Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Time Together matches local people with refugees in one-to-one mentoring relationships. Time Together mentors spend around five hours per month with their mentee, supporting and encouraging them as they seek to achieve their goals in education, employment and integration. Mentoring is one of the most effective ways of overcoming the difficulties and barriers faced by refugees in the UK. www.timetogether.org.uk
The Basics
8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 49 BASIC PHRASES PERSONAL INFORMATION NUMBERS TIME/DAYS VERBS I DATE/SEASONS FAMILY APPEARANCE COLOURS/SHAPES FOOD CLOTHES/SHOPPING HOME/ROOMS TRANSPORT PLACES BASIC ADJECTIVES WEATHER FREE TIME VERBS II JOBS STUDY MOVING ON
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BASIC PHRASES
Vocabulary
Hello Great!
Morning
Hi
Brilliant!
Thanks
Bye
Excuse me
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Sorry
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Vocabulary
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people like the Queen or David Beckham. I dont know, is an acceptable answer in this game, but if its difficult then give extra clues.
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NUMBERS
Vocabulary
20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
mentee is interested, bring along some card to a meeting and make them together.
TIME/DAYS
Vocabulary
minutes
quarter past two
ur ho
s
half past two
two oclock
quarter to three
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
yesterday / tomorrow
yesterday
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today
tomorrow
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VERBS I
Vocabulary
wake up
get up
have breakfast
have lunch
go to work
go home
go to bed
cry
forget
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think
remember
DATE/SEASONS
Vocabulary
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FaMiLY
Vocabulary
ra
her fat d n
m
dad
gra
nd
ot
he
um
so n
dads br
he r ot
n so
wife
er sist s
husband
mu
mu m
ug
ht
er
sister brother
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ne p h e w
un t
ie
dad
unc le
daughter
a
gr
an
son
ce
dd
could draw your family tree when talking about the people in it. Do remember that family may be a sensitive subject for your mentee, so its best not to ask them too many direct questions about this.
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APPEARANCE
Vocabulary
a head
a mouth
a face
a nose
red hair
brown hair
ears
eyes
an arm
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a leg
a foot
a hand
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cOLOURs/ shaPes
Vocabulary
green red blue a circle
orange
yellow
brown
an oval
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Grass is green. Some apples are green. _____________ is red. ___________________ are red.
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FOOD
Vocabulary
some rice
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some bread
a hamburger
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CLOTHES/ SHOPPING
Vocabulary
a shirt a dress
some jeans
a blouse
a skirt
a T-shirt
a jumper
one p
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one pound
some cash
a credit card
writing. Then, cut the words out and shuffle them, and ask your mentee to find individual words. More confident mentees can write the words themselves before checking with what youve written.
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HOME/ROOMS
Vocabulary
a house a flat a kitchen a living room
a bed
a sink
30
a sofa
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TRANSPORT
Vocabulary
I walk
I run
a bike I cycle
a car a lorry
a bus stop
a bus a plane
a station
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a train
a taxi
all the words he/she knows. This technique helps learners scan for information, an important first stage in learning how to approach a difficult piece of writing in the real world.
PLACES
Vocabulary
a supermarket a newsagent
next to a caf
between the newsagents and the supermarket up a bank a library left right
a police station
BASIC ADJECTIVES
Vocabulary
big
small
tall
short
slow
fast
light
heavy
thin
thick
hard
soft
full
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empty
near
far
A popular way to learn spelling is using the Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check technique. Look at a word you wish to learn. Say the word. Cover the word (and try to see the word in your mind). Write the word again, keeping the original covered.
Uncover the word, and check that you are correct. With the adjectives from this topic, practise saying words with your mentee saying the opposite. If you want to make things more even, ask your mentee to teach you some of the words in his/her language and take a turn yourself.
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WEATHER
Vocabulary
Its cloudy. Its sunny.
Its raining
Its snowing
Its wet
Its warm
Its foggy
Its cool
Its cold
lightning
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thunder
an umbrella
some sunglasses
FREE TIME
Vocabulary
see a film play table tennis go to the cinema play cricket go swimming
play football
play tennis
go to the park
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VERBS II
Vocabulary
ask
pull
push
answer
throw
catch
eat drink
sing shout
cough sneeze
dance jump
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sit stand
JOBS
Vocabulary
a nurse
a journalist
a police officer
a dentist a baker a receptionist an accountant a solicitor a secretary a designer a programmer an office worker
an office a farmer
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a teacher
a boss
your mentee for him/her to guess. Ask your mentee to do the same.
STUDY
Vocabulary
university
English
French
physics business
politics biology
medicine
chemistry history
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law
economics
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Moving On
54 58 62 66 70 74 78 82 86 90 94 98 102 106 110 114 118 122 126 130 GETTING AROUND WEATHER ENROLLING FOR AN ENGLISH COURSE COMPUTERS AND THE INTERNET SHOPPING WHATS ON? CITIZENSHIP SPECIAL DAYS AT THE DOCTORS FAMILY GETTING ADVICE AND GUIDANCE AT HOME IN THE LIBRARY FIT AND HEALTHY RIGHTS HOW DO YOU FEEL? MONEY SLANG/INFORMAL LANGUAGE FIRST STEPS TO FINDING A JOB NEWS AND POLITICS
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About Moving On
The second part of the handbook is aimed at mentees who are more confident with English, and who find the first part too easy. Some people will find this part of the handbook quite tough, while others may find it still not difficult enough, so there has been some attempt to meet all needs and abilities by including a range of vocabulary and discussion questions. There is also some progression from easier topics at the start of the section to more difficult ones at the end. Having said this, there is no need to go through the topics in order.
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Dialogue
Its suggested that you read the dialogue together with your mentee first of all. The aim of the dialogues is to present some vocabulary and phrases within the context of a topic. You can use them to look at particular language points (like spelling, vocabulary or pronunciation) or simply as an introduction to the topic. You could also try to improvise your own conversations in similar situations.
