Asking for Information

There are a number of formulas used when asking for information in English. Here are some of the most
common:
Could you tell me...?
Do you know...?
Do you happen to know...?
Id like to know...
Could you find out...?
Im interested in...
Im looking for..
These two forms are used for asking for information on the telephone:
Im calling to find out...
Im calling about...
Construction
Formula Question Word Example Finish
Could you tell me when the next train leaves?
Do you know how much that vase costs?
Do you happen to know where Tom lives?
I'd like to know what you think about the new project.
Could you tell me when the next train leaves?
Could you find out when she is going to arrive?
Formula Gerund (-in! Example Finish
I'm interested in buying a boat
Formula "oun Example Finish
I'm looking for information on holidays in Spain.
Formula used only on the
telphone
Question Word Example Finish
I'm calling to find out... if
flight !"#$% will lea&e on time
today.
Contrasting Ideas
There are a number of formulas used when contrasting ideas in English. Here are some of
the most common:
'ed lo&e to stay for dinner( but we ha&e got to get going.
They decided to stay in the area( in spite of their problems with the local
residents.
Despite the difficulties of a long )ourney( *eter decided to &isit India.
+etting a good )ob is hard work( howe&er( most people e&entually find one with
patience.
There were a number of people who came( although the hotels were not e,uipped
to handle them all.
Construction
Formula Example Explanation
main statement, #ut
contrasting statement
I'd really like to come to the
ilm, but I have to study
tonight.
$se a %omma or semi %olon
(&! with '#ut'' '(ut' is the
most %ommon way to show
%ontrastin ideas'
main statement, in
spite of contrasting
statement !" in
spite of contrasting
statement, main
statement
They continued on their
journey, in spite o the pouring
rain. !" In spite o the pouring
rain, the continued on their
journey.
$se 'in spite of' plus a
noun) noun phrase or
erund
main statement,
despite contrasting
statement !"
Despite contrasting
statement, main
statement
They continued on their
journey, despite the pouring
rain. !" #espite the pouring
rain, the continued on their
journey.
$se 'despite' plus a noun)
noun phrase or erund
main statement,
howe*er,
contrasting statement
!" main statement.
+owe*er)
contrasting statement
She is a very intelligent girl,
however, her tendency to not
pay attention in class causes
her problems. !" -he is a &ery
intelligent girl. Howe&er( her
tendency to not pay attention in
class causes her problems.
$se 'howe*er' pre%eded
and followed #y a %omma
()!' ,ou %an also %ontrast
ideas in two senten%es #y
#einnin the %ontrastin
senten%e with '+owe*er''
main statement,
althouh contrasting
statement !"
-lthouh contrasting
$e wanted to buy a sports car,
although we knew that ast cars
can be dangerous. !" %lthough
we knew that ast cars can be
$se 'althouh' with a
su#.e%t and a *er#'
statement, main
statement
dangerous, we wanted to buy a
sports car.
Making Complaints
There are a number of formulas used when complaining in English. Its important to
remember that a direct complaint or criticism in English can sound rude or aggressi&e. Its
best to mention a problem in an indirect manner. Here are some of the most common:
Im sorry to ha&e to say this but...
Im sorry to bother you( but...
.aybe you forgot to...
I think you might ha&e forgotten to...
E/cuse me if Im out of line( but...
There may ha&e been a misunderstanding about...
Dont get me wrong( but I think we should...
Construction
Formula Example Finish
I'm sorry to ha*e to say this #ut
I think we need to take another
approach.
I'm sorry to #other you) #ut I think you need to reine this layout.
/ay#e you forot to include his name and number.
I think you miht ha*e forotten to inish the report on time.
Ex%use me if I'm out of line) #ut your work has not been ade&uate lately.
0here may ha*e #een a
misunderstandin a#out
what I expected rom you.
Don't et me wron) #ut I think we
should
concentrate on the Smith account or
the moment.
Giving Advice
There are a number of formulas used when +i&ing !d&ice in English. Here are some of
the most common:
I dont think you should work so hard.
0ou ought to work less.
0ou ought not to work so hard.
If I were you( Id work less.
If I were in your position( Id work less.
If I were in your shoes( Id work less.
0ou had better work less.
0ou shouldnt work so hard.
'hate&er you do( dont work so hard.
Construction
Formula 1er# Form
I don't think you
should work so hard.
'se 'I don't think you should' the base orm o the verb in a
statement.
,ou ouht to work less.
'se '(ou ought to' the base orm o the verb in a
statement.
,ou ouht not to work
so hard.
'se '(ou ought not to' the base orm o the verb in a
statement.
If I were you)
If I were in your
position)
If I were in your
shoes) I wouldn't work
so hard.
