letter writing job interview
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Conf. Univ. Dr. Diana Ioniţă
Tehnici de comunicare scrisă şi orală în limba engleză
U1: Letter writing I
Unitatea de Învăţare Nr.1 LETTER WRITING I
CUPRINS
1. UNIT OBJECTIVES2. BACKGROUND INFORMATION
2.1. TYPES OF LETTERS2.2. LETTER STRUCTURE AND LAYOUT2.3. WRITING STYLES IN LETTERS
3. LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT
1. UNIT OBJECTIVES
By the end of this unit you will be able to understand the
differences between different types of letters: formal letters, informal
letters and semi-formal letters. You will also become familiar with
the specific structure and layout of letters, specific greeting and
closing phrases in order to use them in contexts of your own.
2. BACKGROUND INFORMATION
2.1. Types of letters
Look at the following table in order to see the differences
between types of letters in terms of purpose and format:
Type Purpose
Letters of giving or asking
for information
To let people know details about a specific matter.
Letters of invitation To invite people to attend a certain event.
Letters of accepting or
refusing an invitation
To accept or refuse an invitation.
Letters of application To outline your skills and expertise.Centrul de Învăţământ la Distanţă, Facultatea de Litere, Universitatea din Bucureşti
Conf. Univ. Dr. Diana Ioniţă
Tehnici de comunicare orală şi scrisă în limba engleză
U1: Letter writing I
Letters of inquiry To request assistance, information and goods.
Letters of complaint To ask that certain matters should be corrected.
Letters of adjustment Response to a complaint letter.
Letters of apology To mend a situation.
Letters expressing
congratulations
To congratulate people on special events.
Letters giving news To let people know about the latest news.
Letters of thanking,
expressing regrets, or
refusal, etc
To let people know your feelings regarding a
certain situation.
Letters of
acknowledgement
To let people know that you have received
something sent to you.
Letters of reference To recommend someone for employment or
academic research, studies.
Letters of resignation To let an employer know about your decision to
leave the present position and the reasons for
doing so.
stop and think
Exercise 1
Look at the following extracts and identify the type of letter they
belong to.
Centrul de Învăţământ la Distanţă, Facultatea de Litere, Universitatea din Bucureşti
Let’s have fun!
Q: ‘Which letter is always trying to find reasons?’A: ‘Y’(why?)
Conf. Univ. Dr. Diana Ioniţă
Tehnici de comunicare scrisă şi orală în limba engleză
U1: Letter writing I
1. I am afraid I can’t come to your party. I have to work long
hours. It’s a pity I can’t make it.
…………………………………………………………………………
2. I have met the man of my dreams and next week we are
getting married. I would be so happy if you could accept to be one
of the bride’s maids. I have already bought a pink dress for you.
Please, say yes.
…………………………………………………………………………
3. I am sorry I couldn’t write lately. I have been so busy
looking for a new house. Now, at last, here I am in my new flat. It is
gorgeous.
…………………………………………………………………………
4. I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Of course I will be there.
Thank you so much for the invitation. I am looking forward to seeing
you and your new girl-friend.
…………………………………………………………………………
5. I am quite plump, and I feel miserable. I am writing to you
to ask what you think I should do about it? It’s urgent!
…………………………………………………………………………
2.2. Letter structure and layout
Letters generally have the following structure:
Your address. It is included on the top right-hand corner.
The date. It is written under the address.
Greeting.
Centrul de Învăţământ la Distanţă, Facultatea de Litere, Universitatea din Bucureşti
Let’s have fun!
Q: ‘Why shouldn’t you put the letter M into the refrigerator?’A: ‘Because it turns ice into mice.’
Conf. Univ. Dr. Diana Ioniţă
Tehnici de comunicare orală şi scrisă în limba engleză
U1: Letter writing I
Paragraph 1: the introduction. It specifies the reason for
writing.
Paragraphs 2, 3, 4: the main body. They develop the topic.
Final paragraph: the conclusion. It includes the closing
phrases.
Your name.
Study the following example:
Address
The Intercontinental Hotel
22, Hope St.
Frankfurt
Date 12 March, 2005
Greeting Dear Mum,
Paragraph 1 Here I am in Frankfurt. The flight was pleasant and
the weather is great. Everything seems perfect.
Paragraph 2 The hotel room is so big and the view is fantastic. I
am staying with two other colleagues of mine. We
have already visited the town and the main
museums. Prices are quite convenient.
Paragraph 3 Yesterday we went to a jazz club. It was great fun.
Tomorrow we are going to do some shopping. I
can’t wait. I would like to find some handicrafts to
bring back home.
Final
paragraph
So, don’t worry . Everything is under control. Take
care of yourself.
Closing Looking forward to hearing from you,Centrul de Învăţământ la Distanţă, Facultatea de Litere, Universitatea din Bucureşti
Conf. Univ. Dr. Diana Ioniţă
Tehnici de comunicare scrisă şi orală în limba engleză
U1: Letter writing I
phrase
Love, JulieLove, Jul
stop and think
Exercise 2
Look at the following parts of a letter and arrange them
according to the above-stated example. Identify the type of letter:
1. Yours truthfully,
2. 15 September 2004
3. London
4. Dear Sirs / Madams,
5. I have worked in the sales’ department for three years, and I
have acquired robust expertise in this field.
6. I would like to apply for the post of sales manager advertised in
yesterday’s paper.
7. 3, Freedom Rd.
8. I have also worked as a free-lancer in the advertising unit of a
travel agency.
9. You can contact me at the above-mentioned address or at the
phone number: 324 55 22.
10. I look forward to hearing from you,
11. Robert Stevenson
LETTER:
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………………………………………………………………………………Centrul de Învăţământ la Distanţă, Facultatea de Litere, Universitatea din Bucureşti
Conf. Univ. Dr. Diana Ioniţă
Tehnici de comunicare orală şi scrisă în limba engleză
U1: Letter writing I
……………………………….
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2.3 Writing styles in letters
Although all three types of letters have the same format (see
subchapter 2 above), each style has its own features, as follows:
1. Formal style
Address: besides your own address, which is placed on top, on
the right-hand corner, followed by the date, you should also add the
recipient’s position, name and address on the left-hand side of the
page.
Specific greeting phrases: e.g. Dear Sirs / Madams, Dear Mr.
Brown, Dear Ms Chambers, etc.
Language: formal phrases (e.g. It is also an honour to hear from
people like you), formal linking words (e.g. Nevertheless) advanced
vocabulary (e.g. the funds allocated to us), no short forms.
