Comprehension Check

Comprehension

Decide whether these statements are TRUE or FALSE

1 If Magda does well in her degree she will get a permanent job

2 Johnny is moving to Shanghai

3 Fadi doesn’t like his cousin

4 Harry has been offered a permanent job

5 Magda suggests that she and Sarah share a flat

6 The café is going to close down

Vocabulary & Grammar

Vocabulary one – Adjective + noun collocations

Match the halves to make common adjective + noun collocations

First	degree
Good	week
Permanent	decision
Master's	day
Big	job
Next	news

 

Vocabulary two - Colloquial expressions

Finish the colloquial expressions with a word from below

crossed / time / worry / up / sorry / shame

1 What a

2 Cheer

3 Fingers

4 Decision

5 Don’t

6 I’m

 

Grammar one - -ed and –ing adjectives

Complete the gaps with the correct adjective

1 Something ...... happened to me today (amazed / amazing)

2 Try not to be too ...... about the exam (worried / worrying)

3 It was an ...... situation (embarrassed / embarrassing)

4 She was ...... to hear the news (surprised / surprising)

5 What an ...... plan! (excited / exciting)

6 We are ...... because there are too many options (confused / confusing)

7 Is the film ...... ? (bored / boring)

8 The book was much more ...... (interested / interesting)

 

Grammar two – articles

Complete the gaps with a, an, the or / (no article)

1 I’ve had .... row with my boyfriend

2 I don’t get on with .... landlord

3 I’m going to be .... architect

4 The job is in .... China

5 That’s .... excellent news

6 I hated .... job so I left

Answers

Comprehension

1 True

2 False (he may move to Chongqing)

3 True

4 False (he has lost his job)

5 True

6 True

Vocabulary one

First day

Good news

Permanent job

Master's degree

Big decision

Next week

Vocabulary two

1 What a shame

2 Cheer up

3 Fingers crossed

4 Decision time

5 Don’t worry

6 I’m sorry

Grammar one

1 amazing

2 worried

3 embarrassing

4 surprised

5 exciting

6 confused

7 boring

8 interesting

Grammar two

1 a, 2 the, 3 an, 4 (/), 5 (/), 6 (the)

Glossary

A row (noun) A verbal argument or disagreement

We had a row about whose turn it was to clean the kitchen

Permanent (adjective) Long lasting, not temporary

After having six temporary jobs she was delighted to get a permanent one

Proper (adjective) Appropriate, conforming, correct

Now I am getting a proper salary instead of just some pocket money

A distinction (noun) marked superiority

She was an excellent student so it wasn’t a surprise to hear that she had got distinction in her exam

To miss (verb) To feel sorry about the absence of somebody or something

She missed her family a lot when she moved away to another town

A decision (noun) The act of deciding or making a judgement

It was a difficult decision to make but she had to choose a winner

Audioscript

Olivia: Hi Magda! How was your first day?

Magda: Fantastic!

Olivia: Really!? I’m amazed...

Sarah: Yeah, you were so worried about your new job...

Magda: Well, I had some good news...

Olivia: Yeah? What?

All: Hi Johnny!

Johnny: Hi! I’ve got some good news...

Sarah: Makes two of you then!

Johnny: At least I think it’s good news...I’m not really sure...

Olivia: Tell us!

Magda: Can’t I tell you my good news first?

Sarah: Wow, this is getting complicated...and I’m afraid I’ve only got some bad news...

Magda: Oh no...what a shame! What’s the problem?

Olivia: Yeah, go on, bad news first, then the good news will cheer us up!

Sarah: OK, well, I had a row with my landlord, finally! And I’m moving out...

Magda: Oh no!

Sarah: Oh yes! So, I need a new flat...

Olivia: Again!!!

Magda: Oh dear...

Olivia: What a shame. I hoped it was going to work out...

Sarah: Yeah, but I didn’t get on with the landlord.

Magda: Have you told Fadi yet?

Sarah: No...I’m worried what he might think. The landlord is his cousin, after all...

Olivia: Well, let’s just wait until he comes in. I was going to tell him you weren’t happy – now I’ll tell him you’re leaving!

Magda: Is it good news time yet?

Sarah: Yes! Go on! What’s your good news?

Magda: I’ve been offered a job!

Johnny: Me too!

Olivia: Hang on! Wait a minute! You’ve already got a job, haven’t you Magda?

Sarah: And you have too, Johnny, haven’t you? You talk about it all the time...

Magda/Johnny: But...

Magda: Go on...!

Johnny: No, you first, please...

Magda: I’ve been offered a permanent job, with the same company! I’ll be a proper architect!

Olivia: Wow! That’s fantastic!

Magda: But...

Olivia: There’s always a ‘but’...

Magda: I have to get a distinction in my master’s degree...

Sarah: Phew...that’s not easy...

Magda: No, but I’m doing well...

Olivia: Fingers crossed then...

Sarah: Let’s hope!

Johnny: That’s amazing – I’ve got the same news!

Olivia: What? You’re going to be an architect?

Johnny: No!

Sarah: You’re doing a master’s degree?

Johnny: No!

Magda: What then?

Johnny: A job...I’ve been offered a new job!

Olivia: Yes, you said...

Johnny: And there’s a ‘but’...

Olivia: I told you there was always a ‘but’...

