The TEM-4 Exam

Introduction to Note Writing

Note Writing

For the purposes of the TEM-4, a “note” is some type of letter – an apology, invitation, advertisement, setting an appointment, etc. It can be just about anything. Be prepared!

• 50 to 60 Words• 10-Minute Time Limit

The breakdown of how marks are awarded (maximum 10 points) corresponds to the following:

Content (3 points):

• Is it interesting and relevant?• Does it flow naturally?• What about sentence variety and the proper level of

formal / informal language?• What about clarity, specificity, transitions, misused

terms, conciseness, etc.?

Organization (3 points):

• The wording and location of the “dear” and closing sections

• Is there a logical sequence to the body?• Does it flow and have clarity?

Language (4 points):

• Grammar (especially verb tenses), word choice, punctuation, formality/informality, awkward constructions, repeated mistakes.

Other (possible loss of points):

• Have the instructions been followed?• Has the question been answered?• Proper indentation / formatting?• Word Count OK?

General Content

• Date / Time• Greeting / Salutation• Message / Body• Valediction (Farewell / Good-Bye

Statement)• Signature

Monday, August 24

Dear Teacher Wayne,The first English Corner is two weeks

from this Saturday, from 7 to 9 PM. On behalf of the Student Union, I would like to invite you to be our special guest. I know the students would love to interact with you. Please let me know if you can attend. Thank you.

Sincerely, Liu Ming

Salutation称呼

Salutation称呼

Date日期Date日期

Valediction套语

Valediction套语

Signature署名

Signature署名

Body正文

Body正文

Appointments

Monday, May 12

Tom,I need to pick up my wife at the airport

tomorrow at 5 PM. Would it be convenient for you if we reschedule our meeting for the day after tomorrow at 3 PM? If that’s not a good time, please give me a call and we’ll figure something out. Thanks for understanding.

John

Apologies

Good: I’m sorry that I …I am so / really sorry …I apologize for …Please accept my sincerest apologies for

…

Maybe OK: I really feel bad about …I didn’t mean to offend you when I …

Bad: I’m sorry if I offended you.I’m sorry you were offended.I’m sorry for anything that was offensive.

Tuesday, October 10

Dear Prof. Wang,I am so sorry that I missed our 4 o’clock

appointment yesterday. Prof. Zhang’s lecture lasted much longer than I expected. I am available all afternoon tomorrow and Thursday. Please let me know if there is a convenient time to meet on one of those days. Thank you for understanding.

Sincerely, John

Invitations

Monday, August 24

Dear Teacher Wayne,The first English Corner is two weeks from this

Saturday, from 7 to 9 PM. On behalf of the Student Union, I would like to invite you to be our special guest. I know the students would love to interact with you. Please let me know if you can attend. Thank you.

Sincerely, Liu Ming

Monday, August 24

Dear Teacher Wayne, The first English Corner is scheduled for

September 14, from 7 to 9 PM. On behalf of the Student Union, I am inviting you to be our special guest. I know the students will love interacting with you. Please let me know if you can attend. Thank you.

Sincerely yours, Liu Ming

Mr. and Mrs. George Carter

request the honor of your presence

at the marriage of their daughter

Mary Danielleto

Mr. John Richard Jackson

son ofMr. and Mrs. John Aaron Jackson

on Saturday, the ninth of June

Two thousand and thirteen

at two o'clock in the afternoon

First Church of Christ

219 North Carrey Road

Stars Hollow, Connecticut

R.S.V.P. by the first of June

to Mrs. George Carter

555-1212

Thank You Notes

July 12

Dear Ms. Li,Thank you for your warm hospitality during

my recent stay in Beijing. Your entire staff treated me like a king and made my visit a memorable experience. Please extend my heartfelt thanks to them. I’m looking forward to future conferences at Qinghua University.

Sincerely,Zhang Min

Congratulations

Dear Sally,

Good news travels fast. I’m really happy to hear that you and Peter got engaged last week. The two of you are a perfect match.

Congratulations on taking this exciting step together. Please pass on my well wishes to Peter, too. Wishing both of you all the best for a lifetime of happiness!

Yours, Julie

Dear Jenna,I was very pleased to hear that you have

been offered a position at the Garnet Company. You have my heartfelt congratulations on graduating and your new job.

I'm sure you will meet the challenges of these exciting changes with your usual optimism and capability. I wish you all the best as you move forward in your new career.

Sincerely, John

Condolences

An expression of sympathy,especially on the occasion of a death.

Don’t say:I know how you feel.

He’s in a better place.

She’s at peace now.

Put this behind you and get on with life.

Call if you need anything.

“You should” or “you will” statements.

Dear Jennifer,I am so sorry to hear that your dear

husband, John, has passed away. He was a man of warmth who always put others first. I will miss him very much.

My love and support will always be here for you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

With deepest affection,Mary

Asking for Leave

Tuesday, March 5 Dear Miss Johnson,

Please excuse my son Jim’s absence from school for the next 2 days. He has a high fever and chest cough, and he has lost a lot of sleep.

Please find enclosed a note from his doctor. Jim will resume his studies and attend school as soon as he feels better.

Respectfully yours, Sue Smith