Complete the 12 sentences below. Choose the best answer for each one.
1Before we can endorse the proposal, we ............... on how the projected savings were calculated.
Wrong!
"Would welcome clarification" is a polite formal way to ask for more information.
2Owing to a prior commitment, the ambassador is ............... the reception on Friday.
Wrong!
"Regrettably unable to attend" gives a formal and polite reason for absence.
3Although the report is thorough, its reliance on outdated survey data ............... about the validity of its conclusions.
Wrong!
"Raises significant concerns" expresses criticism in a measured professional tone.
4In light of the legal advice received this morning, the board ............... the wording of the public statement.
Wrong!
"May wish to reconsider" gives advice diplomatically without sounding aggressive.
5The contractor's revised timetable still ............... the minimum requirements set out in the tender documents.
Wrong!
"Falls short of" is a formal way to say that something does not meet a standard.
6............... forward the signed agreement at your earliest convenience.
Wrong!
"I would be grateful if you could" is a courteous formal request phrase.
7The assertion that consultation was extensive ............... the minutes of the stakeholder meetings.
Wrong!
"Does not appear to be supported by" challenges a claim cautiously and formally.
8............... the figures you have cited refer to last year's budget rather than the current allocation.
Wrong!
"With due respect," signals polite disagreement in a formal exchange.
9The article offers ............... of the evidence, omitting several studies that reach the opposite conclusion.
Wrong!
"A somewhat selective reading" gives criticism in a restrained academic tone.
10Given that the audit has not yet been completed, any public announcement ............... at this stage.
Wrong!
"Would be premature" formally advises against acting before the right time.
11While I acknowledge the committee's reasoning, I must ............... with its interpretation of the regulations.
Wrong!
"Respectfully disagree" expresses disagreement without unnecessary confrontation.
12The claim that the policy has reduced inequality ............... before it can be included in the executive summary.
Wrong!
"Would benefit from further substantiation" is a formal and tactful way to request stronger evidence.
Done.
Score: 0/12
Answers
- Before we can endorse the proposal, we would welcome clarification on how the projected savings were calculated.
- Owing to a prior commitment, the ambassador is regrettably unable to attend the reception on Friday.
- Although the report is thorough, its reliance on outdated survey data raises significant concerns about the validity of its conclusions.
- In light of the legal advice received this morning, the board may wish to reconsider the wording of the public statement.
- The contractor’s revised timetable still falls short of the minimum requirements set out in the tender documents.
- I would be grateful if you could forward the signed agreement at your earliest convenience.
- The assertion that consultation was extensive does not appear to be supported by the minutes of the stakeholder meetings.
- With due respect, the figures you have cited refer to last year’s budget rather than the current allocation.
- The article offers a somewhat selective reading of the evidence, omitting several studies that reach the opposite conclusion.
- Given that the audit has not yet been completed, any public announcement would be premature at this stage.
- While I acknowledge the committee’s reasoning, I must respectfully disagree with its interpretation of the regulations.
- The claim that the policy has reduced inequality would benefit from further substantiation before it can be included in the executive summary.
