Unit 1
Vocabulary
What are these words in your language?
receiver mobile phone answer phone fax public telephone phone card
cell phone message long distance call telephone directory switchboard
| Useful tips In English we usually say phone numbers like this: 0 = oh (zero is sometimes also used) 63 = six three (not sixty-three) 66 = double six 666 = six double six 682 947 - six eight two nine four seven 8944 5033 - eight nine double four five oh double three 020 7399 7050 - oh two oh seven three double nine seven oh five oh When you ring an organization on a touch-tone phone, you might hear a menu of options; you might, for example be asked to press the star key(*) or the hash key(#). |
Ex. 1. Read the telephone numbers:
Bayswater 64-07; Cobham 20-03; Museum 15-27; Knightsbrige 11-70; Kensington 25-31 e.305 (e.= extension ); Torrington 50-00 e. 991; Welsby 03-66 e. 2-00.
Ex.2. Ask and answer the questions with other students.
Example:
- Whats your phone number?
- Its (020) 7267 5118
- Thank you very much!
On the phone
Ex.1. Read the lines below. They are all from telephone conversations. What do you think the lines before and/or after are? Discuss with a partner.
1. This is Jo.
2. Can I take a message?
3. Great! See you on Sunday at ten, then. Bye!
4. Oh, never mind. Perhaps next time. Bye!
5. No, it isnt. Ill just get her.
6. Ill ring back later.
7. Theres a party at my house on Saturday. Can you come?
8. Can I speak to the manager, please?
Ex.2. Complete the conversations with a line from exercise 1. Act out the conversations with your partner.
1) A Hello.
B Hello. Can I speak to Jo, please?
A _________________________
B Oh! Hi, Jo. This is Pat. Is Sunday still OK for tennis?
A Yes, thats fine.
B _________________________
A Bye!
2) A Hello.
B Hello. Is that Liz?
A _______________________
.
C Hello, Liz here.
B Hi, Liz. Its Tom. Listen!
__________________________
C Oh sorry, Tom. I cant. Its my sisters wedding.
B ________________________
C Bye!
3) A Good morning. Barclays Bank, Watford. How can I help you?
B Good morning. ______________________
A Im afraid Mr. Smith isnt in his office at the moment.
___________________________________
B Dont worry. _________________________
A All right. Goodbye.
B Goodbye.
Unit 2.
Vocabulary
Ex.1. Arrange the following into groups of words and word combinations close in meaning:
To call smb; to connect; to wait at the telephone; to be engaged on another line; to be called to the telephone; to make a call; a telephone cabin; to pick up the receiver; a trunk call; the line is clear; to put a call through; to hang up; a dial telephone; to hold the wire (or the line); to ring off; to be cut off; to get in touch; to speak over another telephone; to take up the receiver; a non-automatic phone; to ring smb up; to put through; there was no reply (answer); the line is busy; to put down the receiver; to give smb a ring; to be disconnected; to hold on; the line is free; a call phone; to telephone to smb; a long distance call; a telephone booth; to give smb a call; to look up the telephone directory; to get through; to be wanted on the phone; to consult the telephone book; nobody answered the telephone (the call); call-box.
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Ex.2. Give the antonyms to the following words and phrases:
To get the wrong number; the line is busy; to take up the receiver; to hold on; to connect.
Ex.3. Fill in the blanks with suitable words and word groups:
1. I believe the is out of order, there is no .
2. There are seven signs in a London , three of them being the letters for the exchange.
3. On hearing the telephone , he went to the
4. Something must be wrong with the , it doesnt go back into position.
5. There was a for you this morning.
6. Can I book a call in advance?
7. You must have the number.
8. Im afraid weve been
9. Im sorry I could not in with him earlier.
10. As he was walking along the street, he saw a . telephone on the corner. The sight of it prompted him to a friend of his. The buzz that the was . When he heard the voice, he gave the . But unfortunately it was He the and after a minute it and tried again.
On the phone
Ex.1. Getting through. Look at the phrases and decide which person (the Caller, the Switchboard or the Receiver) says each one.
