Final Revision for Level 3 - 2011

How To Make a Proper Introduction

Hello, I'm Syndi Seid, an etiquette coach.
Something people often ask me is how do you properly give an introduction in a business setting.
So here is my two - step golden rule to proper introductions.
First, always remember the first person's name out of your mouth should be the most important person's name.
Thereafter, everyone else is introduced to that most important person.
But actually, rank and status are the primary determinants to who takes precedence over whom.
When introducing someone, never use the word "meet".
For example, Jane Doe is the CEO of a company and John Smith is a new staff person.
You would never want to say, "Jane Doe, I would like you to meet John Smith."
...because it actually throws the emphasis off the most important person on to that second person, John Smith.
Rather, if you want an informal introduction, how about using the word, "This is."
Example, "Jane Doe, this is John Smith."
When using the more traditional word "introduce," be careful not to get too wordy.
For instance, which of these three sentences is correct?
Is it

a) Jane Doe, may I introduce John Smith.
b) Ms. Doe, may I introduce to you Mr. Smith.
or c) Jane Doe, may I introduce you to John Smith.
If you chose a or b, you would be correct.
However, a is the best answer because it uses the fewest words.
So here are a few other tips to keep in mind when introducing someone.
Always keep the honorifics even.
If you use Ms. Doe, you must use Mr. Smith.
However, you can use first names such as Jane or John,...
...but in this case you must include their last name as well.
And lastly, do share some information about each person you're introducing...
...so that they can springboard their conversation and you can exit to meet some other people.
So there you have it, some quick tips on proper introductions.
Happy practicing.
Featured Words

Search for Common Ground

Founded in 1982, Search for Common Ground works to transform the way the world deals with conflict - away from adversarial approaches and towards collaborative problem solving. We work with local partners to understand the differences and act on the commonalities.

This report tells us what this non-governmental organization does, and how they work to reduce violence in the world.

Language in the UK

The most widely spoken language in the UK today is English. Newcomers and visitors to the UK may still have problems with regional dialects and accents.

The predominant spoken language is English, but in parts of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland their native language is still spoken.

What newcomers to the UK might find confusing are the numbers of different regional accents and dialects which can on occasions be difficult to understand, even for native English speakers!

It is possible in the early days of your stay in the UK, that you’ll need some assistance in interpreting or translating English into your preferred language. Interpretation services are often available locally and details of where and how to access them are normally available from your local authority or Citizens Advice Bureau.

New York's Pennsylvania Station

100 years have passed since New York's Pennsylvania Station opened its doors. The building stood in the middle of Manhattan for more than 50 years. Today, only the underground area remains. Pay a virtual visit to the station as you watch this video in English (with subtitles in English!)

And now, we leave you an Amtrak TV commercial. Amtrak is the National Railroad Passenger system from the United States whcih serves Penn Station along with other bus companies.

American Breakfast - Yummy!!!!!!!!

It is very common in the USA to find out who won the elections while having breakfast the following day. Find out how Americans reacted to the election results and what they chose for breakfast!

...but what have you got?

Sausage pattie, fried egg, ham, bacon, baked beans.

Instead of the beans I got grits and ...

What are grits?

Grits? That’s a very good question. It’s oatmeal, couscous, you know a type of grain

It’s a type of grain

That doesn’t look grainy it looks mushy.

Yeah well they cook it for like I don’t know, 20 minutes. Yeah it’s kind of like porridge.

This is Eggs Benedict. It is egg, ham on English muffins with Hollandaise sauce. This is fruit and baked beans.

But you are a US citizen, so you voted or?

I voted absentee for Illinois.

And how did you vote in the election?

Democrat. Democrat for Obama.

Maybe you could just tell me what your breakfast is there.

Belgian waffles and coffee.

And this is a typical breakfast for you?

If I’m eating out…yes. I’ll have cereal at home, but I like waffles.

How about the election? Are you excited?

I’m nervous, nervous yes. Pro Obama, so it’s looking good for him right now. He’s intelligent, he’s thoughtful.

Can you see the result from there?

I think it’s 102 -34.

