Complete the 12 sentences below. Choose the best answer for each one.
1Although the committee recognises the urgency of the matter, its formal response describes the proposed deadline as ............... .
Wrong!
"Somewhat unrealistic" is the natural diplomatic way to describe an impractical deadline.
2In its written submission to the inquiry, the association will ............... that the evidence does not support such a far-reaching conclusion.
Wrong!
"Respectfully submit" is the conventional formal phrase for presenting an argument or position.
3In the communiqué, the delegation described the breakdown in negotiations as ............... .
Wrong!
"A matter of regret" is a formal diplomatic expression for an unfortunate development.
4Your proposal is promising, but in our formal assessment the section on enforcement ............... .
Wrong!
"Would benefit from further clarification" is a diplomatic way to say that something is unclear.
5In correspondence with the regulator, we stated that the supplier’s response to repeated safety concerns ............... .
Wrong!
"Has not been entirely satisfactory" is a measured formal criticism of performance or quality.
6In our formal response, we intend to ............... the lack of transparency in the procurement process.
Wrong!
"Raise concerns about" is the standard formal expression for presenting objections or worries.
7In the review panel’s report, the revised policy ............... the standards set out in the international agreement.
Wrong!
"Falls short of" is the correct formal expression meaning that something fails to meet a standard.
8Given the sensitivity of the documents, ............... confirm receipt by close of business tomorrow.
Wrong!
"We would be grateful if you could" is the correct polite formula for making a formal request.
9In its current form, the recommendation ............... without further evidence from the review panel.
Wrong!
"Cannot be endorsed" is an impersonal formal way to withhold approval.
10............... , the figures you cite do not correspond to those in the audited accounts.
Wrong!
"With all due respect" is the fixed formal preface to disagreement.
11In the auditors’ view, the absence of any reference to the failed inspection constitutes ............... in the final report.
Wrong!
"A material omission" is the formal term for an important absence from a report or account.
12The allegation, serious though it is, ............... by the documents submitted to the court.
Wrong!
"Does not appear to have been substantiated" challenges a claim cautiously in a formal register.
Done.
Score: 0/12
Answers
- Although the committee recognises the urgency of the matter, its formal response describes the proposed deadline as somewhat unrealistic .
- In its written submission to the inquiry, the association will respectfully submit that the evidence does not support such a far-reaching conclusion.
- In the communiqué, the delegation described the breakdown in negotiations as a matter of regret .
- Your proposal is promising, but in our formal assessment the section on enforcement would benefit from further clarification .
- In correspondence with the regulator, we stated that the supplier’s response to repeated safety concerns has not been entirely satisfactory .
- In our formal response, we intend to raise concerns about the lack of transparency in the procurement process.
- In the review panel’s report, the revised policy falls short of the standards set out in the international agreement.
- Given the sensitivity of the documents, we would be grateful if you could confirm receipt by close of business tomorrow.
- In its current form, the recommendation cannot be endorsed without further evidence from the review panel.
- With all due respect , the figures you cite do not correspond to those in the audited accounts.
- In the auditors’ view, the absence of any reference to the failed inspection constitutes a material omission in the final report.
- The allegation, serious though it is, does not appear to have been substantiated by the documents submitted to the court.
