UNIT 1
(extra material – cont’d)
PART I: EXPRESSIONS FOR SPEAKING
1.1. Opening Phase
Study the following pieces of conversation,
1.1.1. Are they in the opening phase or in the closing phase?
1.1.2. Fill in the blanks with your own words.
a. Alex White, a new employee, meets Chris Grey.
Alex White: I’d just like to introduce myself. My name’s Alex White and I’m the new
export sales co-ordinator.
Chris Grey: Oh, yes. I’ve heard of you. How ______________.
I’m Chris Grey. _____________________ you.
b. Liz Jones, a colleague from Canada, is visiting the office in London.
Tony Harris: Ms Smith, I’d _________________ Ms Jones. Ms Jones is from our sales
office in Toronto.
Liz Jones: Hi!
Claire Smith: _______________, Ms Jones. I’ve been __________ meeting you.
Liz Jones: Oh, please ___________ Liz.
Claire Smith: And I’m Claire.
Liz Jones: Hi.
Claire Smith: Well, Liz, did you _______________?
Liz Jones: Yeah, not too bad …
1.1.3. Listen and check your answers.
1.1.4. Work with your partner and think about some possible questions and answers for the
Opening Phase.
1.2. Closing Phase
1.2.1. The following standard expressions are used in the closing phases of business conversations.
1. Saying goodbye
Goodbye
Good night
2. Thanking and responding to thanks
Thanks . You’re welcome.
Thank you. Don’t mention it.
Thank you for everything/coming/the invitation. It’s a pleasure.
3. Commenting the event
It’s been very interesting/ a pleasure.
It was nice to meet you/ see you again.
It was nice to speak to you.
4. Referring to the future journey
Have a good/safe trip/ journey.
Drive carefully.
5. Referring to the future contact
See you. See you soon/ next year/ tomorrow.
Speak to you soon. I’ll be in touch.
You must come again. (host) You must come next time.
1.2.2. Listen and note down what the speakers say in the first column, then discuss with your partner
and note down what to reply.
What you hear What to reply
1 Thanks for coming=> Thanks for the invitation
2 Good night! See you tomorrow=> Sleep well
3 I hope to see you next week=> I hope so too
4 Thanks for everything=>It was a pleasure
5 Have a safe trip=> Thanks
6 See you on Monday=> Yes, have a nice weekend.
7 It has been a good evening=> Thank you, It was nice to see you again
8 This is on me=> thank you
1.2.3. Listen and check your answers.
PART II: EXPRESSIONS FOR WRITING
The following table shows the implications and what should be actually written. However, the
expressions have been mixed up. You are required to consider and put them back into the table.
a. I would appreciate it if you could …….
b. I am delighted to tell you that ……
c. If you have any further question, ……….
d. We are writing to advise you of/ to enquire about / to apologize for / to confirm ….
e. Thank for your letter of January 23.
f. Please find enclosed ………
g. You will be pleased to hear that ………
h. We regret to inform you that …….
i. Please …….
j. I would be delighted to …..
k. If you wish, we would be happy to …….
l. I am afraid that ……..
m. Would you like us to …….
n. I am sorry about the delay in replying.
o. I look forward to/ Looking forward to hearing from you soon/ meeting you next week/ receiving
your comments in due course/ seeing you on …….
p. I would like to apologize for …..
q. Unfortunately, …
r. We are sorry for any inconvenience caused.
s. I am enclosing …..
t. We would be grateful if you could ….
u. Please contact us again if we can help in any way / there are any problems/ you have any
questions.
v. With reference to/ Further to our telephone conversation today/ your fax of June 5 th, …
x. Could you possibly …..
y. Thank you for your help.
Situations What to write
1 Reason for writing
2 Stating a reference
3 Giving good news
4 Giving bad news
5 Making a request
6 Agreeing to request
7 Offering help
8 Apologizing
9 Enclosing documents
10 Closing remark
11 Referring to future contact
PART III: PRODUCTION
3.1. Identify the parts of the following letter, and then fill in the gaps with your own words.
Dear Mr Cochet,
(1) ________________________________ your phone call today, (2) __________________
for not sending you our price list.
(3) __________________________________ it is still at the printers.
However, (4) _____________________ a copy of the old list with the new prices penciled in.
(5) ________________________________.
