Placing and confirming a B2B order — Workbook
1. Vocabulary in context
Complete each sentence with ONE word or phrase from the box. Two items are extra.
- Could you send us a copy of the drop number so we can track the invoice?
- The standard drop for custom parts is four to six weeks.
- Model X-42 is currently drop — you should receive it in mid-October.
- We need this batch urgently — is there any way to drop the shipment?
- Please quote our reference when you drop receipt of this order.
- We haven't heard anything for a week — could you drop our order with the supplier?
Ask the teacher: Write down anything you want to remember from this section. Your notes are saved automatically.
2. Determiners & polite modals
Complete each sentence with the correct determiner (this/that/these/those/some/any/a few) or reformulate as a polite modal question.
- Could you check ___ boxes I brought in? I think two are damaged.
- Do you have ___ of the X-42 units left in stock?
- Remember ___ order we placed back in June? It's still open.
- ___ of the pieces are cracked, but the majority are fine.
- (Reformulate politely) 'Send me a quote for 500 units.'
- (Reformulate politely) 'I want to change the delivery date.'
Ask the teacher: Write down anything you want to remember from this section. Your notes are saved automatically.
3. Which sentence is more natural in an order call?
Choose the more professional / natural option.
You want to check details before closing the order.
You want to politely flag a mismatch in the numbers.
You want to buy 30 seconds to look up the details.
You want to promise a written confirmation.
You want to propose a compromise on delivery time.
Ask the teacher: Write down anything you want to remember from this section. Your notes are saved automatically.
4. Find and fix the mistake
Each sentence has ONE mistake. Rewrite it correctly.
- Can you confirm the reception of the PO?
- How many time do we have before the deadline?
- I would like place an order for 300 units.
- The delivery is at Tuesday morning.
- We have some units left, but there aren't some replacements.
- Please to send a confirmation email.
Ask the teacher: Write down anything you want to remember from this section. Your notes are saved automatically.
5. Listening — a last-minute change to an order
Marta (buyer) calls Tomás (supplier) 24 hours before delivery to ask for a change. Listen (or read the transcript) and answer.
- What TWO changes does Marta want to make?
- Which change does Tomás fully accept, and which does he only partially accept?
- What does Tomás ask Marta to send after the call?
- How would you describe the tone of the call?
Show transcript
Marta (Buyer):Hi Tomás, sorry for the short notice. Two small changes to tomorrow's order — is that possible?
Tomás (Supplier):Depends what they are. Go ahead.
Marta (Buyer):First, could you bring the delivery forward by 24 hours? Our client moved the launch.
Tomás (Supplier):That's manageable, but I'll need to use express shipping — around 180 euros extra. Is that OK with you?
Marta (Buyer):Yes, we'll cover it. The second one is trickier: could you increase the quantity by 20%?
Tomás (Supplier):Honestly, 20% at this stage is not realistic — I've already allocated production. I can stretch to +10%, no problem.
Marta (Buyer):OK, +10% works. I'll take it.
Tomás (Supplier):Perfect. Could you drop me a short amendment email — new quantity, new delivery date, and your agreement to the extra shipping fee? Then I can trigger everything internally.
Marta (Buyer):Will do — you'll have it in ten minutes. Thanks for being flexible.
Ask the teacher: Write down anything you want to remember from this section. Your notes are saved automatically.
6. Writing — order confirmation email (100–120 words)
Write an order confirmation email from supplier to client for a repeat order. Include: PO reference, product model and quantity, unit price and total, delivery date, payment terms, and a polite closing line inviting the client to reply if anything is incorrect. Use at least TWO polite modals and ONE 'just to confirm' phrase from the unit.
Ask the teacher: Write down anything you want to remember from this section. Your notes are saved automatically.
7. Reading & discursive reflection
Re-read the classbook article 'Why B2B orders go wrong'. Then answer in 100–130 words.
- The article claims that most order problems are caused by 'weak habits, not bad suppliers'. Do you agree? Justify with a concrete example from your work or industry.
Ask the teacher: Write down anything you want to remember from this section. Your notes are saved automatically.