitive

industry, I am looking to join a dynamic company of conscientious professionals. Prepared to travel to
projects around the world, I am committed to producing the highest quality work for my clients.

EDUCATION

Midlands University, BSc (Hons) Structural Engineering 2007–2010
Moseley Central College 2004–2007
A levels: Maths (A) English (B) Technology (B) Science (B)

WORK EXPERIENCE

Midlands Construction Company, UK Trainee civil engineer April 2011 – June 2011

Kuwait Construction Civil engineer June 2011 – present
Responsible for managing projects, including budgeting, forecasting, scheduling and quality assurance. Day to
day responsibilities include:

● analysing and reviewing design plans and drawings
● implementing plans according to schedule

● assisting in the supervision of building works
● ensuring compliance with Health & Safety regulations

● liaising with clients and contractors
● upholding best working practices
● demonstrating high performance standards, including deadlines and quality work
● delivering final construction projects
● maintaining long term client relationships
REFERENCES
Available on request

I CAN
organise and write a CV 
use positive verbs, nouns and adjectives to make a CV dynamic 
use reduced past and present participles 

Life Advanced Business Writing ©National Geographic Learning
Advanced Business Writing
Li fe
Worksheet 2: Meeting minutes

1 Read the extract from what was said at the weekly meeting of Lyons’ Digital
Exports Limited. Then read John Grogan’s notes. Decide which information in
John’s notes needs to be included when he writes up the meeting minutes.

Chair (Dan Clarke): So, where are we up to with the new laptops? Have they arrived yet? I can’t believe we’re still
waiting for them.

Export sales manager (Peter Lewis): Well, it’s OK.The new shipment’s just arrived. This morning, in fact. But that
means they’re a week late.

Marketing manager (Colin Scott): In that case late payment fees should come into play. We get a 10% reduction
for late shipme nt.
Chair (Dan Clarke): OK. But we need to seek legal advice on this. Let’s agree on that.

Marketing manager (Colin Scott): Sure.

Meeting minutes (John Grogan)

4th July
Present: Dan Clarke (chair), Peter Lewis, Colin Scott, John Grogan
Dan – queries arrival of new laptop – expresses disbelief that they’re late

Peter – new shipment has now arrived – arrived this morning – a week late

Colin – late payment fees apply – 10% reduction
Dan – need to seek legal advice – agreed by all

2 John has started writing up the meeting minutes (the notes of what was discussed
at the meeting). Read his write-up and answer these questions.
1 What reporting phrases does John use in his minutes? Which phrase is impersonal?
2 What tenses does John choose to use when reporting what was said? Why does he
choose these tenses?

Meeting minutes (John Grogan) 4th July

Present: Dan Clarke (chair), Peter Lewis, Colin Scott, John Grogan

At the meeting, export sales manager Peter Lewis reported that the new shipment of laptops arrived this

morning. Marketing manager Colin Scott pointed out that late payment fees apply because the shipment is a

week late. It was agreed that the company should seek legal advice before imposing late payment penalties.

Life Advanced Business Writing ©National Geographic Learning
3 Read these sentence pairs and decide which sentences sound better for meeting
notes and minutes.
1 a Dan Clarke said the next meeting will be next Tuesday.
b Dan Clarke said the next meeting would take place the following Tuesday.
2 a Peter Lewis reported that the new shipment arrived today and is ready for
processing.
b Peter Lewis reported that the new shipment had arrived that day and was ready
for processing.
3 a Colin, Dan and Peter agreed that we need to seek a legal opinion.
b It was agreed that we need to seek a legal opinion.
4 Now read these notes from a board meeting at Lucas Petroleum. What do all the
participants agree to do?

Meeting minutes Paul Jones

6th August

Present: Harry Lime (chair), Joe Phillips, Paul Jones

Joe – figures show 10% rise in profits this year

Paul – need to invest in new infrastructure – company healthy so

time is right

Joe – better to consolidate now – oil prices to fall (probably) next year

Paul – invest or it will be wasted opportunity

Harry – invest in core projects in Middle East but not globally?

