Final Revision for Level 2 - 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.

Short Answers

Click the answer button to see the answer.

1. Are you busy?
   Yes, ___.
   AnswerYes, I am. / Yes, we are.

2. Do you live in New York?
   No, ___.
   AnswerNo, I don't. / No, we don't.

3. Can Sylvia ride a bike?
   Yes, ___.
   AnswerYes, she can.

4. Does your father read the newspaper every day?
   Yes, ___.
   AnswerYes, he does.

5. Do you and your friends play soccer on Saturday?
   No, ___.
   AnswerNo, we don't.

6. Is your sister a doctor?
   No, ___.
   AnswerNo, she isn't.

7. Can Jack and Brian play the piano?
   Yes, ___.
   AnswerYes, they can.

8. Is Paris big?
   Yes, ___.
   AnswerYes, it is.

9. Are you thirsty?
   No, ___.
   AnswerNo, I'm not. / No, we aren't.

10. Does Robert like pepperoni pizza?
    No, ___.
    AnswerNo, he doesn't.

11. Are the students listening to music?
    No, ___.
    AnswerNo, they aren't.

12. Is the supermarket next to the post office?
    No, ___.
    AnswerNo, it isn't.

13. Is Leonardo di Caprio Vietnamese?
    No, ___.
    AnswerNo, he isn't.

14. Is your mother sleeping?
    No, ___.
    AnswerNo, she isn't.

15. Can you speak Portuguese?
    Yes, ___.
    AnswerYes, I can. / Yes, we can.

Wh Questions

Who, What, Where, Why, Which, When or How

Click the answer button to see the answer.

Doug: Hi, Tim. AnswerHow are you?

Tim: Not bad. AnswerHow was your Christmas?

Doug: Fantastic.

Tim: Oh! AnswerWhat did you do?

Doug: I went home for Christmas.

Tim: AnswerWhere is home?

Doug: Australia.

Tim: AnswerHow long did you go for?

Doug: I spent three wonderful weeks there.

Tim: AnswerWhen did you leave?

Doug: I left on December 15th.

Tim: AnswerWhat did you do in Australia?

Doug: I saw my family and friends and visited all my favorite places.

Tim: AnswerHow far is it to Australia?

Doug: It's eight and a half hours by plane.

Tim: AnswerWhich airline did you take?

Doug: I took Singapore Airlines.

Tim: AnswerWhy didn't you take Australia - Asia Airline?

Doug: Because they were booked out.

Tim: AnswerWhen did you get back?

Doug: I got back yesterday.

Tim: AnswerWho met you at the airport?

Doug: My brother met me.

Tim: AnswerWhat did you do on Christmas Day?

Doug: We had a big party at my parents' house.

Tim: AnswerWho attended the party?

Doug: My whole family came. Everybody was there except for my sister. She couldn't come.

Tim: AnswerWhy not? AnswerWhere was she?

Doug: She was in another city.

Tim: AnswerWhich city was she in?

Doug: She was here, in Chai Yi. She had come to spend Christmas with me.

Tips for Travellers to the UK

Click the answer button to see the answer.

1. Don't ___ large amounts of cash with you.
   a. carry
   b. carries
   c. carried
   Answera

2. Traveller cheques in dollars, francs, pounds and yen ___ safer.
   a. is
   b. are
   c. were
   Answerb

3. British banks and post offices ___ open on Sundays and national holidays.
   a. don't
   b. doesn't
   Answera

4. National holidays ___ actually called bank holidays.
   a. am
   b. is
   c. are
   Answerc

5. Most banks also ___ at 3:00 and aren't open Saturday afternoons either.
   a. close
   b. closes
   c. closed
   Answera

6. Shops are usually ___ from 9:00 to 5:30.
   a. open
   b. opens
   c. opened
   Answera

7. But in big towns, once a week there is "late night opening" when the closing time ___.
   a. change
   b. changes
   c. changed
   Answerb

8. Credit cards ___ accepted at most major shops.
   a. is
   b. are
   Answerb

9. A pickpocket is someone who ___ purses, handbags and wallets. This is probably the biggest danger you face.
   a. steal
   b. steals
   c. stole
   Answerb

10. Therefore, it is a good idea to ___ your traveller cheque numbers, passport number and your credit card numbers in a safe place.
    a. keep
    b. keeps
    c. kept
    Answera

11. Other dangers ___ spending too much, eating too much and of course in Scotland, drinking too much whiskey.
    a. are
    b. is
    Answera

12. The emergency telephone number for the police, ambulance and fire is the same. You ___ "999".
    a. dialed
    b. dials
    c. dial
    Answerc

13. If you dial "999", you ___ to tell the operator the address, telephone number and what service you want.
    a. have
    b. has
    c. had
    Answera

14. Hotels are available in every town, but there are also "bed and breakfast" available. These ___ cheaper and usually much more personal.
    a. is
    b. are
    Answerb

15. The tourist information centres are very helpful and ___ free maps.
    a. give
    b. gives
    c. gave
    Answera

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 or let JavaScript check your answers.

1. cold 2. early 3. hard 4. low 5. old 6. slow 7. thin 8. weak 9. well 10. wise

a. fast b. foolish c. high d. hot e. late f. sick g. soft h. strong i. thick j. young

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

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 10 11 12 13 14 15

Across

2. He went ___ the club.
3. Past of see.
5. Where are you living ___?
7. Past of do
9. ___ is my brother.
10. Past of get
11. ___ quiet, please
13. Opposite of yes
15. ___ is my book. This is yours.

Down

1. She ___ cute.
2. One plus ___ is three.
4. I like bread ___ butter.
6. ___ is your birthday?
7. I always ___ the lesson.
8. ___ is cold today.
10. ___ ready for the party.
12. We have classes ___ 2 o'clock.
14. I need a bottle ___ milk

ANSWERS HERE

Fruit

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

2 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Across

1. big, outside usually green, inside usually red
5. yellow, monkeys like them
8. grown in Hawaii
9. small, often red

Down

2. yellow, sour
3. also a color
4. purple or green
6. also a computer company
7. Georgia (USA) is famous for these

ANSWERS HERE

Prepositions

Click on each box to enter letters in the crossword puzzle, then press the Check Answers button. If you are stuck, press the Hint button to get a letter.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Across

3. November comes ___ December.
6. We have classes ___ 7 a.m.
7. Who did you go to the movies ___?
8. What's ___ the curtain?
11. He was born ___ May 2nd.

Down

1. I don't want to go ___ the club now.
2. The temperature is ___ zero today.
3. Come and sit ___ me.
4. Where do you come ___?
5. I'll be back ___ an hour.
6. He must be ___ his grandmother's.
8. They want to travel ___ plane
9. The Nile is the longest river ___ the world.
10. Which way should we go, up or ___ the hill?

Show the Answers

Plural nouns

Plural Forms and Irregular Nouns

What is the correct PLURAL of the word?
Click the answer button to see the correct answer.

1. How many personpeople study English as a second language?

2. Five womanwomen opened a computer services company.

3. All childchildren enjoy learning on the Internet.

4. Most basketball players are 6 footfeet tall or more.

5. Which breed of sheepsheep produces the finest wool?

6. My toothteeth are sensitive to the cold.

7. During the summer, many countries have to change their watchwatches .

8. The boys went fishing and caught 10 fishfish .

9. There are 10 manmen in the Maintenance Department.

10. The wifewives keep their knifeknives on the shelfshelves.

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