English in Use

Social situations

1. Write what you would say in the following situations:

1. You are in the street. You need a bank to change some traveller’s cheques, but you don’t know where there is one. What do you ask a passer-by?

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2. You have changed one hundred pounds’ worth of traveller’s cheques. The bank cashier asks you, ”How would you like the money?” What do you say?

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3. You have enrolled at a language school. The school wants you to pay the fees today, but you can’t. Explain why not, and say when you will pay.

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4. You are in a restaurant. You have asked for a black coffee, but the waiter brings you a white coffee. What do you say?

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5. You want to know what is on television tonight. Ask to borrow your friend’s newspaper.

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6. You’re having a party at your house on Saturday. Invite a colleague to the party.

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7. A friend invites you to a party, but you can’t go. What do you say?

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8. You need change to make a phone call, but you only have a five-pound note. What do you ask a friend?

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9. An English friend is going to your country on business next week. He/ she asks, ”What clothes do I need?” What do you say?

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10. You want to buy a good English-English dictionary. Ask your teacher for advice.

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Applying for a Job. Job Interview.

2. Read the letters, notice their structure and essential components:

a) Dear Sir or Madam,

I should like to make an application for the post of an interpreter at your Agency.

You will find a full account of my career and qualifications on the attached personal record sheet, and I have also added the names of three referees.

If you feel that my qualifications meet your requirements, I shall be pleased to come to an interview.

I enclosed a stamped addressed envelope for your reply.

Yours faithfully,……………..

 

b) Gentlemen:

I have just read your advertisement in the magazine Time for the position of a manager, and I would like to offer my services for the post.

I am submitting a summary of my qualifications and experience, together with copies of three recent references.

The writers of my references have stated that they are prepared to speak for me in regard of my character, each having known me personally for several years.

I would be pleased to meet with you at almost any time by appointment.

Trusting for a favorable reply to my application.

Respectfully yours,………………………………….

 

c) Dear Professor Smith:

I am writing concerning my interest in a teaching position at your school as a professor of English for a period of one or two years.

Late this summer I was invited to be a visiting professor of English at Baylor University in Waco, the state of Texas. While I hoped for a two to four term position, the only one available was for one semester only. Not wishing to pass up the opportunity to teach in the USA, I accepted the position.

After my term ends on December 20, I will return to my position to Kazan University in Russia, to resume my regular teaching position. If I am chosen for the teaching position at your school, I could easily come back to the USA in August or September.

More than that, if necessary, I could begin to teach at your school in January. I currently have aJ-1 visa, which, as I understand, could be extended for a year or more.

At your school I could conduct courses in practical English for beginners and intermediate level students. I could also lecture on English literature.

As requested, I enclose a copy of my curriculum vitae, a list of some of my publications and three letters of reference.

Thank you for your assistance.

Sincerely,……………………….

Enclosure