Johnny: It’s not in London...

Olivia: You’d have to leave...

Johnny: Yeah...

Olivia: Well, where is it? New York?

Johnny: No...

Magda: Paris? Berlin? Where?

Johnny: It’s back in China.

Sarah: Oh...Beijing? Shanghai?

Johnny: No, it’s in Chongqing.

Olivia: Where?

Johnny: Chongqing!

Magda:: Where’s that?

Sarah: Southwest China. It’s a really interesting place...growing really quickly...

Johnny: Yeah, it’s a great opportunity...

Olivia: But?

Johnny: But I love it here so much. I’m not sure I want to go back to China yet – I’d miss all my friends...

Olivia: You’ll have to choose!

Sarah: It’s big decision time! Oh no...here comes Fadi....and Harry.

All: Hi Fadi! Hi Harry!

Fadi: How’s it going everyone?

Olivia: Don’t ask...

Magda: I’ve been offered a new job, a really good job – if I get a good degree!

Johnny: I’ve been offered a new job, a really good job – but I have to go back to China!

Harry: Wow! Busy day everyone’s having...I’ve got some news too...

Olivia: Oh no...

Harry: Oh yes – I’ve been sacked!

Magda: “Sacked”?

Harry: Yes – I’ve lost my job, been made redundant, unemployed, no longer working!

Magda: Oh no!

Harry: Don’t worry – I don’t care. I hated that job anyway. I’ll soon find another job. A man with my skills and abilities is always in demand!

Johnny: Somebody from my company sacked you? Why?

Harry: I told them I wasn’t going to work at the weekend – Saturdays and Sundays. If I worked on Saturday and Sunday, when could I play football!? So I said ‘no’, and they said ‘goodbye’...

Magda:: What will you do now?

Harry: I have absolutely no idea! The future is an open book...

Sarah: Very poetic!

Fadi: Well Sarah, at least you’re ok...with your new flat and everything...

Sarah: Oh...er...well...

Olivia: Actually, I wanted to talk to you about that...cousin

Fadi: You wanted to talk to me?

Olivia: (whispering) Yeah, well, you see, Sarah’s a bit embarrassed...

Fadi: (whispering) What’s up?

Olivia: She wants to leave the new flat...she doesn’t get on well with the landlord...

Fadi: My cousin.

Olivia: Yes, your cousin.

Fadi: I’m not surprised!

Olivia: Eh?

Fadi: I said I’m not surprised! My cousin’s horrible! I can’t stand him!

Olivia: (laughs) Oh that’s a relief...

Fadi: Sarah – I’m sorry if I got you involved with my cousin...I thought you were desperate for a place to live...I know my cousin’s horrible!

Sarah: Oh, never mind Fadi – thanks for trying to help anyway...Now I need a new place to live though...

Magda:: If I get this job, I’ll have more money – we could get a place together...

Sarah: That’d be great...

Johnny: If I take the job in China, I’ll have to leave my flat...

Sarah: And we could move in...

Olivia: What a lot of ‘if’s’...

Sarah: It’s exciting...

Magda:: But also worrying...

Johnny: And confusing...

Harry: And that’s not all...

Fadi: What?

Harry: I’ve just been speaking to the owner of the café...

Olivia: And?

Harry: They’re closing down – next week!

All: What!!?? Oh…that’s terrible…no....what are we all going to do??

Comprehension Check

Comprehension

Choose the correct verb in each sentence

1 Magda got / didn’t get the job

2 The salary is / isn’t good

3 Harry usually remembers / forgets people’s jobs

4 Sarah has recently bought / rented a new flat

5 Fadi’s cousin wants to talk / know about Sarah

6 Sarah receives / pays rent

7 Olivia offers / refuses to speak to Fadi

8 Olivia will see / phone Fadi

Vocabulary & Grammar

Vocabulary – words related to work

Complete the text using the words below

architect        experience        salary        job      learning

CV      work       company      opportunities 

I’m looking for a new (1) …… as an (2) ……….. I’m not happy with the (3) ………. I (4) ………… for now. They don’t value my (5) ………… and they don’t offer me any (6) …………….. My (7) ………………. Is not bad but I think I should be (8) ……….. I am gong to send my (9) ……………… to a few places and see what happens.

Grammar one – verbs

Fill the gaps with a verb from the box. Use the correct form of the verb

 to think      to pay      to move       to get (x2)      to lose  

 to appreciate      to help       to say      to see

1 Did you ………. the job?

2 I’m afraid I’ll …… my job if I am late again this week

3 I’ve ………. lots of experience in accounting

4 You’ll have to ………. carefully

5 Are they ………. you a good salary?

6 I’ve …….. some of her drawings, they’re great

7 You’ve only just ……… in to your new flat!

8 He was so kind ……. me find a flat

9 I’d really …………… it if you could help me

10 I’ll ……… something to him when I see him.

Grammar two – prepositions

Complete the sentences with an appropriate preposition

1 You are working here …. a trial basis

2 I need to think carefully … it before I give you my answer

3 I have a chance to work …… the senior partners

4 We are working …… some designs for a new bridge

5 He comes ……. to my place every day

6 Shall I have a word ……. him?

Answers

Comprehension

1 got

2 is

3 forgets

4 rented

5 know

6 pays

7 offers

8 see

Vocabulary

1 job

2 architect

3 company

4 work

5 experience

6 opportunities

7 salary

8 earning

9 CV

Grammar one

1 get

2 lose

3 got

4 think

5 paying

6 seen

7 moved

8 helping

9 appreciate

10 say

Grammar two

1 on

2 about

3 with

4 on

5 round

6 with

Glossary

A trial (noun) A test

We’re having a trial tomorrow and if it’s ok we’ll go ahead

A salary (noun) Money earned from working

Her salary is low, she’s never got any money

Experience (noun) Knowledge gained from observing or directly undergoing something

I have got a lot of experience in looking after children because I’ve got seven younger sisters!