Specific closing phrases: Yours truthfully, Yours faithfully (in
letters beginning with Dear Sir / Madam) or Yours sincerely (in
letters beginning with Dear Ms Chambers), followed by your full
name.Centrul de Învăţământ la Distanţă, Facultatea de Litere, Universitatea din Bucureşti
Conf. Univ. Dr. Diana Ioniţă
Tehnici de comunicare scrisă şi orală în limba engleză
U1: Letter writing I
2. Informal style
Your address on the top right-hand corner of the page, followed
by the date;
Informal greeting phrases, such as: Dear Dad, Dear Susan, My
dearest ones, etc.
Informal vocabulary: e.g. Must admit, I can’t wait, By the way, I’ll
make it up for you, etc.
Informal ending phrases: Love, best wishes, Yours, Take care –
followed by your first name.
3. Semi-formal style
These types of letters seem similar to both informal letters and
formal letters using a combination of the two styles as follows:
Address and date follow the informal style.
Greeting phrases follow the formal style (Dear Mr. Brown).
Semi-formal vocabulary using some formal phrases and some
informal phrases (N.B. never use colloquial phrases).
Ending phrases combining the two styles: e.g. Best wishes,
Regards, Yours sincerely – followed either by your first name or by
your full name
stop and think
Exercise 3
Study the following phrases and label them as formal or informal.
F I
1. I look forward to meeting you.
Centrul de Învăţământ la Distanţă, Facultatea de Litere, Universitatea din Bucureşti
Conf. Univ. Dr. Diana Ioniţă
Tehnici de comunicare orală şi scrisă în limba engleză
U1: Letter writing I
2. I’m looking forward to meeting you.
3. Thanks for sending me the postcard the other day.
4. Well, must admit it’s so nice of you….
5. Sorry, but I don’t think I’ll make it.
6. Please do not hesitate to ask for any further details…
7. How come you didn’t find the time to answer my
letter?
8. Many thanks for your prompt reply.
9. We wish to confirm your order No. 343 and inform
you that….
10.We note with surprise that ….
11. It is always a pleasure to hear from you….
12. I’ve been busy lately and that’s why I couldn’t write
back sooner.
3. LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT
drills Exercise 4
Match the following informal phrases to the purposes they are
used to express.
Phrases Purpose
1. Could you do me a favour? a. finishing a letter
2. Let’s…. b. making suggestions
3. Best wishes, c. giving news
Centrul de Învăţământ la Distanţă, Facultatea de Litere, Universitatea din Bucureşti
Proverb
Familiarity breeds contempt.
Conf. Univ. Dr. Diana Ioniţă
Tehnici de comunicare scrisă şi orală în limba engleză
U1: Letter writing I
4. I’m so happy to hear that… d. accepting an invitation
5. Did you know that Peter…. e. asking for a favour
6. Let me know when …. f. asking for a response
7. I wouldn’t miss it for the
world!
g. thanking the person for
writing
8. Thanks for your postcard… h. beginning a letter
9. Congratulations on passing
the driving test!
i. congratulating a friend on
passing his/her driving test
1 = ………; 2 = ………; 3 = ………; 4 = ………; 5 = ………; 6 = ……….; 7 = ………; 8 =
………; 9 = ………
Exercise 5
Fill in the missing words in order to complete the following
formal letter. Then check your answers.
Dear Sirs (1 ……….),
After having traveled throughout Africa (2 ………) business I would
like to (3 ………) my opinion (4 ………) the endangered animals as
(5 ………) as on the environmental preservation. Although these
animals are (6 ………) real danger, if action is (7 ………) soon
we could still save them.
Secondly, I could see that tourists visiting this (8 ………) could help
develop the country. We should persuade the hotel (9 ………) pay
more attention to the surrounding wildlife and thus save the natural
habitat.
All in all, we should try (10 ………) change (11 ………) their
mentality (12 ………) their behavior so that they have minimal
(13 ………) on the natural surroundings.
I would be most (14 ………) if you would reply as soon as possible
expressing your (15 ………) on this matter.
Centrul de Învăţământ la Distanţă, Facultatea de Litere, Universitatea din Bucureşti
Conf. Univ. Dr. Diana Ioniţă
Tehnici de comunicare orală şi scrisă în limba engleză
U1: Letter writing I
Yours (16 ………..),
Prof. Jeremy Stevenson
writing
Exercise 6
Choose the most appropriate phrases in order to complete each
of the gaps with the two letters(A and B) which follow.
Phrases:
1. thanks / Once again I’d like to thank you
2. your support / your kind assistance
3. my house-warming party / social event
4. thanks / owing to
5. first of all / firstly
6. ingenuous / smart
7. I wonder if you could / tell me if you can
8. I will raise this opportunity / That would be so good
9. Hope / I do hope
10. come round / pay us a visit
11. Yours sincerely / Yours
Letter A
Dear Sally,
(1 ………) for (2 ………) the other day with (3 ………) (4
………) to you, it was a smashing success.
(5 ………). Your(6 ………) ideas helped so much. I owe you one.
Now, (7 ………) come to my place next weekend and have a game
Centrul de Învăţământ la Distanţă, Facultatea de Litere, Universitatea din Bucureşti
Conf. Univ. Dr. Diana Ioniţă
Tehnici de comunicare scrisă şi orală în limba engleză
U1: Letter writing I
of tennis together. (8 …………) (9 ………) you will make it (10
………) as soon as you get here.
(11 ………),
Sam
Letter B
Dear Mr. Sullivan,
(1 ………) for (2 ………) with the preparations for the (3
………) celebrating Mr Brown’s retirement.
(4 ………) your kind contribution the event was a real success. (5
………) your (6 ………) ideas served as a good example to follow in
the future.
(7 ………) come more often in our town. (8 ………) to tell you that
(9 ………) you will be able to (10 ………) and meet my family too.
(11 ………),
Lewis Martin
drills
Exercise 7
Read the following phrases and identify the letter type and style
they are from.
a I am writing to say how sorry I am for mixing up the dates.
b I would be honored if you could attend our wedding.
c We do hope this request will receive your immediate
attention.
d Thank you very much for your kind assistance.Centrul de Învăţământ la Distanţă, Facultatea de Litere, Universitatea din Bucureşti
Proverb
No news is good news.
Conf. Univ. Dr. Diana Ioniţă
Tehnici de comunicare orală şi scrisă în limba engleză
U1: Letter writing I
e Have you heard about the latest row in our neighborhood?
f I am writing to inform you about the next board meeting.
g I would be grateful if you could send me further
information.
h I am writing to apply for the post of sales manager in your
company.………
a ………
b ………
c ………
d ………
e ………
f ………
g ………
writing
Exercise 8
Match the beginnings with the endings and identify the type of
letter each pair is from. Then check your answers.
