Study Guide

Learning outcomes

Proficiency level: B2

The student is able to:
- interpret business transaction documents
- use field-specific business terminology and style of writing
- prepare clear and accurate business messages in correct English
- prepare explicit and effective texts for use within and outside the organization, and to meet the communicative needs.

Implementation and methods of teaching

This is an online course taught through Moodle. There are no regular lessons for this course and all work is completed by students independently.

Timing and attendance

This is a self-guided course. All work is delivered through Moodle and guidance is provided on the work to be completed every week.

Assignment deadlines are provided in Moodle and students are expected to return assignments by the given deadlines. Grading penalties will apply for late submissions.

Learning material and recommended literature

All materials provided by the teacher through Moodle.

Learning environment

The course will be delivered entirely through Moodle.

Student time use and work load

Equivalent to 3 credits (about 80 hours of work).

Contents

Course objective:
Students are able to produce effective business documents using appropriate genres and styles. They can use standard business document templates and apply the terminology used in most common business documents.

Course contents:
1. Formal language for writing business letters
2. Common business transaction documents (e.g, inquiry letter, reply letter, quotation letter etc)
3. Information regarding delivery and payments in business transactions
4. Other business letters

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

It is expected students can communicate in English at B2 level (CEFR).

Assessment criteria

Students will complete six small written assignments, all of which will be graded on a 0-5 scale. The final course grade will be an average of the assignment grades.

Three compulsory assignments (letters graded together in sets of 2):
1. Inquiry letter + Reply letter
2. Quotation letter + Request for quotation letter
3. Complaint letter + Adjustment letter

Plus three assignments out of the following six options (letters graded individually, one grade per letter/document):
- Invoice
- Payment reminder
- Thank-you letter
- Guest speaker invitation
- Memo
- Press release

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

The student cannot convey intended messages.

Assessment criteria: level 1 (assessment scale 1–5)

Written communication consists of simple expressions and there are plentiful mistakes. The language is clumsy, but the message is delivered. Transitions are not smooth. Much of the text lacks logic, and is not in keeping with the stylistic conventions of the genre. The topic is handled briefly and one-sidedly. The text does not meet all the task requirements.

Assessment criteria: level 3 (assessment scale 1–5)

Written communication is quite fluent, clear and mostly correct. The structures and professional vocabulary are adequate to deliver the message. The text has a reasonably logical structure. Transitions are mostly smooth. Minor mistakes occur concerning the genre and/or style. The topic is handled in the usual way, meeting the task requirements.

Assessment criteria: level 5 (assessment scale 1–5)

Written communication is very fluent and versatile. The student uses varied structures and extensive professional vocabulary, making occasional mistakes only in the most complex structures. The text has a very clear and logical structure. Sentences are linked by transitions and the text flows smoothly. The student can deliver the message effortlessly in the appropriate, genre-specific style. The handling of the topic is diverse and skillful, meeting all the task requirements.