Professional Documents
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1 Different Jobs, Different Destinations: (Foto: Pasajeros Sentados en Una Terminal de Aeropuerto)
1 Different Jobs, Different Destinations: (Foto: Pasajeros Sentados en Una Terminal de Aeropuerto)
1 Different Jobs, Different Destinations: (Foto: Pasajeros Sentados en Una Terminal de Aeropuerto)
Different jobs,
different destinations
[FOTO: PASAJEROS SENTADOS EN UNA TERMINAL DE AEROPUERTO]
AIMS
will be able to give and ask for personal and professional information.
will be able to talk about jobs.
will know how to communicate in an airport.
will be able to talk about travelling.
will be able to describe weather conditions.
will be able to give reasons.
will be able to apologize.
will be able to make and respond to complaints in formal contexts.
will be able to use conditional sentences correctly.
will be able to use the prepositions at, in, on correctly.
will understand the importance of English as an international language.
WARM UPP
Look at the picture on this page:
What is it?
What can you do there?
Have you ever been in to a place like this?
Tell us about it!
CONTENTS
TOPICS
Meeting
people.
Travelling.
ORALINTERACTION,ORALMEDIATION
Doingsmalltalkwithastranger.
Givingandaskingforpersonaland
professionalinformation.
LISTENING COMPREHENSION,
ORALPRODUCTION
Meetingnewpeople.
Airtravelling.
/v/vs./b/
COMMUNICATIVE
FUNCTIONS
Givingreasons.
Apologizing.
VOCABULARY
Jobs.
Countries.
Theweather.
GRAMMARREVIEW
Conditionalsentences.
At/in/on(timeand
space).
LISTENING COMPREHENSION
1. Listen to the following dialogue between Ben Johnson and Petra Alboa (TRACK 1):
With (+ noun phrase; since there is/are): With so many flights cancelled, I decided to go by
train.
5. Complete these sentences giving reasons (in the box) with the right preposition (if
necessary):
Thebadweather
Icouldntgetadiploma
Therain
Thestrike
Mydoctortoldmeso
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
ORAL INTERACTION
6. Fill in the missing lines of this dialogue with your own sentences. The first person has come
to pick the second person at the airport. Say the missing part while you listen to it. Then
compare your version with the transcription given and the full version you can listen to
(TRACKS 3 and 4):
J.R. : Hello, Im Ron, John Ron.
You: _________________________________________________
J.R.: Nice to meet you too.
You: _________________________________________________?
J.R: Awful! We had an 8-hour delay, because of the snow. All the runways were closed.
You: _________________________________________________
J.R.: It seems they werent able to. Its incredible, being Madrid the capital of Spain.
You: ________________________________________________
J.R.: Its true. But it is much nicer living here.
You: ________________________________________________
J.R.: Yes, I am. Hungry and thirsty.
You: _________________________________________________
J.R.: - I love Japanese food.
You: - _______________________________________________
J.R..:- Its lost. They told me they will send it to my hotel tomorrow.
You : - _______________________________________________
J.R.: - Maybe, a clean shirt and a shaver?
You: ________________________________________________
J.R. : - In that case I would appreciate if you could lend me one of yours, and Ill give you back a
new shirt. The airline will pay for it anyway.
You: ________________________________________________
J.R. : Thank you very much.
7. Read the previous dialogue aloud with your partner again. Afterwards change roles. Then
simulate the situation trying not to read the text in the book.
PRONUNCIATION
8. /v/ vs. /b/.
Pay close attention to the difference between these two consonants, as in Spanish they are
pronounced in the same way. In English V is pronounced with your front teeth touching your lower
lip. English B is identical to Spanish B (TRACK 5):
[2 FOTOS: LABIOS APRETADOS Y MORDIENDO LABIO INFERIOR]
Basic
Blackberry
Blue
Business
Victoria
Very
Arrive
Vary
VOCABULARY
9. Jobs:
Whatdoyoudoforaliving?
Whodoyouworkfor?
Whatareyourduties?
Imanengineer.
IworkforIBM.
Iminchargeof
Imresponsiblefor
Organization chart (Hotel)
General Manager
Assistant Manager
Human Resources
Front Office
Manager
Manager
Manager
Manager
Maintenance Marketing
Manager
Manager
Room maids
Cleaners
Valets
Porters
10. Fill in the previous incomplete organization chart with the words in the box below and
find out the rest by working with two more students to find out more positions in the
worker
chef
concierge
doorman
waiter
head-waiter chef-de-partie cook
headreceptionist commis waiter
cashier
barman
prep cook
night auditor
clerk
cloak-room attendant
accountant sommelier
butler
bell-boy
11. Can you draw a similar chart for other types of companies?
12. Sex differences:
[FOTO: ENFERMERA]
AGENTE DE VIAJES]
[FOTO: MUJER
[FOTO: PESCADOR]
[FOTO: EJECUTIVO]
d. What does he do? ___________________ e. What does he do: is he a blue collar worker or a
white collar worker?