Beginnings
1. I am sorry to say I can’t make it.
2. It would be my pleasure to give you some advice on that
matter.
3. I am writing to complain about a faulty hair-dryer that I
bought from you last week.
4. I am writing to request your advice on an urgent matter.
5. Do come round next time you are in town.
6. We regret to inform you that you have not been accepted
for the summer course.
Centrul de Învăţământ la Distanţă, Facultatea de Litere, Universitatea din Bucureşti
Conf. Univ. Dr. Diana Ioniţă
Tehnici de comunicare scrisă şi orală în limba engleză
U1: Letter writing I
Endings
a I am looking forward to meeting you again soon.
b Please, do not hesitate to contact us should you apply
again in the future.
c I do hope my advice is useful.
d I hope I will find some more time in the future and it will
make up for my absence.
e I really need your competent counseling.
f I hope you will either replace it or give me a refund.
1 = ………; 2 = ………; 3 = ………; 4 = ………; 5 = ………; 6 =
………
Type of letter
1. ……………………………………..
2. ……………………………………..
3. ……………………………………..
4. ……………………………………..
5. ……………………………………..
6. ……………………………………..
Centrul de Învăţământ la Distanţă, Facultatea de Litere, Universitatea din Bucureşti
Conf. Univ. Dr. Diana Ioniţă
Tehnici de comunicare orală şi scrisă în limba engleză
U1: Letter writing I
Centrul de Învăţământ la Distanţă, Facultatea de Litere, Universitatea din Bucureşti
Conf. Univ. Dr. Diana Ioniţă
Tehnici de comunicare scrisă şi orală în limba engleză
U1: Letter writing I
Unitatea de Învăţare Nr. 2LETTER WRITING II - TRANSACTIONAL LETTERS
CUPRINS
1. UNIT OBJECTIVES2. BACKGROUND INFORMATION2.1.LETTER STRUCTURE AND LAYOUT2.2. REPORTED QUESTION 3. TYPES OF TRANSACTIONAL LETTERS
1. UNIT OBJECTIVES
By the end of this unit you will be able to identify different types
of transactional letters as well as different writing styles depending
on who you are writing to. You will also be able to use the
appropriate format and vocabulary depending on the type of
transactional letter you are going to write.
2. BACKGROUND INFORMATION
2.1. Letter structure and layout
The purpose of transactional letters is to respond to written
information. This information can be of different types: other letters,
advertisements, notes, invitations, drawings, maps, guidebooks,
etc.
Types of transactional letters: complaint, application, asking for
or giving advice, information , invitation, etc.
The style of these types of letters can be either formal or
informal depending on who you are writing to.
Contents: transactional letters sum up the information given in
the rubric, explain the results of certain facts.Centrul de Învăţământ la Distanţă, Facultatea de Litere, Universitatea din Bucureşti
Conf. Univ. Dr. Diana Ioniţă
Tehnici de comunicare orală şi scrisă în limba engleză
U1: Letter writing I
Structure: the letters include opening remarks, several
paragraphs (each paragraph introduces a new topic), closing
remarks.
stop and think
Exercise 1
Look at the advertisement and the points under question. What
kind of letter would you write? Formal or informal? Provide reasons.
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Learning English Can be Fun
How often? What time?
Classes twice a week!
Native English speakers?
Professional teachers!
Centrul de Învăţământ la Distanţă, Facultatea de Litere, Universitatea din Bucureşti
Proverb
Chance favours the prepared mind.
Conf. Univ. Dr. Diana Ioniţă
Tehnici de comunicare scrisă şi orală în limba engleză
U1: Letter writing I
How much exactly?
Cheap teaching materials!
What kind of audio or visual aids?
Modern teaching approaches!
Come and join us!
Phone number: 009-001-34578
reading
Exercise 2
Read the following two letters of inquiry which have been
written. After having seen the advertisement above, decide which
one is better. Provide reasons.
A Dear Sir / Madam,
I am really curious about a few things referring to your English
course.
For instance, I am a very busy person. That is why I cannot
attend the classes any time. Could you tell me the time and the
days?
What about the teachers? Are they English speakers? I think
they should know some Romanian phrases in order to explain the
new vocabulary to beginners like me. Don’t you think ? I am looking
forward to hearing from you soon please.
Centrul de Învăţământ la Distanţă, Facultatea de Litere, Universitatea din Bucureşti
Conf. Univ. Dr. Diana Ioniţă
Tehnici de comunicare orală şi scrisă în limba engleză
U1: Letter writing I
Yours,
Maria Ştefănescu.
B Dear Sir / Madam,
I am writing to ask you a few details about your advertisement
in the April issue of The Weekend Magazine. I am interested in
taking English classes, and that is why I would be happy if you
could answer a few questions.
In the advertisement you state that classes are twice a week. I
would like to know the exact days and times in order to rearrange
my schedule accordingly.
Secondly, could you tell me a few things about the teachers?
Are they English speakers? Are they university teachers?
I also require information on the cost of the teaching materials
as well as on the type of teaching approach you use. Does it include
any audio and visual aids, for instance radio cassettes, video-
player, TV cassettes, language lab, etc?
I look forward to receiving answers to these questions. Thank
you for your help.
Yours truthfully,
Mary Richardson
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Centrul de Învăţământ la Distanţă, Facultatea de Litere, Universitatea din Bucureşti
Let’s have fun!
Q: 'What two days of the week start with letter T?’A: ‘Tuesday and Thursday?’Q: ‘No, today and tomorrow.’
Conf. Univ. Dr. Diana Ioniţă
Tehnici de comunicare scrisă şi orală în limba engleză
U1: Letter writing I
2.2 Reported questions
In English there are two main types of questions: Yes / No
questions and wh- questions:
yes / no questions Examples
to be Are you married?
to have got Have you got any brothers or
sisters?
modals Can you swim?
May I come in?
Need I go there?
Must you attend the meeting?
do / does / did Do you like jazz?
Wh- questions Examples
who Who are you?
what What are you doing ?
when When are they leaving?
where Where is she now?
which Which is your favourite singer?
whose Whose jacket is this?
why Why are you upset?
how How is he?
When you report questions there are several steps to follow:
Yes/No Questions
Direct Speech Reported Speech
‘Are you tired?’, he asked. He asked me whether I was
tired.
‘Do you like jazz?’, she She wondered whether I liked
Centrul de Învăţământ la Distanţă, Facultatea de Litere, Universitatea din Bucureşti
Conf. Univ. Dr. Diana Ioniţă
Tehnici de comunicare orală şi scrisă în limba engleză
U1: Letter writing I
wondered. jazz.
