Final Revision for Level 1 - 2011

The Right Way to Receive Phone Calls

Now, when you're receiving phone calls, there's a couple of things that you must do.

First of all, you want to answer that phone promptly.

Ring one, ring two, ring three; "Hello, this is Tracy."

By three rings, you should pick up that phone...

...and what you also want to do is you want to have a smile in your voice.

See, I can't see your face,...

...so I want to say, "Hey, this is Tracy. Hello."...

...alright? Or however you answer the phone...

...because a smile in your voice will present you as positive and helpful,...

...and what you want to do immediately is find out who you're calling and how you can help them.

Those are just essential things that you have to do when you answer the phone,...

...you know. Go back and think about tone and all of those things.

You don't want to answer your phone after it's been ringing seven times,...

..."This is Tracy."

Okay, what's my customer going to think?

My caller's going to be afraid, very afraid.

So be positive, be professional, give a smile to that hello.

Walking in the UK

In any new country, the roads can be dangerous for pedestrians … so …

Even for those not driving it is important to be aware that traffic may be approaching from unexpected directions.

Although, apart from motorways, it’s not illegal to cross the road at any point it is advisable to use crossings, some of them controlled by traffic lights, whenever you can.You may cross the road when the green man is showing but, if the light is flashing, don’t start to cross.

There are crossing points known as Zebra crossings which have black and white road markings and orange flashing beacons at each side of the road. Drivers should give way to pedestrians on the crossing, but you should be careful as there are no red traffic lights instructing drivers to stop.

Don’t forget, pedestrians are not allowed to walk along or cross any motorway at any time.

Language in the UK

The most widely spoken language in the UK today is English. Newcomers and visitors to the UK may still have problems with regional dialects and accents.

The predominant spoken language is English, but in parts of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland their native language is still spoken.

What newcomers to the UK might find confusing are the numbers of different regional accents and dialects which can on occasions be difficult to understand, even for native English speakers!

It is possible in the early days of your stay in the UK, that you’ll need some assistance in interpreting or translating English into your preferred language. Interpretation services are often available locally and details of where and how to access them are normally available from your local authority or Citizens Advice Bureau.

How to pay a compliment - Como halagar o hacer un cumplido

Man: Good morning!

Woman: Morning!

Man: By the way, I just wanted to say well done on clinching that deal!

Woman: Oh, thanks. It wasn’t too difficult.

Man: You’re being modest! You did really well.

Woman: Thank you.

Man: You’re a great manager, you know.

Woman: Do you think so?

Man: Oh yeah.

Woman: I appreciate that.

(pause)

Man: Have you cut your hair?

Woman: Oh yes, I did actually. Thanks for noticing!

Man: Where did you get it done?

Woman: Oh, just that place on the high street.

Man: They did a great job and it looks great with the outfit.

Woman: Do you think so?

Man: Oh yeah. Very … fashionable.

Woman: Oh, it’s just an old thing.

Man: Well, you’ve got a great sense of style.

Woman: Thank you, you too.

Man: Thank you.

(pause)

Man: Nice perfume, too. Is that Dream?

Woman: Well, yes it is, actually.

Man: You wear it well.

Woman: I’m flattered.

Man: My pleasure.

Woman: Listen, do you want something?

Man: No. I’m just being polite, you know.

Woman: Hmmm.

Leisure Activities

Leisure Activities

Most of Britain’s population enjoys sport and leisure activities in one way or another, and whether as a participant or a spectator there are a whole host of activities to enjoy.

In recent years the encouragement toward a more healthy lifestyle has led to more people taking up physical activity, whether to get fit or to keep fit. These activities can be found indoors at leisure, sporting and recreation centres and outdoors, at the many free publicly available playing fields and also at clubs and associations which are open to members or paying visitors. In any event there are plenty to choose from whatever your level of physical fitness.

As with most countries many of the leisure activities in the UK are much more sedate. Whether as an individual or a team, a child, adult or family, most towns and cities have something for everyone.

How to ask someone to repeat something

Try out the various ways in asking people to repeat what they said.

Man: (Mumbling “Have you seen a green pen anywhere?”)