Who would you vote for?

I think he’s Obama. He looks quite decent and gentleman.

What did you have for your breakfast?

I started off with a fluffy pancake and some maple syrup. Then I had some crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, mushrooms and tomatoes.

Is that what you usually have when you come in here?

I usually have it on election days …yes. I’d definitely vote for Obama – OBAMA! America is very important and it’s crucial that we have a decent guy in there. It’s very emotional that he’s black and that’s powerful. I don’t think a lot of people who are in their forties and fifties thought there was ever going to be a black man in the White House. So that’s fantastic. So all those things are good, they will make a difference, they will matter. I’m going to cry when he wins, I am because for me it’s deeply moving.

Obama.

Can you tell me, is it because he’s sexy?

He’s sexier than John McCain…definitely. But erm no because I like his politics. He’s gonna develop green technology, he’s a bigger supporter of education. All those things. Bagels and lox, with tomato, onion, capers, sour cream.

Wow that looks great actually. I’m waiting for lemon.

She got a sandwich that’s already assembled. Mine is just not assembled which I prefer. Thin layer of cream cheese, tomato, couple of capers, onion, salmon, salt and pepper.

So it is in fact almost exactly the same?

Yes, but he got eggs too. And one key difference is she has two, the whole bagel whereas I only have half.

Did you vote?

Of course, of course.

Everybody here voted or everyone we talked to, everyone professes to be pro Obama.

But no this is a pro Obama outlet….hence the blue. No…

Oh yes woo, yes

He’s just got to keep up his end of the bargain.

What’s that?

Change baby change!

Who’d like a bloody Mary on the house?

How to understand the differences between British and American English

Man: Hey! Nice pants!
Woman: Excuse me?
Man: I said nice pants.
Woman: You can’t see my pants, can you?
Man: Of course I can.
Woman: How can you see my pants?
Man: They’re on your legs!
Woman: Ha. You haven’t been to America recently, have you?
Man: Oh I er …I er actually just got back from LA! That’s “Los Angeles” by the way....
Woman: I know.
Man: Yeah, I picked up some of the American words, and now I forget which ones to use! So confusing!
Woman: We call these “trousers” in Britain.
Man: Of course we do...you know there are so many things …that’s it’s exactly a completely different language sometimes!
Woman: Really?
Man: Yeah!
Woman: Would you like a crisp?
Man: Crisps? In the States, they’re “chips”!
Woman: Oh. So if I want to order our chips in America, what do I ask for?
Man: French fries!
Woman: I see.
Man: And you know what that is, don’t you?
Woman: A fizzy drink.
Man: That’s a “soda”!
Woman: Hmm…
Man: You know the lift over there?
Woman: Yeah?
Man: That’s an elevator.
Woman: Oh really?
Man: You know in the States, you don’t go to watch a film...
Woman: You “watch a movie”!
Man: Exactly! And you don’t walk on the pavement…
Woman: You walk on the “sidewalk”!
Man: You got it!
Woman: I’ve watched a lot of films...oops...movies!

How to order a round in a pub

Get it right when ordering drinks in pubs!

Woman: Excuse me! …Excuse me!...No...

Man: Always busy here on a Friday night!

Woman: (to barman) Sorry! Could I just have a...

Man: Patience and persistence!

Woman: Ahh, finally. Yes, erm ok, I’d like a beer, please! Sorry? what kind? (Man rolls eyes) A beer? Erm, lager, please. Yeah, that will do. Sorry, what? Half pint or a pint? (To man) How big is a pint?

Man: (gestures with hands, size of a pint)

Woman: Yes. OK. A pint.

Man: Ok, great, I’d like a...

Woman: Oh, sorry. Two pints of lager, please.

Man: OK great, I’ll have...

Woman: Oh…and a packet of crisps. (To man) Sorry. (To barman) What flavour? Erm, let me just check. (Turns round and shouts) What flavour? (Turns back) Cheese and onion.

Man: OK give me...

Woman: And a glass of wine. Red, please. Yes, I’m sure that’s it. Thank you. How much is that? (starts to look for wallet) Let me just check my wallet. I’ve got five, and that’s another six.

