Question 1
A student is writing a formal letter to the head teacher requesting a new recycling scheme but does not know the head teacher's name, so opens with 'Dear Sir/Madam,'. Which sign-off correctly matches this greeting?No clue? Show me the answer
Correct answerCorrect!
IncorrectStep-by-step walkthrough
Choose a solution method
Method #1Direct reasoningStep 1: Identify the greeting used
The student greets the reader with 'Dear Sir/Madam,' because the recipient's name is unknown.
Step 2: Apply the sign-off rule
The rule taught is that 'Yours faithfully' pairs with an unnamed greeting, while 'Yours sincerely' pairs with a named greeting like 'Dear Mr Osei,'.
Step 3: Match register
Since the letter is formal and the name is unknown, 'Yours faithfully' is the only sign-off consistent with both the register and the greeting used.
Step 4: Select the answer
The correct sign-off is 'Yours faithfully' with the full name, matching formal, unnamed correspondence.
Method #2Process of eliminationStep 1: Eliminate Yours sincerely
'Yours sincerely' is reserved for letters where the reader's name is known, which is not the case here.
Step 2: Eliminate Love
'Love' is an informal sign-off entirely inappropriate for a formal request to a head teacher.
Step 3: Eliminate Take care
'Take care' is a warm, informal closing unsuited to the impersonal, respectful tone required here.
Step 4: Confirm the answer
Only 'Yours faithfully' with a full name fits an unnamed, formal greeting, confirming the choice “Yours faithfully, followed by the student's full name”.
Question 2
A student is asked to rewrite an informal letter opening, 'Hey! You won't believe what happened at practice yesterday,' into a formal letter opening addressed to a sports club director. Which rewrite best demonstrates register control?No clue? Show me the answer
Correct answerCorrect!IncorrectStep-by-step walkthrough
Choose a solution method
Method #1Direct reasoningStep 1: Identify the task
The task requires converting an informal, chatty opening into one suitable for a formal letter to a director.
Step 2: Apply formal features
Formal letters state the purpose directly and early, avoid contractions, and use precise, measured vocabulary rather than casual phrasing.
Step 3: Interpret the options
The choice “I am writing to bring to your attention an incident that occurred during yesterday's practice” opens with a direct statement of purpose ('I am writing to bring to your attention') and avoids contractions and casual asides.
Step 4: Select the answer
The choice “I am writing to bring to your attention an incident that occurred during yesterday's practice” best reflects the shift from informal chattiness to formal precision and directness.
Method #2Process of eliminationStep 1: Eliminate the Hi there option
'Hi there' retains an informal greeting style unsuitable for a director and lacks a direct purpose statement.
Step 2: Eliminate the You won't believe option
This keeps the exact informal phrasing and contraction 'won't', failing to shift register at all.
Step 3: Eliminate the honestly option
'Honestly, I think you should probably know' is vague, casual, and hedges rather than stating purpose directly.
Step 4: Confirm the answer
Only the choice “I am writing to bring to your attention an incident that occurred during yesterday's practice” removes contractions, states purpose directly, and adopts a measured, formal tone.
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