Exam training Writing BEC Vantage Part one

• Engels
• MBO
• Studiejaar 3

What kind of business correspondence did you write during your internship?

Has your writing improved during your internship?

yes

no

it got worse

Cambridge exam information BEC Vantage Writing

45 minutes

two tasks

hand-written

black pen

01:17

If you fail to cover all three bullet points you will loose points.

1. true
2. false

Writing part one

You have to write a memo or email. 

You are given a context explaining who you are and

who you are writing to and why. 

You are given three points to include in your message. 

You must write 40-50 words.

Writing part one - email

How do you start your email to Erica Young?

1. Dear Sir, Madam
2. Dear Ms Young
3. Dear Mrs Young
4. Hi Erica

EXAM TIPS: 

• write in the CORRECT  style or "register"
• include all of the three things you have to do
• Do not copy words from the task

PROCEDURE

• Read the context

• Read what your position is and the company you work for.
• Read the three things you need to say. They always start with a verb (in the ing form) and then details. Common examples of the verbs are, explaining, saying, telling, apologising, describing, asking.
• Use your work experience when you have to invent things.

PROCEDURE

•  Start the email with an appropriate opening. 

Use Hello + name for your assistant.

Use Dear + Mr/Ms + first name + surname if it is a superior or the name is not given, for example, you are asked to write to the Marketing Manager. 

•  Then do the three actions requested in the task. 

Change the nouns. Try not to repeat the nouns used in the three sentences. Use synonyms or express the same thing in different words.

Do not copy from the task!

For example, if the task asks you to write to someone…

Apologising for the faulty product

Explaining the origins of the fault.

Saying the new product will be sent.

Here you cannot write:

I apologise for the faulty product, the origins of the fault are... the new product will be sent next week. 

Rephrase the point below:
"apologise for the faulty product"
Tip: use the noun APOLOGIES

Cover this part of the task: "explaining why you cannot go to the meeting"

grammar 

Use the same grammar. The only thing you can "copy" is the grammar, you usually need to write your sentences in the same grammar. If you need to describe the difficulties you are having, then use the present continuous, e.g. The printer is not working. If you need to explain the reason for the extra meeting you had last week, use the past simple. If you need to talk about when you will be away, use will or if you explain more about your arrangements use the present continuous, e.g. I am flying to Shanghai on Monday 21st March.

What is the correct verb tense for this phrase: 'Explain why you were absent last week'

1. I am sorry, but there has been a train strike.
2. I am sorry, but there was a train strike.

Write the text on the answer sheet.

Evaluation

Exchange your task with a fellow student. 

Check:

Is it the right register?

Are all three bullet points covered?

Did your partner use synonyms for the task?

Are spelling and grammar correct?

It is clear how I can get a good score for part one.

yes

no

Where can I find example phrases?