Man: (with note already in hand) OK great, I’d like a pint of bitter and two halves of lager please. Cheers. Keep the change. (To woman) That’s how it is done!

How to turn down an invitation

Have you ever been invited to a party that you didn't want to go? Find out how to turn down unwanted invitations in the future.

Man: Oh no!

Woman: What is it?

Man: “Josh and Henrietta would like to have the pleasure of your company at a drinks party, next Saturday evening...”

Woman: Oh no, Josh and Henrietta... they’re not that couple who...?

Man: Yeah exactly! And it gets worse...

Woman: How?

Man: “Formal dress...”

Woman: Argh.... it means you’ve got to wear a suit....

Man: At the bottom it says “RSVP”. What does it mean?

Woman: You’ve got to reply.

Man: But I don’t want to go, so what can I say?

Woman: Tell them you’ve got a dentist’s appointment.

Man: Josh is my dentist!

Woman: Tell them it’s your grandmother’s 100th birthday party.

Man: But they know my granny died ages ago.

Woman: Tell them your dog’s sick and you’ve got to take him to see the vet.

Man: It’s no use – I’m just going to have to tell them the truth...

Woman: The truth? “I’m not coming to your birthday party because I think you’re boring and stupid?”

Man: Maybe not then...

Woman: Tell them this: “I’m unable to attend because I have a prior engagement.”

Man: “Prior engagement”?! And… they won’t be offended?

Woman: Absolutely not.

Man: Perfect!

Pedestrians in the UK

In any new country, the roads can be dangerous for pedestrians … so …
Even for those not driving it is important to be aware that traffic may be approaching from unexpected directions.

Although, apart from motorways, it’s not illegal to cross the road at any point it is advisable to use crossings, some of them controlled by traffic lights, whenever you can.You may cross the road when the green man is showing but, if the light is flashing, don’t start to cross.

There are crossing points known as Zebra crossings which have black and white road markings and orange flashing beacons at each side of the road. Drivers should give way to pedestrians on the crossing, but you should be careful as there are no red traffic lights instructing drivers to stop.

Don’t forget, pedestrians are not allowed to walk along or cross any motorway at any time.

Possessive Pronouns

Click the answer button to see the correct answer.

1. It belongs to me, it's ___
   Answermine

2. It belongs to my father, it's ___
   Answerhis

3. It belongs to her, it's ___
   Answerhers

4. It belongs to Mr. and Mrs. Smith, it's ___
   Answertheirs

5. It belongs to me and my wife, it's ___
   Answerours

6. It belongs to my mother, it's ___
   Answerhers

7. It belongs to him, it's ___
   Answerhis

8. It belongs to you, it's ___
   Answeryours

9. It belongs to the dog, it's ___
   Answerits

10. It belongs to them, it's ___
    Answertheirs

Words and Their Stories: When the Cat’s Away

Listen as you read this report on the some of the most famous expressions with the word CAT.

Cats are the most popular pets among Americans. So it is not surprising that there are many expressions about cats. Some cats like to catch small birds, like canaries. If someone looks very proud or satisfied with himself, we say he looks like the cat that ate the canary.

Sometimes, a cat likes to play with a small animal it catches.

So if you play cat and mouse with someone, you change between different kinds of behavior when dealing with another person. For example, a child might offer something sweet to her little brother and then take it away when he reaches for it.

A cat will often catch a small animal and present it to its owner. The saying that looks like something the cat dragged in describes something in bad condition.

Two old and funny expressions describe something that is the best or finest. Americans might say that something is the cat's meow and the cat's pajamas.

Children might call a child who is easily frightened a fraidy cat or a scaredy cat. A copycat is someone who acts just like someone else or copies another person's work. A fat cat is a person with a lot of money.

You may have known that cats spend most of their time sleeping. Sometimes people sleep for a short time during the day. This is called a cat nap.

If you tell about something that was supposed to be a secret, we say you let the cat out of the bag. If you are not able to speak or answer a question someone might ask if the cat has got your tongue.

