AYF Homework 29 January

1. Change the word in bold (adjective, noun, adverb, etc.) so that the text makes sense.
One thing that people get from their _____ (OCCUPY) is, of course, money. Most people wouldn’t do the job they do if it wasn’t for the pay at the end of each day, week or month. However, the _____ (MAJOR) of people want more than just a good salary. There are many other things which add up to job _____ (SATISFY), the feeling of _____ (ENJOY) you get from doing a job that makes you happy. What people want from a job varies _____ (GREAT) from person to person.

For some, the chances of _____ (PROMOTE) make a big difference. For others, working in a _____ (CREATE) environment with other people makes them happier than they would be working alone. When planning your career, you should consider all the _____ (ACTIVE) involved in a job and decide how each one suits your _____ (PERSON) . If you’re considering becoming a _____  (JOURNAL), for example, do you like meeting and talking to new people? If you're thinking of becoming an _____ (ACCOUNT) do you enjoy detailed work with numbers? Just because one job is better paid than another, it doesn’t mean it's the job for you.

2. Match words 1-8 with words a-h to make two-word nouns about travel.

1. hand ...

2. business ...

3. baggage ...

4. boarding ...

5. travel ...

6. departure ...

7. flight ...

8. budget ...

a. card

b. number

c. luggage

d. agent

e. claim

f. airline

g. class

h. lounge

GAD Homework 29 January

Look at this conversation:

...ring ring...

A.A.:  Morganson Corporation. Good morning.
Caller: Hello. I'd like to speak to Mr Martin, please.
A.A: Who's speaking, please?
Caller: This is John Bush of Lion Computers.
A.A: Hold the line, please. I'll put you through. 

Don't just answer Hello! Give the name of the company. It might be helpful if you state your name and the name of the department, too. 

1. Here are some other phrases you can use. Put them in the correct order to make a conversation. 

A. Can I speak to Mr Martin, please?
B. One moment please, I'm putting you through.
C. John Bush of Lion Computers.
D. Accounts Department. Can I help you?
E. Who's calling?

2. Complete the sentences with the words or phrases below. Use each only once. 

after - back - calling - hold the line - in - moment - reach - ring up - see

A. Hello, who's that ___?
B. Just a ___, please. 
C. I'll ___ if she's here.
D. I'll get the information you want, ___ , please. 
E. Sorry, he is not ___ at the moment.
F. You can ___ him any evening after six o'clock.
G. Well, I can ring ___ later if it's convenient. 

3. Choose the best responses. 

1. I'd like to speak to Mr Kahn, please. 
a) Yes.
b) I'm afraid he's not here at the moment.
c) Well, you can't.

2. Can I speak to Mr Kahn, please?
a) Hold on, please. 
b) Don't go away.
c) All right. 

3. Could I speak to Mr Kahn, pleae?
a) Who's calling? 
b) Who are you?
c) What's your name?

4. When can I reach you?
a) One hour.
b) When you want.
c) I'll be in all evening.

More extra practice U6 GAD

This is some voluntary work for students in GAD: 

1. Write questions with the words below. Use the Past Simple to make questions.

a. you / go / to the post office / last week?

 - Did you go to the post office last week?

b. your family / receive / a package / last month?

c. your address / change / last year?

d. you / use / a printer / yesterday afternoon?

e. a friend / call / you / a few minutes ago?

f. your teacher / give / you / homework / yesterday?


2. Complete the sentences with the verbs below. Use the Past Simple.

read - go - wrap - not understand - order - not move - reach- not buy 

a. They ___ into their new offices last week. They are still in Tres Cantos.

b. ___ you ___ the office supplies yesterday? 

c. She ___ to the post office but she ___ any pre-stamped envelopes.

d. ___ you ___ the equipment in bubble wrap?

e. I ___ your email but I ___ all the details. 

f. When ___ the package ___ its destination? 

How to respond to salary questions in a job interview

Answering questions in a job interview can be quite difficult. You don't want to give a wrong impression of being an over-ambitious or greedy kind of person, but you don't want to underestimate yourself, either. So, what can you answer to the question What do you feel this position should pay? (and similar ones)

Read the following article in time.com which gives you some advice by professionals.

 Click here for the article

There is a very short video to go with it, please watch it. 

Basically, you need to:

1. Research what the salary for that position is. Use internet pay scale sites or ask someone who you know can give you accurate information. 

2. You can try to deflect the question. This means trying to talk about something else, for example you may want to know more about job responsibilities. 

3. You can try to turn the question around by asking how much is budgeted for that position. 

4. If the interviewer keeps pressing, you need to give an answer. Here the importance of research becomes evident.

(5. If it is relevant, include bonus and/or benefits.)