Vocabulary Box
This will clarify some of the points in the dialogue, as well as providing more words connected to the same topic. Encourage your mentee to use some of these words when discussing the questions in the What do you think? section.
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Reading
This short text can be used in a number of ways: Ask your mentee to read it at home for homework. Ask your mentee to read it quickly before moving on to the discussion questions. Read it aloud to your mentee (lower-level learners can follow the text in their books while higher-level learners may benefit from just listening without reading). Read it together and use the content as a discussion point. Your mentee may want to ask you about the cultural references in the text. If it is difficult, briefly summarise or explain the text before moving on to the discussion questions. It may be too difficult for some lower-level learners, and if so it can be left out.
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53
GETTING AROUND
Dialogue
Sarah: Man: Excuse me. Could you tell me the way to Victoria Park? Sorry.
Excuse me. Im looking for Victoria Park. Victoria Park. Oh, Im not sure. I think you have to go out to the main road and get a bus. The main road? I think so.
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Sarah:
Hello. Can you tell me how I can get to Victoria Park? Thats a long way away. Youll have to get a bus. Look, theres a bus-stop over there. Come with me. Thanks a lot. No problem. OK, you cant get a direct bus from here, but if you get a 43, then get off at Northwood Shopping Centre youre nearly there. Thanks.
Sarah: Man 2:
Sarah:
Excuse me. Is Victoria Park near here? Yes, you just follow the road here, Maple Road, until you see The Lamb. Turn left, and keep going to Kings Street I think its the second right then turn into Kings Street and keep walking. You cant miss it. Thanks.
Im sorry, Im a bit lost. Im trying to find Victoria Park, and I think its very close. Yes, youre almost there. Do you see that sign at the end of the road? The green one? Thats right. Just follow the arrow and youll be there in a couple of minutes. Thank you. Not at all.
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Vocabulary Box
Its on the left somewhere. Its between Boots and Tesco. Its just past the book shop. Just keep going until you get to the traffic lights. I want to get to the bank before it closes. When you get to the end of the road, its right in front of you. You cant miss it. Do you see the zebra crossing? If you cross there youll be right outside the shoe shop. Turn left at the roundabout. There arent any direct buses to where I live, so I have to walk home from the bus stop. What time do the buses stop running? A cheap day return to Birmingham New Street, please.
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Reading
Some people say that men never ask for directions, but Im always getting lost and asking people to help me. I dont have a very good memory for places, and I have to go to the same place several times before I can get there confidently. When Im with someone else I never bother to remember the way, unless I think the other person is as bad as me at directions. Then if my friend asks me to meet somewhere weve been before, I often have to admit I dont know how to get there. Its very embarrassing.
Weather
Dialogue
(in the office) Sunjay: Whats it like outside? Mary: Its nice. Not that cold. Sunjay: Did you need a jacket? Mary: Yes. I didnt need to do it up, though. Its good weather for February. Sunjay: But it was freezing this morning. Mary: It was a bit chilly. Sunjay: Anyway, I wanted to ask you about this email you sent me
(at the caf) Jack: Shall we sit outside? Sean: Did you bring your umbrella? Jack: Oh, its not really raining. Sean: Look at those black clouds. Its going to start tipping down any minute. Jack: Alright, alright. Well sit inside.
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Abdul:
I cant believe the summer weve had this year. It hasnt stopped raining.
The weathers so strange these days. Last summer it was absolutely baking. Id give anything for just one sunny day. Me too. So how are things going with work, then?
Emily:
Lovely weather, isnt it? I suppose so. Its really cleared up. It was so foggy when I stepped out the house this morning, I couldnt see the road almost. Do we have to talk about the weather?!
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Vocabulary Box
It was difficult to see anything because it was so foggy. I thought it was only raining, but then I heard hail hitting the window. It was quite chilly yesterday, but today its absolutely freezing. It was quite warm yesterday, but today its absolutely boiling. I wish Id taken an umbrella. At first it was just drizzling, but then it started tipping down. After it stopped raining, children were jumping in the puddles and splashing each other. I dont like it when its really windy, but theres nothing like a warm spring day with a gentle breeze. When we walked through the park in the morning, the grass was still white with frost. Tomorrow will be cloudy with scattered showers over Wales and the West of England. Global warming and climate change are affecting weather patterns.
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Reading
British people are famous for talking about the weather. This probably has something to do with the fact British weather is so changeable and unpredictable. However, this is not the only reason it is such a popular conversation topic. The weather is a safe topic to start conversations with strangers about, or to make small talk with work colleagues, and even with friends it sometimes keeps the conversation going. Its more about being social than exchanging important information.
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Receptionist: OK. Can I take some of your details first of all? Fatima: Sure. Receptionist: Whats your name? Fatima: My name is Fatima. []
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And can you tell me your postcode? Yes, its N12 0AX. OK, Im just looking for the nearest colleges and centres in your area. You could try going to Barnet College. Oh yes, I know Barnet College. Do they do ESOL courses? Yes, they do. OK. Thank you.
Receptionist 2: Hello, Barnet College. Fatima: Hello. Id like to sign up for an ESOL course. Im not sure what my level is. Receptionist 2: Thats OK. Well give you a level test. Theres also a short interview with one of the lecturers. Fatima: Is it difficult? Receptionist 2: No, its just to make sure youre in the right class. Would you like to make an appointment for the interview? Fatima: Yes, can I do that as soon as possible? Receptionist 2: How does next Tuesday sound? Fatima: That sounds good. I can do it at about 5:00. Receptionist 2: OK, Ill make a note of that. Next Tuesday at 5:00. Fatima: Thanks a lot. Receptionist 2: Youre welcome. Bye. Fatima: Bye.