'se 'I I were' 'you' !" 'in your position' !" 'your shoes' 'I
wouldn't' !" 'I would' base orm o the verb in a statement
)% orm o the conditional *+.
,ou had #etter work
less.
'se '(ou had better' )you'd better+ the base orm o the
verb in a statement.
,ou shouldn't 23 ,ou
should work less.
'se '(ou should' !" '(ou shouldn't' the base orm o the
verb in a statement.
Whate*er you do) don't
work so hard.
'se '$hatever you do' the imperative
Guessing
There are a number of ways to guess in English. Here are some of the most common:
I'd say hes about ready to ,uite his )ob.
It might need some oil.
He could be in the garden.
It looks like a miniature motor.
Perhaps he needs some time off work.
Maybe they want to come and &isit this summer.
It's difficult to say, but I'd guess that its used for cleaning house.
I'm not really sure, but I think they en)oy hiking in the mountains.
Construction
Formula Form
I'd say he's about ready to &uite his job. 'se 'I'd say' an independent clause.
It miht need some oil. 'se 'might' the base orm o the verb.
,e %ould be in the garden. 'se 'could' the base orm o the verb.
It looks like a miniature motor. 'se the verb 'look like' a noun.
4erhaps he needs some time o work. -egin the sentence with 'perhaps'.
/ay#e they want to come and visit this
summer.
-egin the sentence with 'maybe'.
It's diffi%ult to say) #ut I'd uess that
it's used or cleaning house.
'se the phrase 'It's diicult to say, but I'd
guess' an independent clause.
I'm not really sure) #ut I think they
enjoy hiking in the mountains.
'se the phrase 'I'm not really sure, but I
think' an independent clause.
aying '!o' !icely
-ometimes you need to say no when someone makes a suggestion( offers something or
asks you to do something for them. 1f course( saying )ust no can be rather rude. Here
are some of the most common ways to say no nicely 2 or at least not rudely.
'ould you like to see a film tonight?
I'm afraid I can't go out tonight. I&e got a test tomorrow.
'hy dont we ha&e some chinese food?
-orry( but I don't particularly like chinese food.
How about taking a nice walk?
I'd really rather not take a walk this afternoon.
'ould you like to come to the museum with us?
Thank you( but it's not my idea of a fun afternoon out.
3ets go for a dri&e
-orry( I'm not really fond of dri&ing for the fun of it.
'hy dont you stay the night?
Thats &ery kind of you( but I really have to get back to the city.
41TE: 4otice how we often say thank you in some way before refusing the offer. 'hen
someone makes an offer it is polite to first thank that person and then say no( often
offering an e/cuse for not wanting or being able to do something. 5ust saying no is
considered &ery rude beha&ior indeed6
Construction
Formula 1er# Form
I'm araid I can't...
$se the #ase form of the *er# without
'to'
I don't particularly like...
$se the '-in' form of the *er# with the
*er# 'like' in the present simple'
I'd )really+ rather not...
$se the #ase form the *er# without 'to'
with 'rather'
It's not my idea o...
$se the '-in' form followin a
preposition) or a noun
I'm not )really+ ond o...
$se the '-in' form followin a
preposition) or a noun
Thank you )thank you or asking, thank
you very much, etc.+ but, I have to...
$se the #ase form the *er# without 'to'
followin the modal form 'ha*e to do'
tating a Preference
-ometimes you need to state a preference when someone makes a suggestion( offers
something or asks your opinion about what to do. 1ften people are asking for your
opinion and you can state your preference freely( other times( people ha&e made an offer
and you need to state a preference politely if you do not want to do what has been
suggested( or would rather do something else.
'ould you like to see a film tonight?
I'd rather go dancing. How does that sound?
'hy dont we ha&e some chinese food?
'ell( I'd prefer eating Italian. 'hat do you think?
'hat do you think we should do?
If it "ere up to me, I'd go out for dinner.
'hat are we going to do today? The weather is awful6
I think "e should go to a museum.
#hy don't "e go to a museum.
$et's go to a museum.
%o" about going to a museum.
Construction
Formula 1er# Form
I'd rather... $se the #ase form the *er# without 'to' with 'rather'
I'd preer... $se the '-in' form followin the *er# 'prefer'
I it were up to me,
I'd...
$se the se%ond %onditional form followed #y the #ase form
of the *er# without 'to'
I think we should...
$se the #ase form the *er# without 'to' followin the
modal form 'should'
$hy don't we...? $se the #ase form of the *er# in a 5uestion
.et's go ... $se the #ase form of the *er# with 'let's'
,ow about...?
$se the '-in' form of the *er# after a preposition - here
'a#out'
Making uggestions
There are a number of formulas used when making suggestions in English. Here are some
of the most common:
'hy dont you 7 we go to the mo&ies tonight?