The verb changes going one tense behind.
Ask / wonder + if / whether.
No inversion.
Wh-Questions
Direct Speech Reported Speech
‘Who is your boss?’, he asked. He asked who my boss was.
‘Where are they going?’, she
asked.
She asked where they were
going.
‘Why is Tom crying?’, she
wondered.
She wondered why Tom was
crying.
‘How will you travel there?’, he
asked.
He asked me how I would travel
there.
The verb changes, going one tense behind
Ask / wonder + wh-word.
No inversion.
drills
Exercise 3
Rewrite the questions in Reported Speech.
1. ‘When does the course start?’, the client asked.
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Centrul de Învăţământ la Distanţă, Facultatea de Litere, Universitatea din Bucureşti
Conf. Univ. Dr. Diana Ioniţă
Tehnici de comunicare scrisă şi orală în limba engleză
U1: Letter writing I
2. ‘How did he pay for the delivery?’, she asked me.
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3. ‘Will they replace the faulty vacuum cleaner?’, Mum asked.
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4. ‘May I come for the interview?’, I asked.
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5. ‘Was she checking the flight number for you?’, he asked.
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3. TYPES OF TRANSACTIONAL LETTERS
Transactional Letters Asking for Information
The style can be either formal or informal depending on the person
you are writing to.
Example
Opening paragraph
Formal: I am writing to inquire about …, etc.
Informal: I would like you to tell me …; Can / Could you let me
know …, etc.
Main Body
First paragraph
Formal: I would be grateful if you could send me / tell me…; I would
appreciate some further information on …, etc.
Informal: Can you tell me; I want / need to know, etc.
Second paragraph
Centrul de Învăţământ la Distanţă, Facultatea de Litere, Universitatea din Bucureşti
Conf. Univ. Dr. Diana Ioniţă
Tehnici de comunicare orală şi scrisă în limba engleză
U1: Letter writing I
Formal: Another matter I need information on is …; I would also like
to know about …, etc.
Informal: Can you also tell me a few things on …; I also want to
know …; etc.
Closing paragraph
Formal: I look forward to receiving …; I would be grateful if you
could inform me as soon as possible …; etc.
Informal: Tell me soon …; Please, let me know …; Send details as
soon as you can …, etc.
writing
Exercise 4
Rewrite the letter below using the formal style.
Dear Karen,
How are things over there? My folks are planning a visit to the
caves next summer similar to the ones you went to last June. I need
to know some things before leaving.
Since we are also travelling by coach, can you tell me how
many people went on your trip? Do you remember how much the
ticket was?
I also need to know what kind of clothes to take. Although the
trip takes place in June, inside the caves might be cooler; am I
right?
You can save my life if you send me all these details. Let me know
as soon as possible, please.
Best wishes,
Centrul de Învăţământ la Distanţă, Facultatea de Litere, Universitatea din Bucureşti
Conf. Univ. Dr. Diana Ioniţă
Tehnici de comunicare scrisă şi orală în limba engleză
U1: Letter writing I
Doris
Opening paragraph
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Main body
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Closing paragraph
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Centrul de Învăţământ la Distanţă, Facultatea de Litere, Universitatea din Bucureşti
Conf. Univ. Dr. Diana Ioniţă
Tehnici de comunicare orală şi scrisă în limba engleză
U1: Letter writing I
Transactional Letters Giving Information
The style can be formal or informal depending on the person you
are writing to.
Example
Opening paragraph
Formal: I am writing in reply to your letter asking information about
…, etc.
Informal: This what I have found out for you …, etc.
Main Body
Formal: Regarding …; As regards …; As far as … is concerned …,
etc.
Informal: Remember the information you wanted on …?; Well, …; If
I were you …, etc.
Closing paragraph
Formal: Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require more
information about …; I do hope I have been of some assistance to
you, etc.
Informal: Hope this will do for now; Let me know if you need any
more details, etc.
writing
Centrul de Învăţământ la Distanţă, Facultatea de Litere, Universitatea din Bucureşti
Conf. Univ. Dr. Diana Ioniţă
Tehnici de comunicare scrisă şi orală în limba engleză
U1: Letter writing I
Exercise 5
Rewrite the letter below using informal style.
Dear Mr Clark,
I am writing in reply to your letter asking information about our
new hotel.
As far as the location is concerned, we assure you that the
panorama is absolutely marvelous. The hotel is situated on the top
of the hill and it is surrounded by deep valleys and thick forests.
The facilities are the most modern ones, and the costs are
moderate; it’s good value for your money. The rooms are large and
cosy. There are also a gym, a sauna, a swimming pool, a cinema, a
bar and a trendy club.
The prices are as follows: one single room is 67 euros per
night, one suite is 102 euros per night.
I hope that I have been of some assistance to you. Please, do
contact us should you need further information. We do hope you will
take this opportunity and visit our hotel.
Yours sincerely,
Michael Moore
Opening paragraph
…………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………………………
……………….
Main body
…………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………..
Centrul de Învăţământ la Distanţă, Facultatea de Litere, Universitatea din Bucureşti
Conf. Univ. Dr. Diana Ioniţă
Tehnici de comunicare orală şi scrisă în limba engleză
U1: Letter writing I
…………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………..
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….
Closing paragraph
…………………………………………………………………………..
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…………………….
………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………
.
Transactional Letter of Complaint
Most letters of complaint are written in the formal style.
Nevertheless, if you write such a letter to a friend in order to
complain about poor service, you may need an informal style.
reading
Exercise 6
Centrul de Învăţământ la Distanţă, Facultatea de Litere, Universitatea din Bucureşti
Conf. Univ. Dr. Diana Ioniţă
Tehnici de comunicare scrisă şi orală în limba engleză
U1: Letter writing I
Read the letter below and identify the style and underline the
formal phrases.
Dear Sir / Madam,
I am writing to express my entire dissatisfaction with your hotel
arrangements .
I regret to have to call your attention to the poor service in your
hotel: rude staff, small stuffy rooms and dirty toilets.
In addition, the meals provided by the hotel restaurant were
tasteless and lacked variety. We had the same vanilla pudding
three days in a row.
Furthermore, we could not go to the swimming pool – as stated
in the advertisement – something was wrong with the water pipes.
We feel that you should refund our money or offer at least a 30%
discount on our next holiday. We look forward to receiving a reply
as soon as possible.
Yours truthfully,
Corinne Marlow
Style :
……………………………………………….
writing
Exercise 7
Look at the advertisement and notes below. Write a similar letter of
complaint. Use the informal style.Centrul de Învăţământ la Distanţă, Facultatea de Litere, Universitatea din Bucureşti
Conf. Univ. Dr. Diana Ioniţă
Tehnici de comunicare orală şi scrisă în limba engleză
U1: Letter writing I
Fantastic Summer Camp
Come with us and you will have the summer holiday of your life!