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Vocabulary Box
ESOL stands for English for Speakers of Other Languages. A level test is a short test to measure the level of someones English, to decide which class they should join. He took down all my details: name, address, telephone number and so on. Whats your postcode? M5 3PS. Britain is divided into counties. You often write the name of a county on a letter between the town and the postcode. You have to fill in a form when you sign up for a course. What does signature mean? You have to sign your name. Press one to talk to someone about full-time courses. Press two to talk to someone about part-time courses. Im going to put you through to the person in charge. Hold on a moment while I connect you. As well as ESOL courses, a lot of colleges have literacy courses (teaching how to read and write) and numeracy courses (teaching simple maths).
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Reading
The first place to look for ESOL courses is learndirect, an organisation which provides information about all kinds of adult learning. You can either look at their website, www.learndirect.co.uk, or call them directly at 0800 100 900. If either you or your mentor contacts them, they will let you know the nearest college with ESOL courses. There are hundreds of centres across the UK, so you should be able to find somewhere you can enrol for a course.
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Amy: Chloe:
So Im ready to start sending emails now, am I? Yes, just type in your name and your password to log in first.
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Amy: Chloe: Amy: Chloe: Amy: Chloe: Amy: Chloe: Amy: Chloe: Amy: Chloe: Amy: Chloe: Amy: Chloe:
OK. This must be my inbox. Thats right. Youll probably get a lot of spam. I mean youll probably get a lot of junk mail, so be careful. If I open the wrong email I suppose my computer will get a virus. Its possible. If it gets a virus then it wont work as well as before. OK, Chloe, Ill be careful. Do you have anyone you want to write an email to? Yes, I wrote my friends address down in my notebook. When you finish the email, just click Send at the top of the page. You can type your email now. Thank you Chloe. I do know how to type. Sorry. Can you show me how to download some music later? OK. I think Ill surf the web first though. Do you like your new computer? Yes, I do. Thanks for all your help. Youve been very sweet. Thats OK. Dont worry about it.
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Vocabulary Box
I need to check some information on the internet. Are there any internet cafs near here? Its more convenient to shop online, but I prefer to see something before I buy it. I downloaded some new anti-virus software, so I hope my computer is better protected now. Google is the most famous search engine for finding websites on the internet. Desktop computers are cheaper, but I have a laptop because I need to carry it around. Its so annoying when I think I have a new message, but its just a spam mail. The space bar doesnt work properly. I need to get a new keyboard. I dont believe it! My hard drive is full. Ill have to delete something. I found the companys phone number on their homepage.
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Reading
If Tim Berners-Lee hadnt been born, the world might be very different, because he was the man who invented the World Wide Web. The first website was built in August 1991, but it took some time for the web to grow. Another special thing about Berners-Lee is that he made his idea for the web available freely, without asking for any royalty payments from users (which could have made him very rich!). In 2004 he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II.
Shopping
Dialogue
Ali: Assistant: Excuse me. Im looking for some trousers. Menswears on the first floor.
Ali: Excuse me. Could I try these on, please? Assistant 2: Yes. The changing rooms are over there. [] Assistant 2: Were they OK? Ali: They were a bit small. Ill go and get a bigger size.
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Assistant 3: Can I help you? Ali: Yes. I was hoping to get some black trousers, but you dont seem to have any in my size. You just have the grey ones or the blue ones. Assistant 3: I can check if we have any black ones in the back if you like. What size are you? Ali: 40 waist and 31 leg. Assistant 3: OK, Ill go and have a look. [] Assistant 3: Im sorry. We dont have any in the back. Ali: OK, I suppose Ill get the blue ones. Can I bring them back if I decide I dont like them? Assistant 3: If you keep the receipt, you can bring them back within 90 days and get a refund or exchange them. Provided theyre in a saleable condition, of course. Ali: Thank you. Yes, Ill take them. Can I pay by card? Assistant 3: Yes, just put your card in the reader. Wait a moment. Now type your PIN number. Thank you. Do you have a clubcard? Ali: No, I dont. Assistant 3: Heres your change and your receipt. Ali: Thank you.
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Vocabulary Box
In the January sales you can buy a lot of cheap clothes. If you dont have a receipt you cant get your money back. If you want to exchange it, you have to go to the customer service desk. Have you got this in a smaller size? This camera has a two year warranty, so if it has a problem you can get it repaired. That dress really suits you. The colour goes with your hair. If you get a loyalty card you can get points and save money. Im going to buy some chocolate at the newsagents. Where can I buy some paper clips? Theres a stationers down the road. This basket is so heavy! I should have got a trolley. I was just window shopping. I didnt have enough money to buy anything. Im going to the shop. Do you want anything?
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Reading
In the 1950s, when I was a child, it was very difficult to find food from other countries in Britain. Even pasta was thought of as a foreign food. I remember I had my first curry when I was at university in 1969, and it seemed incredibly exotic. Since then, the variety of international food available in supermarkets has increased dramatically. You can buy all kinds of different things. Indian food is especially popular, and some people say that chicken tikka masala is now Britains national dish.
Whats on?
Dialogue
Amit: Priya: Priya: Amit: Priya: Amit: Priya: Amit: Priya: Amit: Priya: Amit: Priya: Amit: Priya: Amit: Priya: Amit: Priya:
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Can you pass the paper? I want to see whats on tonight. There you go. (gives newspaper to Amit) Anything good? I dont know. Theres an action film on ITV. You dont want to watch that, do you? Maybe. You know I hate action films. Whos in it anyway? Oh, no-one famous. What else is on? Theres some reality TV programme on BBC1. Whats it about? A group of people compete to become the UKs next top fashion designer. That sounds interesting. It sounds terrible. Then, theres that new American cop drama on Channel 4. Its meant to be really good. Who says its good? I cant remember. I read a preview somewhere. Whats on BBC2? Some comedies. A couple of sitcoms and a sketch show. Well, I dont mind what you watch, so long as I can watch Eastenders.
