english_at_work_episode_3.pdf
english_at_work_episode_3.mp3
This episode explores language for making suggestions
Phrases from the programme
?Can I make a suggestion
?Why don't you try
?Have you tried asking your colleagues
?Maybe I could do a big office search for you
?How about looking through your rubbish bin
I have an idea
Listening Challenge
?Why was the memory stick wet
.The answer is at the end of the pdf script
Narrator: Here we are again at Tip Top Trading, where Anna's interview for a sales
job has been suddenly interrupted. Office assistant Denise has entered the
room, looking very worried. What's wrong? And will Anna have any
?suggestions that might help
Denise: I don't know what to do!
?Paul: So what's the matter Denise
?Denise: You know the PowerPoint presentation
?Paul: The one we've been preparing for the last two months
Denise: Yes.
?Paul: The one that's very, very important and that we need this afternoon
Denise: That one.
Paul: Aha.
Denise: We've lost everything!
Paul: No!
Denise: I had it on a USB stick, to transfer it, but the stick has vanished!
Narrator: Right Anna, now is your chance to help them find solutions to the problem
You'll need phrases like
?Can I make a suggestion
?Why don't you
?Have you tried
?Maybe we could
?How about
I have an idea!
Paul: But don't you have it saved on your computer?
Denise: No, it was taking up a lot of space, so I deleted it.
Paul: So you have lost the only copy we have.
Denise: Yes.
Narrator: What idiots! I've never seen such a disorganised office. Go on, you'd better
help them, Anna
?Anna: Can I make a suggestion
Paul: Yes, please do
Anna: Why don't you try looking in your recycle bin? It might still be there.
Denise: I did. It isn't.
?Anna: Have you tried asking your colleagues if they've seen the memory stick
Denise: I did. They haven't
Anna: How about looking through your rubbish bin to see if you threw it away by
?mistake
Denise: (getting shirty) I don't do silly things like that!
Paul: All very sensible suggestions Anna, thank you
Anna: Maybe I could do a big office search for you...? I'm good at finding things
Denise: There are confidential documents in this office – non-staff are not allowed
to see them
?Paul: Now, now Denise. Why don't you drink up that nice tea
?Anna: I have an idea! Did you ever email the presentation to anyone
Paul: Golly gosh, you did Denise! You emailed it to me to proof-read. It'll be in
my inbox somewhere. Good thinking Anna
Denise: I was just about to suggest that myself
Paul: Problem solved. Thank you Anna
Anna: Pleasure
Narrator: Well done Anna!
Paul: Right, now please leave us Denise. Anna and I will continue our interview
?Would you like a biscuit Anna
?Anna: Thank you. Oh, what's that
Paul: Oh golly gosh, the USB stick! It was mixed in with the plate of biscuits that
Denise brought in.
Anna: It's wet
Paul: Yes, I think maybe I stirred my tea with it at one point. Oh well. Now,
?where were we
My goodness, it's 11 o'clock! I have a meeting right now! I'm afraid I'm
going to have to go. But I've made my mind up about you anyway. I
?suppose you'd like to know if you've got the job
?Anna: Yes please
Narrator: Ah - Stop right there! I'm sure everybody would like to know if Anna's got
the job – but everybody's going to have to wait until we've heard her
helpful phrases once again
?Can I make a suggestion
?Why don't you try looking in your recycle bin
Have you tried asking your colleagues if they've seen the memory stick
?How about
?Maybe I could do a big office search for you
?How about looking through your rubbish bin
I have an idea
Paul: Anna, we need someone who can think on her feet and who is a first-rate
people person. Someone who sees solutions, not problems... someone like
you! So if you want the job, it's yours
Narrator: Ah, now think carefully Anna – do you really want to work for these
people? They seem a bit... disorganised.
Anna: I would definitely like the job! Thank you
Narrator: So be it. Join us again next week for Anna's first day as a sales executive
at Tip Top Trading.
Listening comprehension question
?Why was the memory stick wet
Because it had been in Paul’s tea