0ou 7 we could &isit 4ew 0ork while youre 7 were there.
3ets go to the tra&el agents this afternoon to book our ticket.
'hat about asking your brother for help?
How about going to Hawaii for your &acation?
I suggest you 7 we take all the factors into consideration before we decide.
Construction
Formula 1er# Form
$hy don't you / we go to a
movie?
$se the #ase form of the *er# in a 5uestion
$e / (ou could go to a movie.
$se the #ase form of the *er# in a statement
.et's go to a movie. $se the #ase form of the *er# with 'let's'
$hat about going to a movie?
$se the '-in' form of the *er# in a 5uestion
,ow about going to a movie?
$se the '-in' form of the *er# in a 5uestion
I suggest you / we go to a
movie.
$se suest o#.e%t *er# in the #ase form in a
statement'
&ffering %elp
There are a number of formulas used when offering help in English. Here are some of the
most common:
.ay I help you?
Can I help you?
!re you looking for something?
'ould you like some help?
Do you need some help?
'hat can I do for you today?
Construction
Formula 1er# Form
/ay I help you6
'se '0ay I' or '1an I' the base orm o the verb in a
statement.
-re you lookin for
somethin6
'se '%re you looking or' something !" anything in
particular !" speciic object
Would you like some
help6
'se '$ould you like' some help !" some advice !" a
recommendation
Do you need some
help6
'se '#o you need' some help !" some advice !" a
recommendation
What %an I do for you
today6
'se '$hat can I do or' you, her, him, etc. today !" this
morning, this aternoon, this evening
Giving #arnings
There are a number of formulas used when +i&ing 'arnings in English. Here are some
of the most common:
Dont push so hard on that toy( or you might 7 will break it6
'atch out6 8e careful6
'ork hard otherwise youll fail your e/am.
Construction
Formula 1er# Form
#on't..., or you
might / will...
$se the imperati*e followed #y miht or will in a
statement
$atch out2 -e
1areul
$se the imperati*e
$ork hard,
otherwise you'll...
$se the imperati*e otherwise you will 7 miht plus the
#ase form of the *er# to show %onse5uenses
'emanding ()planations
-ometimes( things happen that we would like e/plained and we must demand
e/planations. 9or e/ample( if you ha&e )ust bought a new computer and there is a
problem( but the shop assistant says that the guaranty does not co&er the problem. There
are a number of formulas used when demanding e/planations in English. Here are some
of the most common:
Can you tell me why...
I dont understand why...
Can you e/plain why..
'hy is it that...
How come...
Does this mean...
Do you really e/pect me to belie&e...
Construction
Formula 1er# Form
Can you tell me why it has
taken you so long to respond?
'se '1an you tell me why' a ull clause in the positive
statement orm )S 3 !+. 4otice that this is an indirect
&uestion and re&uires a &uestion mark )?+.
I don't understand why it
has taken you so long to
respond.
'se 'I don't understand why' a ull clause in the
positive statement orm )S 3 !+. 4otice that this is a
statement and does 4!T re&uire a &uestion mark )?+
Can you explain why it has
taken you so long to respond?
'se '1an you explain why' a ull clause in the positive
statement orm )S 3 !+. 4otice that this is an indirect
&uestion and re&uires a &uestion mark )?+.
Why is it that it has taken
you so long to respond?
'se '$hy is it that' a ull clause in the positive
statement orm )S 3 !+. 4otice that this is an indirect
&uestion and re&uires a &uestion mark )?+.
+ow %ome it has taken you so
long to respond?
'se ',ow come' a ull clause in the positive statement
orm )S 3 !+. 4otice that this is an indirect &uestion
and re&uires a &uestion mark )?+.
Does this mean (that! it has
taken you so long to respond?
'se '#oes this mean )that+' a ull clause in the
positive statement orm )S 3 !+. 4otice that this is an
indirect &uestion and re&uires a &uestion mark )?+.
Do you (really! expe%t me
to #eli*e (that! you weren't
able to inish on time?
'se '#o you )really+ expect me to belive )that+' a ull
clause in the positive statement orm )S 3 !+. 4otice
that this is an indirect &uestion and re&uires a
&uestion mark )?+.
Guide to *asic *usiness $etters
9rom :enneth 8eare(
0our +uide to English as ;nd 3anguage.
+,(( 4ewsletter. -ign <p 4ow6
The Basics
The basics of good business letter writing are easy to learn. The following guide pro&ides
the phrases that are usually found in any standard business letter. These phrases are used
as a kind of frame and introduction to the content of business letters. !t the end of this
guide( you will find links to sites that gi&e tips on the difficult part of writing successful
business letters = arguing your business ob)ecti&e. 8y using these standard phrases( you
can gi&e a professional tone to your English business letters.
