Listening: Intermediate

CHEKING INTO A HOTEL

You are going to hear a man checking into a hotel. Read the questions below. Listen the audio and answer.

1. What kind of room has the man reserved?

     a) Single room.

     b) Double room.

     c) Luxury suite.

2. How long is the man staying at the hotel?
     a) One night
     b) Three nights
     c) Four nights.

3. Does the man ask for a smoking or a non-smoking room?

4. What time does breakfast start?

     a) 6 o´clock

     b) 7 o´clock

     c) 9 o´clock

5. On what floor is the man's room?

     a) 80th floor.

     b) 18th floor.

     c) 8th floor.

6. What kind of restaurant does the hotel recepcionist recommend?
     a) Chinese
     b) Thai
     c) Indian

7. How far is the restaurant from the hotel?
     a) 20 metres
     b) 200 metres
     c) 2 kilometres

CHECKING INTO A HOTEL AUDIO (click here)

STAY TUNED TO SEE THE SOLUTIONS IN THE NEXT ENTRY.

Listening: Easy

PHONE MESSAGE

You will hear a recorded phone message. Read the questions below. Listen the audio once and answer.

1. What time is it?

     a) 12.45

     b) 13.15

     c) 13.30

2. Why does Rob phone Craig?

     a) to go out for a beer in the evening.

     b) to go cycling in the afternoon.

     c) to go shopping.

3. What is Rob's telephone number?

PHONE MESSAGE AUDIO (click here)

Now listen the audio again. Fill in the sentences. You can hear it twice. 

Hi Craig. This is Rob _________________. It is about _______________ and I'm going out on bike for the ________________. I was just wondering if you'd like to _______________ up this evening for a beer. Errmmm.... and if you've got __________ and you feel like it, give me a ________ back on ___________________. Speak to you later. Take care. Bye!

STAY TUNED TO SEE THE SOLUTIONS IN THE NEXT ENTRY.

Tips for writings: SUMMARY

A summary includes only the most important information in an article.

PLAN:

Ideas are organised into one cohesive paragraph with simple language. There are no unnecessary examples, details or personal information. Use only about 60 words.

EXAMPLE: Zoos - Then and now.

• Paragraph 1: Zoos first built for entertainment.
• Paragraph 2: Now zoos are changing. Save animals from extinction.
• Paragraph 3: Zoos now planned differently: take into account health and safety of animals and visitors. Educational role is now important.

Tips for writings: STORY

In a narrative, you are basically telling a story, which can be exciting, serious, informative or amusing.

PLAN:

• Opening: Give details of the time, place, main character and atmosphere.
• Body: Describe the events as they happened.
• Closing: End the story by stating the final details or consequences.

EXAMPLE:     Write a story about an occasion when everything went wrong.

• Opening: Dominic, driver, alone, cold and wet night.
• Body: Car stopped - couldn't fix it - thunderstorm - mobile phone didn't work.
• Closing: Frightened - no help - someone near his car - his father!

USEFUL LANGUAGE:

• When
• While
• Before / After
• As soon as
• By the time
• Until
• During
• Yesterday / the previous day / the following day / a week later...
• It all began when...
• Suddenly
• Meanwhile
• At last / in the end / finally
• Later / next

Tips for writings: FOR AND AGAINST ESSAY

There are often two sides to an issue. When we are asked to discuss such an issue, we should present both sides of the argument objectively.

PLAN:

• Opening: What is the issue? Where do I stand?
• Body: State arguments for and against. Give examples.
• Closing: Refer back to the topic and restate views.

EXAMPLE:     Discuss whether smoking should be prohibited in public places.

• Opening: Smoking is antisocial. Should be banned.
• Body: 
• Arguments against prohibition: affects personal liberties.
• Arguments in favour of prohibition: health risk to others.
• Closing: Goverments should prohibit smoking in public places. Health more important than pleasure.

USEFUL LANGUAGE:

• On the one hand / On the other hand
• In contrast
• Moreover
• Furthermore
• Finally
• In the first place / Firstly
• Secondly
• In conclusion
• To sump up
• In short

Tips for writings: DESCRIPTION OF A PERSON

When we describe a person, we should try to write in such a way that, by the time the reader finishes the description, he/she feels like he/she really knows the person.

PLAN:

• Opening: Introduce the person and describe his/her physical appearance.
• Body: Describe the person's nature and personal characteristics. Give examples.
• Closing: State your personal feelings towards the person you have chosen.

EXAMPLE:     Describe one of your best friends.

• Opening: Diana, average-looking, dark hair, slim...
• Body: Sense of humour, kind, outgoing, curious...
• Closing: I enjoy being with Diana.

USEFUL LANGUAGE:

• Physiscal Appearance
• Tall / Short
• Good-looking / Attractive / Beautiful / Handsome / Pretty / Stunning / Ugly
• Overweight / Underweight / Slim / Fat / Thin 
• Long / Short
• Straight / Curly / Spiky / Wavy / Bald
• Dark / Light 
• Dark skinned / Pale
• Nature and Characteristics
• Quiet
• Has (a/no) sense of humour / Funny 
• Extrovert / Outgoing / Introvert / Shy
• Pleasant
• Kind 
• Wicked
• Boring / Interesting / Intriguing / Fascinating
• Patient / Impatient
• Feelings
• Love
• Hate
• Admire
• Adore
• Despise
• Be fond of
• Intrigue
• Interest
• Bore

Tips for writings: OPINION ESSAY

In an opinion essay, we express and justify our personal opinion on a particular subject.

PLAN:

• Opening: State the topic.
• Body: Give facts and examples. When you introduce a new idea, begin a new paragraph.
• Closing: Say your opinion.

EXAMPLE:     Does the Internet cause more harm than good?

• Opening: Does the Internet cause harm? 
• Body: 
• Internet breaks geographical, social and personal barriers.
• Innocent surfers are not usually harmed by the Internet.
• Closing: If you use the Internet properly, it will change your life!

USEFUL LANGUAGE:

• In my opinion
• As I see it
• It seems to me that
• It is clear that
• I think/feel/believe
• I agree/disagree
• Obviously
• Clearly
• As far as I'm concerned
• Personally
• (Un)Fortunately
• Of course

Tips for writings: PROCESS FOR SUCCESSFUL WRITING

1. BRAINSTORMING
1. Make sure that you have understood the topic. Then very quickly write down all the ideas that you can think of.
2. PLANNING
1. Group similar ideas together.
2. Cross out any irrelevant ideas.
3. Give each group a name.
4. Number the groups in a logical order.
3. FAST WRITING
1. Quickly write down your points for each of the main ideas. If you can't think of a word in English, write it in your own language. Don't write complete sentences and don't worry about spelling. At this stage, your ideas are more important!
4. DRAFTING
1. Now you are ready to begin writing, using your plan from Step 2.
2. Write in pencil. Leave wide margins for notes. Leave space between lines for additions and corrections.
3. Write quickly. Don't worry about neatness or accuracy.
5. IMPROVING
1. When you have finished writing the first draft, you will almost certainly need to improve it. Read your paragraph/essay again and clearly mark the things that you need to improve.
6. GIVING FEEDBACK
1. Read again and make suggestions. Ask for another opinion if neccesary.
7. PRESENTING
1. When you are satisfied with your work, present it in a neat, attractive manner. Be sure to include all your corrections and your paragraphs clearly indicated.

PET Practise Test: Reading Part 5

PET Practise Test: Reading Part 4