Most jobs in English are the same for men and women:
She is a. teacher / an architect.
Female judge
Sunny
Windy
Cloudy
Rainy
Snowy
Cold
Hot
Icy
Chilly
Foggy
Muggy
Fair
Fine
Dry
Damp
Freezing
Rome?
Athens?
Lisbon?
Reykjavik?
OnthefirstpageofthisunityoucanseetheIberiaVIPloungelocatedinterminal4atMadrid
BarajasAirport.
Major airlines have VIP lounges at the disposal of their first class and business clients. Some
companiesalsoissuespecialVIPcardstopassengerswhoflyineconomyclassbutwhowantto
enjoytheadvantagesoftheselounges.Theyhavetopayayearlyfee(nomorethan$80)tobe
abletousethelounges.Alsosomeairlinecardholders(forexample,ofgoldandplatinumcards)
areusuallyallowedintothelounges,eveniftheyareflyingtouristclass.
IntheVIPloungespassengerscanwaitfortheirflightincomfort.Personalisedcateringisonoffer,
with hot and cold drinks, spirits, wine, champagne, and a variety of snacks and pastries.
Passengers can work as there are plenty of computers with Internet connection, printers,
scanners,phonesandfaxmachines,aswellasmeetingrooms.Travellerscanalsohavearestas
manyoftheloungeshavesomebedstosleepin,incaseoflongdelays.Thebathroomstooare
verywellequippedwithallkindsofamenities.Someevenhaveshowers.
Whilepassengerswaittoboard,theycanreadinternationalnewspapersormagazines,orwatch
TVuntiltheyheartheannouncementwiththeboardinginformationfortheirflight.
Therearesomeextremelyluxuriouslounges,suchastheEmiratesone,whichoffersmassages,a
spa,fullmeals,agymandaswimmingpool.
Weunderstandbytourismboththeserviceindustryrelatedtotransportation,accommodation
andrelatedfields,aswellastheactivityofindividualsgoingtoplacesforleisureorotherreasons.
The World Tourism Organization (WTO) states that Tourism comprises the activities of people
travelling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one
consecutiveyearforleisure,businessandotherpurposesnotrelatedtotheexerciseofanactivity
remuneratedfromwithinthevisitedplace.
Therearemanyotherdefinitionsoftourismwhichcanbefoundindictionaries,booksandonthe
Internet,buttheyallhavesomecommoncharacteristicssuchasphysicalmovement,freechoice,
durationandintention.
Withregardtofreechoice,weunderstandthattouristicactivitiesarecarriedoutasaresultof
voluntarychoicesmadebyindividuals.Touristsarenotpaidfortheirtravelling(unlesstheyhave
wonaraffle,prizeorcompetitionforwhichtheprizeisatripwithspendingmoney).Depending
ontheinterestsofthepeople,therearemanytypesoftourism,suchas:
a.
For people who are interested in visiting historical landmarks and monuments as
well as enjoying the different aspects of the local way of life: for example, cuisine,
monuments,theatres,architecture,history,etc.
b.
For people who are interested in learning or taking part in a training course: for
example,languages,localartsandcrafts,medicine,etc.
c.
Forpeoplewhoarelookingforexcitingandsometimesriskyactivities,suchasheli
skiing,skydriving,bungeejumping,rafting,climbing,caving,etc.
d.
Forpeoplewhoreceiverewardsfromtheiremployersfordutiesperformedintheir
placeofwork:forexample,themostsuccessfulsalespersonoftheyearisawardedwitha
freetriptoBrazil.
e.
Forpeoplewhoseekrelaxation,improvingtheirphysicalandspiritualwellbeing:
spas,meditationorfitnesscentres,etc.
f.
For people who want to travel without causing a negative impact on the land or
the place they visit, often including activities in close contact with nature and avoiding
crowds:forexample,atriptotheBrazilianrainforestsoraphotosafariinSouthAfrica.
g.
Forpeoplewhowanttoinvestigatespecificaspectsrelatedtotheirprofessionor
studies,likeanarchaeologisttravellingtoEgyptorapsychiatristtoNewYork.
h.
For people who travel to places where they can play their favourite sports that
theymightormightnotbeabletodointheirplaceofresidence:golf,skiing,cycling,tennis,
surfing,etc.
20. Match the type of tourism in the box with the previous definitions and examples:
EducationalAdventureCulturalSport
EcotourismIncentiveHealthResearch
GRAMMAR REVIEW
21. Review the conditional clauses:
True or real conditions: if + present / present or future.
If I eat too much pasta, Ill get fat.
Water boils if its temperature reaches 100C.
If you need more money, ask your boss for a pay raise.
Possible but very unlikely or imaginary conditions: If + simple (or continuous) past / would
+ infinitive.
If he were really rich, he would have a better car. (Note the use of were instead of was)
If they caught the plane, theyd get there on time for the match.
Unreal or Impossible conditions: If + had + past participle / would + have + past participle.
If I had been a man, I would have been a football player (Im a woman, so that is
impossible).