The initial cost does not include the other activities.
Excellent prices!
Rough and uncomfortable.
Perfect camping site!
No guide, no coach, no timetables.
Exciting trips!
Inappropriate boats.
Cruise on the river!
Nothing to see, except deserted areas.
Sightseeing tours!
Tel. 021-235-07601 for information
Opening paragraph
…………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………………………
………….
Centrul de Învăţământ la Distanţă, Facultatea de Litere, Universitatea din Bucureşti
Conf. Univ. Dr. Diana Ioniţă
Tehnici de comunicare scrisă şi orală în limba engleză
U1: Letter writing I
………………………………………………………………………………
.
Main body
…………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………..
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Closing paragraph
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…………………………………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………..
Centrul de Învăţământ la Distanţă, Facultatea de Litere, Universitatea din Bucureşti
Conf. Univ. Dr. Diana Ioniţă
Tehnici de comunicare orală şi scrisă în limba engleză
U1: Letter writing I
Unitatea de Învăţare Nr.3LETTER WRITING III
CUPRINS1. UNIT OBJECTIVES2. BACKGROUND INFORMATION2.1. STRUCTURE AND STYLE2.2. TYPES OF BUSINESS LETTERS3. LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT
1. UNIT OBJECTIVES
By the end of this unit you will be able to understand the difference
between different types of business letters, and to identify the
specific format and style you should use when writing these letters.
You will also be able to use the specific structure and layout of
business letters in contexts of your own.
2. BACKGROUND INFORMATION
2.1 Structure and style
Business letters should include the following structure:
Address and date:Centrul de Învăţământ la Distanţă, Facultatea de Litere, Universitatea din Bucureşti
Conf. Univ. Dr. Diana Ioniţă
Tehnici de comunicare scrisă şi orală în limba engleză
U1: Letter writing I
a) your address in the top right-hand corner with the date
underneath;
b) the recipient’s position, name and address of the firm / institute /
organisation / university, etc. on the left-hand side.
Appropriate greeting; e.g. Dear Sir / Madam, Dear Mr
Stevenson, Dear Ms Winston, etc;
Introduction: it includes opening remarks and the reasons for
writing the letter;
Main body: it includes several paragraphs. Each paragraph
deals with a new subject in details;
Conclusion: it includes the closing remarks;
Appropriate ending: e.g. Yours truthfully / faithfully; Yours
sincerely + your full name.
N.B. If you do not know the recipient’s name you should start your
letter with Dear Sir / Madam and end it with Yours truthfully / Yours
faithfully + your full name. If you know the recipient’s name, you
should start the letter with Dear Mr / Mrs / Miss / Ms Green, and end
it with Yours sincerely + your full name.
Business letters are written in a formal style and include the
following characteristics :
advanced academic vocabulary;
polite expressions and phrases;
long sentences;
impersonal tone;
Centrul de Învăţământ la Distanţă, Facultatea de Litere, Universitatea din Bucureşti
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Tehnici de comunicare orală şi scrisă în limba engleză
U1: Letter writing I
formal linking phrases / words;
factual information;
no use of short forms;
no use of idioms;
no description of personal opinions and feelings.
stop and think
Exercise 1
Study the examples below and underline the correct phrases to be
used in business letters.
1. I am writing to apply for the position of …;I’d like to become a
secretary.
2. Best wishes / Yours truthfully, Mary Williams;
3. Dear Sir / Madam; Dear Susan Collins;
4. I can’t wait to hear from you / I look forward to hearing from you;
5. You can find the necessary references in the envelope / I have
enclosed the necessary references;
6. I demand the money back / a full refund;
7. I for one think that you should… / I am confident that you
should….
8.
2.2 Types of business letters
A Letters of Application
When you apply for a job or a training course you should write a
letter of application.
Centrul de Învăţământ la Distanţă, Facultatea de Litere, Universitatea din Bucureşti
Let’s have fun!
Q: ‘What’s teacher’s favourite nation?’A: ‘Expla-nation.’
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Tehnici de comunicare scrisă şi orală în limba engleză
U1: Letter writing I
Useful tips:
In the introduction you should include the position you are
applying for, where and when you saw it advertised.
In the main body you should write several separate paragraphs
including the following information:
a) age, present job and education;
b) qualifications;
c) experience;
d) skills that are relevant for the job;
e) strengths, weaknesses.
In the final paragraph you should give details about the
references you can send, where and when you can be contacted for
the interview, etc.
N.B. Use the present tense when you describe your personality.
Use the past tense when you refer to your past studies and
experiences. Use the present perfect tense when referring to recent
studies / experiences.
B Letters making offers
Useful tips:
Add any facts which may influence your customer;
Point out the specific attractive features of your products (e.g.
they are cheaper than any other products in this domain; they have
a special finish. We can offer promotional prices for the first …
items, etc.)
Point out the novelty, the reasonable price, the convenience
and the ecological characteristics of your products / service;
Include specific information regarding the quantity, price, terms
of delivery, terms of payment, insurance information, etc.
Centrul de Învăţământ la Distanţă, Facultatea de Litere, Universitatea din Bucureşti
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Tehnici de comunicare orală şi scrisă în limba engleză
U1: Letter writing I
N.B. It would be useful if could you send your letter together with
the catalogue for that specific offer.
C Letters making orders
Useful tips:
The first paragraph includes the reference to the offer made by
the supplier;
The main body should include the complete description of the
goods;
Pay attention to details: size, material, colour, price, etc;
Specify the exact quantity and the exact quality of the goods;
Send samples or drawings together with the order;
State the time of delivery;
The final paragraph should include your hope that the high
quality of the goods / service will lead to further mutual deals.
D Letters making complaints
Useful tips:
The first paragraph refers to your complaint and gives details of
the incident (time, place);
The main body describes the specific points of your complaint.
Each paragraph deals with one specific reason. Be specific about
the loss or the inconvenience you have suffered and the adjustment
to be made;
The final paragraph should explain what your expectations are
(apology / full refund / replacement, etc). Be reasonable in your
demands.
N.B.:
Centrul de Învăţământ la Distanţă, Facultatea de Litere, Universitatea din Bucureşti
Conf. Univ. Dr. Diana Ioniţă
Tehnici de comunicare scrisă şi orală în limba engleză
U1: Letter writing I
If you complain about minor matters you can use a mild tone:
e.g. I am writing to draw your attention on; I do hope you will solve
that matter promptly.
