There is an idiomatic expression in English that describes one of the cultural norms of business writing in North America. The expression is “in a nutshell,” which means to present the facts briefly and concisely without a lot of unnecessary details. So when someone says, “Just give me the facts in a nutshell” or “Please get to the point,” they are asking for a summary of the facts in the most concise way possible.

This week's theme is Business Writing. First thing we need to understand all the acronyms and abbreviations that people use in workplace correspondences.

Task 1:

Write the meaning of each of the common email emoticons listed below. Search the Internet

for other emoticons used in email and add them to your list.

Possible search term: emoticons

1. : )  Smiley face                                      6.

2. ; )   wink                                     7.

3. : (   sad                                     8.

4. : o   surprised                                     9.

5. :-< Mad10.

Task 2:

The following acronyms and abbreviations are commonly used in business writing.

Write their meanings and explain when you would use them.

1. asap as soon as possible                                    6. Att. Attention                         11. c/o

2. FYI   For your information                                   7. Encl.                        12. n/aNot acceptable

3. TTYL                                  8. Cc                            13. i.e.Internet Explorer That is

4. FAQs  Frequently asked question                                 9. Bcc Blind carbon copy                         14. w/

5. BTW  By the way                                 10. e.g.  Example                      15. tks.

Task 3:

Imagine the following scenario. Then write an email message for this situation below. Decide whether the style is semi-formal or informal.

You have received an email from a team member requesting a report on the progress of a project.

You were away on holidays for two weeks and still need more time to collect and process the information.  

Write an email in response and include the following:

• confirm receiving the request

• explain the reason for the delay in submitting the report

• suggest a new deadline

• end the message appropriately

Dear Mr

I apologize about my delay to submit a report on the progress of a project. I had  a holiday for two weeks and I still need more time to collect the information. I will submit it next Monday. Please accept my apologize

Sincerely,

Manal milad