Writing: High-Level Professional & Academic C2
Lesson 5: Complex Professional Correspondence
Before You Start: C2 Core Concepts 🧠
Key Vocabulary (Click 🔊)
This type of writing requires a specific, high-level vocabulary.
The B2/C1 Email vs. The C2 Letter
At C2, you are not just sending a message; you are creating a record. Your writing must be objective, factual, and free of emotion. Compare the two approaches to the same problem.
Scenario: A software vendor (Vendor) was supposed to deliver "Project Alpha" on October 30 but failed to do so.
WEAK (B2/C1) - Emotional & Vague
Subject: Project Alpha is late!!
Hi team,
We're really upset you missed the deadline for Project Alpha. This is a big problem for us.
We need you to fix this ASAP and let us know what went wrong.
Thanks,
Sophea
STRONG (C2) - Objective & Precise
Subject: Formal Notice: Breach of Service Level Agreement (SLA) - Project Alpha
Dear Mr. Smith,
This letter is to formally document a breach of our Service Level Agreement, executed on January 15, 2025 (Ref: SLA-45B).
Pursuant to Section 4.1 of the agreement, the "Project Alpha" milestone was scheduled for delivery by 5:00 PM on October 30, 2025. As of 9:00 AM on October 31, this deliverable has not been received.
This non-compliance constitutes a critical failure.
We require a detailed remediation plan and a revised timeline, in writing, no later than 5:00 PM on November 1, 2025.
All our rights are reserved.
Yours sincerely,
Ms. S. Chea
Project Director
The 3 Principles of Complex Correspondence 🛠️ (Click 🔊)
State facts, not feelings. Use the passive voice to remove personal blame and sound more formal.
- (Weak): "I'm angry that you failed to send the report."
- (Strong): "The report was not received by the deadline."
- (Strong): "It was noted that the figures were incorrect."
Avoid vague words like "soon," "ASAP," "a lot," or "big problem." Use specific dates, times, and contract references.
- (Weak): "Please fix this soon."
- (Strong): "We require a solution by close of business on Friday, November 3rd."
- (Strong): "This constitutes non-compliance with Section 4.1."
Use standard formal phrases to show you are serious. This is the expected "discourse" of legal and professional letters.
I am writing to inform you...Pursuant to our agreement...We look forward to resolving this matter.
Practice Your C2 Writing 🎯
Quiz: "Level Up" the Phrase
Choose the C2-level phrase that best replaces the weak, informal, or ambiguous sentence. Click "Check Answers" when done.
1. Weak Phrase:
"I'm pretty sure we talked about this in the meeting."
2. Weak Phrase:
"Please fix this problem right away."
3. Weak Phrase:
"It feels like you guys aren't doing your job."
Key Vocabulary Reference (Click 🔊)
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Pursuant to
A formal/legal phrase meaning "in accordance with" or "following." (e.g., "Pursuant to our contract...")
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Aforementioned / Aforesaid
Formal words meaning "the thing mentioned before." (e.g., "the aforementioned agreement...")
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Non-compliance
A formal term for failure to act in accordance with a rule, law, or agreement.
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To Rectify
A formal verb meaning "to correct" or "to put right" a problem.
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Breach of Contract
The act of breaking the rules of a formal agreement or contract.
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Remediation Plan
A formal plan that details how a problem or failure will be fixed.
Your Writing Mission ⭐
Draft a Formal Complaint
Imagine you are renting an apartment. Your air conditioner has been broken for two weeks, and the landlord has not replied to your informal messages.
Your task is to write a short, formal email (or letter) to the landlord. Do not be emotional or angry. You must:
- State the facts objectively (what is broken, how long).
- Refer to the rental agreement (the "lease").
- Use at least two formal words from the vocabulary list (e.g.,
rectify,non-compliance). - Give a specific, reasonable deadline for a response or action.