Amit:
Ill probably watch the film, but I dont really like watching films on ITV. Too many adverts. (Telephone noise Priya checks phone)
Its a text from Owen. I forgot we were going to meet him tonight. Oh yes. There wasnt much on anyway.
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Vocabulary Box
Whats on the telly tomorrow? Big Brother is one of the most popular reality TV programmes in the UK. I really like watching quiz shows and I try to answer the questions before the contestants. The photography in that new nature documentary is amazing! I dont like soaps because there are too many episodes, and if you miss one, you miss a lot of the story. Did you see that new sitcom yesterday? Its so funny! Have you seen that new Coca-Cola advert? That film has a really good plot. Theres a big twist at the end that really surprised me when I watched it. That film was meant to be good and it got a lot of good reviews, but I was really disappointed when I watched it. Wheres the remote? I want to see whats on the other channels.
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Reading
The 1970s show Fawlty Towers is one of the most popular British TV programmes of all time. It starred John Cleese, who was also in the famous sketch show, Monty Pythons Flying Circus, as Basil Fawlty, a rude and annoying hotel owner. There were only twelve programmes made, and in each episode Basil tries hard to succeed, but generally fails. He is a snob, and often insults his guests because he thinks he is better than them. However, he usually ends up looking ridiculous.
Citizenship
Dialogue
Masoud: Sunil: Masoud: Sunil: Masoud: Sunil: Masoud: Ive got my citizenship test tomorrow. Oh, really. Good luck! Im pretty nervous. If I pass itll help me to get leave to remain. Dont worry. Youll be fine. What kind of test is it anyway? What do you mean? Is it multiple choice, or do you have to write an essay? Its all on the computer. Some of the questions are multiple choice, but some of the multiple choice questions have one answer, and some of them have two answers. So you just have to choose the right answer? Or answers? Yes. And its all multiple choice?
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Masoud:
Sunil:
No. There are true or false questions too, and questions where there are two sentences, and you have to say which is correct. That doesnt sound too bad. Even if you guess, youve got a 50/50 chance of getting the right answer.
Masoud: Sunil: Masoud: Sunil: Masoud: Sunil: Masoud: Sunil: Masoud: Sunil: Masoud:
Hopefully I wont be guessing. How long is the test? Forty-five minutes for twenty-four questions. Thats quite a long time. Yes, but it wont help if I dont know the answers! And when do you find out the result? They tell you if youve passed or not at the end of the forty-five minutes. So youll find out tomorrow. Yes. Id better study some more this evening. Of course. Good luck again. Thanks.
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Vocabulary Box
If youre a full British citizen you can vote and get a passport. She was really happy when she passed the first test, but then she was unhappy when she failed the second test. I didnt know the answer, so I guessed. In a multiple choice test you have to choose the correct answer from usually three or four answers. In the Life in the UK test you have to choose one or two answers from four possibilities. The capital of the US is New York. True or false? False Correct! I want to book a test for next month. You can find out where your nearest test centre is at the Life in the UK website. Dont forget to take ID and the right documents when you go to the test centre. You also need to take something with your postcode written on it. I was revising all night before I took the test.
80
Reading
The Life in the UK test (also called the citizenship test) started in November 2005, at first for people who wanted to become full British citizens. Since April 2007 it has also become important for getting leave to remain. If you want to take the test, you have to buy the book, Life in the United Kingdom: A Journey to Citizenship, and learn the information in it. The official website is www.lifeintheuktest.gov.uk, (at the time of writing).
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Special Days
Dialogue
Tom: Millie: Tom: Millie: Tom: Its my birthday next Thursday. Really? How old are you going to be? 29. That doesnt sound too bad. Oh yes, I remember 29. Anyway, I was wondering what you were doing next Thursday. Some of us are going to go out for a meal, and a couple of drinks.
That sounds fun. Ryan and Sally are going to be there, and some of my friends from university. You havent met them. Yes, Id like to come.
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Tom:
Millie: Tom: Millie: Tom: Millie: Tom: Millie: Tom: Millie: Tom: Millie: Tom: Millie: Tom:
OK. Im going straight from work, but the restaurant isnt booked until 7:30, so you dont have to rush. Were going to a bar first. What kind of restaurant is it? Indian, with a good vegetarian menu too, if you dont eat meat. Thats OK. I eat everything. Great! Do you think youll meet us at the restaurant, or will you come to the bar? Im going to go home first, I think, so Ill meet you at the restaurant. Brilliant! Are you getting anything good for your birthday? Actually, I dont know what Im going to get. Everyone says they want to surprise me. That could be interesting. I know. Its just like being a kid again. Well anyway, happy birthday! Its not till next week. Ill see you next Thursday then. See you.
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Vocabulary Box
Christmas and Easter are Christian festivals, but they are also special days for many people who arent Christians. In the UK, the 26th December is called Boxing Day, and is also a holiday. I got a Valentines card, and I dont know who its from! What are you doing for New Years Eve this year? There are usually a lot of horror films on TV when its Halloween. I always go home and see my mum on Mothers Day. Im going to a wedding this weekend. I know the bride because we went to school together, but Ive only met the groom once. After they got married, they went on their honeymoon. Its my parents 25th anniversary soon, and theyre going to have a party. I dont have to go to work on Monday, because its a bank holiday. I was so proud watching my daughter at the graduation ceremony.
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Reading
Most festivals celebrated in the UK are famous internationally, but Bonfire Night on 5th November is not so famous. On Bonfire Night people watch fireworks (explosives that make different coloured lights in the sky), and build big fires called bonfires. The festival started as a celebration of the failure of a plan to kill the king on 5th November 1605, by blowing up the Houses of Parliament with gunpowder. However, most people dont think much about the politics today, and just enjoy the fireworks. Bonfire night is also sometimes called Guy Fawkes night as one of the men who wanted to kill the king was called Guy Fawkes.
