ESOL ESOL Business English 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which phrase is most appropriate when starting a formal business email in the US?
- Hey there!
- To Whom It May Concern, (Correct answer)
- What's up?
- Yo,
Correct answer: To Whom It May Concern,
'To Whom It May Concern,' is a standard formal salutation used when the recipient's name is unknown.
Question 2: What does the business term 'deadline' mean?
- A phone number for emergencies
- The final date by which a task must be completed (Correct answer)
- A type of business meeting
- A contract signature line
Correct answer: The final date by which a task must be completed
A deadline is the latest date or time by which something must be finished or submitted.
Question 3: Which is the correct way to politely decline a meeting invitation in a US workplace?
- I can't come, forget it.
- Thank you for the invite; unfortunately, I have a prior commitment. (Correct answer)
- No way, I'm busy.
- I don't want to attend.
Correct answer: Thank you for the invite; unfortunately, I have a prior commitment.
Professional decline messages thank the sender and give a brief, polite reason.
Question 4: What does 'CC' mean in a business email?
- Cancel Copy
- Carbon Copy (Correct answer)
- Confidential Communication
- Certified Content
Correct answer: Carbon Copy
CC stands for Carbon Copy, meaning additional recipients are copied on the same email.
Question 5: Which word best completes this sentence: 'Please _____ the attached report before our meeting.'
- review (Correct answer)
- revive
- remove
- revoke
Correct answer: review
'Review' means to examine or assess something carefully, which is appropriate here.
Question 6: What is a 'resume' used for in the US job market?
- A lunch order form
- A document summarizing work experience and skills for a job application (Correct answer)
- A business contract
- An invoice for services
Correct answer: A document summarizing work experience and skills for a job application
A resume is a one- or two-page document listing a candidate's education, skills, and work history for employers.
ESOL ESOL Business English 1
Which phrase is most appropriate when starting a formal business email in the US?