Have you ever watched children in a classroom when their teacher leaves for a few minutes? When the cat's away, the mice will play means people sometimes misbehave when there is no supervision.

You may have heard this expression: curiosity killed the cat. This means being too concerned about things that are not your business might cause problems.

If your home is very small, you might say there is not enough room to swing a cat. But you probably should not try this at home!

If you ever had cats as pets, you know it is difficult to train them or to get them to do something. Cats are not like sheep or cows that can be moved in a group. So we say a difficult or impossible job is like herding cats.

We leave you with a song from the musical play, "Cats."

Oh! Well I never! Was there ever
A cat so clever as magical Mr. Mistoffelees!

He is quiet and small
He is black
From the ears to the tip of his tail
He can creep through the tiniest crack
He can walk on the narrowest rail

He can pick any card from a pack
He is equally cunning with dice
He is always decieving you into believing
That he's only hunting for mice

United Kingdom

Click the answer button to see the answer.

1. The United Kingdon is often shortened ___ the U.K.
   a. from
   b. to
   Answerb

2. The U.K. is also known ___ Great Britain.
   a. of
   b. as
   Answerb

3. The U.K. is made ___ of four different countries.
   a. over
   b. up
   c. around
   Answerb

4. ___ are Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England.
   a. It
   b. These
   Answerb

5. Someone ___ Scotland isn't English.
   a. from
   b. of
   Answerb

6. They are ___ Scottish or British.
   a. either
   b. neither
   Answera

7. ___ people from England are English.
   a. Only
   b. Every
   Answera

8. There are many differences ___ the four countries.
   a. between
   b. of
   Answera

9. However, they are all ruled by one King or Queen and one Parliament ___ is based in London.
   a. who
   b. which
   Answerb

10. The flag of the U.K. is known as ___ Union Jack.
    a. the
    b. an
    Answera

11. The flag is red, white and blue and made up of ___ flags of Scotland, England and Wales.
    a. a
    b. the
    c. it
    Answerb

12. The U.K. has the 15th largest population ___ the world.
    a. of
    b. in
    Answerb

Plurals

What are the plurals?
Here a quick, useful and clear explanation!

Common Words

Click on each box to enter letters in the crossword puzzle, then press the Check Answers button.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

Across

1. Opposite of up.
4. ___ are my friend.
5. He goes ___ school.
7. She is nice, ___ her brother isn't.
8. His name is John. ___ name is Mary.
9. ___ it rains, I stay home.
10. Put the book ___ the table.
12. I ___ dance very well.
14. He comes to school ___ bus.
15. Opposite of there.

Down

1. ___ your homework carefully.
2. Our phone is ___ of order.
3. Opposite of yes.
4. Put ___ hand on my shoulder.
6. He fell ___ a tree.
7. I've ___ sick lately.
9. It's ___ my pocket.
10. The first cardinal number.
11. This is ___ book. It's mine.
13. I ___ a good student.
14. ___ nice to your friends.

CHECK ANSWERS

More Common Words

Click on each box to enter letters in the crossword puzzle, then press the Check Answers button.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Across

1. ___ is your name?
3. ___ happy!
4. I'd like a cup ___ coffee, please.
6. Put it ___ the drawer.
8. Don't get ___ trouble.
10. He studied, ___ he passed.
11. I ___ your new teacher.
12. Past of go

Down

1. ___ need our passports today.
2. He never goes ___ church.
5. They're ___ Canada.
6. ___ is hot today.
7. Opposite of yes
8. This ___ my book.
9. I'm doing my homework ___.
11. The meeting is ___ noon.

CHECK ANSWERS

Pronouns

Click on each box to enter letters in the crossword puzzle.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Across

1. You're too young to go out by ___.
2. He told ___ to do it, but we forgot.
4. His new machine is driving ___ crazy.
6. Switzerland is famous for ___ watches, chocolate...
8. They plan to move to ___ new house soon.
10. Give it to him, not to ___.
11. ___ have done our share.
12. There's no secret between you and ___ .