-he tart
Dear *ersonnel Director(
Dear -ir or .adam: >use if you dont know who you are writing to?
Dear Dr( .r( .rs( .iss or .s -mith: >use if you know who you are writing to( and ha&e
a formal relationship with 2 .(,/ IMP&,-A!- use .s for women unless asked to
use .rs or .iss?
Dear 9rank: >use if the person is a close business contact or friend?
-he ,eference
'ith reference to your ad&ertisement in the Times, your letter of ;@
rd
.arch(
your phone call today(
Thank you for your letter of .arch A
th
.
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-he ,eason for #riting
I am writing to in,uire about
apologiEe for
confirm
,e0uesting
Could you possibly?
I would be grateful if you could
Agreeing to ,e0uests
I would be delighted to
Giving *ad !e"s
<nfortunately
I am afraid that
(nclosing 'ocuments
I am enclosing
*lease find enclosed
Enclosed you will find
Closing ,emarks
Thank you for your help *lease contact us again if we can help in any way.
there are any problems.
you ha&e any ,uestions.
,eference to +uture Contact
I look forward to ...
hearing from you soon.
meeting you ne/t Tuesday.
seeing you ne/t Thursday.
-he +inish
0ours faithfully( >If you dont know the name of the person youre writing to?
0ours sincerely( >If you know the name of the person youre writing to?
8est wishes(
8est regards( >If the person is a close business contact or friend?
ample $etter
Here is a sample letter using some of these forms:
:ens Cheese House
@F Chatley !&enue
-eattle( '! $%GHA
Tel:
9a/:
Email: kennyIcheese.com
1ctober ;@( ;##H
9red 9lintstone
-ales .anager
Cheese -pecialists Inc.
FAH Jubble Joad
Jock&ille( I3
Dear .r 9lintstone:
'ith reference to our telephone con&ersation today( I am writing to confirm your order
for: D;# / Cheddar Delu/e Jef. 4o. %AH
The order will be shipped within three days &ia <*- and should arri&e at your store in
about D# days.
*lease contact us again if we can help in any way.
0ours sincerely(
:enneth 8eare
Director of :ens Cheese House
Here are some other basic business letters which you will find useful for typical
English business correspondence.
-he Cover $etter
The co&er letter introduces your resume or CC when applying for a )ob inter&iew. There
a few important things that need to be included in the co&er letter. .ost importantly( the
co&er letter should point out why you are particularly suited to the position. The best way
to do this is to take the )ob posting and point out the highlights in your resume that
e)actly match the desired ,ualifications. Here is an outline to writing a successful co&er
letter. To the right of the letter( look for important notes concerning the layout of the
letter signaled by a small number in red.
5eter Townsled
67 8reen "oad 9
Spokane, $% :;<7=
%pril 9<, *>>?
0r @rank 5eterson, 5ersonnel 0anager *
Aeans and 1o.
*7= 0ain Street
Seattle, $% <:7>*
#ear 0r. TrimmB 6
= I am writing to you in response to your
advertisement or a local branch
manager, which appeared in the Seattle
Times on Sunday, Aune 97. %s you can
see rom my enclosed resume, my
experience and &ualiications match this
position's re&uirements.
7 0y current position managing the local
branch o a national shoe retailers has
provided the opportunity to work in a
highCpressure, team environment, where
it is essential to be able to work closely
with my colleagues in order to meet
sales deadlines.
In addition to my responsibilities as
manager, I also developed time
management tools or sta using %ccess
and Dxcel rom 0icrosot's !ice Suite.
EThank you or your time and
consideration. I look orward to the
opportunity to personally discuss why I
am particularly suited to this position.
5lease telephone me at ater =.>> p.m.
to suggest a time that we may meet. I
can also be reached by email at
1Begin your cover letter by placing your
address first, followed by the address of the
company you are writing to.
2Use complete title and address; don't
abbreviate.
3lways ma!e an effort to write directly to
the person in charge of hiring.
"#pening paragraph $ Use this paragraph to
specify which %ob you are applying for, or, if
you are writing to in&uire whether a %ob
position is open &uestion the availability of
an opening.
'(iddle paragraph)s* $ +his section should
be used to highlight your wor! e,perience
which most closely matches the desired %ob
re&uirements presented in the %ob opening
advertisement. -o not simply restate what
is contained in your resume. .otice how the
e,ample ma!es a special effort to show
why the writer is especially suited to the
%ob position opening posted above.
/0losing paragraph $ Use the closing
paragraph to ensure action on the part of
the reader. #ne possibility is to as! for an
interview appointment time. (a!e it easy
for the personnel department to contact
you by providing your telephone number
and email address.