Woman: I’m sorry, I didn’t quite catch that.

Man: (Mumbling)

Woman: Could you say that again?

Man: (Mumbling “Green pen, see it anywhere?”)

Woman: I’m sorry…er I still didn’t get that.

Man: (Trying very hard but still mumbling)

Woman: Could you say that again?

Man: (slightly frustrated and mumbling again)

Woman: One more time?

Man: (Mumbling)

Woman: No. Sorry. Nothing.

Man: (Mumbling)

Woman: Look! I can’t hear a word you’re saying.

Man: I said “Have you seen a green…pen”…oh, there it is!

Difference between the UK and Great Britain

Do you find it difficult to understand the difference

between the UK and Great Britain?

Man: So where are you from?

Woman: Scotland. Are you Scottish too?

Man: Well no, I’m English actually, but… you know… it’s all like the same thing, isn’t it?

Woman: Not exactly.

Man: Go on! Isn’t Scotland just like well, a bit of England?

Woman: No, it is not!

Man: Sorry, Britain I mean.

Woman: “Britain” is not “England”!

Man: Well yeah… I know that, I’m not stupid or anything… but Britain’s like, England, Scotland and Wales, isn’t it?

Woman: Not exactly.

Man: Yeah, it is; the UK, the United Kingdom.

Woman: The United Kingdom is “Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland”.

Man: Oh I see, but we’re all like the same nation, aren’t we?

Woman: Not really. Four nations, one state.

Man: Oh, I get it! So the UK (is) like the same as Great Britain...

Woman: Great Britain is a geographical term – it’s a big island with Scotland, England, and Wales on it.

Man: All right, but we all have the same prime minister, don’t we?

Woman: Yes, and the same head of state.

Man: The Queen!

Woman: Exactly.

Man: And the same government?

Woman: Well, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own local parliaments.

Man: Oh. I see.

Woman: It’s complicated.

Man: Yeah, I can see that.

Currency in the UK - La moneda en el Reino Unido

Although the UK is in the European Union, it has taken the decision at the moment not to adopt the Euro as its currency. Instead it retains pound sterling.

A pound consists of 100 pence. The word ‘pence’ being very often shortened to the letter ‘p’ in both the written and in conversational form.

The following coins are in regular circulation:

• 1p
• 2p
• 5p
• 10p
• 20p
• 50p
• £1
• £2

The following notes are also used:

• £5
• £10
• £20
• £50

These notes are usually issued in the name of the Bank of England and the notes and coins are accepted throughout the UK. You may occasionally find some bank notes bearing the names of Banks in Scotland or Northern Ireland, like the Scottish notes shown here. These are still legal tender throughout the UK but some traders, because they are not familiar with them, may be reluctant to accept them outside of the country in which they were issued. If you do have any difficulties though, any Bank will replace them without charge.

In, On or At?

In, On or At?

Click the answer button to see the answer.

1. I live ___ an apartment building.
   a. in
   b. on
   c. at
   Answera

2. My apartment building is ___ the corner.
   a. in
   b. on
   c. at
   Answerb

3. My apartment is ___ the fifth floor.
   a. in
   b. on
   c. at
   Answerb

4. My friend lives ___ 27 Strong Street.
   a. in
   b. on
   c. at
   Answerc

5. He lives ___ apartment 501.
   a. in
   b. on
   c. at
   Answera

6. It's ___ San Francisco.
   a. in
   b. on
   c. at
   Answera

7. I live ___ the top floor.
   a. in
   b. on
   c. at
   Answerb

8. It's the fifth door ___ your left.
   a. in
   b. on
   c. at
   Answerb

9. That apartment was ___ the basement.
   a. in
   b. on
   c. at
   Answera

10. I used to live ___ 12 Harrison Street.
    a. in
    b. on
    c. at
    Answerc

Getting Acquainted Dialogue

Complete the dialog.
Click the answer buttons to see the correct answers.