- Id like to speak to Mrs Cameron. (1)
- Yes, speaking. (2)
- Can I speak to someone who deals with? (3)
- Whos calling, please? (4)
- Could I have the sales department, please? (5)
- Hold the line, please. (6)
- Sorry. You have the wrong number. (7)
- No thanks. Ill call back later. (8)
- My name is (9)
- One moment. Ill put you through. (10)
- Hello. Sales. (11)
- Im inquiring about (12)
- Leo Wan here. Can I help you? (13)
- The lines busy. Will you hold? (14)
- Is that Leo Wans office? (15)
- Knox Oil and Gas. Good afternoon. (16)
- Can I tell her who called? (17)
- Sorry, you have the wrong extension. (18)
Ex.2. Look at these four conversations. Decide what you think the caller said.Act out the conversations with your partner.
1. B: Hello. Argus Engineering.
A:_____________________
B: Mr. Franks? Just a moment Im sorry, the lines busy. Will you hold?
A: ___________________________
B: Can I tell him who called?
A: ___________________________
B: Right, Mr. Carey. Ill tell him you called.
2. B: Gamble and Proud. Good morning.
A: ____________________________
B: Im sorry. Which department?
A: ____________________________
B: Just a moment. Ill put you through.
C: Personnel.
A: _____________________________
C: Hold the line. Ill get him for you.
D: Hello. Robert Turner here.
3. B: Hello. Japan Airlines.
A: ______________________________
B: One moment. Ill put you through to the booking desk.
C: International flights. Can I help you?
A: ______________________________
C: Certainly, sir. When would you like to travel?
4. B: Hello. Cale and Cale, Solicitors.
A: ______________________________
B: Yes, speaking.
A: ______________________________
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B: Im sorry. Im busy on Friday. Is Thursday possible for you?
Unit 3.
Vocabulary
Ex.1. Combine the following elements to make up useful phrases.
Verbs: to answer, to book, to call, to cut, to dial, to get, to give, to hang, to have, to hear, to hold, to keep, to leave, to look, to make, to pick, to put, to reach, to ring, to speak, to take, to wait, to want.
Nouns: a call, a trunk (long distance) call, a number, a wrong (right) number, a bad (good) connection, a telephone directory (book), a ring, the wire, the line, the receiver, a conversation, the telephone, a message, the buzz, the bell, the dial tone.
Prepositions, adverbs, adverbial phrases: up, down, on, to, through, over, at for, back into, in touch, off, with.
Ex.2. Say the same in other words.
1. Were there any calls for me?
2. We could hardly hear each other.
3. The telephone is dead. There was no reply.
4. Are you there?
5. Go ahead. You are through.
6. You are wanted on the phone.
7. Where can I reach you?
8. She left no message.
9. He is engaged on another line.
10. Could you wait for a moment, please?
On the phone
Ex.1. Look at the useful phrases (1-7) for telephoning. In each case, cross out the phrase that is unusual or incorrect.
1. Hello. / Good morning. / Speak me.
2. Is (name) there? / Id like to speak to (name), please. / Is there (name)?
3. Are you (name)? / Is that (name)? / Whos calling, please?
4. Hold on, please. Ill try to put you through. / Hang on, Ill go and get her. / One instant.
5. I am me. / Its me. / This is (name) here.
6. What are you up to later? / What do you do later? / Are you available later on today?
7. Ill look forward to seeing you tomorrow. / To tomorrow. / See you tomorrow then.
Ex.2. Read the two phone calls made by Phil Jones: one to his friend, Maddy, and the other to his bank manager, Mr. Moore. Complete each conversation with the most appropriate useful phrase from the previous exercise.
1. Janet: (1) _________________
Phil: Oh, hi. (2) ______________
Janet: (3) _______________
Phil: Yes, hello Janet. How are you?
Janet: Fine, thanks. (4) _____________
Maddy: Hello.
Phil: Hi! (5) _______________
Maddy: Hello you. What have you been up to?
Phil: Oh, just working. Listen, I cant chat now. (6) _____________
Maddy: Ive got to work this evening but I thought we could go to the cinema tomorrow.
Phil: OK, Ill come round at about seven.
Maddy: (7) _________________
Phil: Bye.
2. Receptionist: (1) __________ Northminster Bank. Can I help you?
Phil: Yes, (2) _______________
Receptionist: (3) _____________
Phil: My name is Philip Jones.
Receptionist: OK, (4) _______ Oh, Mr. Jones, Im afraid hes on the other line. Would you like to hold?
Phil: Yes, thank you.
Mr. Moore: Anthony Moore.
Phil: Oh, hello. (5) _______________
Mr. Moore: Oh, yes Mr. Jones. Thank you for getting back to me so promptly. There seems to be a problem with your account.