Joe – good idea

Paul – good idea – but should be significant investment

5 Write up the meeting minutes as a report using some of these reporting phrases.
Remember that we do not move tenses back. Use impersonal as well as personal
reporting phrases.
explained that ... suggested that … announced that … pointed out that …
argued that … agreed that … produced figures to show that …
e.g. Joe Phillips reported that ... It was announced that ...

I CAN
write up meeting minutes in a report 
use reporting phrases to create a sense of immediacy 

Life Advanced Business Writing ©National Geographic Learning
Advanced Business Writing
Li fe
Worksheet 3: A business proposal

1 Read the information box and the summaries of the three parts of a business
proposal (a–c). Then read the sections (A–C) of the model proposal. Match these
to the three summaries, then put them in a logical order 1–3.

a The problem statement
In a business proposal, a company
In this section, the proposal shows an understanding of the
tries to win a contract from a client
problems the client faces.
by showing that it understands the
b The proposed solution
problems the client faces, that it can
In this section, the proposal offers expert solutions to all the
offer solutions to those problems,
problems.
and that it has the experience and
market knowledge to be trusted. c The promise of reliability
In this section, the proposal makes a statement of your company’s
credentials, experience, knowledge, reliability and costs.

UNIVERSAL OFFICE SOLUTIONS

A
It is strongly recommended that Ostrich Publications promotes its products on all of the major social media
channels. However, that is just a first step on the road to an effective marketing strategy. While showing the
products on social media platforms is all well and good, it is vital that the company creates a revitalised

brand that is more suited to being promoted on social media platforms. Notwithstanding the company’s
wide range of publi cations, few of them are obviously adapted to this new and expanding market. It is clear
that this has to change.

A marketing campaign must be created which engages with its young audience. In order for this to be

successful, it is essential that Ostrich Publications acquires fans, followers and subscribers. Moreover, it is
advisable to make c onnections with subscribers by inviting them to join in particular discussions or attend
specific events. The purpose of this is not only to promote Ostrich Publications, but also to gather useful

feedback from the target audience.

B
At Universal Office Solutions, we pride ourselves on our expertise in the growing sector of social media
marketing. In contrast to other marketing solution providers, we have experts worldwide who have unrivalled
experience in dealing with the marketing problems of evolving businesses in a wide variety of contrasting
sectors. For further details and a breakdown of costs please contact our head office.

C
Although Ostrich Publications continues to be a significant player in the world of magazine publishing, it is
beginning to lo se market share. This is a consequence of the company’s reliance on a traditional approach to
marketing. In today’s digital world, it is necessary to make the leap to social media marketing.
Our research s hows that rival publishing companies have increased their market share by 10 to 20% as a direct
result of adopting social media marketing techniques. It is likely that this trend will continue.

Life Advanced Business Writing ©National Geographic Learning
3 Read the proposal again and answer the questions.
1 What evidence does Universal Office Solutions provide to persuade Ostrich
Publications to consider change?
2 What specific changes does Universal Office Solutions want Ostrich Publications to
make?
4 Add the linking words and expressions underlined in the text to these categories.
1 addition: in addition to ______________ ______________
2 contrast: in spite of ______________ ______________
______________ ______________ ______________
3 result and consequence: ______________ ______________
5 It is common to use expressions with it in business proposals, e.g. it is clear that ... ,
it is necessary to ... . Find five other expressions with it in the proposal.
6 Rewrite these sentences using an it expression.
1 We need to respond to a growing demand for our products in new markets.
It _______________________________________________________________
2 We recommend a restructuring of Grey Industries’ sales department.
It _______________________________________________________________
3 Having personal contact with customers is very important, so we should open more
local branches.
It _______________________________________________________________
7 You work for High Street Solutions. Read the information about both companies
then write a business proposal for your client, Lemon Bookshops.