At the Doctors
Dialogue
Receptionist: Hello, Woolton Doctors Surgery, how may I help you? Odimba: Id like to make an appointment to see Dr Sharma please. Receptionist: Is that for a particular problem, or just a check-up? Odimba: Its about these headaches Ive been having recently. Receptionist: OK. When would you like to have the appointment? Odimba: Well, the sooner the better. Would it be possible to come in tomorrow? Receptionist: Let me just check Dr Sharmas schedule for tomorrow. Theres only one slot available, at 9:30 am. Otherwise, youll have to come in the day after. Odimba: Tomorrow at 9:30 sounds fine. Receptionist: OK, Ill pencil you in for tomorrow morning, then. Odimba: Thank you. Goodbye
Please come in and sit down What seems to be the problem? Ive been having some awful headaches recently. And how long have you been having these headaches.
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Odimba:
Doctor:
Im not sure. For about two or three weeks I think. Theyve been getting worse and worse. Ive been finding it really difficult to sleep the last few nights. Can you describe the headaches? Is it a dull ache, or a sharp pain?
A sharp pain, just here on both sides of my head. Do you have any history of similar problems? Im sorry Have you had these kinds of headaches before? Ive had headaches before, but nothing like these last two or three weeks. I see. Are you taking any medicine? Just aspirin. OK, well, I dont think its serious but Id like to take a closer look
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Vocabulary Box
Do I have to make an appointment or can I just drop in? I went to the doctors yesterday. No, Im not ill; I went for a checkup. Whats the matter? You dont look well. My legs really ache today after doing all that running yesterday. I twisted my ankle, and its still really painful to walk on. A: Ive got toothache. B: You should go to the dentists. My doctor gave me the prescription yesterday, but I havent gone to the chemists to pick up the medicine yet. Im allergic to some seafood. If I eat shrimps I get really sick. Every spring I get really bad hay fever from all the pollen in the air. My son has asthma, so he has to carry an inhaler everywhere. I hate injections! I dont want someone sticking a needle in me. The National Health Service gives everybody in the UK free medical treatment, and is paid for by the government from tax money.
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Reading
Its difficult to get through the winter in Britain without catching a cold. Every year millions of people have sore throats and runny noses. Of course, a cold isnt usually very serious, but many sufferers go to the doctor, buy medicine, or take days off work or school. At present theres no recognised cure for the common cold. Different people tend to prefer to treat it in different ways. Doctors recommend drinking a lot of fluids (though generally not alcohol or caffeine) and resting.
Family
Dialogue
Caitlin: Joe: Caitlin: Joe: Caitlin: Joe: Caitlin: Joe: I went to see my nephew this weekend. Hes really cute. How old is he? Hes about eighteen months now. My brothers such a proud father. You dont have any kids yourself, do you? No, not yet. How about you? No. Were going to wait a while. My sisters got two girls in junior school though. I didnt know you had a sister. Oh yes. But she lives in France (her husbands French), so I havent seen her and her husband and my two nieces for quite a while. Then your brother-in-laws French, is he? Thats right. As I say, we havent seen each other for quite a while. Not since my cousin got married last summer. Oh, was it a big wedding? A big, traditional wedding, and the whole family was there. Its a shame we only meet up at weddings and funerals. I know what you mean, but it can be complicated sometimes too. Family arguments, you mean?
Caitlin: Joe:
Caitlin: Joe:
Caitlin: Joe:
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Caitlin:
Joe: Caitlin:
Exactly. My aunts divorced, but her ex-husband always comes along to family get-togethers. Their children, my cousins, always want him to come. And do they argue? My aunt and uncle? Yes, they often get into big arguments. I dont know what to say.
Joe: Caitlin:
Its nice to catch up with the family though. Find out what everyones been doing. Oh yes, definitely. Im looking forward to seeing my nephew again. Hes growing up so quickly.
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Vocabulary Box
My parents have lots of brothers and sisters, so I have lots of aunts and uncles. I havent got any children myself yet, but Ive got a nephew and a niece. Your cousins are your uncle or aunts children. My ex-wife remarried two years ago. I have just married a man who has a daughter from a previous relationship, so now I have a stepdaughter. All of the staff and their partners were invited to the party. Shes still a toddler, so she cant walk very well yet. My children are both teenagers now, and theyre starting to want a lot more independence. I went to visit my grandparents last week and they were very pleased to see me. How do you get on with your brother? We used to argue a lot when we were children, but now we get on well with each other. A wedding is a marriage ceremony, and a funeral is a ceremony for someone who has died.
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Reading
If you have refugee status, humanitarian protection or indefinite leave to remain in the UK, then your wife, husband, or partner, and children under 18 can apply to enter the country as part of Family Reunion. You can contact the Red Cross at familyreunion@ redcross.org.uk for information, and they can help to find family members if you dont know where they are. The Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) has information about finding immigration advisers.
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Thats good. That means that youre eligible for the allowance. Eligible? It means you can get the allowance. Are you looking for full-time work at the moment? Yes, I am. You should be able to get some money then. How much money can I get? Its difficult to say. When you go to the benefit office, theyll ask you a lot of questions about any other benefits you get, how much money you have in the bank, and some things about your personal situation. What kind of things? For example, who you live with, whether you have any children and so on. OK. But you think Ill be able to get some money. Oh yes. And if you need any more help later, please let us know.
