Task 1: Practice Prompts

Use the Reusable Template skeleton for all prompts below. Each prompt comes with a 3-column fill-in table — practice by covering the "Answer" column and filling in the blanks yourself.

Prompt 1: Noisy Neighbor Complaint¶

You live in an apartment building. A new tenant in the unit above yours has been making excessive noise late at night, including loud music and frequent parties. Write an email to the building manager.

Describe the noise problem and when it happens.
Explain how the noise has affected you and other tenants.
Suggest what the building manager should do about it.

Setup

Step	Decision
Writing to	Building Manager (formal, unknown name)
Salutation / Sign-off	Dear Building Manager, → Yours Faithfully,
Bullet 1 (Situation)	New tenant, loud music and parties, late at night
Bullet 2 (Problem)	Sleep disruption + other tenants affected
Bullet 3 (Solution)	Enforce quiet hours + issue formal warning

Fill-in Table

Blank	Fill in	Answer
	Opening
`[SALUTATION]`	Greeting	Dear Building Manager
`[YOUR NAME]`	Made-up name	Alex Thompson
`[YOUR ROLE]`	Your relationship	resident of unit 305
`[DURATION]`	How long	three years
`[PURPOSE VERB]`	Why you're writing	file a formal complaint
`[TOPIC]`	Subject	the excessive noise from the unit above mine
	Bullet 1 (Situation)
`[BACKGROUND]`	What's going on	a new tenant moved into unit 405 approximately two weeks ago, and since then there has been consistent loud noise during late-night hours
`[SPECIFIC DETAIL]`	One concrete fact	The noise typically begins after 11 PM and includes loud music, heavy footsteps, and frequent gatherings that last well past midnight
	Bullet 2 (Problem)
`[THE PROBLEM / IMPACT]`	Label the issue	the disruption this has caused
`[MAIN PROBLEM]`	Biggest issue	the noise prevents me from sleeping on most weeknights
`[CONSEQUENCE]`	What it causes	fatigue and reduced productivity at work
`[SECOND PROBLEM]`	Another issue	several neighbors on the same floor have expressed similar frustrations
`[BROADER IMPACT]`	Bigger concern	the overall quality of life in the building
	Bullet 3 (Solution)
`[THE SOLUTION / REQUEST]`	Label your proposal	resolving this matter
`[PRIMARY ACTION]`	Main request	enforce the building's quiet hours policy and issue a formal warning to the tenant
`[SECONDARY ACTION]`	Supporting suggestion	posting a reminder about noise regulations in common areas
`[PLAN B]`	Alternative	a mediation meeting between affected residents and the tenant
`[BENEFIT]`	What Plan B achieves	resolve the issue in a respectful and constructive manner
	Closing
`[CLOSING PHRASE]`	Polite sign-off	your prompt attention to this matter
`[SIGN-OFF]`	Must match salutation	Yours Faithfully
`[YOUR FULL NAME]`	Same name	Alex Thompson

Model Answer (~190 words)

Dear Building Manager,

My name is Alex Thompson, and I have been a resident of unit 305 for three years. I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding the excessive noise from the unit above mine.

To briefly review the situation, a new tenant moved into unit 405 approximately two weeks ago, and since then there has been consistent loud noise during late-night hours. The noise typically begins after 11 PM and includes loud music, heavy footsteps, and frequent gatherings that last well past midnight.

In terms of the disruption this has caused, the most pressing issue is that the noise prevents me from sleeping on most weeknights, leading to fatigue and reduced productivity at work. Furthermore, several neighbors on the same floor have expressed similar frustrations, which raises concerns about the overall quality of life in the building.

Regarding resolving this matter, I strongly urge you to enforce the building's quiet hours policy and issue a formal warning to the tenant. I would also suggest posting a reminder about noise regulations in common areas. Alternatively, a mediation meeting between affected residents and the tenant could resolve the issue in a respectful and constructive manner.

Thank you in advance for your prompt attention to this matter.

