Task 1 General Training: Formal u0026 Informal Letters Quiz

Test your knowledge of effective letter writing by answering questions on complaint, request, and invitation letters in Task 1 General Training. Learn how to choose the right tone, structure, and phrases for formal and informal communication scenarios.

  1. Recognizing Formal Tone

    Which opening is most appropriate for a formal complaint letter about poor service at a hotel?

    1. Hey there,
    2. Hello Friend,
    3. Dear Sir or Madam,
    4. Hi Team,

    Explanation: “Dear Sir or Madam,” is a standard formal salutation suitable for complaint letters, especially when the recipient’s name is unknown. “Hey there,” and “Hi Team,” are too informal for this context. “Hello Friend,” is only appropriate for personal letters.

  2. Understanding Informal Tone

    If you are inviting your close friend to your birthday party, which closing line should you use?

    1. Yours faithfully,
    2. Sincerely,
    3. See you soon,
    4. Best regards,

    Explanation: “See you soon,” is relaxed and friendly, fitting for an informal letter to a friend. “Best regards,” and “Sincerely,” are more neutral and formal, while “Yours faithfully,” is reserved for very formal letters where the recipient is unknown.

  3. Purpose Clarity

    What key information should NOT be omitted in a formal request letter asking your landlord to repair a broken heater?

    1. A casual joke
    2. Your weekend plans
    3. The nature of the problem
    4. A favorite movie

    Explanation: Clearly stating the nature of the problem (the broken heater) is essential for a request letter. Mentioning a favorite movie, a casual joke, or your weekend plans is irrelevant and makes the letter unprofessional.

  4. Complaint Letter Structure

    Which sequence best represents the structure of a formal complaint letter?

    1. Opening joke, Apology, Goodbye
    2. Salutation, Reason for complaint, Details, Suggested solution, Closing
    3. Hi, Quick request, Thanks
    4. Greeting, Invitation, Story, Farewell

    Explanation: The standard structure for a complaint letter includes the salutation, stating the reason, giving details, proposing a solution, and a closing. The other options are either incomplete or suited for other letter types.

  5. Request Letter Language

    Which phrase is most polite in a formal request letter?

    1. You must...
    2. I want you to...
    3. I would be grateful if you could...
    4. Let’s do this!

    Explanation: “I would be grateful if you could...” is polite and respectful, appropriate for formal requests. “I want you to...” and “You must...” are too direct and demanding. “Let’s do this!” is casual and unsuitable for formal writing.

  6. Recognizing Informal Openings

    Which is the best way to start an informal letter inviting a friend for a weekend trip?

    1. Hey John,
    2. Dear Sir or Madam,
    3. Sir,
    4. To Whom It May Concern,

    Explanation: “Hey John,” sets a friendly and informal tone, ideal for writing to a friend. The other options are formal or impersonal, making them unsuitable for inviting a close friend.

  7. Level of Detail

    When writing a formal complaint letter, what type of details should be included?

    1. Specific facts, dates, and examples
    2. Daily routines
    3. Personal feelings only
    4. Unrelated anecdotes

    Explanation: Including specific facts, dates, and examples strengthens your complaint and makes it actionable. Personal feelings alone, unrelated anecdotes, and daily routines do not provide useful context for the recipient.

  8. Matching Formal and Informal Closings

    Which closing is NOT suitable for a formal letter?

    1. Yours sincerely,
    2. Yours faithfully,
    3. Best wishes,
    4. Regards,

    Explanation: “Best wishes,” is commonly used in informal or semi-formal letters and is not suitable for formal correspondence. “Yours sincerely,” “Regards,” and “Yours faithfully,” are all acceptable for formal letters.

  9. Directness in Requests

    Which sentence is appropriate in a formal letter to request information about a course?

    1. Could you please provide information about the course schedule?
    2. Send me the details ASAP.
    3. Let me know, okay?
    4. Shoot me the info when you have time.

    Explanation: This sentence is polite and uses suitable language for a formal request. The other options are too casual, using colloquial expressions like “Shoot me the info” or abrupt phrases such as “Send me the details ASAP.”

  10. Appropriate Complaint Example

    If you are dissatisfied with a product you bought online, which of the following best introduces your complaint in a formal letter?

    1. Hey, it's not working!
    2. Your stuff was bad.
    3. Why did you send me this?
    4. I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with the product I received.

    Explanation: This option uses clear, formal language and states the purpose of the complaint. The other choices are either too vague, informal, or impolite for a formal complaint letter.

  11. Tone Adjustment

    What should you adjust when switching from writing a complaint letter to a friend to one addressed to an official?

    1. Level of formality and politeness
    2. Handwriting style
    3. Font color
    4. Envelope size

    Explanation: The key difference is adjusting your tone to be formal and polite when addressing an official. The other aspects, such as font color, handwriting, or envelope size, are not directly related to the tone or appropriateness of the letter.

  12. Invitation Letter Details

    Which information must you clearly include in a formal invitation letter for a business event?

    1. Your holiday plans
    2. Date, time, location, and purpose of the event
    3. The host’s favorite food
    4. A personal anecdote

    Explanation: Key event details like date, time, location, and purpose should always be included. The host’s preferences, personal stories, or unrelated plans are not necessary in a formal invitation.

  13. Politeness in Complaints

    What is the most polite way to express disappointment in a formal complaint letter?

    1. I hated your service.
    2. You ruined my day.
    3. Your service was terrible.
    4. I was disappointed with the service I received.

    Explanation: This phrase is objective and polite, maintaining professionalism. The other phrases are too strong, emotional, or accusatory, which undermines formality and respect.

  14. Clarifying Requests

    When requesting a meeting in a formal letter, what should you always specify?

    1. Favorite sport
    2. Holiday destination
    3. Preferred date and time
    4. Nickname

    Explanation: Specifying your preferred date and time makes the request clear and actionable. Mentioning your favorite sport, nickname, or holiday destination is irrelevant in a formal context.

  15. Responding to Invitations

    If accepting a friend’s informal invitation, which response is best?

    1. I’d love to come! Thanks for the invite.
    2. Respectfully, I will join.
    3. I hereby confirm my attendance.
    4. I accept your invitation.

    Explanation: The given answer is warm and informal, suiting a friend. “I accept your invitation” and “I hereby confirm my attendance” are too formal. “Respectfully, I will join” also feels overly stiff for friendship.

  16. Request Tone Recognition

    Which phrase would be too informal for a formal letter requesting time off from work?

    1. I kindly request annual leave from...
    2. I would appreciate your approval for days off.
    3. I would like to request annual leave from...
    4. Can I take a few days off?

    Explanation: This phrase is casual and suitable for informal conversations, not a formal letter. The other options use respectful language appropriate for formal requests.