A stage (noun) A single step in a process

The first stage of the game is easy then the next stages get gradually more difficult

Intrusive (adjective) Coming without an invitation

My sister is intrusive. She comes into my room without knocking

To mention (verb) To refer briefly to something

Don’t mention her new glasses! She hates them

Audioscript

Magda: (talking into phone) So…ok…hmm...yeah! That’s great news!

Olivia: So? Did you get the job?

Magda: Yes!!!

All: Hooray!! Fantastic! Well done!!

Magda: But...

Harry: There’s always a ‘but’...

Magda: It’s only on a trial basis...just for a month.

Harry: Ok, that’s pretty normal actually. Most companies do that.

Olivia: But they are paying you, yes?

Magda: Oh yes, the salary isn’t bad. It’s not an internship.

Harry: I did internships for ages...had to work for a month to get experience – no pay! – and then I never got offered the real job at the end. Like now! I’m doing this work for Johnny’s company – they want me to work at weekends too – Saturdays and Sundays – with no extra money!

Olivia: That’s terrible!

Harry: I don’t know what to do...I want to say ‘no’, but I’m afraid I’ll lose the job...

Olivia: You’ll have to think carefully about it!

Magda: Or you’ll be trying to do an internship again!!! Only joking! It can be important to do an internship if you want to get experience – things to put on your CV...

Harry: Yeah, I guess you’re right, but I’m past that stage...I’ve got lots of experience now.

Magda: I’m really worried though, about my first day, really nervous. I might be terrible!

Olivia: Don’t worry Magda, you’ll be great. Show them how good you are in the first month and they’ll be offering you more money by the second month!

Magda: Let’s hope so!

Harry: What are you going to be doing exactly?

Magda: Well, it’s a lot of admin work..but I do get a chance to work with the senior partners on some designs.

Harry: Great...What is it you do again?

Olivia: Harry! How come you always forget this stuff?

Magda: Architecture! I’m an architect! I design buildings!

Harry: Oh yeah, right, of course...

Sarah: She’s a good one too, Harry – I’ve seen some of her drawings. I keep on telling her that she should go to China – there are lots of opportunities there at the moment.

Magda: Maybe, one day. That’d be really interesting...How are you, Sarah?

Sarah: OK...

Harry: How’s the new flat?

Sarah: That’s the problem...

Olivia: Oh no! You’ve only just moved in!

Magda: I thought the flat was great...

Sarah: The flat is nice, but the problem is the landlord...

Olivia: Isn’t that Fadi’s cousin?

Sarah: Yes, exactly...but he’s really intrusive.

Magda: Intrusive?

Sarah: He comes round all the time, wants to know everything about me. I think that if I pay rent, that’s it, I shouldn’t have to tell him anything else.

Olivia: I see...that’s not on, is it? Have you mentioned it to Fadi?

Sarah: No, I don’t know how to. He was so kind helping me get the place. I don’t want to seem rude.

Olivia: Would you like me to have a word with him?

Sarah: Could you? That’d be really great. I’d really appreciate it.

Olivia: I’ll say something the next time I see him! Promise!

Comprehension Check

Comprehension

Decide whether these statements are TRUE or FALSE

1 Johnny doesn’t need to use a crutch now

2 Joe is with his mother

3 Johnny is going to see his doctor

4 Harry thinks Johnny is important

5 Magda asked a question at her interview

6 Magda arrived late for her interview

Vocabulary & Grammar

Vocabulary one – colloquial expressions

Match the two parts of these common expressions

1 Don’t           a it going?

2 Hello           b serious!

3 How’s          c worry!

4 Me              d mind!

5 Never          e there!

6 Nothing       f too!

 

Vocabulary two - prepositions

Complete the sentences with a preposition from below. You will need to use some prepositions twice.

at           after

about      on

1 I’m not looking …….. my nephew today

2 I’ll see you later ….. work

3 The doctor is having a look ….. his leg

4 She accidentally stepped ….. his toe!

5 He talks ……. work all the time, it’s boring

6 Are you going to ask ….. the interview?

7 She arrived … time for the interview

 

Grammar one – gerunds and infinitives

Choose the correct option a, b or c

1 I need ….. from my operation
A to recover
B recover
C recovering

2 I don’t get ……….. you much
A to see
B see
C seeing

3 They make me ……. Hard
A to work
B work
C working

4 It’s difficult ……….. how the interview went
A to say
B say
C saying

 