If you complain about serious matters, you can use a strong
tone: e.g. I am writing to express my deep dissatisfaction with your
service …; I demand a full refund or I shall be forced to take further
action.
Regardless of the tone you may choose, make your requests
firmly;
Use a clear and concise style.
E Adjustment letters
Adjustment letters are in reply to complaints.
Useful tips:
The first paragraph should include an apology or an expression
of regret for the inconvenience;
The main body explains the circumstances have which caused
the trouble. A new paragraph should include your suggestions of
the adjustment you propose (e.g. offer a discount, refund,
replacement, etc).
The final paragraph should express your hope that in spite of
the inconvenience, your customer will continue doing business with
your company.
N.B.
Do not insist too much on the justification part. Let the injured
party decide whether the inconvenience is just a human error.
Do not take complaints as criticism;
Do not be too apologetic; don’t be too arrogant;
In the closing remark, try to regain the customer’s goodwill.
Centrul de Învăţământ la Distanţă, Facultatea de Litere, Universitatea din Bucureşti
Conf. Univ. Dr. Diana Ioniţă
Tehnici de comunicare orală şi scrisă în limba engleză
U1: Letter writing I
stop and think
Exercise 2
Study the following extracts and identify the type of letters they are
taken from.
1. Although the contract stipulated 20,000 kg fresh bananas, we
found that the goods were below the standard quality.
Consequently, we cannot accept the shipment.
2. We have enclosed a catalogue with different samples as well as
the price for smaller and larger quantities.
3. I have helped my grandparents pick fruit in their orchard every
summer holiday. For the past three years I have been a tourist
guide for the tourists visiting my town (Saturdays).
4. It is possible that the mistake occurred because of our sales
clerk’s negligence. Compensation will be immediately made.
1 = ………………………………………
2 = ………………………………………
3 = ………………………………………
4 = ………………………………………
3. LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT
drills
Exercise 3
Centrul de Învăţământ la Distanţă, Facultatea de Litere, Universitatea din Bucureşti
Conf. Univ. Dr. Diana Ioniţă
Tehnici de comunicare scrisă şi orală în limba engleză
U1: Letter writing I
Read the advertisement and answer the questions below.
We are looking for a young, resourceful university student to join
our summer camp. Must be a good organiser, a sociable person,
patient with 13 / 15 year-old kids and good at doing sports.
Experience is not required.
1. What style would you use: formal or informal?
2. What is the reason for writing this letter?
3. What are the greeting and closing phrases that you should use?
4. Which of the following points should be included in the letter?
a your skills;
b your age;
c your physical appearance;
d your past experience;
e the sports that you practise;
f your personality;
3. Which qualities will be in your favour?
a easy-going;
b funny;
c reserved;
d fair;
e a good leader;
f athletic;
g out-going.
4. What type of letter should you write?
1 = ………………………………………………………………..
2 = ………………………………………………………………..
3 = ………………………………………………………………..
4 = ………………………………………………………………..
5 = ………………………………………………………………..
6 = ……………………………………………………………….
Centrul de Învăţământ la Distanţă, Facultatea de Litere, Universitatea din Bucureşti
Conf. Univ. Dr. Diana Ioniţă
Tehnici de comunicare orală şi scrisă în limba engleză
U1: Letter writing I
writing
Exercise 4
Write the following letter of complaint in full, filling each gap with
words from the list: forced, writing, in addition, inconvenience, firstly,
complain, afford, below, behaviour, appalled.
Dear Sir / Madam,
I am (1 ………) to (2 ………) about the faulty deliveries of the wrong
goods.
(3 ………), against out order marked no. 36 / January 12, we
received only 3 tones of corn instead of 7 tones.
(4 ………), the quality of the corn was much (5 ………) the
standard.
To make matters worse, I am (6 ………) by your personal
assistant’s (7 ………) who simply refused to contact you in order to
solve this (8 ………).
This is the fifth mishandled order, and we cannot (9 ………) any
more inconveniences of this kind. I demand immediate action,
otherwise we will be (10 ………) to do business elsewhere.
drills
Exercise 5
Match the opening remarks with the closing remarks and identify
the type of letters they are taken from:
Centrul de Învăţământ la Distanţă, Facultatea de Litere, Universitatea din Bucureşti
Conf. Univ. Dr. Diana Ioniţă
Tehnici de comunicare scrisă şi orală în limba engleză
U1: Letter writing I
Opening remarks
1. I am writing to complain about the hair-dryer I purchased
from your company.
2. I am interested in applying for the position of tourist guide.
3. We thank you for the letter of June 22, about the good and
bad points you observed in your first hours of testing our new
motorcycles.
4. We would like to order two styles of sports shoes having
the following characteristics: ….
Closing remarks
A We do hope that this adjustment will prove to be valuable
to you.
B We would like to have the goods delivered on May 9.
C I demand an immediate replacement or full refund.
D I am available for an interview any Friday and Saturday
(mornings) and you can contact me on 2356781 after 5 p.m. every
day.
1 = ………; 2 = ………; 3 = ………; 4 = ……….
Types of letters
1 = ………………………………………
2 = ………………………………………
3 = ………………………………………
4 = ………………………………………
Exercise 6
Centrul de Învăţământ la Distanţă, Facultatea de Litere, Universitatea din Bucureşti
Conf. Univ. Dr. Diana Ioniţă
Tehnici de comunicare orală şi scrisă în limba engleză
U1: Letter writing I
In English you can use the prefixes (il-, im-, in-, un-, dis-, ir-) in
order to give the antonym of certain adjectives. Provide antonyms to
the following adjectives using the above-mentioned prefixes.
e.g. moral – immoral
1. patient ………………………………………..
2. legal ………………………………………..
3. comfortable ………………………………………..
4. friendly ………………………………………..
5. responsible ………………………………………..
6. modest ………………………………………..
7. relevant ……………………………………..…
8. loyal ………………………………………..
9. satisfied ………………………………………..
10. happy ………………………………………..
11. acceptable ………………………………………..
12. available ………………………………………..
Exercise 7
Use the correct preposition in order to fill in the gaps below. Identify
the type of letter the fragment is taken from.
I wish to express my dissatisfaction (1 ………) the service I received
last weekend when I stayed in your hotel.
To start with, despite the fact that I had booked a double room, I
was given a single room. Such a thing is appalling (2 ………) me.
Secondly, the bathroom was dirty and the room service was slow.
In addition, the receptionist had a completely inappropriate attitude
(3 ………) my remarks.
I will not be staying (4 ……….) your hotel in the future and I will tell
all my friends to do the same.
