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Worksheets & References

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Lesson Eleven:

Worksheets & References

So the writer who breeds more words than he needs is making a chore for the reader who reads.
– Dr. Seuss

Introduction

Worksheet 1: Avoid Cliches

Try to find fresh words to express your ideas. Here is a list of common business cliches. Rewrite using simpler, clearer, better language.

  1. enclosed please find
  2. please be advised that
  3. at your earliest convenience
  4. acknowledge receipt of
  5. in reference to the above-named subject matter
  6. hoping to hear from you, I remain
  7. as per our conversation

we are returning same herewith regarding the matter of it has come to our attention.

Worksheet 2: Pay Attention To Detail

Find and circle “typos” and other errors (grammar, spelling, punctuation, mechanics) in the sentences below.

  • Thank you for your interest in our firm, this letter will summarize the services we can provide for you.
  • Many of our clients are doctors. With practices similar to yours.
  • We can provide a complete financial analysis to determine if it’s beneficial to incorporate your practice.
  • Our accountants are currently examining the figures you sent us.
  • We are looking forward to meeting with you later this fall.
  • We have scheduled a conference for next month and these figures will be discussed at that time.
  • I am sure that we can accommodate your request.
  • A meeting will be held on Friday, 18 July, at 3 p.m., in the regional manager’s office.
  • Unfortunately, I cannot supply the figures which you requested.
  • I’m happy to hear your Pomeranian, Puffy was pleased with the new pet spa on the West Side.
  • What we are offering you is a very unique investment opportunity.
  • Obviously, a lot of time and effort went into your report.
  • Smith commented that it would be “unwise to take action at this time”.
  • Enclosed please find my resume and support in response to your advertised need for a Communications Coordinator.
  • Your information is consistent with our findings.

Worksheet 3: Eliminate Unnecessary Words

Improve each of the following sentences by penciling out unnecessary words. Reword the sentence if needed.

  • Somebody has said that words are a lot like inflated money—the more of them that you use, the less each one of them is worth.
  • I was unaware of the fact that your widget could be used for security purposes.
  • Jones, who is a member of the same firm, put the report together in a hasty manner.
  • The reason why we failed to reply is that we were not apprised of the fact until yesterday that somehow the report had been unavoidably delayed.
  • The fact that he had not succeeded was brought to my attention recently.

The degree of importance in the level of accuracy depends upon the individual situations.

Answers Worksheet 1: Avoid Cliches

  1. I/We are enclosing
  2. Omit
  3. Soon/by Friday
  4. Received
  5. Omit
  6. Omit
  7. As you said
  8. I/We are returning (name item)
  9. Omit
  10. I/We have discussed, learned

Answers Worksheet 2: Pay Attention To Detail

Answers Worksheet 3: Eliminate Unnecessary Words

References

Bowman, J.P., and Branchaw, B.P. (1988). Business Report Writing, 2nd ed Chicago: The Dryden Press

Canberra University (n.d.) Academic Skills Centre: Report Writing. Retrieved January 4, 2011, from http://www.canberra.edu.au/studyskills/writing/reports

Charles Sturt University and New South Wales Department of Education and Training. (n.d.) Writing a Business Report. Retrieved November 19, 2010, from http://www.hsc. csu.edu.au/business_studies/intro/writing/writing.html

Eunson, B. (2007). Business Writing, Milton: John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd

Kimberley, N and Crosling, G (2008) Student Q Manual, (pp.42-46), (4th ed.) Clayton: Faculty of Business and Economics, Monash University

Meyer, C. (2010). Communicating for Results: A Canadian Student’s Guide, 2nd ed., Ontario: Oxford University Press

Murdoch University. (n.d.) Murdoch University Business School Guide to Business Report Writing. Retrieved November 19, 2010, from http://bestentrepreneur.murdoch. edu.au/Guide_To_Report_Writing.pdf

Northern Arizona University. Retrieved December 22, 2010 from oak.ucc.nau.edu/ amk35/FormalReportExample.doc

Searles, G.J. (2009). Workplace Communication: the Basics, 4th ed New York: Pearson Longman

Wollongong University. (n.d.) Unlearning: Business Report Writing. Retrieved November 19, 2010, from http://unilearning.uow.edu.au/report/rep_business.html