【正确答案】Sample E
Re: Human Resources Department - restructuring
Dear Mr Blackwell
Further to our phone conversation of yesterday, I am writing to detail and explain issues related to the recent restructuring of the HR department. To begin with, I would like to outline what the situation in the department was before the takeover and what has changed since then. Previously led by a local HR manager, our team was handling day-to-day issues and was really open to listen and support employees. Since the takeover, we are now managed by a supervisor who is based in the UK.
As a result, it is difficult to touch base with him on a daily basis and because he's overloaded with his own team in London, it appears that he might not be able to involve himself with the current issues arising within our team. I fully understand that the restructuring has resulted in increasing the workload in HR but as we are going through severe changes, the staff members need to be supported and guided by a senior manager who could provide them with a legal advice.
Therefore, I suggest organising weekly team meetings with the new HR manager as well as arranging one-on-ones with each HR member so they can understand what is really expected from them and in which direction this company is going towards.
I think that the above should be seen as a high priority because people tend to feel lost and insecured nowadays and, therefore, don't show a positive attitude.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
Eric Marzi
Band 4
A very good realisation of the task, showing natural use of language and good use of a full range of tenses. There is, however, slightly inappropriate register towards the end.
Sample F
From: Anastasia Antonova. Sales Department
To: Mr Smith. The Managing Director.
Date: 25 March 2004
Subject: Problems of Sales Department
Dear Mr Smith
I am writing to make you aware of several problems which have arisen in our department after it was restructured.
Before the takeover we had very friendly atmosphere in the department. All the staff knew the objectives of the company and had oppotunities to take part in decision-making. We could turn directly to the director and inform him about our wishes and suggestions.
Now we have some problems. The first problem is that there is no possibilities to communicate with high level managers and the director. Nobody in our department clearly knows where our company is going. We are not able to do our best if we do not know what goals we want to achive. The second problem is that the staff does not informed how it is estimated. The managers monitor workers and constantly make notes but people do not realize what they do wrong. Many workers were fired without any reason.
These problems can be resolved if there are more communication opportunities between workers and managers. For example, you can organise meetings where everybody is able to express his views and make suggestions. We would be very greatful if you could take any steps to resolve these problems. Because the staff is not motivated and this might lead to decrease in sales in our department.
Yours sincerely
Antonova Anastasia
Sales Manager
Band 3
A clearly organised answer and the errors are generally non-impeding. It shows an adequate range of structure and vocabulary and all the content points are covered.