Business English | Business Correspondence 04 _LEVEL 7_

Business Correspondence 04: Making an Apology

Practice 1 | Useful Expressions Directions: Listen and repeat.

Salutations

Dear Mr. John/Ms. Helen – a very popular way to start a letter simply using the name of a receiver

Opening lines / sentences

It is with great concern that I address an incident... We are sorry that... I would like to convey my sincerest apology to you for... Please accept my deepest apologies for...

Closing lines /sentences

Yours sincerely Respectfully Yours in service

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Business English | Business Correspondence 04 _LEVEL 7_

Practice 2 | Business Email Directions: Read the email aloud with your teacher.

To: John Headsworth Cc: Bcc: Subject: An apology Dear Mr. John Headsworth,

I would like to convey my sincerest apologies for my absence in the staff meeting last Monday.

It was my responsibility to make a short presentation; however, I was unable to make it. There were some personal problems. Therefore, I had to cancel the presentation of my part.

Since I was able to solve my problems, eventually, I would like to inform you that I can attend our next meeting and make a longer presentation if such a thing is needed.

I am looking forward to our next staff meeting.

Yours sincerely, Helen Watson

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Business English | Business Correspondence 04 _LEVEL 7_

Check your understanding: Answer the following questions.

1. What is the purpose of this email?

2. Why couldn’t Helen attend?

3. How does Helen want to solve the incident?

4. What is the current state of her problems?

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Business English | Business Correspondence 04 _LEVEL 7_

Practice 3 | Business Email 2 Directions: Make a business apology letter following the directions given below. Read it aloud after finishing.

Situation You should have attended a video conference of the company yesterday at 5PM. However, your computer broke down and could not be fixed until late at night, so you were unable to make it.

To: _________________________ Cc: _________________________ Bcc: ________________________ Subject: _____________________

Dear _________________,

Yours sincerely,

_________________

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Business English | Business Correspondence 04 _LEVEL 7_

Practice 4 | Discussion Directions: Discuss these topics and exchange thoughts with your teacher.

1. Have you ever had to write or receive an apology letter?

2. Do you think that all apology letters are honest? Why or why not?

3. What are the most important things to be included in an apology letter?

4. What shouldn’t be included in an apology letter?

5. Do you think that people only apologize when they are guilty?

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