Lemon bookshops High Street Solutions
 Tradition a l family-run shop selling fiction and  Twenty years’ experience of helping
non-fiction books re-invent local shops
 Need to d iversify to reflect changing trends in the  Experts with local knowledge
book-buying industry
 Proven track record in promoting local

 Need to add coffee shop and comfortable seating businesses
area

 Need to have website where customers can
browse and order books

 Need to organise local events (book clubs; book
signings b y local authors; book readings for
children) to entice customers

 Need to redecorate shop – use clean, bright
colours

I CAN

write a clearly structured business proposal 
use linking words and expressions 
use it expressions 

Life Advanced Business Writing ©National Geographic Learning
Advanced Business Writing
Li fe
Worksheet 4: A mail shot

1 Discuss the following questions.
1 Have you ever received a mail shot or e-shot? If so, how effective are they? What
features of a mail shot make it successful?
2 Have you ever sent a mail shot or e-shot? If so, what were you trying to sell or
promote? What techniques did you use?
2 Read the mail shot and answer the questions.
1 Which company has sent the mail shot, what service do they offer, and why has
Jack been chosen as a recipient?
2 Which of the following techniques are used in the mail shot to get Jack’s interest
and attention?
 using first names and ‘you’ to make it personal and direct
 flattering the reader and making them feel special and unique
 providing an ‘objective’ testimonial from a happy customer
 using a formal, polite tone
 providing a special offer or offer of preferential service
 providing a sense of urgency
 giving a lot of detail about any offers made
 being chatty and conversational in tone
 using a PS at the end to grab the reader’s attention one last time

Hi Jack!

As a frequent flyer and valued customer, we wanted to drop you a line to say thank you for
recently choosing BigFlightSite. We are the world’s most popular flight-booking site owing to our
unbeatable prices and great special offers, so it’s really smart of you to have chosen BigFlightSite to

book your recent flight to London.

We wanted to remind you that BigFlightSite can help you save by tracking airfare prices before you

book so that you get the best possible offer, as well as by tracking prices after you’ve booked in case

you may be eligible for a partial refund. Just think – you really can’t lose if you choose BigFlightSite!

Don’t take our word for it though. Check out our testimonials from satisfied customers.

‘I’ve saved my company over three thousand ‘No other flight site can compete with BigFlightSite’s
dollars this year by booking with BigFlightSite’ reliability and customer service.’
Brad Lewis, Electro n Inc., Houston Susie Scott, Elegance Fabrics, Seattle

And, remember, as well as providing great service, we offer regular promotions so as to keep our best

customers satisfied. So, we’re offering you a 10% discount on top of any other saving on the next flight

you book as long as it’s a business-class flight with one of our selected airlines. So, happy flying and

stay smart – keep using BigFlightSite.

Yours

All at BigFlightSite

PS Hurry! Our special offer is only available to the end of the month!

Life Advanced Business Writing ©National Geographic Learning
3 Match these ‘money-saving’ phrases from the mail shot to their definitions (1–5).
unbeatable price special offer partial refund
regular promotion 10% discount
1 when you get some of your money back
2 when the cost is so low nobody else can better it
3 when you get a reduction, service or gift that is usually given
4 when an amount of money is taken off the price
5 when you get a reduction, service or gift that is not usually given
4 Replace the expressions in bold (1–6) with the expressions in the box that have the
same meaning.
so that owing to so as to as long as on top of in case
1 You can make great monthly savings because of our unique way of tracking prices.
2 Join our website in order to take advantage of our very special offers.
3 We contact all major retailers, our aim being that we can find the best price for
you.
4 Provided that you return the product in seven days, we won’t charge you anything.
5 Our service will provide you with a full guarantee as well as lots of useful extras.
6 You’ll want to take out our insurance protection as a provision against a situation
in which something unforeseeable goes wrong.
5 Write a mail shot to a regular customer from one of these companies. Include a
special offer or promotion, at least one testimonial, and a PS.

 PC PROTECT ENJOYFILMS 
Reliable protection for people
Great movies to rent online for
who regularly work and play
people who really know about cinema!
online

SPONGE CAR CLEANING

Immaculate care and cleaning service for
executives who take pride in their cars

I CAN
write a mail shot using the correct register 
recognise and use some features of mail shots 
use linking expressions 

Life Advanced Business Writing ©National Geographic Learning
Advanced Business Writing
Li fe
Worksheet 5: Advertising copy