A: Hello! My ___ is Nancy Brown. What ___ your name?
Answername Answer's / is
B: Hi. I ___ Karla Lopes.
Answer 'm / am
A: ___ you new here?
Answer Are
B: Yes, this is ___ first trip ___ the States. I arrived two days ___.
Answermy Answerto Answerago
A: And why ___ you come to the States?
Answer did
B: I ___ to the States ___ an exchange student.
Answercame Answeras
I plan ___ improve my English. I'll ___ living ___ the Perrys ___ six months.
Answerto Answerbe Answerwith Answerfor
A: That's great! I hope ___ enjoy your stay here.
Answer you
B: Thanks.

Opposites

Click the answer button to see the correct answer.

1. Hair can be long or ___
   Answershort

2. People can be short or ___
   Answertall

3. Problems can be big or ___
   Answersmall

4. Food can be expensive or ___
   Answercheap

5. Legs can be fat or ___
   Answerthin

6. A car can be new or ___
   Answerold

7. A train can be fast or ___
   Answerslow

8. A face can be beautiful or ___
   Answerugly

9. Elevators go up or ___
   Answerdown

10. Streets can be narrow or ___
    Answerwide

Opposites - Adjectives

Match the words on the left with their opposites on the right.
Write your choices in the boxes on the left. Click on the answer button to see if your answers are correct!

1. boring 2. light 3. little 4. loud 5. new 6. poor 7. sad 8. short 9. ugly 10. white

a. beautiful b. big c. black d. happy e. heavy f. interesting g. old h. quiet i. rich j. tall

Answers 1-f 2-e 3-b 4-h 5-g 6-i 7-d 8-j 9-a 10-c

Common Words

Click on each box to enter letters in the crossword puzzle, then press the Check Answers button.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Across

1. This ___ a book.
3. I ___ a student.
4. He forgot ___ book.
6. obtain
8. I want ___ apple.
9. ___ is my book.

Down

2. ___ is a nice girl.
3. He is ___ tall ___ I am.
5. ___ is hot today.
6. past of get
7. He is ___ the room.
8. He is ___ school.

ANSWERS HERE

Countries Where English Is Spoken

Click on each box to enter letters in the crossword puzzle, then press the Check Answers button.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Across

1. European country whose capital is London.
5. African country whose capital is Nairobi.
7. Nation which is also a continent.

Down

2. Mr Clinton's country.
3. See 6 down.
4. Where both English and French are spoken.
6. (with 3 down) Mr Mandela's country.

ANSWERS HERE

Nationalities

Click the answer button to see the correct answer.

1. Tom is from Berlin. His nationality is ___.
   a. Germany
   b. German
   c. Dutch
   Answerb

2. Anna is from Leningrad. Her nationality is ___.
   a. France
   b. French
   c. Russian
   Answerc

3. David is from New York. His nationality is ___.
   a. Mexican
   b. American
   c. Canadian
   Answerb

4. Sarah is from London. Her nationality is ___.
   a. British
   b. Irish
   c. Scottish
   Answera

5. Nicole is from Paris. Her nationality is ___.
   a. France
   b. French
   c. English
   Answerb

6. Carlos is from Madrid. His nationality is ___.
   a. French
   b. Italian
   c. Spanish
   Answerc

7. Donald is from Geneva. His nationality is ___.
   a. Switzerland
   b. Austrian
   c. Swiss
   Answerc

8. Bruce is from Sydney. His nationality is ___.
   a. British
   b. Australian
   c. Austrian
   Answerb

9. Keiko is from Tokyo. Her nationality is ___.
   a. Chinese
   b. Korean
   c. Japanese
   Answerc

10. Dewa is from Jakarta. His nationality is ___.
    a. Japanese
    b. Indonesian
    c. Indian
    Answerb

Family Ties

Family Ties

Click the answer button to see the correct answer.

1. Your father's sister is your ___
   Answeraunt

2. Your sister's husband is your ___
   Answerbrother in law

3. Your mother's mother is your ___
   Answergrandmother

4. Your sister's daughter is your ___
   Answerniece

5. Your son's son is your ___
   Answergrandson

6. Your sister's brother is your ___
   Answerbrother

7. Your mother's brother is your ___
   Answeruncle

8. Your uncle's son is your ___
   Answercousin

9. Your brother's son is your ___
   Answernephew

10. Your mother's father is your ___
    Answergrandfather