Letter 2.1.

Date: 2015-10-07; view: 374.

THEORY

UNIT 2. DIFFERENT TYPES OF BUSINESS LETTERS

Unit 2

Accounting Department

acquisition

an advantage (a disadvantage)

assets

at the top

at the level

authority

to be accountable to sb for sth

to be composed of

to be divided into

to be in charge of

to be made up of

to be responsible for

the Board of Directors

the chain of command

collaboration

to consist of

to contain

a dot-com

efficient (inefficient)

Engineering Department

an enterprise

an enterpriser

an enterprise zone

an entrepreneur

to expand

Finance Department

to fire

to give orders

to have authority over sb

a hierarchy

hierarchical

to hold a position

an immediate subordinate

an immediate superior

in order to

to include to increase

a joint-stock company

to make decisions

a multinational

manufacture

manufacturing

Marketing Department

merger

a parent company

partnership

Personnel Department

private enterprise

Production Department

profit

a public-limited company

a pyramid

pyramidal

relationship

recession

Sales Department

a share

a shareholder

a state-owned company

a stock

on the stock exchange

a subsidiary

to support

to take order

There are a number of types of business letters in English. Accomplished speakers of English also need to be able to write the following types of business letters to be successful in business.

INQUIRY LETTERS

Letters which you write to request information are called inquiry letters. There are two general types, the solicited and the unsolicited. In both, it is essential to include enough facts to make it easy for your reader to answer your inquiry. Explain definitely what is wanted, and be sure to give the clear, complete address to which it shouldbe sent.

The solicited inquiry is usually a response to an advertisement or letter which invites you to send for information. When writing such a letter, state the essential facts as briefly and simply as possible. It is also considerate to mention the advertisement which caused you to send the inquiry.

The unsolicited inquiry, which actually asks a favor, is much more complex. Make the giving of the information as easy as possible by explaining clearly what is wanted, why it is wanted, and by whom it is wanted. If much information is requested, use a questionnaire form with space for answers, or tabulate the questions for easier reading. If it seems wise, enclose a stamped return envelope for the reply, and by all means express your appreciation or gratitude.

The following letters are the examples of good inquiry letters requesting information. Pay attention to the underlined phrases. After reading them complete the table with the focus phrases of enquiry letters