Talking about the weather
Language practice
(What a) lovely/rotten/miserable day. or (What) lovely/rotten/miserable
weather. Yes, isn’t it?
The forecast’s bad/good, or
The forecast said its going to get worse/better.
Asking for help or information
Language practice
Excuse me. Could you help me? or
Do you think you could give me a hand? Could/can you lend me a/your
?
or Could/can I borrow a/your ?
Do you know where is?
Do you know how to ?
Do you know what to do?
Asking for directions
Language practice
Excuse me, can you tell me the way t o
Excuse me, can you tell me where the nearest is?
Excuse me, where’s the nearest ?
Excuse me, is there a nearby?
Is this the way t o ?
I’m trying to get t o .
Giving directions
Language practice
It’s on the left/right.
It’s opposite the . It’s facing the It’s next to .
It’s beside Turn left at the roundabout.
Turn right at the junction/crossroads.
Booking a holiday
Language practice
Can I take some brochures for Spain/Italy etc? or
Do you have any brochures for Germany?
I’d like to book a single/double/twin/family room in the
___________ for nights/from the___________ to the
How much would that be? Do you need a deposit?
When do I pay the balance?
Could you suggest an alternative hotel in the same area? In the same price range?
I’d like to book a flight/holiday t o .
Improving your job interview skills
Language practice
Note - These are questions you might be asked by the interviewer. Possible answers are
suggested, although you should answer as you feel suitable.
Why did you apply fo r this job?
It sounds interesting.
There are good career prospects.
I want to specialise i n .
What do you know about this company/firm?
what work have you done before?
I was a for/at for years. I was responsible fo
r .
My duties w ere . (include any
voluntary work)
What can you tell me about yourself?
I went to school/college i n . I studied at
.
I’m single/married w ith child/children. I worked a s (see
previous question)
I lik e (hobbies and interests - See chapter 1) I’m outgoing,
punctual, reliable.
I’m well qualified
I have considerable experience o f . I can drive/have my
own car etc.
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
I’m (very) good at .
I’m weak/not so good a t .
What can you offer us?
(see the answers to the last two questions)
What do ou do in your spare time? (see chapter 1)
I like/play .
I’m a member o f . I’m studying a t
.
Do you have any health problems that might affect your ability to do the job?
No. None that I am aware of
Making a 999 call
Language practice
N o te - in an emergency dial 999. Calls are free. You can also dial 112.
Fire/police/ambulance/coastguard/mountain rescue, please. My
house is on fire. There are people trapped inside.
There has been an accident. Somebody is
drowning.
Somebody is badly injured. Someone is
unconscious.
Someone has fallen from a ladder/from a tree/from a roof. I
think he/she has broken his/her arm/leg/neck.
He/she has lost a lot of blood.
My husband is having/has had a fit/heart attack etc My wife
has swallowed some poison/medicine/tablets
I’m a t . The telephone number i s .
Regional accents
Language practice
I don’t recognise your accent. What part of Britain are you
from?
I’m not familiar with that word/phrase/expression. I’m sorry, could you
repeat that?
I didn’t catch what you said.
I’m afraid I still don’t understand. Could you explain to me?
I’m really interested in what you’re telling me, but I’m having difficulty with
your accent.
Could you speak a little more slowly?
I’ve never heard that word/phrase/expression before. What does it mean?
Having difficulty with...unable to understand or make sense o f
I’m having difficulty with your accent.
I’m having difficulty with literacy, (reading, writing)
I ta ke it I understand, I see, I assume
I take it you’re Scottish.
Note. Sometimes used ironically or to express mild sarcasm.
I take it you’re coming with us. (used when someone appears to have invited themselves)