Grammar two – word order

Put the word in bold in the correct place in the sentence

1 I need to use the crutch

still

2 I don’t get to see you

much

3 I’m going to the doctor’s now

right

4 I got a chance to ask one question

only

Answers

Comprehension

1 False

2 True

3 True

4 False

5 True

6 False

Vocabulary one

1c, 2e, 3a, 4f, 5d, 6b

Vocabulary two

1 after, 2 at, 3 at, 4 on, 5 about, 6 about, 7 on

Grammar one

1A, 2A, 3B, 4A

Grammar two

1 I still need to use the crutch

2 I don’t get to see you much

3 I’m going to the doctor’s right now

4 I only got a chance to ask one question

Glossary

Workmate (noun) A person who you work with

We were workmates at the supermarket last year

Plaster (noun) A hardened material used to cover broken bones in order to help them heal

She’s broken her arm and it’s going to be in plaster for three months

Busy (adjective) Having a lot of things to do

I’m too busy working to be able to go out for lunch

Punctual (adjective) Arriving on time

Try to be punctual; the film starts at eight!

Otherwise (adverb) Under other circumstances

Don’t spend too much money on sweets, otherwise we won’t be able to buy the tickets

Audio Script

Olivia: How’s the leg Johnny?

Johnny: A bit better thanks...I’ve got the plaster off it now, but I still need the crutch.

Olivia: Good to hear...

Johnny: Your nephew young Joe didn’t help...he’s not here today is he? I need to recover!

Olivia: No, don’t worry...I’m not looking after him today. He’s with my sister.

Harry: Hello there!

Olivia: Hi Harry!

Johnny: Hi there workmate!

Olivia: How’s it going, Harry?

Harry: Erm...not bad...

Olivia: You don’t sound so sure...

Harry: No, really, everything’s fine...

Johnny: Everything ok at work? I don’t get to see you much...

Harry: Well, I’m always busy, you know...

Johnny: Oh yeah, I know...busy busy busy. That’s me, too! Got to go right now...just to the doctor’s though, he’s having another look at my leg, making sure it’s ok...

Olivia: Bye then Johnny! Hope it goes well!

Johnny: Me too! Whoops.......Magda! Watch out!

Magda: Oh, sorry Johnny!

Johnny: Owwww!

All: Oh no!

Magda: Oh! I stepped on your toe!

Johnny: Don’t worry...never mind...nothing serious...I’ll get better! Good job I’m going to the doctor’s right now! Bye!

Magda: Oh no! I feel so bad!

Harry: Don’t worry about it, he’s not really that bad! He hasn’t broken any bones or anything.

Olivia: He’s just a bit of an actor, that’s all...

Harry: Tell me about it...he’s terrible at work! I try and avoid him...

Olivia: Oh no! Why?

Harry: He just talks about his work all the time, about how important he is, and how rich he’s going to be...it gets boring...

Olivia: But are you getting on with him ok, otherwise?

Harry: Yeah, I guess so...they really make me work hard for my money though...

Olivia: Do you think you’ll stay with that job?

Harry: For a bit, I guess. I’ll have to see how it goes, long term...

Magda: Isn’t anyone going to ask about my interview?!

Olivia: Oh yes...sorry! Of course..so, how did it go?

Magda: I’m not sure...ok I think...it’s difficult to say...

Harry: What questions did they ask you?

Magda: The usual ones...why I want this job, what I can bring to their company...

Olivia: Did you answer all the questions?

Magda: Sure...yes.

Harry: Did you ask a question?

Magda: Yes...I only got a chance to ask one, so I asked them how far I’d be free to follow my own projects as part of the job.

Olivia: Good question.

Harry: What did you wear?

Magda: A suit, like Johnny told me to! Black jacket, trousers...

Olivia: Did you arrive on time?

Magda: I was perfectly punctual!

Harry: You’ll be a shoe-in!

Magda: Sorry? A what?

Harry: A shoe-in! It means you’re certain to get the job!

Magda: Well, I hope so.......Oh no! It’s them...they’ll be calling to tell me if I got the job or not....

Comprehension Check

Comprehension one

Choose the correct answer

1 Johnny injured his leg...
A playing football
B falling over
C in the pub

2 Johnny thinks Magda should ...
A wear a dress
B wear trousers and a jacket
C wear a skirt and jacket

3 Sarah thinks it is important for Magda ...
A not to look too formal
B to look formal
C to dress casually

4 Johnny thinks it is important for Magda ...
A to avoid looking her interviewers in the eyes
B to stare at her interviewers
C to look her interviewers in the eyes

5 Sarah and Johnny agree that it is ...
A important to ask one or two questions
B important to ask a lot of questions
C important not to ask any questions

6 So much advice is ...
A helping Magda
B making Magda nervous
C confusing Magda

Comprehension two

Fill the gaps with a name below. One name is used twice.

