BEC writing sample questions with answers
BEC Vantage Writing Test Part 1 | 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 Writing Sample Questions with Answers
Cambridge Business English Certificate Writing Tasks
Your office printer has broken down and you decide to replace it.
Write an email to the Head of Purchasing:
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
BEC Vantage Writing Part 1 | Sample Email Answer
To: Head of Purchasing
Cc:
Subject: Replacing office printer
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
John
Cc:
Subject: Replacing office printer
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
John
Elements of a good answer for this BEC writing task:
- Addresses the task and all points in the question
- Is well organised, with a clear introduction, body and conclusion
- Uses a range of vocabulary appropriate to the task
- Uses correct grammar, spelling and punctuation
BEC Vantage Writing Part 1 Examples
Example 1
You have been asked to advise a client who is interested in setting up a business in your country.Write a message to the client outlining some key considerations. Include some general information about:
- the business environment
- the type of business that would be suitable
- any other relevant information
Example 2
You are a project manager for a construction company.
Your team is about to begin work on a new building, but you have just found out that the site is contaminated with asbestos.
Write an email to your boss, explaining the situation
- Recommending what course of action to take
- Outlining the potential risks and consequences
- Including any other relevant information
Example 3
Your company is considering outsourcing its customer service call center to another country.Write a memo to your boss, outlining the pros and cons of this decision:
- Include data and statistics to support your argument
- Consider the potential impact on customers, employees, and the company's bottom line
- Make a recommendation about what you think the company should do
