Unit4InquiriesandReplies.docVIP

Unit 4 Inquiries and Replies Section I Inquiry I. Teaching objectives By learning this unit, the students are supposed to be able to 1. The essential words and phrases of inquiry letters 2. Be familiar with the structure of inquiry letters 3. Know the essential principles of inquiry letters 4. Master the writing skills of inquiry letters 5. Write inquiry letters II. Teaching focus 1. Structure of inquiry letters 2. Typical sentences of inquiry letters 3. Sample letters III. Teaching hours: Presentation: 1 hour Practice: 2 hours IV. Teaching methods Communicative methods Reduction Lecture Pair work V. Teaching Aids and Environment Multi-media facilities Sample letters VI. Teaching procedures I. Presentation 1. Introduction to an inquiry letter As a business person, you will have to write many letters to ask for information, to give information and to get your business done. Among the most common in business are letters to make an inquiry and their replies. In international trade, when you write to request some specific information usually about buying of a certain commodity, your letter is called “Inquiry”. In this sense, the letters to start business with other companies can also be taken as a kind of inquiry letter to inquire about the possibility of doing business with other companies in a certain line. After receiving your inquiry letter, the other party will give you a yes or no answer. In the case of “yes”, you will be quoted the price and the other trade terms of the commodity you want to buy. This is called “Quotation”. The prices and specific quantities are listed on a “Price List”. In the case of ‘no’, business is impossible. 2. Samples Letter-1 Dear Sirs, We refer to your advertisement in the latest issue of “The International Trade News” concerning cotton bed-sheets and pillowcases. We are one of the largest importers of textiles and have many branches in the States; we believe there is a promising market in our area for moderately pr