Includes Review sections as well as references.

1. Thinking about writing

Language Focus:
simple present tense and adverbs of frequency for writing about likes and dislikes / routines: I like writing in my own language. I often write emails...
writing about the future: want to; will; might

Writing Task: writing a short email to your teacher; completing a questionnaire

2. Introducing

Language Focus:
starting and ending an informal email: Dear Dorothy / Hi / Hello; Bye / See you / Take care
listing main points
spelling and punctuation

Writing Task: writing an informal email and reply to a keypal

3. Completing forms

Language Focus:
using capital letters when completing forms
creating an electronic password

Writing Task: completing a landing card by hand; completing an electronic application form

4. Thanking

Language Focus: comparing formal and informal writing styles
salutations: Dear Mr. / Ms. / Dr. / Prof. Jones ; Dear Sarah / Mom; Hi John!; Hello
complimentary closings: Sincerely yours / Sincerely; Bye / See you / Take care

Writing Task: writing a formal and an informal thank-you email

5. Requesting information

Language Focus: organizing an email or letter
writing formal salutations: Dear Sir or Madam ; Dear Personnel Department
requesting information: Could / Would you please send... ; Please send...

Writing Task: writing a letter to a company or institution requesting information

Review 1

6. Getting details

Language Focus:
yes / no and wh- questions
asking and answering questions: Do you have a dog? Yes, I do; When do buses run downtown? Every 10 minutes.

Writing Task: writing an email to a host family; replying to an email from a future homestay student

7. Inviting and arranging to meet

Language Focus:
present continuous tense for writing about arrangements: We're playing tennis tomorrow.
simple present tense for writing about timetables and schedules: The train leaves at 8:30.
days, dates, and times: on Tuesday / February 4; at 2 p.m.
inviting: Would you like to...?
accepting and refusing: I'd love to... ; I'm sorry I can't...
rearranging: Why don't we... ?

Writing Task: inviting a friend to visit; accepting and refusing an invitation

8. Making and changing arrangements

Language Focus:
making a reservation
writing formal and informal emails about a change in arrangements
formal and informal apologies: I regret to say... ; I'm sorry, but...

Writing Task: arranging and confirming a hotel reservation; canceling a hotel reservation

9. Giving directions

Language Focus:
directions: Take / Catch the... ; Get out at...
Go straight; Turn left / right; Go past...; Take the first street on the left / right
connectors: and; then; when

Writing Task: sending a map and cover sheet by fax; writing directions for a visitor

10. Dealing with problems

Language Focus:
reference numbers
complaining: I am writing with reference to... ; I am writing (to complain) about... ; I am writing about a problem with...
requesting action: Please...; I would appreciate it if you would...

Writing Task: writing an email / letter complaining about a service or product; responding to a letter of complaint

Review 2

11. Describing

Language Focus:
describing a place: There's a... / There isn't a...
adjectives: bored / boring; interested / interesting
connectors (with; which): There's a park with lots of trees. / My room is sunny, which is nice.
abilities and interests: Ken can...; Suzy is good at... ; Jim likes / is interested in...

Writing Task: writing a description of first starting college; writing a description of starting a summer course in a foreign country

12. Giving an opinion and recommending

Language Focus:
present perfect to write about recent experience: Have you... (yet)?
location: It's next to... / above the...
simple past tense to write about recent completed experience: I went shopping last week.
recommending: Check it out.; Give it a miss.

Writing Task: writing a review about a movie, book, or café

13. Writing about a vacation

Language Focus:
past continuous tense and simple past tense to write about an action that interrupts another: While we were waiting, we saw Tom Cruise.
connectors (where): We went to Granada, where we visited the Alhambra.
descriptive adjectives: weather / food / places / people

Writing Task: writing about a personal experience

14. Writing about an interest

Language Focus:
topic sentences
brainstorming ideas using idea maps
writing captions for photographs

Writing Task: writing about a personal interest for a personal home page

15. Applying for a job

Language Focus:
application letter language: I would like to apply for...; I enclose a copy of...; As you can see from...; I hope you will consider my application
résumé language (ellipsis): promoted to... ; worked as...; duties included...
useful vocabulary: part-time / full-time; operate; handle; be familiar with

Writing Task:
writing a job application letter
writing a résumé

Review 3

"An introduction to Business Writing: is a 2-level writing course in international English, designed for young adult and adult learners; it provides simple step-by-step practice in writing emails, letters, taxes, forms, CVs practices a range of useful functions, e.g. discussing travel plans, making inquiries, placing orders, and making payment, includes cross-cultural information comparing American and British varieties of English, has a comprehensive reference section covering layout, writing conventions, punctuation, style, and register, and is accompanied by a Teacher's Guide with notes on using the Student Book, optional ideas for mixed ability classes, and photocopiable activities." (Book Cover)