Annexure 2: Practice Questions: Essentials of Letter Writing and Business Communication

Annexure 2: Practice Questions

Essentials of Letter Writing and Business Communication
(Three Sets of Exercises – 1 Hour Each)

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Set 1: Basic Concepts and Formal Letter Writing (Duration: 1 Hour)

Part A: Short Answer Questions (10 minutes)
Answer the following in 3–4 lines each:

1. Define formal communication and give one example.

2. What are the key parts of a business letter?

3. Mention two major differences between formal and informal letters.

4. What is the purpose of the subject line in a business letter?

5. Explain the importance of clarity in business communication.

Part B: Identify and Correct Errors (15 minutes)
The following letter has multiple errors in formatting, tone, and grammar. Identify and correct them.

Dear Sir,

I writing this letter to request for a leave tomorrow. Please grant me. Hoping for your support.

Thankyou.

Yours faithfully,
John

Part C: Letter Writing (35 minutes)

1. Write a letter to a company requesting information about internship opportunities for engineering students.

2. Write a complaint letter to a supplier regarding the delay in delivery of materials ordered last month.
   (Choose any one)

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Set 2: Semi-formal and Email Communication (Duration: 1 Hour)

Part A: Multiple Choice Questions (10 minutes)
Choose the correct option:

1. Which of the following is not a salutation used in formal letters?
   a) Dear Sir
   b) Hello Bro
   c) Dear Madam
   d) To Whom It May Concern

2. In email writing, 'CC' stands for:
   a) Central Copy
   b) Correct Copy
   c) Carbon Copy
   d) Certified Copy

3. A letter of enquiry is generally written to:
   a) Offer a job
   b) Ask for information
   c) File a complaint
   d) Invite someone

4. Which of the following is a closing phrase in a formal email?
   a) See ya
   b) Cheers
   c) Regards
   d) Take care, bro

5. The tone of a business email should be:
   a) Casual
   b) Apologetic
   c) Professional
   d) Sarcastic

Part B: Email Drafting (25 minutes)
Draft the following emails (choose one):

1. You are applying for a job. Write an email with a cover letter and resume attached.

2. Draft a professional email to your manager explaining a delay in completing an assigned task.

Part C: Letter Writing (25 minutes)
Write a semi-formal letter to a professor requesting a recommendation letter for your higher studies.

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Set 3: Practical Applications and Analytical Writing (Duration: 1 Hour)

Part A: Case-Based Questions (15 minutes)
Read the case and answer the questions:
You are the HR Manager of XYZ Pvt. Ltd. One of your employees has sent a resignation letter via WhatsApp without formal notice. This violates company policy.

Questions:

1. How would you address this situation professionally?

2. Write two sentences to be included in a reply email.

3. Should this communication be oral, written, or both? Justify.

Part B: Rewrite in Formal Tone (15 minutes)
Convert the following informal message into a professional business email.

Hey boss,

Can’t make it to work today. Not feeling well. Will catch up tomorrow.

Thanks,
Raj

Part C: Business Letter Writing (30 minutes)
Write any one of the following:

1. A cover letter to accompany your resume for a marketing executive position.

2. A letter to your bank manager requesting an education loan and detailing your academic achievements.