Phil: Oh, dear. What sort of problem?
Mr. Moore: Well, youve exceeded your overdraft limit by more than £500. You really need to come to the bank to discuss it. (6) ______________
Phil: Im afraid Im rather tired up today. Would tomorrow be convenient for you?
Mr. Moore: Yes, thats fine. Ten thirty?
Phil: Yes, ten thirtys fine for me.
Mr. Moore: Well, thank you for ringing. (7) _____________
Phil: Goodbye.
Act out the dialogues with a partner.
Unit 4
Vocabulary
Ex.1. Use the following word combinations in sentences of your own.
To have the wrong number; to leave a message; to call back; to wait for the dialing tone; to wait at the receiver; to consult the telephone book; to reach smb at a certain number; to get through to smb; to make a call; to call smb.
Ex.2. Complete by using verbs and fit the word combinations into your own sentences:
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1. down the telephone number.
2. up the telephone directory for
3. on the phone (passive)
4. your friends up.
5. to the phone (active and passive)
6. a call through.
7. up the telephone number in .
| Useful tips Leaving a message on an answer phone It can be difficult to leave a message on an answer phone! You have to think quickly and speak clearly, and you have to pretend that youre talking to a person, but of course youre talking to a machine! How to leave a message on an answer phone: 4) introduce yourself →→→ Hello. This is/ My name is 5) give the day and time →→→ Its three oclock on Monday afternoon. 6) reason for phoning →→→ Im ringing to let you know that to find out if because I need 7) request action →→→ Could you ring me back?/ Could you help me? 8) give your number →→→ My number is You can get me on Im on 784 567 until five oclock. 9) end→→→ Thanks a lot. Goodbye. |
On the phone
Ex.1. You are going to make six short phone calls and to leave messages on an answer phone. Here are the instructions before each one.
1. You are phoning: Delhi Railway Station.
Reason for call: You want to know the times of trains to Calcutta this afternoon.
2. You are phoning: NBK Air Conditioning Systems, sales department.
Reason for call: You want to order a system for an office 30m: 50m: 3m
3. You are phoning: The Taj Mahal Restaurant.
Reason for call: You want to book a table for four for tonight.
4. You are phoning: Kline Ferguson Inc.
Reason for call: You want to speak to Jeff Gomez.
5. You are phoning: The Surrey Post (newspaper), advertising department.
Reason for call: You want to place an advertisement in the business-to- business column.
6. You are phoning: Allied Webb Financial Services.
Reason for call: You want to know about their U.S. investment fund. Ask them to send you a brochure.
Ex.2. Use these words in the conversations below.
call back ring take a message no-one that there wrong(x2) this its
1. Hello.
Ø Hi. Is Liz?
Yes, whos that? I can hardly hear you.
Ø . Debbie. Im on my mobile.
2. Hello.
Ø Hello. Is Martin , please?
Im afraid hes out. Can I ?
Ø No, dont worry. Ill later.
3. Hello.
Ø Hi. is David Peaty. Could I speak to Chris, please?
Oh, hello David. Hes not in yet. Shall I ask him to you when he gets in?
4. Could I speak to Donald, please?
Ø I think you must have the number. Theres of that name here.
5. Hello, Peter Willis.
Ø Sorry, number.
Act out the conversations with a partner.
Unit 5
Vocabulary
Ex.1. Choose the necessary prepositions or adverbs.
(about, for) He asked the telephone number of the Foreign Department. The secretary asked the time and the date that would suit me.
(on, up, to, for) He called me to make arrangements for the next day. He said he wanted to call me to discuss some urgent matter. He promised to call me to take me out somewhere. Call your brother the phone. Theres somebody on the line waiting to speak to him.
Ex.2. Insert the necessary prepositions or adverbs.
1. Is there anything more difficult than to speak a foreign language the telephone.
2. Dont hang the receiver. Hold , please.
3. He let the telephone ring twice, then he picked the receiver, and almost whispered his Hello the mouthpiece.
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4. What has happened the telephone? I think there is something wrong the earpiece.
