Instructions
Read each scenario carefully and answer the questions that follow. These tasks are designed to help you practice skills you'll use in everyday life. Show your working for any calculations.
Section 1: Money and Time Management
You have a budget of £30.00 to spend on a Saturday out with your friends. Your plan is to take the bus to town, see a movie, and get some food.
Bus Timetable (Route 42: Market Square to Cinema Complex)
| Depart: Market Square | Arrive: Cinema Complex |
|---|---|
| 12:15 | 12:40 |
| 12:45 | 13:10 |
| 13:15 | 13:40 |
Costs:
- Bus Fare: £2.50 each way
- Cinema Ticket: £8.50
- Food (Pizza Slice & Drink): £6.75
- The movie you want to see starts at 1:45 PM (13:45). What is the latest bus you can catch from Market Square to arrive on time?
Answer: ____________________________________________________
- How long does the bus journey take?
Answer: ____________________________________________________
- Calculate the total cost of your day out (remember you need a bus fare for the return journey as well). Show your working.
Working:
Total Cost: £_______________________________________________
- How much money will you have left from your £30.00 budget? Show your working.
Working:
Money Left: £_______________________________________________
Section 2: Smart Shopping
You're at the supermarket buying snacks. You need to decide which deals offer the best value for money.
- You want to buy crisps. The shop has two options:
- Option A: A large 150g bag for £1.80
- Option B: A multi-pack of 6 x 25g bags for £2.40
First, calculate the total weight of crisps in Option B. Then, work out the price per gram for both options to decide which is better value. (Hint: Divide the price by the number of grams). Show your working.
Working:
Which option is better value? __________________________________
- The shop has a special offer on chocolate bars: "Buy 2, Get 1 Free". Each bar costs £1.10. You want to get 6 bars in total. How much will this cost you?
Working:
Total Cost: £_______________________________________________
- You decide to buy a new video game which costs £45.00. The shop has a 20% off sale on all games. How much will the game cost after the discount?
Working:
Final Price: £_______________________________________________
Section 3: Effective Communication
You bought a new pair of headphones online last week, but one of the earpieces has stopped working. You need to email the company's customer service department.
Below is a very informal and angry first draft. Your task is to rewrite it into a polite and formal email that clearly explains the problem and what you want to happen. Make sure you include a clear subject line and important details like an order number (you can make one up).
Draft Version:
my headphones are broken!!!! i only just got them and one side doesnt work at all. this is a rip off i want my money back now or send me new ones. u guys are rubbish.
Your Formal Version:
Subject: ____________________________________________________________________
Dear Customer Service Team,
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Thank you for your assistance.
Yours faithfully,
____________________
Answer Key
Section 1: Money and Time Management
- Latest Bus: The 13:15 bus, which arrives at 13:40. This gives you 5 minutes before the movie starts. The 12:45 bus would also work, but the 13:15 is the latest possible option.
- Journey Time: 25 minutes. (e.g., 12:15 to 12:40 is 25 minutes).
- Total Cost:
Working: £2.50 (bus there) + £2.50 (bus back) + £8.50 (cinema) + £6.75 (food) = £20.25
Total Cost: £20.25
- Money Left:
Working: £30.00 (budget) - £20.25 (total cost) = £9.75
Money Left: £9.75
Section 2: Smart Shopping
- Best Value Crisps:
Working:
- Option B Total Weight: 6 x 25g = 150g.
- Option A Price per gram: £1.80 / 150g = £0.012 per gram (or 1.2p).
- Option B Price per gram: £2.40 / 150g = £0.016 per gram (or 1.6p).
Which option is better value? Option A is better value because it costs less per gram.
- Chocolate Bars Cost:
Working: With the "Buy 2, Get 1 Free" offer, for every 3 bars, you only pay for 2. To get 6 bars, you need to do this twice. So you pay for 4 bars. 4 x £1.10 = £4.40.
Total Cost: £4.40
- Video Game Price:
Working:
- Calculate 20% of £45.00: 0.20 x 45 = £9.00.
- Subtract the discount from the original price: £45.00 - £9.00 = £36.00.
Final Price: £36.00
Section 3: Effective Communication
Answers will vary but should follow this structure and tone. Key elements are in bold.
Subject: Faulty Item - Order Number #12345678
Dear Customer Service Team,
I am writing to you regarding a recent order I placed last week (Order Number #12345678). I purchased a pair of headphones (model name if known), which arrived on (date).
Unfortunately, after only a few days of use, the sound has stopped working in the right earpiece. I have tested them with multiple devices, and the issue persists.
I am very disappointed as the product is faulty. I would appreciate it if you could let me know the process for arranging a replacement pair or a full refund.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Thank you for your assistance.
Yours faithfully,
[Student's Name]