Writing Skills & Expression Flashcards

Which of the following is the best subject line for a professional email about a delayed order?

Answer: Update: Delay to Order #4521 - Estimated Arrival 15 May

A professional subject line is specific, informative, and appropriately worded. Option C clearly identifies the issue, order number, and expected resolution.

A supervisor asks you to write a brief incident report. Which information is LEAST important to include?

Answer: Your personal opinion about who was at fault

Incident reports should be factual and objective. Personal opinions about fault are inappropriate and potentially legally problematic.

Which sentence is the clearest and most direct?

Answer: If action is needed, it will be taken.

Option B is direct and uses plain language. Plain English is preferred in Australian workplace communication.

You are writing a text message to your supervisor to say you will be 15 minutes late. Which is most appropriate?

Answer: Hi [Name], running 15 min late due to traffic. Will arrive by 9:15. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Even in a text message, clear and professional communication with your supervisor should include the reason, expected time, and an apology.

Which sentence uses 'there', 'their', and 'they're' correctly?

Answer: They're going over there to get their tools.

'They're' = they are (contraction), 'there' = a place, 'their' = belonging to them. Option B uses all three correctly.

What is the purpose of a 'conclusion' in a written report?

Answer: To summarise the key findings and recommendations

A conclusion summarises what was found and, in many reports, makes recommendations based on those findings.