1lways sign letters. 2enclosure2 indicates
that you are enclosing your
petertFnet.com
Sincerely,
*eter Townsled
5eter Townsled ;
Dnclosure
()ample Intervie" 1uestions
Common Intervie" 1uestions
+irst Impressions
The first impression you make on the inter&iewer can decide the rest of the inter&iew. It
is important that you introduce yourself( shake hands( and be friendly and polite. The first
,uestion is often a Kbreaking the iceK >establish a rapport? type of ,uestion. Dont be
surprised if the inter&iewer asks you something like:
How are you today?
Did you ha&e any trouble finding us?
Isnt this great weather were ha&ing?
This type of ,uestion is common because the inter&iewer wants to put you at ease >help
you rela/?. The best way to respond is in a short( friendly manner without going into too
much detail. Here is some e/amples correct responses:
Intervie"er2 How are you today?
/ou2 Im fine( thank you. !nd you?
1J
Intervie"er2 Did you ha&e any trouble finding us?
/ou2 4o( the office isnt too difficult to find.
1J Intervie"er2 Isnt this great weather were ha&ing?
/ou2 0es( its wonderful. I lo&e this time of year.
Intervie"er2 Did you ha&e any trouble finding us?
/ou2 4o( the office isnt too difficult to find.
Here are some e/amples of incorrect responses:
How are you today?
-o( so. Im rather ner&ous actually.
1J
Intervie"er2 Did you ha&e any trouble finding us?
/ou2 !s a matter of fact it was &ery difficult. I missed the e/it and had to return &ia the
highway. I was afraid I was going to be late for the inter&iew.
1J Intervie"er2 Isnt this great weather were ha&ing?
/ou2 0es( its wonderful. I can remember this time last year. 'asnt it awful6 I thought it
would ne&er stop raining6
Intervie"er2 Did you ha&e any trouble finding us?
/ou2 4o( the office isnt too difficult to find.
Getting 'o"n to *usiness
1nce the pleasant beginnings ha&e finished( its time to begin the real inter&iew. Here are
a number of the most common ,uestions that are asked during the inter&iew. There are
two e/amples of e/cellent replies gi&en for each ,uestion. 9ollowing the e/amples( you
will find a comment describing the type of ,uestion and important things to remember
when answering that type of ,uestion.
Intervie"er2 Tell me about yourself.
Candidate2 I was born and raised in .ilan( Italy. I attended the <ni&ersity of .ilan and
recei&ed my masters degree in Economics. I ha&e worked for D; years as a financial
consultant in .ilan for &arious companies including Jossi Consultants( Luasar Insurance
and -ardi and -ons. I en)oy playing tennis in my free time and learning languages.
Candidate2 I&e )ust graduated from the <ni&ersity of -ingapore with a degree in
Computers. During the summers( I worked as a systems administrator for a small
company to help pay for my education.
Comment: This question is meant as an introduction. Do not focus too specifically on
any one area. The above question will often be used to help the interviewer choose what
h/she would like to ask next. While it is important to give an overall impression of who
you are, make sure to concentrate on work related experience. Work related experience
should always be the central focus of any interview work experience is more important
than education in most !nglish speaking countries".
Intervie"er2 'hat type of position are you looking for?
Candidate2 Im interested in an entry le&el >beginning? position.
Candidate2 Im looking for a position in which I can utiliEe my e/perience.
Candidate2 I would like any position for which I ,ualify.
Comment:#ou should be willing to take an entry level position in an !nglish speaking
company as most of these companies expect non$nationals to begin with such a position.
%n the &nited 'tates, most companies provide many opportunities for growth, so don(t be
afraid to start from the beginning)
Intervie"er2 !re you interested in a full2time or part2time position?
Candidate2 I am more interested in a full2time position. Howe&er( I would also consider
a part2time position.
Comment: *ake sure to leave open as many possibilities as possible. 'ay you are willing
to take any +ob, once the +ob has been offered you can always refuse if the +ob does not
appeal not interest" to you.
Intervie"er2 Can you tell me about your responsibilities at your last )ob?
Candidate2 I ad&ised customers on financial matters. !fter I consulted the customer( I
completed a customer in,uiry form and catalogued the information in our database. I then
collaborated with colleagues to prepare the best possible package for the client. The
clients were then presented with a summariEed report on their financial acti&ities that I
formulated on a ,uarterly basis.
Comment: ,otice the amount of detail necessary when you are talking about your
experience. -ne of the most common mistakes made by foreigners when discussing their
former employment is to speak too generally. The employer wants to know exactly what
you did and how you did it. the more detail you can give the more the interviewer knows
that you understand the type of work. /emember to vary your vocabulary when talking
about your responsibilities. 0lso, do not begin every sentence with 1%1. &se the passive
voice, or an introductory clause to help you add variety to your presentation
Intervie"er2 'hat is your greatest strength?