Centrul de Învăţământ la Distanţă, Facultatea de Litere, Universitatea din Bucureşti
Conf. Univ. Dr. Diana Ioniţă
Tehnici de comunicare scrisă şi orală în limba engleză
U1: Letter writing I
Type of letter: ………………………………..
writing
Exercise 8
Write a letter of application using the prompts below:
shop assistant, ‘Daily News’, weekly magazine
17 years old, ambitious, sales domain,
opportunity
no experience, hard-working, sociable, new
people
afternoons, weekends available
345217891
Carole MacArthur
…........................................................................................................
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…….....................................................................................................
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........
Centrul de Învăţământ la Distanţă, Facultatea de Litere, Universitatea din Bucureşti
Conf. Univ. Dr. Diana Ioniţă
Tehnici de comunicare orală şi scrisă în limba engleză
U1: Letter writing I
………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………….
Unitatea de învăţare Nr. 4JOB INTERVIEW TECHNIQUES
CUPRINS
1. UNIT OBJECTIVES2. TYPES OF JOBS2.1. THE INDEFINITE ARTICLE2.2. LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT3. EXPRESSING OBLIGATION / PROHIBITION / LACK OF OBLIGATION3.1. JOB DESCRIPTION3.2. LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT4. JOB INTERVIEW TECHNIQUES4.1. TYPES OF QUESTIONS4.2. GENERAL TIPS
Centrul de Învăţământ la Distanţă, Facultatea de Litere, Universitatea din Bucureşti
Conf. Univ. Dr. Diana Ioniţă
Tehnici de comunicare scrisă şi orală în limba engleză
U1: Letter writing I
4.3. LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT
1. UNIT OBJECTIVES
By the end of this unit you will be able to identify the most successful techniques used during a job interview, using specific grammar structures and phrases.
You will also be able to make a job description and to use the specific vocabulary in contexts of your own.
Moreover, you will learn some useful tips before the interview so that you would be able to manage during the job interview and get the job.
2. TYPES OF JOBS
2.1. The indefinite article
We use the indefinite article a / an in front of jobs as in the example below:
I am an engineerShe is a carpenterHe is a travel agent.
2.2. Language development
drills
Exercise 1
Look at the following jobs and use I am a/ an in front of each job. Provide the rule. Write your answer in the space below.
Then see the solutions in the Answer key section at the end of this unit.
manicurist. businessman, housewife, opera singer, bank worker, teacher, gardener, florist, hairdresser, secretary, photographer, waitress, flight-attendant, electrician, plumber, piano tuner, mechanic, antique dealer, broker, optician, solicitor, driver, actor.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Centrul de Învăţământ la Distanţă, Facultatea de Litere, Universitatea din Bucureşti
Conf. Univ. Dr. Diana Ioniţă
Tehnici de comunicare orală şi scrisă în limba engleză
U1: Letter writing I
listening
Exercise 2
For this activity see Student’s book, ex.1, tapescript 14, page 27. Listen and fill in the gaps using a, an or the, where necessary.
Then see the solutions in the Answer key section.
speaking Exercise 3
Express how you need to be in order to do the following jobs. Choose from the words below. Work with a partner. Write your
answers in the space below and then see possible solutions in the Answer key section.
sociable, imaginative, a quick thinker, sensitive, caring, careful,
brave, young, tough, reliable, patient, organised.
Jobs: interior designer, florist, doctor, builder, fire-fighter, secretary, manager.
…………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………....
drillsExercise 4
Read the sentences and fill in the correct adjective from the list below. Then see the correct solutions in the Answer key section.
creative, patient, friendly, intelligent, polite, accurate, courageous, persuasive
1. Interior designers should be very…… 2. Fire-fighters have to be…….. as they have a very
dangerous job.Centrul de Învăţământ la Distanţă, Facultatea de Litere, Universitatea din Bucureşti
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U1: Letter writing I
3. Surgeons should be extremely……. and never make mistakes.
4. Scholars have to be …… in order to understand intricate phenomena.
5. Advertisers need to be……… to make people buy the products.
6. Shop assistants have to be ….. even if they might deal with fussy customers.
7. Teachers need to be …… especially when students take a longer time to understand the new information.
8. Receptionists have to be……… in order to make guests’ stay as pleasant as possible.
speaking Exercise 5
Which of these do you think are the most important in a job? Underline the five most important and the one least important
thing. Then see possible solutions in the Answer key section.
company car, chances of promotion, flexible schedule, canteen, pleasant working atmosphere, comfortable working conditions, good pay, job security, travelling, training, nice colleagues, perks, sociable boss, much free time, freedom, responsibility, challenging job, health insurance, good pension, working in a famous company
listening
Exercise 6
For this activity see Student’s book, ex.1, tapescript 60, page 113.
Listen to the interview and choose the correct verb form. Then see the correct solutions in the Answer key section.
3. EXPRESSING OBLIGATION, PROHIBITION OR LACK OF OBLIGATION
3.1.Job Descriptions
Obligation
Structures Examples
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U1: Letter writing I
must + short inf. You must do your duty.have to You have to obey your
boss.have got to You have got to attend
the meeting tomorrow.should + Pres. Inf. You should be more
punctual.ought (to) + Pres. Inf. You ought to work long
hours.
Have to expresses external obligation Must expresses obligation imposed by the speaker.
Prohibition
Structures Examplesmustn’t + short inf. You mustn’t miss the meeting.can’t + short inf. You can’t enter this room.(you are
not allowed to enter this room).to be not to You are not to use the company’s
car(it is against the rules.)
Lack of obligation
Structures Examplesneedn’t + short inf. You needn’t write this memodon’t have to You don’t have to print this.
3.2. Language development
drillsExercise 7
Match the appropriate person for each situation. Write the answers in the space below. Then see the solutions in the Answer key section.
1 You test people’s eyes. a a builder2 You teach people how to
drive a car.b a plumber
3 You build houses c a teacher4 You write articles in
newspapersd a piano tuner
5 You fix leaking taps e an optician6 You put out fires f a secretary7 You fix cars g a journalist8 You take photos h a teacher9 You do the house- i a fire-fighter
Centrul de Învăţământ la Distanţă, Facultatea de Litere, Universitatea din Bucureşti
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Tehnici de comunicare scrisă şi orală în limba engleză
U1: Letter writing I
chores 10 You do the letters j a photographer11 You instruct children k a mechanic12 You make pianos sound
rightl a housemaid
1 = …; 2 = …; 3 = …; 4 = …; 5 = …; 6 = …; 7 = …; 8 = …; 9 = …; 10 = …; 11 = …; 12 = …
writing Exercise 8
Rewrite the flowing sentences using the word in capitals. Then see the solutions in the Answer key section.