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Vocabulary Box
Benefits are money from the government to help people who dont have a job, are sick, or dont have much money. Jobseekers Allowance is a form of benefit for people who are looking for a job. If you arent looking for a job, you may be able to get Income Support instead of Jobseekers Allowance. Everybody who works regularly pays money for National Insurance, and this money is given to people who dont have a job, or are sick, or who have retired. The rules for deciding who is eligible for benefits are often complicated and confusing. If someone is having problems with discrimination, based on, for example, their race, religion or sex, the Citizens Advice Bureau can give advice about what to do. The Citizens Advice Bureau can give you confidential advice, which means they wont tell anyone what you talk about. In advice columns in magazines and newspapers, someone gives advice to people who write to ask about their problems (usually personal problems).
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Reading
The Citizens Advice Bureau helps people today with all kinds of problems, including money, the law, housing and education. However, the service was first started on 4 September, 1939 (the day after Britain entered World War II) to help people with wartime problems. For example, the Bureau looked for missing soldiers or prisoners of war, or they helped families to stay in contact when children were moved from the cities to the countryside, where it was safer. After the war ended the Citizens Advice Bureau continued its work with peacetime problems.
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At Home
Dialogue
Natasha: Will: Natasha: Will: Natasha: Will: Natasha: Will: Whose turn is it to do the washing up? I did the cooking. You can do the washing up. Its just a few plates and a couple of pans. What are you going to do? Ill tidy the living room. Youre always tidying up. Its not that messy. And the carpet in the living room needs to be vacuumed. Wheres the vacuum cleaner? I think its in the cupboard.
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Natasha: Will: Natasha: Will: Natasha: Will: Natasha: Will: Natasha: Will: Natasha: Will: Natasha: Will: Natasha: Will: Natasha:
The kitchen floor looks pretty dirty too. Maybe I should give it a mop. Dont worry about it. OK. It can wait. This tap is still dripping. I can hear it at night. Plip, plip. You should fix it, if its bothering you. You know Im not a DIY expert. Maybe we should ask that neighbour whos a plumber. We dont know him well enough to do that. I suppose not. Do you think we should move the furniture in the living room? Why? I think the sofa would look better against the other wall. If you like. Will you help me move it later? OK, but I have to finish the washing up first. Right. Then Ill go and do the vacuuming. Do you want a drink when were finished. Theres some wine in the fridge. That sounds lovely.
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Vocabulary Box
I was busy this morning doing housework. After dinner there were a lot of dirty plates, and I had to do the washing up. Someone dropped some crisps on the carpet so I had to get out the vacuum cleaner. We bought some chairs and a table from the furniture shop. The room was so messy with toys everywhere, and I asked the children to tidy up. Can you help me make the bed? OK. Where are the sheets and pillow cases? Im going to put the rubbish out. Can you check if theres anything in the bathroom bin? He got a mop and a bucket of water, and started cleaning the floor. A plumber fixes things like pipes, taps, baths and toilets. My hobby is DIY (do-it-yourself ) and I spent last weekend painting the bedroom.
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Reading
If you have refugee status you can get housing benefits, money from the government to help you pay for somewhere to live. You should also be able to get help if you have any problems with your housing. The first people to talk to are the housing office at your local council. If they cant help you, Shelter is a big British organisation that gives free advice about bad housing and housing problems. Their homepage is www.shelter.org.uk, and they have a free housing advice helpline at 0808 800 4444.
In the Library
Dialogue
Majid: Librarian: Majid: Librarian: Majid: Librarian: Majid: Librarian: Majid: Librarian: Majid: Librarian: Hello. Id like to join the library. Of course. Im afraid youll have to fill in a form. Oh. Ive got it here somewhere. Here you are. Have you got a pen? Yes. Do I need to have proof of address? Yes, you do. Did you bring something with you? Ive got a letter with my name on. Thats fine. I dont have an email address now. Thats OK. Just leave it blank. My friend told me that I could use the computers here to write emails. Yes, you can book the computers for one hour when you have a library card. Are you OK with using emails? Im not sure. I can help you to set up an email account if you like. Thank you very much. Have you finished the form? Yes, Ive finished. Can I borrow books too? I want to study English. You can borrow up to ten books.
Majid: Librarian:
Thats a lot. How long can I borrow them for? You can borrow them for three weeks. Then you can renew them, so long as no-one else has reserved them. What about DVDs? You can borrow DVDs for a week, but Im afraid theyre not free. How much are they? New DVDs are 2 a week, and older ones are 1. Thanks. Could you help me set up an email account now please?
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Vocabulary Box
Can I borrow a book, please? Its due back on 10th February. Id like to reserve a book. Whats the title? Do you know the name of the author? I brought the book back late so I had to pay a fine. Thats a reference book, so you cant borrow it. Ive lost my library card. Id like to return this. And I havent finished this one, so Id like to renew it. Wheres the non-fiction section? Can I book a computer, please? How long can I use the computers for? Is there a photocopier here?
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Reading
JK Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, is one of the richest and most famous women in the world. The series has been translated into 65 languages, and the film adaptations have made billions of dollars worldwide. She has been praised for encouraging children to read, instead of watching TV or playing computer games. However, book critics dont agree how good the books are. Some say Harry Potter will become a classic, while others say he should be forgotten.
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Receptionist: No problem. Najat: 3.50, you said. Receptionist: Thats right. Najat: Do you have change for a twenty? Receptionist: Sure. Najat: There you go. And the changing rooms are this way? Receptionist: Just down the corridor. Najat: Are there lockers and everything?
Receptionist: There are lockers, and showers for after swimming. Najat: Oh, one more thing. Are you open on Sundays? Receptionist: Yes, were open from 10:00 to 5:30. Najat: OK. Thanks again.
