BBC LEARNING ENGLISH
English at University
5: Registration
LANGUAGE FOCUS: Learn phrases about and vocabulary about filling in forms –
DOB, next of kin, plagiarism declaration
Narrator
It's time again for English at University - the series that teaches some English phrases to help
you through your first year of study abroad Mary's met her new roommate Abi and is
settling in well But before her lectures finally begin there's some admin to do…
Mary
?Admin
Narrator
Administration – paperwork – you need to go to registration and complete some forms
Oh and don't forget to pick up your student card – that will be very useful
Mary
Oh ok Thanks I'll do that now
Sharon
Next
Mary
Oh, hello I'm Mary I'm new
Sharon
?So is everyone else – you've come to register have you
Mary
I think so I think I need to fill in some forms
Sharon
Oh yes, lots of them Here you go… next!
Narrator
She's not very friendly – but it's a good idea to keep in with the administration assistant –
?she can help you with lots of things Do you need help now Mary
Mary
Oh yes I do Look at all this paper… this one asks for D-O-B and this one says plagiarism
declaration
Narrator
Don't panic Be polite and ask for help Say something like… I'm really sorry but I'm not
sure what to write, or, could you explain this form to me please, or, I know you're busy but
I'd be grateful if you could help me Give it a go – I'm sure she won't bite your head off
Mary
Bite my head off?! I hope not Right… I know you're really busy but I'd be grateful if you
?could help me Please
Sharon
Yes of course dear… this is a 'plagiarism declaration' which says that you won't copy
anyone's work… just sign it here This is a form with your important contact details and
next-of-kin… that's the person we'll contact if you get ill or die or something
Mary
?And this
Sharon
Oh don't forget this one Fill this in and you'll get a student card – that'll give you discounts
on books and food and get you into the student nightclub You'll need to include a
photograph of yourself
Mary
?Oh great Thanks so much…err
Sharon
Sharon
Mary
?And I'm Mary One last thing… could I borrow a pen please
Narrator
Well done Mary You're making progress You can usually get help by using these useful
phrases…
I'm really sorry but I'm not sure what to write
?Could you explain this form to me please
I know you're busy but I'd be grateful if you could help me
And of course…
?Could I borrow a pen please
?Now how's Mary getting on
Mary
…D-O-B…date of birth… There all done
Sharon
Ah, hello sweetheart… are those the forms for me? Great Now all I need now is your
passport… to prove who you are
Mary
Yes of course… oh no, my passport! It was in my back pocket…
Daniel
?Hello… are you looking for this
Mary
Daniel… my passport! Oh thank you
Daniel
You look prettier in real life than you do in your passport photo
Mary
Thanks!