Yours Faithfully, Alex Thompson

Prompt 2: Gym Equipment Request¶

You are a member of a local fitness center. Several pieces of equipment have been broken for weeks and have not been repaired. Write an email to the gym manager.

Describe which equipment is broken and its current condition.
Explain the impact on members.
Suggest what should be done to fix the situation.

Setup

Step	Decision
Writing to	Gym Manager (formal, unknown name)
Salutation / Sign-off	Dear Gym Manager, → Yours Faithfully,
Bullet 1 (Situation)	Two treadmills and weight machine broken for three weeks
Bullet 2 (Problem)	Overcrowding on remaining equipment + members cancelling
Bullet 3 (Solution)	Repair immediately + add maintenance schedule

Fill-in Table

Blank	Fill in	Answer
	Opening
`[SALUTATION]`	Greeting	Dear Gym Manager
`[YOUR NAME]`	Made-up name	Sarah Mitchell
`[YOUR ROLE]`	Your relationship	loyal member of the downtown fitness center
`[DURATION]`	How long	over two years
`[PURPOSE VERB]`	Why you're writing	express my concern
`[TOPIC]`	Subject	the broken equipment on the main floor
	Bullet 1 (Situation)
`[BACKGROUND]`	What's going on	two treadmills and one cable weight machine on the main floor have been out of service for approximately three weeks
`[SPECIFIC DETAIL]`	One concrete fact	The treadmills display error messages on their screens, and the weight machine has a snapped cable that poses a safety risk
	Bullet 2 (Problem)
`[THE PROBLEM / IMPACT]`	Label the issue	the inconvenience this has caused
`[MAIN PROBLEM]`	Biggest issue	members are forced to wait in long queues for the remaining functional equipment
`[CONSEQUENCE]`	What it causes	overcrowding during peak hours and shortened workout sessions
`[SECOND PROBLEM]`	Another issue	several long-term members have mentioned considering cancelling their memberships
`[BROADER IMPACT]`	Bigger concern	member retention and the facility's reputation
	Bullet 3 (Solution)
`[THE SOLUTION / REQUEST]`	Label your proposal	improving the situation
`[PRIMARY ACTION]`	Main request	arrange for the broken equipment to be repaired or replaced as soon as possible
`[SECONDARY ACTION]`	Supporting suggestion	implementing a regular maintenance schedule to prevent similar issues in the future
`[PLAN B]`	Alternative	temporarily renting replacement machines
`[BENEFIT]`	What Plan B achieves	ensure members have adequate equipment while repairs are underway
	Closing
`[CLOSING PHRASE]`	Polite sign-off	looking into this matter promptly
`[SIGN-OFF]`	Must match salutation	Yours Faithfully
`[YOUR FULL NAME]`	Same name	Sarah Mitchell

Model Answer (~190 words)

Dear Gym Manager,

My name is Sarah Mitchell, and I have been a loyal member of the downtown fitness center for over two years. I am writing to express my concern regarding the broken equipment on the main floor.

To briefly review the situation, two treadmills and one cable weight machine on the main floor have been out of service for approximately three weeks. The treadmills display error messages on their screens, and the weight machine has a snapped cable that poses a safety risk.

In terms of the inconvenience this has caused, the most pressing issue is that members are forced to wait in long queues for the remaining functional equipment, leading to overcrowding during peak hours and shortened workout sessions. Furthermore, several long-term members have mentioned considering cancelling their memberships, which raises concerns about member retention and the facility's reputation.

Regarding improving the situation, I strongly urge you to arrange for the broken equipment to be repaired or replaced as soon as possible. I would also suggest implementing a regular maintenance schedule to prevent similar issues in the future. Alternatively, temporarily renting replacement machines could ensure members have adequate equipment while repairs are underway.

Thank you in advance for looking into this matter promptly.