Candidate2 I work well under pressure. 'hen there is a deadline >a time by which the
work must be finished?( I can focus on the task at hand >current pro)ect? and structure my
work schedule well. I remember one week when I had to get H new customer reports out
by 9riday at A. I finished all the reports ahead of time without ha&ing to work o&ertime.
Candidate2 I am an e/cellent communicator. *eople trust me and come to me for ad&ice.
1ne afternoon( my colleague was in&ol&ed with a troublesome >difficult? customer who
felt he was not being ser&ed well. I made the customer a cup of coffee and in&ited both
my colleague and the client to my desk where we sol&ed the problem together.
Candidate2 I am a trouble shooter. 'hen there was a problem at my last )ob( the
manager would always ask me to sol&e it. 3ast summer( the 3!4 ser&er at work crashed.
The manager was desperate and called me in >re,uested my help? to get the 3!4 back
online. !fter taking a look at the daily backup( I detected the problem and the 3!4 was
up and running >working? within the hour.
Comment: This is not the time to be modest) 2e confident and always give examples.
!xamples show that you are not only repeating words you have learned, but actually do
possess that strength.
Intervie"er2 'hat is your greatest weakness?
Candidate2 I am o&erEealous >work too hard? and become ner&ous when my co2workers
are not pulling their weight >doing their )ob?. Howe&er( I am aware of this problem( and
before I say anything to anyone( I ask myself why the colleague is ha&ing difficulties.
Candidate2 I tend to spend too much time making sure the customer is satisfied.
Howe&er( I began setting time2limits for myself If I noticed this happening.
Comment: This is a difficult question. #ou need to mention a weakness that is actually a
strength. *ake sure that you always mention how you try to improve the weakness.
Intervie"er2'hy do you want to work for -mith and -ons?
Candidate2 !fter following your firms progress for the last @ years( I am con&inced that
-mith and -ons are becoming one of the market leaders and I would like to be part of the
team.
Candidate2 I am impressed by the ,uality of your products. I am sure that I would be a
con&incing salesman because I truly belie&e that the !tomiEer is the best product on the
market today.
Comment2 *repare yourself for this ,uestion by becoming informed about the company.
The more detail you can gi&e( the better you show the inter&iewer that you understand the
company.
Intervie"er2 'hen can you begin?
Candidate2 Immediately.
Candidate2 !s soon as you would like me to begin.
Comment: 'how your willingness to work)
The abo&e ,uestions represent some of the most basic ,uestions asked on any )ob
inter&iew in English. *robably the most important aspect of inter&iewing in English is
gi&ing detail. !s a speaker of English as a second language( you might be shy about
saying complicated things. Howe&er( this is absolutely necessary as the employer is
looking for an employee who knows his or her )ob. If you pro&ide detail( the inter&iewer
will know that you feel comfortable in that )ob. Dont worry about making mistakes in
English. It is much better to make simple grammar mistakes and pro&ide detailed
information about your e/perience than to say grammatically perfect sentences without
any real content.
3seful .ocabulary for the ,esume and Intervie"
8elow is a list of great &erbs to help you e/press )ust e/actly what you did with
impressi&e &ocabulary. These &erbs are used to e/press responsibilities and tasks
performed:
acted
accomplished
adapted
administered
advanced
advised
allocated
analyGed
applied
approved
arbitrated
arranged
assisted
attained
blended
brought
built
carried out
catalogued
changed
classiied
collaborated
compared
completed
computed
conceived
conducted
constructed
consulted
contracted
controlled
cooperated
coordinated
corrected
counseled
created
edited
dealt
decided
decreased
deined
delegated
derived
designated
detected
developed
devised
directed
discovered
distributed
documented
doubled
encouraged
engineered
enlarged
escalated
established
estimated
evaluated
examined
expanded
experienced
explored
acilitated
inaliGed
ormulated
ounded
unctioned
governed
grouped
guided
handled
harmoniGed
harnessed
headed
identiied
implemented
improved
increased
indexed
initiated
inspected
installed
instituted
interpreted
introduced
invented
investigated
justiied
led
localiGed
located
made
managed
maintained
mechaniGed
merged
moderated
motivated
negotiated
opened
operated
organiGed
originated
overcame
perceived
perormed
pioneered
planned
prepared
presented
presided
processed
programmed
raised
recommended
recorded
recruited
rectiied
redesigned
repaired
replaced
restored
reversed
reviewed
revised
saved
screened
selected
serviced
set up
solved
sorted
sparked
speciied
started
stimulated
strengthened
summariGed
supervised
supported
systematiGed
tested
trained
transacted
transcribed
transormed
tripled
upgraded
validated
varied
veriied
vitaliGed
promoted
provided
purchased
won
wrote
-o describe your skills the follo"ing ad4ectives are useful
accurate
active
adaptable
adept
broadCminded
competent
conscientious
creative
dependable
determined
diplomatic
discreet
eicient
energetic
enterprising
enthusiastic
experienced
air
irm
genuine
honest
innovative
logical
loyal
mature
methodical
motivated
objective
outgoing
personable
pleasant
positive
practical
productive
reliable
resourceul
sel disciplined
sense o humor
sensitive
sincere
successul
tactul
trustworthy
<se these &erbs and ad)ecti&es and really sell yourself. 0ou only ha&e a few minutes to
show how good you really are. 8y using this precise &ocabulary and being confident can
help you make the best impression possible.
