Task 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
You have just had some building work done on your house, but there is a problem with the job. Write a letter to the builder. In your letter:
- explain what work you asked him to do
- tell him what is wrong
- say what you want him to do about the problem
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear…
Write at least 150 words.
Dear Mr Sanders,
I am writing with regards some work that was done recently at my property, 19 Clashill Road. I requested to have an extension built alongside the garage with a set of double doors and a small window. The work was completed late last month.
However, I am sorry to say that over the last few days, with the heavy rain that we have been having, there has been a substantial amount of leaking which has discoloured the walls and ceiling.
As we are now entering winter, I am very keen to get this issue resolved as soon as possible before any permanent damage is done. I am therefore requesting that you return as soon as possible and at least prevent continued leaks with a temporary
cover if you do not have time at the present to inspect the job and identify the problem.
Looking forward to hearing from you as soon as possible,
James Caulfield
(157 words)
Task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
An increasing number of larger shopping areas, malls and department stores are leading to the decline of smaller corner shops.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of shopping in larger shopping centres rather than smaller, more traditional shops?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
You should write at least 250 words.
There are a number of factors that have led to a marked increase in the number of large scale shopping areas and a subsequent decline in the number of smaller, local shops. Although there are advantages for the consumer, there are also a number of disadvantages, as will now be discussed.
One of the main advantages is related to the amount of stock that larger retail parks can support; smaller shops may stock only one or two brands of a particular item, whereas department stores and the like may have a multitude of options. Pricing is also an issue in which the larger stores tend to have an advantage as they can afford to sell items to consumers at prices the smaller shops cannot match.
However, there are some significant disadvantages to larger shopping areas, the main issue being a loss of the more traditional ‘customer oriented’ service. Smaller local shops often become part of the community, where the shopkeeper know the customers by name and can build relationships that are absent in the larger, more impersonal stores. Customer satisfaction is arguably far more of a priority in the smaller shops and there is a sense of contributing to the local community.
Another disadvantage that does not directly relate to the customer or the shopkeeper is that the larger retail parks and department stores are rarely close, meaning that people visiting these areas are often required to travel by car, thus contributing to pollution levels.
To sum up, although there are some material advantages to large shopping complexes, these are perhaps outweighed by the social and environmental advantages of patronising smaller, local shops.
(273 words)