Yours Faithfully, Sarah Mitchell

Prompt 3: Late Delivery Complaint¶

You recently ordered a piece of furniture online. The delivery was supposed to arrive two weeks ago, but it still has not been delivered. Write an email to the company's customer service department.

Describe what you ordered and when it was supposed to arrive.
Explain the problems this delay has caused.
Suggest how the company should resolve this issue.

Setup

Step	Decision
Writing to	Customer Service (formal, unknown name)
Salutation / Sign-off	Dear Sir or Madam, → Yours Faithfully,
Bullet 1 (Situation)	Ordered a dining table on Jan 15, due Feb 1, still not delivered
Bullet 2 (Problem)	Hosting dinner party delayed + no updates from company
Bullet 3 (Solution)	Deliver immediately or full refund + compensation

Fill-in Table

Blank	Fill in	Answer
	Opening
`[SALUTATION]`	Greeting	Dear Sir or Madam
`[YOUR NAME]`	Made-up name	David Chen
`[YOUR ROLE]`	Your relationship	loyal customer
`[DURATION]`	How long	the past three years
`[PURPOSE VERB]`	Why you're writing	express my dissatisfaction
`[TOPIC]`	Subject	the delayed delivery of my recent furniture order
	Bullet 1 (Situation)
`[BACKGROUND]`	What's going on	I placed an order for a six-seat dining table on January 15th, with a guaranteed delivery date of February 1st, and the item has still not arrived
`[SPECIFIC DETAIL]`	One concrete fact	The order confirmation number is #78234, and the tracking page has shown "in transit" for over two weeks without any updates
	Bullet 2 (Problem)
`[THE PROBLEM / IMPACT]`	Label the issue	the inconvenience this delay has caused
`[MAIN PROBLEM]`	Biggest issue	I was unable to host a planned family dinner that had been scheduled around the expected delivery date
`[CONSEQUENCE]`	What it causes	significant disappointment and disruption to my personal plans
`[SECOND PROBLEM]`	Another issue	my attempts to contact customer support by phone have gone unanswered
`[BROADER IMPACT]`	Bigger concern	customer trust and satisfaction
	Bullet 3 (Solution)
`[THE SOLUTION / REQUEST]`	Label your proposal	resolving this matter
`[PRIMARY ACTION]`	Main request	expedite the delivery within the next five business days
`[SECONDARY ACTION]`	Supporting suggestion	providing a partial refund or discount as compensation for the inconvenience
`[PLAN B]`	Alternative	a full refund
`[BENEFIT]`	What Plan B achieves	allow me to purchase from a more reliable retailer
	Closing
`[CLOSING PHRASE]`	Polite sign-off	your prompt attention to this issue
`[SIGN-OFF]`	Must match salutation	Yours Faithfully
`[YOUR FULL NAME]`	Same name	David Chen

Model Answer (~190 words)

Dear Sir or Madam,

My name is David Chen, and I have been a loyal customer for the past three years. I am writing to express my dissatisfaction regarding the delayed delivery of my recent furniture order.

To briefly review the situation, I placed an order for a six-seat dining table on January 15th, with a guaranteed delivery date of February 1st, and the item has still not arrived. The order confirmation number is #78234, and the tracking page has shown "in transit" for over two weeks without any updates.

In terms of the inconvenience this delay has caused, the most pressing issue is that I was unable to host a planned family dinner that had been scheduled around the expected delivery date, leading to significant disappointment and disruption to my personal plans. Furthermore, my attempts to contact customer support by phone have gone unanswered, which raises concerns about customer trust and satisfaction.

Regarding resolving this matter, I strongly urge you to expedite the delivery within the next five business days. I would also suggest providing a partial refund or discount as compensation for the inconvenience. Alternatively, a full refund could allow me to purchase from a more reliable retailer.

Thank you in advance for your prompt attention to this issue.

Yours Faithfully, David Chen

Prompt 4: Parking Problem at Work¶

You work in an office building. Recently, the company reduced the number of parking spaces available to employees because part of the parking lot is being used for construction. Write an email to the office manager.

