An email, example

BEC Vantage Writing Test Part One Sample Answer

In Part 1 of the BEC Vantage writing test, you have to produce a communication of 40 – 50 words from one person to another in the form of:

• A memo
• An email
• A short note

The instructions provide a context and tell you who the communication is for as well as listing the information which must be included in your answer.

The topics are all business related matters such as: 

• Office procedures
• Purchasing
• A meeting, conference or exhibition
• Travel arrangements
• Training
• Introducing new systems, for example, IT
• Contracts and deals

You are usually asked to do three or four things. These may be:

• Giving or confirming information
• Requesting permission
• Explaining what has happened or will happen
• Apologizing
• Making suggestions
• Issuing or accepting / declining an invitation
• Expressing thanks
• Offering or asking for help
• Proposing or accepting a deal

BEC vantage Writing Part 1

Your office printer has broken down and you decide to replace it. Write an email to the Head of Purchasing:

• Describing the reason for not repairing the old printer
• Explaining what you need from a new one (colour printing, paper size, etc.)
• Suggesting where to buy a new one

Write 40 – 50 words.

BEC Vantage Writing Part 1 Sample Email Answer

To: Head of Purchasing
Cc:
Subject: replacing office printer

Dear Ms. Thomas,

It will cost more to repair our old printer than to buy a new one. Also, we need one which will produce better colour quality. I know that Printmart are offering discounts at the moment, so they might be able to offer us a good deal.

Regards,

Cynthia Simson