Magda        Sarah        Johnny        Fadi        Harry

1 ......... has an injury

2 ......... was pretending to be a Chelsea player

3 ......... was pretending to be Beckham

4 ......... asks for advice

5 ......... thinks Magda should enjoy her interview

6 ......... thinks Joe is sweet

Vocabulary & Grammar

Vocabulary – synonyms

Find a word or expression that means the same as:

1 type

2 very funny

3 business

4 find out about

5 one’s sister’s son

6 hurt

 

Grammar – adjectives and adverbs

(a) Put these words into the correct columns

smartly           surely           formal            really           first

careful            confident       casually         exactly         heavy 

Adjectives	Adverbs
1
	2
3
	4
5
	6
7
	8
9
	10

(b) Now write the missing adverbs and adjectives

Answers

Comprehension one

1B, 2C, 3A, 4C, 5A, 6B

Comprehension two

1 Johnny

2 Harry

3 Fadi

4 Magda

5 Sarah

6 Magda

Vocabulary

1 kind

2 hilarous

3 company

4 research

5 nephew

6 injured

Grammar a and b

 

Adjectives	Adverbs
1 formal	formally
smart	2 smartly
3 first	firstly
sure	4 surely
5 careful	carefully
real	6 really
7 confident	confidently
casual	8 casually
9 heavy	heavily
exact	10 exactly

Glossary

A crutch (noun) A support to help somebody walk

He’s hurt his leg and needs a crutch to help him walk

An injury (noun) harm that is done to a part of the body

He has a head injury but I think he’ll be ok

To kick (verb) To strike something with the foot

He kicked the ball into the net and scored the winning goal

To slip (verb) To slide involuntarily

She slipped on the ice and hurt her knee

A tip (noun) A piece of advice

I know all about banking, let me give you some tips for saving money

To stare (verb) To look at somebody or something in an intense way

Stop staring at her or she’ll feel uncomfortable

Audio Script

Johnny: Oucchh!! Be careful!

Fadi: All right, all right...I’m trying..you’re heavy!

Harry: He’ll need his crutch...hang on...here you go...ok...can you sit down now?

Johnny: Yeah...I think so.

Olivia: Oh my goodness!! What has happened?

Sarah: Johnny! What have you done to your leg?

Johnny: Sporting injury. Sarah: Oh no! What happened?

Johnny: Well, we were playing football...me and the boys..

Harry/Fadi: We were...that’s right...

Johnny: And I was Sun Jihai, from Manchester City...

Harry: I was Drogba, from Chelsea...

Fadi: And I was David Beckham, of course...

Sarah: So you were playing football, and Johnny got injured?

Harry/Johnny/Fadi: Ermm..

Olivia: Did someone kick him?

Fadi: No... Sarah: Did he fall over?

Harry: Not exactly... Olivia: Well what happened then?

Fadi: It wasn’t really a sporting injury...

Sarah: Go on! Johnny: It was kind of a sporting injury...

Fadi: But we’d actually finished playing football...

Harry: And we decided to go to the pub for a drink...

Fadi: And as we were walking there...

Johnny: I slipped and fell over.

Olivia/Sarah: What???

Olivia: That’s ridiculous!

Sarah: That’s hilarious!

Johnny: Hmmpph. Thank you very much. Here comes Magda, at least she’ll give me some sympathy...hi Magda!

Magda: Hi Johnny...oh dear! What happened to your leg?

Johnny: Long story...don’t really want to talk about it....

Olivia: Really Magda, it’s better if you don’t know.

Sarah: Just don’t ask! We’ll tell you later...don’t worry!

Magda: Erm, ok then...sure..listen, Johnny, I was hoping you were going to give me some interview advice...do you remember? I have an important interview next week...

Johnny: Oh sure, yeah, I remember. Yes, good idea – I’ll give you some tips. It’ll help take my mind off this injury...So, interviews, well, first thing – make sure you dress smartly.

Magda: How do you mean “smartly”?

Johnny: Well, wear a suit...a grey one...

Magda: A woman’s suit?

Johnny: Yeah.you know the kind of thing, skirt and a jacket...

Magda: Ok...

Sarah: Erm, I’m not sure that’s always right, though...it depends on the company, surely.

Magda: How do you mean?

Sarah: Well, if you’re going to a company where everybody wears smart suits – like the kind of people Johnny works with – then, yeah, you should wear a suit. But if the company you’re applying to isn’t the kind of company where everyone wears suits all the time...

Olivia: Where people dress more casually...

Sarah: Exactly...you don’t want to look overdressed, too formal...

Magda: No, I guess not...

Olivia: You just need to look like you fit in!

Johnny: Yeah, that’s good advice. But you have to know first, and that’s the second thing I wanted to say – research the company! Find out as much about them as you can! Don’t let them ask all the questions...

Sarah: Yes, that’s right – they always give you a chance to ask a question, so ask an intelligent question!

Johnny: Just one or two questions are enough, no more than that.

Sarah: Yeah, to make you sound interested, and look interested...

Johnny: Precisely – look interested. Body language. It’s really important. Make sure you look the interviewers in the eyes....

Sarah: But don’t stare at them!

Magda: No.

Johnny: But show you’re confident, and you know what you’re talking about...

Magda: That’s the problem...I’m not sure that I do!

Johnny: Oh, and don’t be late for the interview! Plan to get there early.

Magda: So much advice, so much to think about...it’s making me more nervous, not less!

Olivia: Oh dear...

Sarah: Don’t worry, that’s the important thing. Relax and enjoy it! What’s that?

Olivia: Oh, I forgot to tell you all – my nephew Joe is here again today...

Fadi: I remember Joe...he’s the little boy who’s always…… exactly!

Olivia: Joe! Slow down please! Joe! Please be careful!

Magda: He’s so sweet...

Johnny: He’s sweet as long as he doesn’t come near my...aaaagghhhh!!!!...my injured leg!!