Useful Vocabulary for Complaint Letters

Greeting receipant	Dear Sir/Dear Madam Dear Mr Last Name Dear Ms Last Name
Explainig reason	I am writing in order to complain about/I am writing to complain about
Introducing the complaint:	Firstly/In the first place First of all My first complaint is The first problem is The first thing I would like to draw your attention to is My first concern is
Introducing further complaints:	Secondly/In the second place Not only ...but also... Moreover In addition to this Supplementary to this (...something...) was also unacceptable
Demanding action:	I propose that you replace the item / I therefore suggest that I be given a full refund** I would be grateful if my money was refunded I would appreciate it if you could give me a full refund I would be thankful if you could give me a full refund
Endings	I look forward to hearing from you / I look forward to receiving a full refund I look forward to receiving a replacement I look forward to receiving your explanation

1. Would you include flattery? Why or why not? If you would do so, where would you include it?

Wrong letter of complaint

Helpful Trading Co

Smalltown

2 March 2014

Dear Sir,

I am really very disappointed by your shop.

I recently bought a sofa and it just was not right. It was terribly made and a complete waste of money. When I went back to complain, a shop assistant was very rude to me and she said she couldn't deal with the complaint there and then. She said I should write to the manager.

I think that I am entitled to my money back, so what I want is a full refund or if you cannot manage that, a credit note for the full ammount. I also want an apology, plus an explanation of why I was treated so badly.

Thank you for your attention. Sorry to bring this matter up.

Yours sincerely,

A Citizen

1. Look at the words in bold. What is wrong with them? Can you spot any other ‘mistakes’ in this complaint letter?

Homework AYF 22 January

Make a noun from the verb in brackets to fill in the blanks. 

1. The water-fuelled car was his greatest .......... . (ACHIEVE)

2. The final .......... took 8 hours to reach. (AGREE)

3. My first .......... for a holiday would be Glasgow. (CHOOSE)

4. .......... is now at more than 20% in Spain, which is catastrophic. (EMPLOY)

5. Helping companies to create jobs is the best way to stimulate .......... in an economy. (GROW)

6. Electric cars have been showing remarkable .......... in recent years. (IMPROVE)

7. People need to increase their .......... of nutrition, especially about the dangers of sugar, red meat and refined flour. (KNOW)

8. The initial government .......... was to deny everything. In the end, however, the minister was forced to resign. (RESPOND)

9. There is a huge .......... of rice dishes in Valencia, apart from paella. (VARY)

10. Their .......... was a big surprise.  (REFUSE)

Extra Practice Unit 6 GAD

Feel free to do these exercises if you want to practice the vocabulary we have seen in this unit and the Past Simple.This is voluntary work.

1. Complete the sentences with the verbs in brackets. Use the Past Simple negative.
Remember: 
She didn't play - correct
She didn't played - incorrect

1. I ___ (receive) a confirmation page, so I'm not sure they got the fax.
2. The courier ____ (pick up) the package yesterday.
3. You ____ (write) the correct address on the envelope. 
4. A woman called but she ____ (leave) a message.
5. Sue ____ (file) the documents in the filing cabinet yesterday. She was busy. 

2. Write sentences about what Dan did and didn't do at work yesterday. Use the Past Simple affirmative or negative. 

X  Distribute the post - Dan didn't distribute the post yesterday
✓ Type letters
✓ Take minutes at a meeting 
X Order offoce supplies
✓ File documents
X Search the internet  

3. Complete the questions with the verbs in brackets. Use the Past Simple. Then match the questions to the answers.

Questions. 
1. Did you throw (throw) the junk mail in the waste paper bin?
2. ____ he ____ (write) the postcode on the envelope?
3. How many spoons of sugar ____ you (put) in my coffee?
4. What ____ they ____ (pick up) at the post office?
5. When ____ they ____ (ship) the supplies?

Answers.
a. On Monday.
b. Just one. Is that enough?
c. Yes I did.
d. Two packages
e. No he didn't.  

Making nouns from verbs

To be done in class, NOT homework


a. Make nouns from the verbs below and put them in the correct category. For some nouns you need to add -ation, to others you need to add -ment and for others you need a new words.

achieve - agree - argue - attach - choose - compensate - complain - deliver - demonstrate - explain - lose - pay - respond - sell - succeed

1. - ation:

2. - ment: 

3. new word: 


b. Complete the following with a word from above:

1. Have you ever opened an ____ on an email that contained a virus?
2. Do you often have ____ with your brothers? What about?
3. Do you prefer reading grammar ____ in your own language, or do you think it is better to read them in English?
4. Have you ever made a ____ to a company and got ____?
5. Have you ever been on a ____? What were you protesting about?

British Chefs

Meet Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay, two very famous British celebrity chefs.

Jamie Oliver is famous for cooking healthy recipes and raising awareness about the dangers of eating too much sugar and fast food. He has also published some cookbooks, all of them being a huge success. Two of his most popular books are the ones which include instructions to cook a wonderful dishes in 30 minutes and another one which beats that time, describing how to cook amazing recipes in just 15 minutes. 

