Writing Task (go to Checklist)

Writing Paper Part 2. Task Type: Report

Question
You work in the sales department of a large company. You have been asked to reply to this memo from the company's Personnel Officer:

INTERNAL MEMO

From: Personnel Officer
To: Sales Department

Owing to recent changes within the company we are experiencing some problems with staff motivation. Please write a report giving your opinion of the following suggestions for improving staff morale:

1 A party for the whole department.
2 A weekend away for the most successful sales team.
3 A monetary prize for the best salesperson.

I would appreciate any other suggestions.


Write the report to the Personnel Officer. (Around 220-260 words).

What you need to do to pass
Read our checklist first to understand what the examiner is
looking for in a good answer.

Ideas for writing
Ask yourself the following questions to help you get started:

  • What are the pros and cons of each suggestion?
  • Think of the following points: cost of each suggestion, and the number of people who would benefit. Which suggestion would be the most effective?
  • What other ideas will motivate staff in your opinion? Choose one.

Drafting and proofreading your work
You should look at your first draft of the task and decide:

  • Have you answered the question?
  • Is the layout and organisation appropriate?
  • Is the language accurate with a good range of structures?
  • Is the style appropriate and consistent?
  • Will it have a positive effect on the reader?

If the answer is 'no' to any of these questions then you will need to do some more drafting!