Comprehension Check

Decide whether these statements are TRUE or FALSE

1 Sarah is going to move into Fadi’s flat

2 Harry and Johnny are working for the same company

3 Magda thinks it is a good idea for friend to work together

4 Johnny is optimistic about his future

5 Magda has an interview at Johnny’s company

6 Johnny is playing football later

Vocabulary & Grammar

Vocabulary one – countable and uncountable nouns

Put the nouns into the correct columns

job            work          news         evening   
money       advice        place        company 

Countable	Uncountable

 

Vocabulary two – Adjectives

Find the OPPOSITES to these adjectives in the script

1 dark

2 cheap

3 old

4 bad

5 polite

6 wrong

7 small

8 poor

 

Grammar one – question forms

Match the questions and answers

1 That’s not a problem, is it?                  A Great thanks

2 How’s it going?                                   B I guess I could help

3 Can you give me some advice?           C No, I don’t think so

4 Where are you off to?                         D Got an appointment with the boys

 

Grammar two – word order

Unjumble the words

1 need a I really place new

2 work the in same We even office don’t

3 people Not are like all Chinese that

4 got interview small a architect’s I’ve an with practice

5 in hurry a to Where such are off you?

Answers

Comprehension

1 False (Fadi’s cousin’s flat)

2 True

3 False (she thinks it’s a bad idea)

4 True

5 False (she has an interview at an architect’s practice)

6 True

Vocabulary one

Countable	Uncountable
job	work
place	news
evening	money
company	advice

Vocabulary two

1 light

2 expensive

3 new

4 good

5 rude

6 right

7 big

8 rich

Grammar one

1c, 2a, 3b, 4d

Grammar two

1 I really need a new place

2 We don’t even work in the same office

3 Not all Chinese people are like that

4 I’ve got an interview with a small architect’s practice

5 Where are you off to in such a hurry?

Glossary

Spacious (adjective) Containing a lot of space

My new flat as got a spacious living room with plenty of room for a party

A catch (noun) A negative aspect

It sounds too good to be true, what’s the catch?

Location (noun) A place

The location is ideal, it’s next to the bus station

A practice (noun) The business of a professional person

She’s working at a lawyers’ practice in the town centre

To hang out (phrasal verb)To spend one’s free time

They hang out together at the weekend

A mate (noun) A friend (informal)

We’ve been best mates since we were five years old

Audio Script

Magda: So, did you see the flat?

Sarah: Yeah, it’s great...really spacious, really light, good location near a tube station – and not too expensive!

Magda: Sounds perfect. There’s got to be a catch...

Sarah: Well, Fadi’s cousin is the owner...

Magda: That’s not a problem, is it?

Sarah: No...no, I don’t think so...He seems ok...

Magda: You don’t sound sure...

Sarah: No, really, he’s ok. And I really need a new place!

Magda: So you think you’ll move in?

Sarah: Yeah, certainly. Already decided....I move in on Saturday!

Magda: Great! 

Johnny: Hi! Magda and

Sarah: Hi there Johnny! Come and have a seat! How’s it going?

Johnny: Great thanks...just waiting for Harry.

Sarah: You two are hanging out together all the time at the moment...

Johnny: We’re good mates, we get on really well...

Magda: Isn’t Harry working for you as well now?

Johnny: No!!! He’s working with me, not for me...there’s a very big difference!

Magda: What’s that?

Johnny: Well, if he was working ‘for’ me, that means I’d be his boss! But he’s working ‘with’ me, which means that we work for the same company, that’s all.

Magda: I’m not sure I’d want to be in the same office as you and Harry! What do you do, talk about football all the time?

Johnny: No! We don’t even work in the same office!

Magda: Sorry, only joking...I didn’t mean to be rude, but I think it’s a good idea to keep friends and work separate...

Sarah: Mmm, I agree...

Johnny: You could be right – but we don’t actually work together closely. It’s a big company you know, and Harry works on the IT side. I’m at the front of the operation – searching out opportunities, winning contracts, clinching deals...

Magda: Alright for you then!

Johnny: I’ll be rich in three years...

Magda: That’s what you always say! There are more important things in life than money, you know!

Sarah: Magda, don’t worry...not all Chinese people are like that. We don’t only care about money!

Johnny: Maybe, but all I mean is, well, I know where I’m going...

Magda: Lucky you...I wish I did...I’m about to finish my degree and haven’t got anything lined up for the future yet...

Sarah: Oh dear...nothing at all?

Magda: Well, I’ve got an interview with a small architect’s practice next week...

Sarah: That’s great news! Well done!

Magda: Yeah...but...I’m really worried about it! I’ve never done a job interview before. Can you give me some advice?

Sarah: Erm...I guess I could help...I’ve done one or two interviews...

Johnny: I’ll tell you all you need to know! Don’t worry. Just listen to me, take my advice and you’ll definitely get the job!

Magda: Oh, er, well, great...

Johnny: But I can’t tell you now...got to go...

Sarah: Where are you off to in such a hurry?

Johnny: Got an appointment with the boys, haven’t I? Fadi and Harry - we’re all playing football this evening. Bye! 

Sarah: Bye!!