Describe the current parking situation.
Explain how the reduced parking is affecting employees.
Suggest alternative solutions.

Setup

Step	Decision
Writing to	Office Manager (formal, known title)
Salutation / Sign-off	Dear Office Manager, → Regards,
Bullet 1 (Situation)	Half the lot closed for construction, not enough spaces
Bullet 2 (Problem)	Employees arrive late circling for parking + safety concern at night
Bullet 3 (Solution)	Temporary off-site lot with shuttle + staggered work hours

Fill-in Table

Blank	Fill in	Answer
	Opening
`[SALUTATION]`	Greeting	Dear Office Manager
`[YOUR NAME]`	Made-up name	Maria Santos
`[YOUR ROLE]`	Your relationship	employee in the marketing department
`[DURATION]`	How long	four years
`[PURPOSE VERB]`	Why you're writing	express a concern
`[TOPIC]`	Subject	the reduced parking availability for employees
	Bullet 1 (Situation)
`[BACKGROUND]`	What's going on	approximately half of the employee parking lot has been closed due to the ongoing construction project on the east side of the building
`[SPECIFIC DETAIL]`	One concrete fact	As a result, the remaining spaces fill up before 8 AM, leaving many employees without a place to park
	Bullet 2 (Problem)
`[THE PROBLEM / IMPACT]`	Label the issue	the impact on daily operations
`[MAIN PROBLEM]`	Biggest issue	employees are spending up to 20 minutes circling the lot or searching for street parking
`[CONSEQUENCE]`	What it causes	late arrivals and reduced morning productivity
`[SECOND PROBLEM]`	Another issue	staff members who work late shifts are forced to park in poorly lit areas far from the building
`[BROADER IMPACT]`	Bigger concern	employee safety and morale
	Bullet 3 (Solution)
`[THE SOLUTION / REQUEST]`	Label your proposal	addressing this issue
`[PRIMARY ACTION]`	Main request	arrange a temporary off-site parking lot with a shuttle service to the office
`[SECONDARY ACTION]`	Supporting suggestion	offering staggered work hours so that not all employees arrive at the same time
`[PLAN B]`	Alternative	a subsidized public transit pass for affected employees
`[BENEFIT]`	What Plan B achieves	reduce the demand for parking while supporting eco-friendly commuting
	Closing
`[CLOSING PHRASE]`	Polite sign-off	taking this matter into consideration
`[SIGN-OFF]`	Must match salutation	Regards
`[YOUR FULL NAME]`	Same name	Maria Santos

Model Answer (~190 words)

Dear Office Manager,

My name is Maria Santos, and I have been an employee in the marketing department for four years. I am writing to express a concern regarding the reduced parking availability for employees.

To briefly review the situation, approximately half of the employee parking lot has been closed due to the ongoing construction project on the east side of the building. As a result, the remaining spaces fill up before 8 AM, leaving many employees without a place to park.

In terms of the impact on daily operations, the most pressing issue is that employees are spending up to 20 minutes circling the lot or searching for street parking, leading to late arrivals and reduced morning productivity. Furthermore, staff members who work late shifts are forced to park in poorly lit areas far from the building, which raises concerns about employee safety and morale.

Regarding addressing this issue, I strongly urge you to arrange a temporary off-site parking lot with a shuttle service to the office. I would also suggest offering staggered work hours so that not all employees arrive at the same time. Alternatively, a subsidized public transit pass for affected employees could reduce the demand for parking while supporting eco-friendly commuting.

Thank you in advance for taking this matter into consideration.

Regards, Maria Santos

Prompt 5: Suggestion to a Friend¶

Your close friend recently moved to a new city and has been feeling lonely. You know about a community volunteer program that could help them meet new people. Write an email to your friend.

Describe the volunteer program you found.
Explain why you think it would be good for your friend.
Suggest how your friend can get involved.