I hear youre working on the -mith account. If you need any information dont hesitate to
get in M contact with me.
Hi Tom(
3isten( we&e been working on the -mith account and I was wondering if you could gi&e
me a hand? I need some inside information on recent de&elopments o&er there.
Do you think you could pass on any information you might ha&e?
Transitional Words and Phrases
Use the menu below to find transition words that fit your purpose.
Addition
Time
Place
Comparison
Contrast
Cause
Effect
Exemplification
or Illustration
Clarification
Qualification
Intensification
Concession
Purpose
Summary
Conclusion
emonstrati!es
Pronouns
Type of
transition
Examples
Addition
furthermore moreover
too
also in the second place
again
in addition even more
next
further last, lastly
finally
besides and, or, nor
first second, secondly,
etc.
Time
while immediately
never
after later, earlier
always
when soon
whenever
meanwhile sometimes
in the meantime
during afterwards
now, until now
next following
once
then at length
simultaneously
so far this time
subsequently
Place
here beyond
adjacent to
there wherever
neighboring on
nearby opposite to
above, below
Exemplification
or Illustration
to illustrate as an
illustration
to demonstrate e.g., (for
example)
specifically for example
for instance
Comparison
in the same way in like manner
by the same token likewise
similarly in similar
fashion
Contrast
yet on the contrary
but
and yet in contrast
however
nevertheless notwithstanding
though
nonetheless on the other hand
otherwise
after all at the same time
Clarification
that is to say to clarify
in other words to rephrase it
to explain to put it
another way
i.e., (that is)
Cause
because on account of
since for that reason
Effect
therefore thus
consequently hence
accordingly as a result
Purpose
in order that to that end, to
this end
so that for this
purpose
Qualification
almost perhaps
never
nearly maybe
always
probably although
frequently
Intensification
indeed undoubtedly
doubtedly
to repeat in fact
certainly
by all means surely
without doubt
of course in fact yes,
no
Concession
to be sure granted of
course, it is true
Summary
to summarize in short in
brief
in sum in summary to
sum up
Conclusion
in conclusion to conclude
finally
Demonstratives
acting as
transitions
this these
those that
Pronouns
serving as lins
to clearly refer
to a specific
!ord or phrase
his her it
its they
their
theirs our
your
Transition word exercises
Always ask yourself what the exact relationship is between the sentences or parts of sentences.
Are you leading to the result of something? Are you making a deduction? Are you introducing
some contradictory evidence or ideas? Your choice of word or phrase obviously depends on this.
And always check in a good dictionary if you're not quite sure about a word's use or its position
in a sentence. Remember that punctuation will affect what you use.
Exercise 1
Insert the best alternative
1 olls show that !ony "lair is the most popular rime #inister this century. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
%
there are even members of his own party who are uneasy with his approach.
%n particular 3owever 4or instance
2 !here are some slight variations in temperature% but $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ &' to &()* should be
expected.
consequently otherwise as a rule
3 !he two main *hannel +slands% $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ ,ersey and -uernsey% are much closer to
.rance than to /ngland.
for example namely in particular
4 +t was announced that nurses' working hours would be increased by &01. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ %
even fewer trainee nurses are expected to 2oin the profession.
0s a result 'o that 5ikewise
5 3ales of *4s have experienced a small but steady fall over the past 5& months.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$ % vinyl records have seen an increase in their share of the market% up to 5.(1.
0bove all 6orrespondingly %n contrast
6 !he 6ice *hancellor explained that in light of the current financial climate and because of
unexpected bad debts% it would be necessary to peg salary levels at their current level for all
grades of staff. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ % no7one was getting a pay rise.
,evertheless %n other words 'imilarly
7 +t is clear% therefore% that the situation in "ra8il will improve only slowly. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$
the economic problems being experienced in ,apan% the outlook is slightly more optimistic.
4urthermore %n comparison With reference to
8 +n order to try to reduce car use in the inner cities% the government has announced new
restrictions on company parking spaces and $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ % a new tax on individual car use.
as well as in addition in the same way
9 /ssays must be handed in by the deadline% $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ they will not be marked.
obviously otherwise as a result
10 $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ it has been shown that fractures can occur at even relatively low
pressures% the use of the material should not be completely discounted.