Comprehension Check

Order these events

1 Sarah says she is worried about not finding a flat

2 Olivia makes a joke about plumbers

3 Fadi offers to accompany Sarah to his cousin’s flat

4 Fadi arrives at the café

5 Fadi phones his cousin

6 Johnny asks Magda if she wants to stay in London

Vocabulary & Grammar

Vocabulary one - prepositions
 

 Use a preposition from the box to complete these common expressions

so                     up (x2)             drop

in                      by

1 Tom just popped …… to the café

2 I dropped ……. to see what was happening!

3 I guess ….!

4 Please, let it ……..! I don’t want to talk about it

5 What’s ……. ? You look sad

6 Cheer ……..; it’ll be alright

 

Vocabulary two – collocations
 

 Match the two parts of these common collocations

 

1 take                                       a here

2 next                                       b machine

3 little                                       c architect

4 flat                                         d a break

5 stay                                       e hunting

6 handmade                              f pest

7 trained                                   g shoes

8 washing                                 h door

 
Grammar one – verb forms

 
Choose the correct form

 
1 I should to avoid / avoid him for a bit

2 He was going do / to do that job for me

3 He’s helping Sarah to find / finding a flat

4 I have to / must to get a job

5 It’s not easy get / to get work as an architect

6 I’d rather to be / be an architect

 

Grammar two – so and such

 
Complete these sentences from the script using so or such.

 
It’s (1) ……. easy just to pop in

You sell (2) ……… special things

Why does everyone look (3) …….. glum?

You are (4) ……. a terrible gossip!

 

Now complete the rule using so and such.

 

We use (5) ………… before an adjective.

We use (6) ………….before an adjective + noun (or just a noun)

 

Complete these sentences using so and such.

 

She is (7) ……… happy when she is playing tennis

The book was (8) …………. a success, they decided to make it into a film

They are (9)……… noisy children.

Stop being (10) ………. noisy!

 

 

Answers

Comprehension

 
4, 1, 5, 6, 2, 3

 

Vocabulary one

 
1 in

2 by

3 so

4 drop

5 up

6 up

 

Vocabulary two

 
1 d

2 h

3 f

4 e

5 a

6 g

7 c

8 b

 

Grammar one

 
1 avoid

2 to do

3 to find

4 have to

5 to get

6 be

 

Grammar two

 
1 so

2 such

3 so

4 such

5 so

6 such

7 so

8 such

9 such

10 so

 

Glossary

Relieved (adjective) Feeling free from anxiety

He was relieved to hear the good news

Homeless (adjective) Having nowhere to live

The charity helps homeless people to find a place to live

Spare (adjective) Kept in reserve for possible use

Has anyone got a spare pen that I can borrow?

A gossip (noun) A person who talks about the affairs of others

Don’t tell Anne, she’s a terrible gossip so she’ll tell everybody

Handmade (adjective) Made by hand rather than machine

The gloves are handmade so they were quite expensive

A degree (noun) An academic title given by a university

Congratulations on getting your History degree!

Audio Script

Fadi: Morning Olivia!

Olivia: Hello there!

Fadi: Do you live here?

Olivia: How do you mean?

Fadi: It’s just that every time I come in here, you’re here...it’s like you live here or something...

Olivia: Just taking a break that’s all...

Fadi: You’re always taking a break.

Olivia: Well my shop’s next door, so it’s so easy just to pop in here when things are quiet...

Fadi: Where’s the little thief today?

Olivia: Who? Oh! You mean my little nephew Joe...

Fadi: Exactly...the sweet little pest!

Olivia: He’s with his mum, my sister, today, you’ll be relieved to know.

Fadi: Has Harry been in today?

Olivia: He dropped by the shop before. Said he might pop in here later for a coffee.

Fadi: I think he’s angry with me, perhaps I should avoid him for a bit.

Olivia: Why’s he angry with you?

Fadi: Oh, you know, we argued about money – he was going to do that job for me...

Olivia: Oh yeah, but don’t worry. I’m sure he’s not really angry. And even if he is, he’ll soon forget it. You know what he’s like!

Fadi: Yeah, I guess so. I’ll just let it drop.

Fadi and Olivia: Hi there!

Sarah and Magda: Hello

Fadi: Cheer up! What’s up with you two?

Sarah: Just the usual...

Olivia: How’s the flat-hunting going Sarah?

Sarah: Still nothing. I really need somewhere to live. I’m getting desperate. I’ll end up homeless if things don’t get better!

Olivia: Oh come on, it’s not that bad...

Sarah: No, of course it’s not, but...it’s so difficult to find a place...

Fadi: I’m glad you showed up – I wanted to talk to you about that...

Sarah: Oh yeah?

Fadi: Yeah - I’ve heard of something that might interest you...

Sarah: Great! What is it?

Fadi: A cousin of mine has a spare room in his house.

Olivia: A cousin of yours...how many people are there in your family...?

Fadi: A lot!

Sarah: That sounds good...can I look at the flat?

Fadi: I’ll call him now.

Olivia: Are you sure about moving in there?

Sarah: Look, I really need a place, urgently, and it’ll be ok, I’m sure...

Olivia: Lots of opportunities to see Fadi....

Sarah: You are such a terrible gossip!

Johnny: There’s Fadi, always stuck to that phone, always working...or perhaps it’s girls!

Olivia: Actually, he’s helping Sarah to find a flat.

Johnny: Oh. Ok. Good. Well hello! What’s up? Why does everyone look so glum here?

Sarah: I’m still trying to find a flat...