Down

1. ___ should do your work.
3. ___ hasn't sold her car yet.
4. She cut ___ badly.
5. I trust him. He's an old friend of ___.
7. ___ is John's new girlfriend.
9. Mary went out with a friend of ___.
10. Talk to Mr. Green and tell ___ about your plans.

Show the Answers

Short Answers

Click the answer button to see the answer.

1. Are you busy?
   Yes, ___.
   AnswerYes, I am. / Yes, we are.

2. Do you live in New York?
   No, ___.
   AnswerNo, I don't. / No, we don't.

3. Can Sylvia ride a bike?
   Yes, ___.
   AnswerYes, she can.

4. Does your father read the newspaper every day?
   Yes, ___.
   AnswerYes, he does.

5. Do you and your friends play soccer on Saturday?
   No, ___.
   AnswerNo, we don't.

6. Is your sister a doctor?
   No, ___.
   AnswerNo, she isn't.

7. Can Jack and Brian play the piano?
   Yes, ___.
   AnswerYes, they can.

8. Is Paris big?
   Yes, ___.
   AnswerYes, it is.

9. Are you thirsty?
   No, ___.
   AnswerNo, I'm not. / No, we aren't.

10. Does Robert like pepperoni pizza?
    No, ___.
    AnswerNo, he doesn't.

11. Are the students listening to music?
    No, ___.
    AnswerNo, they aren't.

12. Is the supermarket next to the post office?
    No, ___.
    AnswerNo, it isn't.

13. Is Leonardo di Caprio Vietnamese?
    No, ___.
    AnswerNo, he isn't.

14. Is your mother sleeping?
    No, ___.
    AnswerNo, she isn't.

15. Can you speak Portuguese?
    Yes, ___.
    AnswerYes, I can. / Yes, we can.

Copyright 1998 by Carlos Gontow

Nationalities

Click the answer button to see the correct answer.

1. Tom is from Berlin. His nationality is ___.
   a. Germany
   b. German
   c. Dutch
   Answerb

2. Anna is from Leningrad. Her nationality is ___.
   a. France
   b. French
   c. Russian
   Answerc

3. David is from New York. His nationality is ___.
   a. Mexican
   b. American
   c. Canadian
   Answerb

4. Sarah is from London. Her nationality is ___.
   a. British
   b. Irish
   c. Scottish
   Answera

5. Nicole is from Paris. Her nationality is ___.
   a. France
   b. French
   c. English
   Answerb

6. Carlos is from Madrid. His nationality is ___.
   a. French
   b. Italian
   c. Spanish
   Answerc

7. Donald is from Geneva. His nationality is ___.
   a. Switzerland
   b. Austrian
   c. Swiss
   Answerc

8. Bruce is from Sydney. His nationality is ___.
   a. British
   b. Australian
   c. Austrian
   Answerb

9. Keiko is from Tokyo. Her nationality is ___.
   a. Chinese
   b. Korean
   c. Japanese
   Answerc

10. Dewa is from Jakarta. His nationality is ___.
    a. Japanese
    b. Indonesian
    c. Indian
    Answerb

Copyright (C) 1997

Family Ties

Scrambled Words: Family Ties

All the words presented here are family words.

Elija una letra de cada casillero para crear una palabra relacionada con miembros de la familia. Luego, y solo luego, chequee la respuesta.

1. ___NOS ___NOS ___NOS
   Answerson
2. ___ANTU ___ANTU ___ANTU ___ANTU
   Answeraunt
3. ___EFIW ___EFIW ___EFIW ___EFIW
   Answerwife
4. ___EIRST ___EIRST ___EIRST ___EIRST ___EIRST ___EIRST
   Answersister
5. ___EHMORT ___EHMORT ___EHMORT ___EHMORT ___EHMORT ___EHMORT
   Answermother
6. ___CEIN ___CEIN ___CEIN ___CEIN ___CEIN
   Answerniece
7. ___ADEGHRTU ___ADEGHRTU ___ADEGHRTU ___ADEGHRTU ___ADEGHRTU ___ADEGHRTU ___ADEGHRTU ___ADEGHRTU
   Answerdaughter

(C) 1997