1 Match each set of adjectives (1–4) to the product they describe. How do these
adjectives create a positive impression of the product?
a type of box of chocolates a type of jewellery a type of tool or gadget
a type of clothing or footwear a type of vehicle a type of tea or coffee
a type of pan a type of building
1 fresh wild sharp remote rare unique great-tasting
2 lightweight versatile comfortable top-of-the-range waterproof
3 rust-free light state-of-the-art innovative hard-wearing
4 heat-resistant exclusive stainless steel removable perforated
2 Read the four product descriptions in the advertising copy on the next page.
Check your answers to Exercise 1.
3 These opening sentences are missing from the four product descriptions. Match
each sentence (1–4) with its advertising aim (a–d).
1 Believe it or not, we aren’t pulling your leg!
2 Readers of Hiker International Magazine have praised Target boots for their
rugged reliability.
3 Have you ever thought to yourself that there must be an easier way of doing this?
4 Meet the next generation of outdoor cookware!

a an independent and authoritative recommendation of the product
b a question that the reader will want to know the answer to
c a funny or intriguing comment that makes you want to read more
d an introduction to the product that makes it sound new and special
4 Read the four product descriptions again. Match the missing sentences in
Exercise 3 with the product descriptions.
5 Complete the sentences with the missing prepositions.
1 It’s great ____ opening cans or bottles.
2 Thanks ____ our use of new technology, it never breaks down.
3 It comes ____ lots of original features.
4 They’re admired ____ their beautiful designs.
5 It’s made ____ lightweight materials.
6 It’s just right ____ covering up unattractive walls.
7 It’s free ____ harmful additives.
8 It’s been praised ____ its state-of-the-art technology.
9 It’s designed ____ your needs in mind.
10 We’re proud ____ our product.
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Thumbsavers A

________ Well, that’s why we’ve invented Thumbsavers. From now on, whenever you hammer in a nail, you can

use our innovative, state-of-the-art Thumbsavers to protect your fingers and thumbs. Thumbsavers come with a

built-in magnet at the end of the plastic-coated handle which grips nails, pins, screws and tacks nice and tight while
you place them just r ight for hammering or drilling. Made of light, rust-free aluminium, hard-wearing Thumbsavers
are great for position ing nails and screws in locations that your fingers just can’t get to.

Monkey-picked tea B
________ Specially tr ained monkeys are used to climb steep cliffs to pick this rare, wild tea in a remote mountain
region of China. Grow n for centuries, and admired for its fresh, sharp taste by legendary emperors, monkey-picked
tea has to be tasted to be believed. Order a packet today, and we’ll throw in a free booklet about how the tea is

prepared and how the monkeys are trained. And remember that our product is free of additives, and no monkeys

were harmed or mistreated in order for us to bring this unique, great-tasting brew to you!

The Steel Grill Pan C

________ Designed with the perfect garden barbecue in mind, our innovative, heat-resistant frying pan makes it

easy to cook crowd-pleasing stir-fries, vegetables and more on your grill. Thanks to our exclusive, perforated
design, your favourit e foods will take on a savoury, fire-smoked flavour with the Steel Grill Pan. Tiny perforations
on the pan’s surface expose your foods to the fire, adding a fabulously rich, smoky character. Constructed of

rugged stainless steel, its unique, patented design keeps even the smallest ingredients safely inside the pan, and it

has a removable handle, which you can detach before cooking, and reattach when you’re ready to easily move the
pan on and off the ba rbecue.

Target Boots D
________ And we at Target are proud of our top-of-the-range product – Target Boots are the four-wheel drive of
walking shoes. Our walking shoes are lightweight and comfortable, waterproof and durable. They will provide you

with great traction control as well as the torsion stability needed to allow you to be well supported wherever the

trail takes you! Target Boots are crammed with the latest refinements and technological ideas such as the tri-
density foot bed. How ever, what is most important about these walking shoes is that they are versatile – you can
wear them for activities ranging from gardening to dog walking to trekking.

6 Prepare advertising copy and a detailed product description for one of the
products below. Remember to use an opening line that grabs the reader’s
attention, and lots of positive descriptive adjectives.
 Luxury Hands-free Car Phone
 Super Deluxe Portable Fan
 Spike Sports Trainers
 Kitchen Giant Refrigerators

I CAN
write an attention-grabbing opening 
use positive descriptive adjectives 
use the correct preposition with a verb or adjective 

Life Advanced Business Writing ©National Geographic Learning