Magda: And I finish my degree soon, which means I have to get a job, or go back to Poland.

Johnny: And you want to stay here in London?

Magda: Yeah, but it’s so difficult to get a job.

Olivia: That’s not true, there are lots of jobs around...

Magda: Yes, but I don’t want to just work in a bar or a café or a shop...

Olivia: Oh thanks!

Magda: Sorry! I know you work in a shop, but...that’s different..it’s your own shop, and you sell such special things, those lovely handmade shoes! But usually, you know, shopwork isn’t great..

Olivia: Tell me about it...

Sarah: But you’ll be a trained architect, won’t you?

Magda: Yes, exactly...but it’s not easy to get work as an architect. There’s a lot of competition here in London

Johnny: You should go to China...lots of opportunities there right now, lots of building.

Olivia: You could always get work as a plumber!

Magda: Eh?

Olivia: Sorry, it’s a joke...in Britain we think people from Poland are all plumbers..

Magda: Plumbers?

Olivia: People who fix taps and baths and toilets and washing machines

Magda: I see…...why?

Olivia: I don’t know...we think they’re good plumbers though...but expensive ones.

Magda: I’m not sure about that...I’d rather be an architect, thanks!

Fadi: Listen, Sarah, I spoke to my cousin and we can go round to have a look at the flat this afternoon if you like...

Sarah: “We”?

Fadi: Well, I’ll go with you, show you where it is...

Sarah: Erm, ok...Thanks!

Olivia: Told you so!

Magda: Well you might have solved your problem then...but I might not be here much longer!

Comprehension Check

Comprehension one

 
Choose the correct word(s):

 
1 Olivia is Joe’s nephew / aunt

2 Joe is well / badly behaved

3 Joe is four / five years old

4 Olivia wants / doesn’t want Harry to do her website

5 Fadi’s uncle has agreed to pay exactly / more than two thousand pounds

6 Olivia thinks it is a bad / good idea to do business with a friend

 

Comprehension two

 
Fill the gaps with the names in the box

 
Magda (x2)                  Harry               Joe

Olivia                           Fadi

1 …………. is Olivia’s nephew

2 …………. likes children

3 Joe visits ………..’s shop

4 ……… has arranged to meet Harry at the café

5 ………… thinks it is a bad idea to talk business in a café

6 ……….. leaves the café upset

Vocabulary & Grammar

Vocabulary one - adjectives

Find a word in the tapescript that means the opposite of:

1 horrible

2 fast

3 young

4 earlier

5 sad

6 lazy

7 lower

8 loud

Vocabulary two – family words

What are the missing words in the table:

 

male	female
Uncle
	Niece
Brother
	Mother
Grandson
	Sister-in-law
Stepfather

 

Grammar – phrasal verbs

 
Fill the gaps with one of the following verbs:

 
turn                  bail                   slow

sit                     come                look

1 I can’t come out tonight, I have to …….. after my brother

2 Please …….. down, I can’t understand what you are trying to say

3 ……….. here for a moment and help me please

4 I had to ……… the job offer down because I don’t want to travel so far

5 If you get into trouble, don’t expect me to ……… you out!

6 ……… down here and I’ll bring you a coffee

 

Answers

Comprehension one

 

1 aunt

2 badly

3 four

4 doesn’t want

5 more than

6 bad

Comprehension two

1 Joe

2 Magda

3 Olivia

4 Fadi

5 Magda

6 Harry

Vocabulary one

1 lovely

2 slow

3 old

4 later

5 happy

6 energetic

7 higher

8 quiet

 

male	female
Uncle	Aunt
Nephew	Niece
Brother	Sister
Father	Mother
Grandson	Granddaughter
Brother-in-law	Sister-in-law
Stepfather	Stepmother

Grammar

1 look

2 slow

3 Come

4 turn

5 bail

6 Sit

Glossary

Fortunately (adverb) With luck

I lost my bag but fortunately my neighbour found it

Upset (adjective) Disturbed emotionally

He was upset when he heard the bad news

Mate (noun) Friend - colloquial

He’s my best mate; we do everything together

Energetic (adjective) Full of energy

Children are usually very energetic, they are hard work!

Trouble (noun) Disorder or disturbance

There’ll be trouble if Mum finds out you weren’t at home last night

Quote (verb) To state a price

She quoted five hundred pounds and I accepted

Negotiator (noun) A person who arranges a transaction

We need a good negotiator to make the best business deal

Mess (noun) A dirty or disordered condition

You’ll have to clean up this mess before Mum comes home!

Audio Script

Olivia:  Joe!  Can you stop that please!  Can you please come here and sit down!

Magda:  Hello there, Olivia.  Who’s this?

Olivia:  This is Joe – he’s my nephew.

Magda:  Nephew?

Olivia: My sister’s son.

Magda:  Oh!  I see.  He’s lovely!  I love children...

Olivia:  Yeah, they’re great until you have to look after them...

Magda:  You’re looking after him?

Olivia:  Yeah, just for today, fortunately.  My sister can’t get a babysitter.  But Joe comes to my shop quite often.  He loves it there...unfortunately!

Magda:  Why’s that ‘unfortunate’?

Olivia: Because he’s a pest, that’s why...

Magda:  What’s a ‘pest’?

Olivia:  Somebody or something which makes you angry...

Magda:  No!!