1. You have to hand in this paper by next Monday.MUST…………………………………………………2. There is no need to write this in pencil.HAVE…………………………………………………3.I t isn’t necessary for you to work long hours.NEED………………………………………………….4. It’s not right that bosses are allowed to shout at their employees.SHOULD……………………………………………..5. It’s important to solve this matter soon.OUGHT………………………………………………6. It is obligatory for secretaries to be careful.HAVE…………………………………………………7. It’s against the rules to use the company’s car.ARE ……………………………………………………..
drills
Exercise 9
Choose the best alternative to fill each gap. Then see the solutions in the Answer key section.
1. A doctor is a person who has to ……..patients.a. treat; b. talk to; c. see2. All the members of our ……. are expected to work hard.
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Conf. Univ. Dr. Diana Ioniţă
Tehnici de comunicare orală şi scrisă în limba engleză
U1: Letter writing I
a. personnel; b. gang; c. band3. An actor is required to .........a. repeat his lines; b. to be patient; c. to solve problems.4. A trainee has to do several months’a. education; b. training; c. coaching5. Applicants have to ……….. an application form.a. fill down; b. fill on; c. fill in6. I have all the necessary ……. to get this position.a. degrees; b. qualifications; c. certificates7. If you want this job you have to …………for it.a. demand; b. request; c. apply
speaking
Exercise 10
Work with a partner and decide what you have to do in the following jobs. Write your answers in the space below. Then see possible solutions in the Answer key section.
a dentist, a secretary, a teacher, a school caretaker, a priest, a
babysitter.………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………
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…
4. JOB INTERVIEW TECHNIQUES
4.1. Types of Questions
Yes and No questions
Are you an engineer? Does she work as a sales agent? Can you type this letter?
N.B. The word order is: auxiliary + subject+ verb.
Wh questions
Centrul de Învăţământ la Distanţă, Facultatea de Litere, Universitatea din Bucureşti
Conf. Univ. Dr. Diana Ioniţă
Tehnici de comunicare scrisă şi orală în limba engleză
U1: Letter writing I
What do you need to be a good bank worker? Where can I find a reliable job? When is the interview? Which skills do you need to have for this position/ Whose application is this? Why do you want to change your job? How long are you going to stay with the company?
N.B. The word order is: question word + auxiliary + subject t+ verb
Questions for the applicant
Why do you want this job? What kind of experience do you have for this job? What qualities do you think will be required for this job? What can you contribute? Why do you want to work for this company? What do you know about the company? What interests you about our service (product)? What can the new company offer that your company
cannot offer? Why are you leaving your present position? How long would you stay with the company? Which are your biggest accomplishments? Can you work under pressure? Are you a good team-worker? How much money do you want? What would you like to be doing five years from now?
Questions to ask the interviewer
What will be my responsibilities? Who will I report to? Where does he/she fit in the company structure? Who will report to me? What will be my salary? Will I be given free days for working long-hours? Is there a company canteen for lunch breaks? Will travelling be required in this position? What do you expect me to do in the first 6 months? What training do you provide? What level of performance do you expect from me? Where is the company going? Upwards? Expansion
plans? When will you decide on the appointment? What is the next step?
Centrul de Învăţământ la Distanţă, Facultatea de Litere, Universitatea din Bucureşti
Conf. Univ. Dr. Diana Ioniţă
Tehnici de comunicare orală şi scrisă în limba engleză
U1: Letter writing I
4.2. General tips
Have a positive attitude. Re-read you application. Prepare answers to possible questions. Prepare proper questions to ask. Show interest in the company and position. Find out everything you can about the company. Have a clear sense of purpose. Use convincing ideas. Be motivated. Dress smartly. Don’t be arrogant. Leave home earlier. Job interview body language: give out the right signals. Never lie. Do not slouch in your chair
4.3. Language development
drills
Exercise 11
Fill in a word in order to ask grammatical questions. Then see the solutions in the Answer key section.
1. ………you drive a car?2. ...... …time is the interview?3. ……...do I start work?4. ………much money do I get?5. …….. do I need to be a good interpreter?6. …….. is the manager’s office?7. ………you aware of the responsibilities of this position?8. ………are you leaving your present job?9. ……... will I report to?10. …….. experienced is she?
speaking
Exercise 12
Work with a partner: look at he picture below and express the good points that could make the applicant be given the job. Write
Centrul de Învăţământ la Distanţă, Facultatea de Litere, Universitatea din Bucureşti
Conf. Univ. Dr. Diana Ioniţă
Tehnici de comunicare scrisă şi orală în limba engleză
U1: Letter writing I
your answers in the space below and then see the possible solutions in the Answer key section.
…………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………………….
5. SAA You will have to spend about 45 minutes for this assignment,
provided you have completed all the tasks required by the unit. Use the information above as well as the bibliography included in this unit.
The assessment criteria will focus on the following requirements: the identification of successful interview techniques (55%), and the appropriate use of these techniques in contexts of your own (45%).
Send the assignment by post to your tutor.
A. Identify which of the following questions should be answered by the applicant and which ones should be answered by the interviewer.
1. Why do you want this job?2. Who will report to me?3. Who will I report to?4. What can you contribute?5. Can you work under pressure?6. What training do you provide?7. How much money do you expect?8. What will be my salary?9. What do you know about the company?10. Is there a company canteen?
B. Read the following interview and underline the typical questions that may be asked during an interview.
Interviewer: Good morning. What’s your name?
Centrul de Învăţământ la Distanţă, Facultatea de Litere, Universitatea din Bucureşti
Conf. Univ. Dr. Diana Ioniţă
Tehnici de comunicare orală şi scrisă în limba engleză
U1: Letter writing I
Applicant: Good morning. My name is Steve Jameson.Interviewer: Sit down, Mr Jameson. How old are you?Applicant: I am 34 years old.Interviewer: Are you married, Mr. Jameson?
Applicant: Yes, I am. My wife’s name is Sandra and we have three children: a girl and two boys.
Interviewer: What are the children’s names and ages?Applicant: Hellen is 3, and the twins are 5.Interviewer: Why do you want this job, Mr. Jameson?
Applicant: I think my qualifications are appropriate for this type of job.
Interviewer: What can you contribute?Applicant: In my previous position I have coordinated the R & D department .
Interviewer: Why do you want to work in this company?Applicant: I have read a lot about your company and I know that you pay much attention on the quality of your personnel and of your services.
Interviewer: Any questions?Applicant: Well, I have a few questions. First of all…………
Centrul de Învăţământ la Distanţă, Facultatea de Litere, Universitatea din Bucureşti