,evertheless 2ecause !ven though
%greeing and disagreeing
When you learn a new language, you soon discover that it is not +ust the vocabulary and
grammar which are different. !very country is different in what people think is polite
behaviour and what is rude. !nglish is a very polite language, so it is important to know
how to agree and disagree with people in !nglish without being rude. 0nd also how to
be rude if you want to be)"
In this section we will gi&e different ways for you to agree( disagree( and also show you
how you can say something without agreeing or disagreeing.
There are two kinds of sentence you will ha&e to agree or disagree with 2 suggestions and
statements .
For example7
5et(s go to the park. >suggestion?
%t(s a lovely day today. >statement?
Agreeing
If you get a suggestion from someone who can gi&e orders >your boss( a teacher( a
policeman?( remember that English people often gi&e orders as suggestions. If these
suggestions are really orders( you should answer them as orders.
For example7
*ike, why don(t you speak to 'ally about that8
%(ll do it immediately, boss.
Howe&er if your friend makes a suggestion( you answer differently.
For example7
*ike, why don(t we go to the cinema this evening8
'ure. 9ood idea.
In a con&ersation( people make statements( and may want to know if you agree with
them. -ometimes the speaker will use a ,uestion tag to in&ite you to agree with what he
has said.
For example7
%t(s a lovely day today, isn(t it8
#es, it is.
#ou don(t like golf, do you8
,o, % don(t.
,emember that if you gi&e a &ery short answer 2 for e/ample )ust yes or no( the person
who is speaking to you might think that you do not like his suggestion( or that you are not
happy for another reason. >0our tone of &oice is important too.?
For example7
'hall we go to the cinema this evening8
-k.
What(s the matter8 Don(t you want to go8
Instead of )ust a short ok you could say:
(-kay, %(d like that(
(-k, that(s a good idea(
(#es, why not8(
(-k, let(s.(
'ith statements( how you reply depends on whether the speaker is gi&ing an opinion or
stating a fact.
For example7
The road is very busy today.
This is stating a fact so you might comment 0es( isnt it?. >0ou can also use ,uestion
tags when agreeing with something?.
8ut in this e/ample:
The town council should do something about this road.
This is an opinion( so you might say 0es( I agree.
In English there are many ways of e/pressing agreement with opinions. !s well as I
agree you could ha&e said -hat's right or definitely( or absolutely or( if you strongly
agree I couldn't agree more.
Disagreeing
0greeing is easy $ but you have to know exactly how to disagree, so that you can do it
without upsetting the person you are speaking to. 0s always, your tone of voice is
important $ if you have to disagree with someone, try not to do it an angry way.
If you are disagreeing with a suggestion( it is polite to gi&e a reason.
For example7
'hall we stop for a coffee8
,o, % can(t $ % have to get home.
0ou can also suggest something else instead.
For example7
5et(s go to the cinema this evening.
There(s nothing % want to see. Why don(t we go to a club8
English people may also disagree indirectly. They will not say no because it is not
polite( but they will gi&e reasons why you should not do what you are suggesting( or why
your opinion is wrong.
For example7
'hall we open the window8
%t(s rather cold outside.
or:
4red is so stupid)
Well, he got :;< in his last exam.
>!otice 2 people often put null "ords such as K'ellK( or K!ctuallyK or K!s a matter of
factK before gi&ing their disagreement. This makes it less strong.?
!nother way of disagreeing is to make the disagreement more general.
For example7
!veryone ought to pay more taxes.
'ome people might not agree with you.
or :
,ot everyone thinks so.
1r maybe you want to disagree strongly. If so( you can apologise before you disagree.
For example7
!veryone ought to pay more taxes.
%(m sorry, but % don(t agree.
or :
%(m afraid % can(t agree with that.
!nother way to strongly disagree is to gi&e your opinion of what the other person has )ust
said.
For example7
The accident was your fault.
That is nonsense.
or :
#ou are completely wrong.
or simply :
/ubbish)
-ometimes English people dont agree with you( but dont want to get into a discussion
about it.
For example7
2idwell /overs are the worst football team in the world.
Well, that(s your opinion.
or :
-h, do you think so8
or :
*aybe, maybe not.
or simply :
*mmmm
'ell( thats all about agreeing and disagreeing. >0es( it is.? It is a good idea to watch on
TC or &ideos to see how people agree and disagree. >0es( thats right.? 4ow( why dont
we do some e/ercises? >0es( thats a good idea.? !nd after a bit of practice( you will
become the best English speaker in the world6 >.aybe( maybe not ... 6?