C) match the questions with the answers.

4. Ask and answer questions for details. Use one of the following phrases:

a) asking a question:

ü I am sorry, but I don’t quite understand …

ü I am sorry, but I am not really clear about …

ü I am sorry, but could you possibly explain …

ü Do I understand you correctly that…

b)giving an explanation:

ü Well, what I am trying to say is …

ü Well, the point I am trying to make is that …

ü Well, I think what it’s meant is …

ü I have a very good reason to believe that…

Model: -TV is a unifying factor in a family.

           - Would you mind explaining that? (Could you specify what

              you mean by ‘unifying factor’?)

ü The manner of dressing and speaking are important characteristics of an individual.

ü Any organization can’t work without employee competence and enthusiasm.

ü Women are more emotional, less practical, more irrational and more dependant on instincts than men.

ü An unhappy personal life and the lack of money affect the old more than the young.

ü More education opens more doors to successful careers.

ü Women are equal to men in all respects.

ü Space exploration is an objective search for knowledge.

5.Memorise the following expressions :

 a) Use the following to comment on a question:

ü That’s a good question. Thanks for asking it.

ü I’m glad you’ve asked me this question.

ü It’s a difficult question. I can’t give a detailed answer to it now.

ü I understood you. The idea of … seems interesting to me.

ü Well, your argument sounds convincing but don’t you think that…

ü Your remark is quite relevant. Thank you for reminding me that ..

ü Would you mind if we came back to your question later?

ü I’m not sure this question should be answered. It’s not quite relevant to the subject discussed.

ü I’m afraid you misunderstood me. I didn’t mean to say that …

b) Use the following to apologize for lack of exactness in answer:

ü I haven’t really considered the problem in this aspect, but I believe that …

ü Speaking off the cuff, I’d say that…

ü Roughly speaking, this problem might be regarded as …

ü In a way, this definition isn’t exact, but…

ü I’m afraid I am not prepared to give a detailed answer to this all at once. All I could say is …

ü I am afraid that this information is not available at the moment.

ü I am afraid I don’t have that information at hand.

c)Use the following if you need more time :

ü Let me see…

ü Just let me think about it …

ü You see…

ü You know …

UNIT 14

TEST

Write an abstract to the proposed article.

2.Fill in missing phrases:

furthermore,     however,      as far as … concerned,    last but not least, to begin with,     for example,    apart from this,     on the other hand, I’d like to start

___________  by outlining some of the advantages of our new product. ________, it is the most advanced product of its type currently on the market. ________ , it is equipped with a number of features that are not to be found in similar devices produced by our competitors. ________ , it is guaranteed 100% waterproof. Equivalent products produced by our competitors, _______ , are water-resistant, not water-proof. _______ obvious advantage, it is also shock-resistant and dust-proof. _____ price _____, I am sure that our product is the most competitive on the market. It is not only price that makes this product attractive, _____. It is also guaranteed for no less than 20 years. _______, we can offer retailers a substantial discount on bulk orders purchased direct from the factory.

3.Write an acceptance (rejecting ) letter answering the invitation:

TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING CONFERENCE

Broughton Street, Brighton

Telephone: 121-441-2577; e-mail: techinfo@apac.br

15 January 2012

Dr.Higgins

Zacron Engineering

4, Keen Street

Cambridge

CA25 3VC

Dear Dr. Higgins,

We have pleasure in inviting you to our annual conference. This year it will be taking place at the Metropole Hotel, Brighton, from 24 to 28 July.

We enclose details of the conference, accommodation arrangements and a provisional program.

Last year you gave a very interesting presentation on the subject of ‘Purchasing High Technology.’ We would be very grateful if you would consider giving us an update on this.

We would appreciate it if you confirm your participation at your earliest convenience.

Yours sincerely,

P. Metthuse

Conference Organiser

Enc. 1. Provisional program

     2. Accommodation propositions

ADDITIONAL READING

WRITTEN BUSINESS COMMUNICATION

1.The complimentary close:

Dear Sir or Madam - Yours faithfully

Dear Mr White     - Yours sincerely

Dear Mrs Green   - Yours sincerely

Other forms of closings:

Cordially         Cordially yours

Respectfully    Respectfully yours

Sincerily          Truly yours

2. Acknowledgement of the receipt letter:

We have received your letter of May 15…

We thank you for letter dated …

In reply to your letter of …

We are obliged for your letter of …

We acknowledge your letter of … 

With reference to your letter of 3 July…

3. Reference to dates:

We refer to your letter of May 15…

Your letter dated 25^th inst (текущего месяца, поточного місяця)…

Your letter of 20^th ult (прошлого месяца, минулого місяця)…

Of today’s date…

Of yesterday’s date…

Of the same date…

4.Requesting the answer:

We should appreciate a prompt reply.

A prompt reply would be appreciated.

Will you kindly let us have an early reply.

5.Expressing gratitude for a letter:

I very much appreciate having a reply from you.

I appreciate your prompt reply.

Thank you for your prompt reply.

Thank you for sending me…

6.Apologies for a late reply:

I am very sorry to have taken so long in replying to you.

Please excuse me for my late reply.

I apologies for my delay in replying to your letter.

7.Endings:

With best regards.

I hope to hear from you soon and remain with my regards.

We look forward to hearing from you.

A COVER LETTER

1.Gain the reader’s attention.

Provide a summary of qualifications. The summary beginning is the opening that most closely matched your qualification to the job you want. To write it, think first of the one most important quality you have that relates to the job.

Example 1:  A bachelor degree in Management Information Systems and my internship experience with DataStop International make me a strong candidate for your MIS Management Training Program.

Example 2: My recent study of marketing principles and five years’ experience as a commercial artist provide me with a unique background to seek the advertising position you announced June 2 in the Seattle Sentinel.

Refer to the name of a mutual acquaintance or job ad. Beginning the letter by mentioning the name of a mutual acquaintance allows you to begin with a point that the applicant and reader know. If your reader respects the individual, this approach lends strength to our qualifications.

Example 1: Ms. Joan Jurina of your Accounts Management Unit mentioned that you need additional auditors. My degree in accounting from Southern Connecticut University qualifies me for the position.

Example 2: Professor James Drexler suggested that I should send my credentials to you for consideration. He understands that you are planning to expand your sales staff in the Houston area.

Example 3: I want to apply for the computer analyst position you placed in the October 10 issue of the Kansas City Star. I have the knowledge of and experiences with the hardware and software your company uses.

Refer to current news or business activities. By starting with some mention of recent business news that relates to the organization, you show an awareness of the company’s current activities. This beginning may set you apart from other applicants.

Example 1: A recent article in the Wall Street Journal detailed Intershore’s interest in increasing its investment in enterpreneurial activities. My degree in finance with a minor in enterpreneurship would provide you with someone who understands the challenges your company faces.

Example 2: Please consider my four years’ experience as an assistant branch manager for Minnesota National Bank as you look for new branch managers to serve three new branches of Queen City State Bank.

Ask a challenging question. Although more risky, this approach could set you apart from others. By questioning your readers or challenging them to take action, you assert yourself confidently.

Example 1: Could your office use someone who not only knows how to operate all the latest versions of microcomputer publication software but also knows how to modify the applications to meet your office’s specific needs? I’m that person.

Example 2: Does your sales division need a regional manager who has motivated a sales staff to set new sales records in each of the past five years?