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Vocabulary Box
I like to wear goggles, so I can see underwater. He dived into the water from the top diving board. There were three lanes for swimming in the pool: fast, medium and slow. I put my clothes in the locker, and took the key. There was a strong smell of chlorine from the swimming pool. Im so unfit! I even get out of breath when I climb the stairs. You have to regularly do exercise if you want to keep fit. I took off my shoes and put on some trainers before going for a run. He wasnt running quickly; he was just jogging. She was on the running machine in the gym for half an hour. Going to the gym is boring but I really like swimming. I know its bad for me, but I really like junk food. I couldnt live without burgers and chips. Ive decided! Im going to give up smoking.
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Reading
If you want to be healthy, you should eat a lot of fruit and vegetables. Everyone knows this today, but ships often didnt take fruit and vegetables on long sea voyages in the 18th century. Some of the sailors became ill because they didnt have enough Vitamin C. A British doctor suggested the use of lemon and limes in 1747, but it took around fifty years before the Navy used them. After they started using them, the British sailors were known as limeys, and Americans sometimes still call Brits limeys now.
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Rights
Dialogue
Ahmed: Saed: Ahmed: Saed: Ahmed: Saed: Do you know your rights? Rights? Do you know what you can do now that the government has recognised you as a refugee? I dont know. Well, now you have refugee status you can do almost everything that full UK citizens can do. I know I can use the national health service, and get a job. Im looking for a job now.
You can study too Can I? and you pay the same as other British students, which is a lot cheaper than what international students pay.
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Saed: Ahmed: Saed: Ahmed: Saed: Ahmed: Saed: Ahmed: Saed: Ahmed:
Id like to study one day, but I dont have enough money. Well, you can apply for loans and grants, the same as other British students too. Thats interesting. Maybe Ill try that. But what cant I do? You said almost everything. You cant vote, and you cant get a passport. I dont really want to travel anyway. I do! Ive got family in Spain I want to visit when I save up enough money. But you wont be able to visit them if you dont have a passport. No, you can get a convention travel document, and travel with that if youre a refugee. I didnt know that. Id like to vote one day too, but you have to live in the country at least five years before you can become a permanent citizen.
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Vocabulary Box
My grandfather was an immigrant, but he later became a British citizen. Learning English can help immigrants to integrate into British society. If youre not sure whether the government can help you, you should check your legal rights. Shes studying law because she wants to be a human rights lawyer one day. The UN says that a refugee is someone who was forced to leave their home country and is recognised (officially accepted) as a refugee by another country. This person is said to have refugee status. When people ask to be recognised as refugees, they are called asylum seekers. The UK Border Agency, which is part of the Home Office, is the part of the government that makes decisions about immigration. The convention travel document is named after a famous UN Refugee Convention in 1951. A convention is a kind of formal agreement.
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Reading
Immigration law often changes, so its important to know the latest information. For example, recently it has become more difficult to become a British citizen, as its now necessary to pass a Life in the UK test before getting citizenship. If you want some advice, there is a legal advice list of several organisations at the resources page of the Time Together website. One of the biggest organisations is the Immigration Advisory Service, with offices all over the UK.
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Hussein: Anjali: Hussein: Anjali: Hussein: Anjali: Hussein: Anjali: Hussein: Anjali:
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Hussein:
Of course I was really upset too, and my boss shouted at me, and that made me more upset.
Im surprised you made a mistake like that. I was confused because the two names were almost the same. Try to forget about it. It was so embarrassing!
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Vocabulary Box
Im bored. This film is really boring. He was nervous about meeting his girlfriends parents for the first time. She was really worried when her son got lost, and she was so relieved when they found him. I was proud of my son for winning the 100m at the school sports day. I was so embarrassed when I fell over in the middle of the street. What does this sentence mean? Im confused. I was really upset when they told me I hadnt got the job. I didnt expect anyone to meet me at the station, so I was surprised to see my friend there waiting for me. I hate having to wait, so I was annoyed that the train was late. Hes kind of shy, and isnt very good at talking to people, but shes more outgoing. I cant relax. Im too stressed about my exams.
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Reading
Its often said that British people are cold and reserved, and dont show their emotions very much. We look at the French, who kiss everyone they meet, and the Americans, who start telling total strangers everything about their lives, and we think, Thats just not British. Of course, these are just stereotypes, and theyre not really true. Maybe its true that British people are more difficult to get to know at first than people from other countries, but that doesnt mean were cold. Keep an open mind, and youll find we can be very friendly.
Money
Dialogue
Clerk: Muna: Clerk: Muna: Hello. Hello, I was wondering if I could apply for a credit card. Youll have to talk to one of our advisers over there. Over there? OK.
Adviser: Muna: Adviser: Muna: Adviser: Muna: Adviser: Muna: Adviser: Muna: Adviser:
Muna:
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Can I help? Yes, I was wondering if I could have a credit card. Have you got your banking details with you? Yes. Heres my book. OK Let me just bring it up on the computer. How does it look? Im sorry, but it doesnt look like youre eligible for a credit card at this stage. Oh. We can offer you a debit card though. A debit card? Whats the difference between a credit card and a debit card? If you have a credit card, you buy something now and then you pay at the end of the month. With a debit card, the money goes out of your account when you pay in the shop. So you pay immediately?
Thats right. Thats fine. When can I get it? Well send it to you through the post, and well send a PIN number too separately.
Why do I need a PIN number? You have to use it when you buy something. You can also use your card to get money from a cashpoint. OK. Thanks a lot.
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Vocabulary Box
I gave her a five-pound note, and she gave me five pound coins. You can pay by cash, or with a card. Both are OK. Oh no, I left my purse at home! Did you bring your wallet? Im trying not to spend too much, because Im saving up for a university course. I dont have any money. Is there a cashpoint near here? Remember to keep your PIN number secret. Dont tell anyone. When I looked at my bank statement I realised Id spent more than I wanted to this month. If you get a mortgage, this means you borrow money so that you can buy a house, and then pay it back over a long time. You can also use the formal word withdraw for taking money out from, or deposit for putting money into a bank account. If you have a job with a regular income, you have to pay income tax to the government.
