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Write an Email prompt

Delayed Shipment Inquiry

Every scored sample answer Reach120 publishes for this prompt, banded so you can see the range rather than one version of "good".

3 sample answersInquiry

The prompt

As it appears in practice

You ordered a set of textbooks titled 'Advanced Business Communication' from BookNook Online Store for your upcoming business communication course. The order was placed on September 20th, and you were informed that the shipment would arrive by September 30th. However, it is now October 10th, and the textbooks have not yet arrived. You need these books urgently as your course begins on October 15th. Contact BookNook's customer service to inquire about the delay.

What the response has to do

  • Mention the original order date and expected delivery date
  • Explain the urgency and why the textbooks are needed before October 15th
  • Request information on the status of the shipment and any possible solutions

Written to: professor

Sample answers, by band

3 published

Reach120 practice band estimate — not an official ETS score How we estimate

Strong response

Band 5.04.0/5 rubric
To
support@booknookstore.com
Subject
Delayed Shipment Inquiry
Dear customer service team, I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to inquire about the books that I purchased on September 20th. My order number is 555-444 TKS. According to the contract, I was informed that the shipment would arrive by September 30th. However, it is now October 10th, and I have not received my package. Additionally, due to the urgency of the matter, I need my textbooks before October 15th, as this situation is adversely affecting my ability to study and complete my academic activities. Finally, I would appreciate it if you could provide updated information regarding the status of the shipment. I kindly request that you consider possible solutions to this problem. Sincerely, [name withheld]

What worked

  • Clear purpose and context
  • Polite tone
  • Call to action

What cost points

  • Lack of elaboration
  • Limited vocabulary
Read the full feedback on this answer

Strong response

Band 5.04.0/5 rubric
To
support@booknookstore.com
Subject
Delayed Shipment Inquiry
Dear Sir or Madam, I hope you are doing well. I am writing to inquire about a delay in an order that I placed on September 20th. I was informed that the delivery date would be September 30th; however, it is now October 10th and nothing has arrived yet. I would like to inform you that I urgently need these books for my business communication course,which begins on October 15th. I would greatly apreciate it if you could kindly update me on the status of the shipment and inform me if there is any alternative solution,as I can not afford to delay my course. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, [name withheld]
Read the full feedback on this answer

Middle response

Band 4.53.5/5 rubric
To
support@booknookstore.com
Subject
Delayed Shipment Inquiry
Dear support team I hope this email finds you well. My name is [name withheld]. I orderd a set of textbooks titled 'Advanced Business Communication' from BookNook Online Store for my upcoming business communication course. The order was placed on September 20th, and I am informed that the shipment would arrive by September 30th. However, it is now October 10th, and the textbooks have not yet arrived. I need these books urgently as my course begins on October 15th. I would greatly appreciate it if you could clarity the details of request information on the status of the shipment and any possible solutions. Please check the attached my order form. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response at your earliest convenience. Best regards, [name withheld]

What worked

  • Clear identification
  • Stating urgency
  • Polite closing

What cost points

  • Grammatical clarity
  • Attachment reference
Read the full feedback on this answer

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