 Gordon Ramsay is not just famous for having won Michelin stars, but also for having a strong personality which he shows in his successful TV show Kitchen Nightmares. In each episode of this program, he visits a different restaurant. All of them are sunk in debt or have huge problems, so he helps them by changing the menu, redecorating the place, etc.  If you ever thought that Chicote was too hard at some points with restaurant owners and employees in the Spanish version...check out this video. Click here for some of Gordon's serious shouting (warning: strong language).
He has also publish a lot of books on British pub food, healthy recipes, home cooked meals, etc.

Both of them have got their own youtube videos, have a look at them! They have some very tasty recipes and they are quite easy to follow. These are some suggestions:

Healthy Chicken Caesar Salad by Jamie Oliver

Gordon Ramsay's Scrambled Eggs on Toast


http://www.jamieoliver.com/

https://www.gordonramsay.com/

Enjoy!

GAD Homework 16 January

Communication

1. Vocabulary. Match the statements 1-6 with responses a-f. 

1. This website takes a long time to download. D
2. Would you like her mobile number?
3. His line is still busy.
4. Your fax isn't very clear.
5. I'd like to speak to Gemma, please.
6. Shall I print this letter and post it?

a. He is probably speaking to someone.
b. No, send it as an email attachment.
c. Hold on, I'll put you through to her extension.
d. Yes, there are too many images. 
e. Would you like me to send it again?
f. Yes, please. I'll send her a text message. 

2. Complete the sentences with these words: 

training - native - course - knowledge - 

skills - official - common - fluent

1. If you improve your language skills, you'll be able to get a better job. 
2. Even though Lena is completely _____ in English, she still has a strong Russian accent. 
3. SVtech is a Swedish multinational whose _____ language is English. This means English is spoke in meetings and used for all company documents. 
4. Have you ever though of doing an evening _____ after work?
5. My firm hopes to do more business abroad, so plans to introduce language _____ for all its staff.
6. She has a good working _____ of Chinese and communicates easily in everyday situations. 
7. Someone who is a  _____ speaker, speaks a language as their mother tongue. 
8. Heinrich is German and Stella is from Argentina; fortunately, they have French as a _____ language. 

AYF Homework 15 January

Competition in Business

1. Complete sentences 1-7 with endings a-g.

1. We need a fresh marketing strategy if...

2. One way of dealing with a competitor...

3. Our range is looking tired, we need to...

4. According to our ales figures, our rivals...

5. Have you seen their catalogue? They've...

6. Through clever marketing they...

7. They're hoping that the new managing director can...

a. ... turned working clothes into fashion items.

b. ...brought out a vacuum cleaner just like ours!

c. ...are catching us up fast.

d. ...turn the failing company around.

e. ...is to take it over.

f. ...we are going to stay ahead of the competition.

g. ...come up with some new product ideas fast. 

2. Match the phrasal verbs in italics with these definitions.

1. transform - turn into 

2. invent - 

3. keep in front -

4. gain ground / come up from behind - 

5. produce / introduce something new - 

6. rescue / make successful again - 

7. gain control - 

3. Write a short paragraph answering this question: how do you think consumers benefit from competition? 

Homework AYF 8th January, Vocab + Reading

1. Vocabulary. Complete the sentences with the following words.

Earned income     Unearned income     Gift

Save     Invest     Job     Luck

Service     Gambling     Good

1. Lotteries are a type of _____.

2. You need _____ to find or win money.

3. Another word for a present is _____.

4. You have to work to get _____.

5. Another word for work is _____.

6. People who work provide a _____ or _____.

7. People that _____ and _____ are making their money work for them. 

8. Money that you get without working is called _____.



2. Reading. Mary went on the weekend bus tour of Northumberland. The tour was a disaster. When she came back she wrote a letter of complaint. Arrange the sentences so it makes sense as a whole. 

The advertisement for the trip: 

Visit beautiful Northumberland!

* Visits to castles included

*Comfortable modern buses

*Experienced drivers

£25 per person payable on the day

Call 2184352 to reserve your place

The letter of complaint: 

The seats were dirty and several had cigarette burns in them.

Secondly, the bus was not as comfortable as you had said.

In fact, we had to pay to go into one of the castles.

Mrs. Mary Jones.

I hope to hear from you as soon as possible.

Yours faithfully,

Therefore, in view of all these problems I would appreciate a complete refund.

Thirdly, the driver had obviously been drinking and almost lost control of the vehicle several times. 

I am writing to you about the tour of Northumberland I went on last weekend.

First, in your advertisement you stated that the cost would include visits to castles.

This could have resulted in a terrible accident.

Dear Sir or Madam,

Northumberland

It is right under your nose!

What type of nose have you got? Do you have the 'aquiline'? Or 'the Nixon'? Or maybe 'the Roman'?

Scientists have created a classification to describe different shapes and sizes of noses, and they have established 14 different categories.  

Click here for an article from the Daily Mail to find out what kind your nose is!