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Reading
When twelve European countries stopped using their old money in 2002, and started using the euro, the UK continued using the pound (). Some British people see the pound as a symbol of national identity, while others worry that changing to the euro would hurt the British economy. Tony Blair said that the British people would be able to decide in a special vote (a referendum) whether to join the euro or not. However, Blair is no longer Prime Minister, and there was no referendum. There are still arguments about whether or not to join.
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Kieran: Sadia: Kieran: Sadia: Kieran: Sadia: Kieran: Sadia: Kieran: Sadia:
Sadia:
Kieran: Sadia:
might be something wrong with them. But someone at my work said he couldnt come in today, because he felt a bit dodgy. That cant mean he felt dangerous or illegal! Dodgy also means sick sometimes. It means that as well?
Kieran:
Thats right. It means lots of things. Dangerous, illegal or sick. I guess it means somethings not quite right. Somethings not quite right? Basically it means dodgy. Thanks a lot!?!
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Vocabulary Box
I was talking to this bloke in the pub, and he said he was a journalist. Alright, mate. Alright. Hows it going? Can I borrow your pen? Here you are. Cheers. This food looks a bit dodgy. I should have put it in the fridge. I was gutted when I failed my driving test. Ive been working all day, and Im really knackered. Youd better lock up your bike, or someone might nick it. The speech was going OK at first, but then I forgot what to say halfway through, and it all went pear-shaped. I skived my history class today, because I didnt want to go, but then my teacher saw me at lunchtime in the town centre. My friend said shed give me twenty quid if I sang a song in the middle of the library, but I got scared and I bottled it, so she didnt pay me. The other team were much better, and our win was really flukey.
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Reading
Here are a few examples of slang words used in different parts of Britain. 1) In London, Cockney rhyming slang uses words that rhyme, such as, for example, porky to mean lie (from the word pork pie which rhymes with lie). Shes always telling porkies. 2) In 2007 numpty, meaning a stupid person, was voted as Scotlands favourite word. Hes a bit of a numpty! 3) Mardy, meaning bad-tempered, is used in parts of northern England and was used in a song title by the Sheffield band, the Arctic Monkeys. Stop being so mardy, and cheer up!
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Sophia: Interviewer:
Thats right. Id like to get a job connected with finance if possible, but Im ready to do anything. What do you think your strengths are? Im good at organising myself and prioritising. Im a hard worker. Do you work well in a team? Yes, in my last job I regularly contacted people in other departments and passed information on to people in my own department. And why did you come to us to find a job? Your company has a good reputation, and you have a lot of finance positions. Do you have any questions for me? Do you think Ill be able to start work soon? Im sorry, I really cant say, but well keep you informed. Now, do you have time to do a typing test? It will help us to place you. Of course. Could you follow me.
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Vocabulary Box
John was angry so he shouted at his boss. John was sacked and now hes looking for a new job. A CV gives employers information about your previous jobs and education. I want to study and get some more qualifications. Im afraid were looking for someone with more experience. Youve only been doing this job since last summer. Have you applied for a new job yet? Journalists have to meet deadlines every day, so it can be a stressful job. Prioritising means putting things to do in order, so you do the most important things first. One of my duties in my previous job was dealing with complaints from customers. In my last job I was responsible for writing the annual report.
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Reading
With a job interview or an agency interview, its important to dress smartly and arrive a little early, so that you give a good impression. Its common to shake hands at the beginning of the interview, and you should smile, make eye contact and sound enthusiastic when talking to the interviewer. Practising an interview with your mentor will help you to do better in the real thing. However, even if youre not successful in getting a job, its a good idea to ask for feedback to help you prepare for the next interview.
But you went for Labour in the end? Thats right. I dont agree with all their policies, but I liked the candidate. I thought she seemed honest. Thats unusual for a politician. What about you? Who did you vote for? Actually, I didnt vote for anyone.
Mohamud: Adam:
Mohamud: Adam:
Adam:
Really? Why not? The main parties seem so similar to me. It wouldnt make much difference if there was a change in government. So youre not interested in politics, then. No, thats not quite true. There are lots of things I feel very strongly about. Im interested in the world, and I watch the news, but I dont feel like voting is the answer. What do you do then? Well, last summer I ran a half-marathon to raise money for an environmental charity. Oh, OK. I think its easier to make a difference on individual issues. My dad says that everyone has the right to vote, so everyone has the responsibility to vote. I dont agree with him 100% though. It depends whether theres a candidate worth voting for.
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Vocabulary Box
Did you vote in the last election? The two main parties in the UK are the Labour Party and the Conservative Party. The Prime Minister lives at 10 Downing Street. There are around 650 MPs, or Members of Parliament, in the UK. Parties with generally socialist policies are described as left wing, while parties with generally conservative policies are described as right wing. There was an interesting story on the news last night. I like to read the local paper to find out whats happening in my area. Theres a lot of crime in my neighbourhood. There was a murder last week. After the robbery, eyewitnesses described what they saw. Scientists today announced a major breakthrough in our understanding of the universe.
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Reading
There are a lot of newspapers in Britain. They are often divided into tabloid newspapers like The Sun, famous for its sensational stories and news about celebrities, and broadsheets like The Times, which focus on more serious news. You can get a good idea about someones political beliefs if you know the newspaper they choose to read. The Guardian and The Mirror are popular with left-wing readers, while The Telegraph and The Mail appeal to people on the right.
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TimeBank tackles social issues by finding ways for people to give their time that inspire them and match their lives. We know its a lot to ask people to give up their time and so we are committed to finding ways that suit how people live and that address the needs of the world we live in. We want to make sure that when anybody volunteers with us we give them an end to end experience of quality, support and satisfaction. It is in this way that individuals can collectively make a positive difference in their communities, where they live and work. www.timebank.org.uk
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