5. He waited the receiver the number to be given to him.
6. What is the first word you speak the telephone when you take the receiver?
7. Thank you calling.
8. Will you, please, put me the Chief of the Department, if he is available.
9. He is engaged another line.
10. Can you put me touch the Secretary of the Committee?
11. You can get him extension 1-03.
12. You are wanted the telephone, Kiev is the line.
13. Im not sure if it suits you, but its perfectly all right me.
| Useful tips In telephone conversations we often use the auxiliary verbwill (='ll) to express a quick decision or to make an offer or promise. -Sorry, the line is busy. - I'll phone back later. (Quick decision) -I'd like to speak to the manager. - I'll get him for you. (Offer) To ask for permission to do something or ask another person to do something we use could or can. Could is a little more polite than can. Can I call you back later? (Asking for permission) Could you repeat that, please? (Request) |
On the phone
Ex.1. Complete the sentences below using the following words:
catch called try again please someone message line back speak
1. Could I speak to in the Marketing Department, please?
2. Could you ask Mr Green to call me ?
3. Could I speak to Alan Green, ?
4. Could I leave a . For Suzanne Butler?
5. Could you tell him I .?
6. Could you tell her Ill call . tomorrow?
7. Could you hold the , please?
8. Could you . again. Im afraid its a rather bad line.
9. Could you up? Its a terrible line and I can hardly hear you.
10. Could you repeat the date please? I didnt quite it.
Ex.2. Complete these responses, then match them to the questions above:
see soon like wait hear ll anyone get back course
a. Yes, Ill tell him as as he gets back.
b. Just a moment, Ill if hes in his office.
c. Yes, of course. Ill him to call you as soon as he gets back.
d. Yes, of Its Tuesday, July 4th.
e. Certainly. Ill see if theres there.
f. Yes, I tell her.
g. Is that better? Can you me now?
h. OK. Ill call
i. Yes, no problem. Ill
j. Yes, of course. What would you me to tell her?
Practise the conversations with a partner.
Ex.3. Complete the following dialogues with the correct form of the verbs below. Use each verb once only.
make dial look it up call give leave answer
1. What time do you want me to pick you up this evening?
Ø Im not sure. I you on my mobile just before the train gets in.
2. I a phone call?
Ø Yes, of course. The phones in the hall.
3. What time shall we meet?
Ø Im not sure yet. I you a call later this evening.
4. Ill phone later and give you Sallys new address.
Ø I probably wont be in, but you a message.
5. Do you know what Jims number is?
Ø Yes, I it for you.
6. Do you know Sarahs number?
Ø No, Im afraid I dont. you .. in the phone book?
7. Im in the bath. you the phone, please?
Unit 6.
Vocabulary
What are these words in your language?
to make arrangements to make an appointment with smb urgent to postpone
a schedule/to schedule to be tired up to keep an appointment to confirm to fit in to cancel
Ex.1. Complete the sentences using the words and phrases given above.
1. So your appointment is __________ for five. Should I ___________ it the day before?
2. Ill get her ________. Hold on, please When would you like to come?
3. Im afraid, shes _____________ tomorrow. Is your business __________? If so, perhaps we could _____ you ____ somewhere.
4. I would like ______________________with Mrs. Bentley.
5. If you have to __________ our appointment, please contact my assistant Peter, the same telephone number.
6. If you cant come well ______________ it until the end of the week.
7. Ill do my best to ______________ the appointment.
On the telephone
Ex.1. Complete the conversation using the sentences (1-4) from the exercise above.
Making an appointment through a secretary
Secretary: Can I help you?
Mr. Stanley: Good morning. This is Robert Stanley speaking. (a)____________________________________________________________
Secretary: Oh, yes, Mr. Stanley. Good morning.
(b) ______________________________________________________________
Mr. Stanley: Tomorrow, if possible.
Secretary: () ___________________________________________________
Mr. Stanley: No, it isnt that urgent. Is the day after tomorrow possible?
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Secretary: What time is good for you?
Mr. Stanley: As late as possible in the afternoon.
Secretary: Im sorry, but that afternoon is full too. How is Friday afternoon at four thirty?
Mr. Stanley: Thats fine, thank you. Oh no, lets make it five, if possible.
Secretary: All right, sir. (d) __________________________________________
Mr. Stanley: No, it isnt necessary. Im looking forward to seeing Mrs. Bentley. Will you give her my best regards, please?
Secretary: Certainly, I will. Good-bye, Mr. Stanley.
Ex.2. Read the dialogues. Fill in the table with suitable sentences and questions from the dialogues. Memorize these sentences.
| Suggesting a meeting or an appointment | Saying if a time is convenient or not |
| Asking about or suggesting a time or place | Confirming an arrangement |