Setup

Step	Decision
Writing to	Close friend (informal)
Salutation / Sign-off	Hi Jamie, → All the best,
Bullet 1 (Situation)	Local weekend volunteer program at community garden
Bullet 2 (Problem/Benefit)	Great way to meet people + outdoor activity is good for well-being
Bullet 3 (Solution)	Sign up online + attend Saturday orientation

Fill-in Table

Blank	Fill in	Answer
	Opening
`[SALUTATION]`	Greeting	Hi Jamie
`[YOUR NAME]`	Made-up name	Alex Thompson
`[YOUR ROLE]`	Your relationship	your close friend
`[DURATION]`	How long	over ten years
`[PURPOSE VERB]`	Why you're writing	share something exciting
`[TOPIC]`	Subject	a volunteer program that I think you would love
	Bullet 1 (Situation)
`[BACKGROUND]`	What's going on	I recently came across a weekend volunteer program at the Riverside Community Garden in your area that brings together residents to grow fresh produce for local food banks
`[SPECIFIC DETAIL]`	One concrete fact	The program runs every Saturday morning from 9 AM to 12 PM and is completely free to join
	Bullet 2 (Problem/Why)
`[THE PROBLEM / IMPACT]`	Label the topic	why I think this would be perfect for you
`[MAIN PROBLEM]`	The key reason	you mentioned feeling disconnected since moving to the new city
`[CONSEQUENCE]`	What this leads to	this program would be a wonderful way to meet friendly, like-minded people
`[SECOND PROBLEM]`	Another reason	spending time outdoors and working with plants has been shown to reduce stress
`[BROADER IMPACT]`	Bigger benefit	your overall well-being and happiness in your new home
	Bullet 3 (Solution)
`[THE SOLUTION / REQUEST]`	Label your suggestion	getting started
`[PRIMARY ACTION]`	Main suggestion	sign up on their website, which only takes a few minutes
`[SECONDARY ACTION]`	Supporting suggestion	attending the Saturday morning orientation session this week to see if you enjoy it
`[PLAN B]`	Alternative	bringing a neighbor along
`[BENEFIT]`	What Plan B achieves	make the first visit feel less intimidating
	Closing
`[CLOSING PHRASE]`	Polite sign-off	considering this — I really think you will enjoy it
`[SIGN-OFF]`	Must match salutation	All the best
`[YOUR FULL NAME]`	Same name	Alex

Model Answer (~190 words)

Hi Jamie,

My name is Alex, and I have been your close friend for over ten years. I am writing to share something exciting regarding a volunteer program that I think you would love.

To briefly review the situation, I recently came across a weekend volunteer program at the Riverside Community Garden in your area that brings together residents to grow fresh produce for local food banks. The program runs every Saturday morning from 9 AM to 12 PM and is completely free to join.

In terms of why I think this would be perfect for you, the most pressing reason is that you mentioned feeling disconnected since moving to the new city, and this program would be a wonderful way to meet friendly, like-minded people. Furthermore, spending time outdoors and working with plants has been shown to reduce stress, which would benefit your overall well-being and happiness in your new home.

Regarding getting started, I strongly suggest you sign up on their website, which only takes a few minutes. I would also suggest attending the Saturday morning orientation session this week to see if you enjoy it. Alternatively, bringing a neighbor along could make the first visit feel less intimidating.

Thank you in advance for considering this — I really think you will enjoy it.

All the best, Alex

Quick Reminders¶

Rule	Remember
Salutation must match Sign-off	Dear Sir → Yours Faithfully / Dear Mr. X → Sincerely / Hi Name → All the best
Address all 3 bullet points	Missing one drops your Task Fulfillment score
Transition phrases never change	"To briefly review..." → "In terms of..." → "Regarding..." → "Thank you in advance for..."
Purpose verb matches email type	Complaint → "express my dissatisfaction" / Request → "inquire about" / Suggestion → "offer a suggestion"
Use Present Perfect for duration	"I have been a resident for five years" (not "I am a resident since five years")