FCE WRITING TASK Nov 2011 A TABLE OF VERBS, NOUNS AND ADJECTIVES verb plan reserve request satisfy welcome disturb refund value offer use expect approve apologise regret interest minimise(reduce) noun plan(s) reservation(s) request(s) satisfaction NO PL welcome disturbance(s) refund(s) value(s)1 offer(s) & on (special) offer use(s) & in use2 expectation(s) approval(s) apology/ apologies regret(s) interest(s) minimum (reduction) adjective (un)planned reserved requested satisfactory / satisfied welcoming disturbing (non)refundable valued useful expectant/ (un)expected approving apologetic regrettable interested/ interesting minimal EXAMPLE TASK You are the manager of Manor Hotel You are personally writing to some valued (and rich!) customers, who have booked a suite, in your exclusive hotel Use formal and polite language in your letter Use the words in the table to help you, but not all word parts will be that useful for the letter They need to be informed of the following: Reservations: number of rooms and dates (They requested a sea view if possible.) Dinner reservations every night at their usual table, which has a sea view –except for the last night They were disturbed last time and you have been told to apologise for that There is, however, a wedding party on their first night - there is nothing you can about this!! Also inform them of any special events or activities (sports /excursions) available during their stay [1]mass noun: Your custom is of great value to us [2] I admire her values You are welcome to make full use of the pools / The tennis court is now in use ( if it wasn’t before) MY EXAMPLE Important bits are in bold Manor Hotel Summer Road, Guildford, Surrey GU21 9YU Mr and Mrs Brown The Avenue, Chobham GU24 8TY your address their address Dear Mr and Mrs Brown, I received your letter of complaint, concerning3 your last stay with us at Manor Hotel Firstly, let me say how deeply sorry I am that your stay was not as enjoyable as it could have been4 Please accept a refund of 50% of your total bill, which I have enclosed We greatly value your custom at Manor Hotel and we were upset to hear about your unsatisfactory experience with us On another note, I would like to confirm your booking for 1st March – 10th March, details of which are enclosed I regret to inform you, however, that on the first night of your stay there will be a wedding party; and we would like to warn you to expect some disturbance We will ensure that this is minimal, so that your stay is as enjoyable as possible As requested, you will be staying in the premier suite with a sea view, and your usual table in the restaurant will be reserved for every night of your stay at 7pm, except the last (10th March) For Mr Brown, there will be a golf tournament for guests taking place I have taken the liberty of reserving a place in case you wish to take part in this For Mrs Brown, we would like to offer a day of complimentary5 spa treats In addition to this, we are now offering a range of alternative therapies from qualified and experienced staff These include aromatherapy and acupuncture See further details regarding this on our website We look forward to welcoming you on 1st March Yours faithfully, Miss Sarah Smith, Manager of Manor Hotel remember and use in the FCE could have been - possibility it the past PLEASE NOTE AND USE IN THE FCE compare: I could help you (present- possibility) I could swim by the time I was (ability in the past) free YOUR TASK: Write a website page, which advertises Manor Hotel (250 words) Use positive words Where is it located? What is in the local area to see and do? What kind of rooms does it offer? Include: The golf tournament Golf lessons (not included) Complimentary spa treats (for those staying week or more) Alternative therapies Tennis court and lessons (lessons are extra) Swimming pool (classes are extra) Hairdressers (extra cost) Games room – pool table; table tennis (included) Live entertainment (shows, musicians, singers, comedy, dancing) – all included Crèche and babysitting (included) One night of the week (Monday?) – all drinks are half price all day Information: Restaurant – book early to avoid disappointment Any excursions/activities you can think of The table of words below may help you: Verb Luxuriate (=enjoy the luxury) relax work out (in a gym) get fitter - Noun luxury adjective luxurious splendid relaxing / relaxed fit indoor / outdoor (activities) take part in / participate (in) /try/give it a go splendour(s)6 relaxation workout(s) fitness indoors / outdoors (activities) trial(s) – eg We are offering a free trial with a personal trainer participation; participants (for the golf tournament) win winner (successful) try try out Again one is a mass noun – the splendour of the hotel (mass noun) / Enjoy the splendours of a walk by the river (trying = hard work eg Their behaviour was trying.)