Students' Compositions: Apology Letters (SAT 2008)

On the 2008 SAT, the examinees were asked to write an apology letter.  

二、英文作文(20%)

說明︰1.依提示在「答案卷」上寫一篇英文作文。

2.文長120個單詞(words)左右。

提示︰你（英文名字必須假設為George或Mary）向朋友（英文名字必須假設為Adam或Eve）借了一件相當珍貴的物品，但不慎遺失，一時又買不到替代品。請寫一封信，第一段說明物品遺失的經過，第二段則表達歉意並提出可能的解決方案。

請注意：為避免評分困擾，請使用上述提示的George或Mary在信末署名，不得使用自己真實的中文或英文姓名。

The following are two letters written by my current students:

Nov. 21, 2008 Dear Adam, I’m sorry to tell you that I had your basketball stolen last weekend. Last Saturday morning, after getting the ball from you, I went to my school with my little brother to play 3-on-3. Without reminding my brother to keep his eye on the ball, I went to the nearby 7-Eleven for some drinks. Meanwhile, my brother went to the bathroom without bringing the ball. Then, when we came back to the court, we found the basketball was gone. I know this basketball, Jordan II, means a lot to you since it was a gift from your girlfriend. So I tried every means to buy the same kind of ball for you. Nevertheless, I failed. Neither on the net nor in the sports store could this limited-produced ball be found. However, to show my sincere apology, I will spend a month’s allowance buying the latest and coolest basketball, Jordan III, for you. Again, I’m really sorry about losing your ball. I hope this letter and the new ball can make up/compensate for your loss. Sincerely yours, George

(180 words/ 15 / 314簡喬)

Nov. 10, 2008 Dear Eve, I’m sorry that I lost the dictionary you lent me last week. Yesterday, on my way to school by MRT, I felt bored, so I read an English magazine to kill time. Puzzled by several difficult words, I took out your dictionary to look them up in it. After a while, I felt tired so I took a nap. When I awoke, the MRT had already arrived at my station. Getting off the MRT in a hurry, I left your dictionary on it. I’m regretful for my carelessness. I know you always regard the dictionary as your treasure because it was a birthday gift from your dead father. I will try my best to find it as soon as possible, even if it means I have to call the MRT office every day to check. If, unfortunately, I cannot get it back, I’ll buy a new dictionary to make up for your loss. I really hope you can forgive me and that our friendship will not be ruined by my carelessness. Sincerely yours, George

(178 words/13/李泓緯)

P.S. Due to my limited knowledge about this blogging service system, the format doesn't look exactly correct.  The name "George" at the end of the letter should align with "Sincerely."