Business English Certificate (BEC) Higher Level C1 / writing / Part 1

Business English Certificate (BEC) Higher Level C1 / Writing / sample answers

 

QUESTION 1
 

CANDIDATE A

Report: Photocopier Costs

Of the three types of photocopiers, Carda, KD and Sebu, the purchase price of the Carda is the lowest. It is slightly more than $600 but its expected running cost for the first two years is the highest with its warranty cost at the mid-level of the three photocopiers.
In comparison, the purchase price of the KD is a little more than that of the Carda which is $700; whereas the expected running cost of the KD is much less than that of the Carda which is $1,200. However, the KD’s warranty cost is the highest of the three at $200. In comparison the Sebu’s purchase price is the highest of the three, i.e. $1000, but it costs consumers the least in warranty and running for the first two years.
What’s more, the expected total cost of the Carda for the initial 2-year period is $1,900, more than that of both the Sebu and KD, $1,800.
In conclusion it would be advisable to buy the KD photocopier which is generally more advantageous in cost than its competitors.

EXAMINER COMMENTS
Full realisation of the task set with a natural use of language and appropriate use of linkers.
Band 5

 

CANDIDATE B

This report was compiled to present the data about the costs of buying three different photocopiers, the cost of a warranty on each machine, and their expected running costs for the first two years. The photocopiers being described are Carda, KS and Sebu.
Certainly the most expensive one is Carda as its total cost for initial 2-year period is $1,900. This includes running costs of $1,200 and cost of a warranty which is $100. The remaining part of costs – about 30% of the total costs – is the purchase price.
Total costs of both KD and Sebu photocopiers are equal, however their particular ingredients differ. KD’s warranty is the most pricey and costs $200 whereas Sebu’s costs $70. Running costs of KD and Sebu photocopiers are $900 and $800, respectively. Taking into consideration purchase price, the most expensive one is Sebu which costs $1000 whereas KD’s is cheaper than Sebu by $200. Total costs for the 2-year period of these machines is $1,800.
I trust that the above data will be useful and helpful for the buyer to make the best possible choice.

EXAMINER COMMENTS
Good realisation of the task set with all content points included. Ambitious range of structure and vocabulary, which is not always successful. Generally well-organised with evidence of internal cohesion.
Band 4

 

CANDIDATE C

This report compares the costs of three photocopiers, called Carda, KD and Sebu.
Firstly, we will consider running costs. Far the highest is Carda’s ($1200) followed by KD’s which is equal to $1000 and the lowest one at the moment is Sebu’s ($600). It also has the lowest warranty cost which is about $100. That is very close to the cost of Carda machine, which is just a bit higher ($630). But KD’s cost is for about 100 percent higher than the mentioned two. If we look at purchase prices and start with the highest we firstly have to mention Carda. It’s purchase price is $600, moving to KD with a price of about $700 and finish with the highest purchase price which is $1200 and comes from Sebu.
If we analyse the facts I mentioned above we can calculate the expected total costs for initial 2-year period. Carda has the highest total cost which is $1900, so it would be cheaper buying the other two, which both have a total price of $1,800.

EXAMINER COMMENTS
This is a well-organised response to the task which displays internal coherence. All content points are covered. The register is more informal than might generally be considered appropriate, but is used consistently. There are errors but these are generally non-impeding.
Band 3

 

CANDIDATE D

The upper is the comparison of the costs of 3 different photocopiers, including the purchase price, warranty costs and expected running costs for initial 2-year. From that, we can see Carda gets the higest expected total costs of $1,900. The others, KD and Sebu are likely the same reaching $1,800.
The reason why Carda is the most expensive is due to its running costs, which covers more than 60 percent in the expected total cost. While KD and Sebu cost lower than that, no more than $1,000. In which Sebu’s cost in running cost is only $800 around. But Sebu’s buying cost the higest over $1,000. At the same time, Carda costs only $600, KD $700 or so. As to the cost of a warranty on them, KD is more than $200, Carda $120 and Sebu less than $100.

EXAMINER COMMENTS
Inadequate attempt at the task set due mainly to the low level of language. Errors sometimes obscure communication ‘the upper’, ‘in which Sebu’s cost in running cost is only $800’. However, the major content points are addressed and the writing has reasonable organisation.
Band 2