22. Fill in the blanks with the right forms of the verb in brackets:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
months: in April
centuries: in the 19th century
periods of time: in eight hours the plane will be taking off / I have to go in a few minutes /
Ill take the exam in three months time (Note the apostrophe)
parts of the day: in the morning / afternoon / evening (exception: at night)
in the short term, in the long run
in time = at the exact time
On
with certain expressions related to tourism: on / upon arrival, on the weekend (Am. Eng.)
days of the week: on Monday
a certain date: on 4th July / on my birthday / on Christmas Eve
on vacation / on holiday
on time = before the deadline
home.
the liner.
the living-room.
the car.
London.
WRITING
27. Complaints:
Many times in your life you are in a situation where you have to make a complaint. It can be
because your flight is delayed, the food in the restaurant is cold or salty or bad, or there are
problems with your hotel room or with the goods you have purchased. If this is the case, you will
have to fill out a complaint form or write a complaint letter or email.
In all cases, you must clearly state:
The name (with code or reference if possible) of the good or service you are complaining
about.
Your personal details (name, address, contact number)
The date, the time and the place where the incident happened or the good was bought.
Also:
Clearly explain the incident that was the cause of your complaint. Mention any documents,
witnesses, etc. you many have.
Ask for compensation, giving several alternatives if possible.
Explain what you will do if you dont get compensation.
Be polite but assertive, concise and factual.
Example (TRACK 8):
Youraddress
Date,place
DearSir/Madam/Mr.Name,
On 23 February 1012 I had to fly from Madrid to Vigo with your company returning the
following day. The departure was scheduled for 9 am from Terminal 4. I was there one hour
before.IhadcheckedinandhadmyboardingpassreadywhenIheardanannouncementthatthe
flightwasdelayedfortwohours.Iwaitedfortwohoursuntilanewannouncementtoldusthat
theflightwasagaindelayeduntil5pm.Iwenttotheairlinecountertoaskformoreinformation
ortofindasolutionasIhadaweddinginVigostartingat5pm.However,thestaffdidnotknow
thereasonforthedelayandtheywerentevensureiftheplanecouldtakeoffat5.Iaskedfora
refundsoIcouldpurchaseanotherticketwithadifferentairlineorevengobycarorbusifthe
firstoptionwasntpossible,butthesupervisortoldmethatthiswasnotallowed.
To cut a long story short, we boarded the plane at 7 pm, without any explanations or
services,suchasdrinksormeals.WhenIarrivedatVigo,theweddingwasalmostoverasIhadto
takeataxiandgotomyhotelfirsttogetproperlydressed.Asthereasonofthe10hourdelay
wasnttheweatherconditions,IthinkIhavetherighttocompensationwhichgoesfurtherthan
the price of the ticket, as I had taken one day off for that wedding and the moral harm of not
beingtherecannotbefinanciallycompensated.Ofcourse,Ihopeatleasttogetbackthepriceof
theticketIpaid.Anyway,Iamalsoopentootheralternativesolutionsyoumightconsider.
IfIdonotgetananswerbynextmonth,Illpassthismatterontomylawyer,sohetakes
thenecessarylegalmeasurestosortthingsout.
Yoursfaithfully,
Yoursignature
Yourname
28. Now your turn: imagine a problem or a faulty product. Work in pairs. Write a complaint
letter to a coursemate. Subsequently, s/he will write a letter to you offering a solution to the
problem.
29. Responding to complaints and apologizing:
In your professional life you will have to answer to many complaint letters, mails, telephone calls,
etc. Even if the person who complaints is very angry, you have to be friendly and positive, yet
assertive. Try to put yourself in the other persons shoes and understand the problem, while
protecting the image of your company. Express your sympathy and apologize. If he/she is right
offer a reasonable and adequate solution to the problem.
Example (TRACK 9):
Reference,code,name,etc.
Place,date
DearName,
First of all, I would like to say I am very sorry for the inconvenience we caused you on 23rd
February2012.
Ihavefoundoutthatyourplanewasdelayedduetotechnicalproblemsthepilotsdiscoveredin
Rome. Theemployeesat the airport did not know how long the problem would take to repair;
therefore,theycouldnotgiveanaccurateanswertoyouortherestofthepassengers.However,
youshouldhavebeenofferedafreelunchanddrinkstohelpyouendurethelongwait.Imust
apologizeforthattoo.
Inthelightofthis,wehavedecidedtogiveyouourgoldcardwhichallowsyoutouseourVIP
lounges and free parking, together with 50,000 free air miles which are equivalent to 2
internationalflightswithinEurope,1toAsiaorAmerica,or5domesticflights.Wehopethiswill
be acceptable to you and that you will continue to place your trust in us and consider us your
favouriteairline.
Pleaseletmeknowifthissolutionmeetswithyourapproval.
Yourssincerely,
Name
CULTURE
31. Why is English important? Talk with your coursemates about it. Then read the text and
answer the questions:
The World Map of the English Language
In this century when global communication is a fact thanks to the Internet and the affordable
means of international transportation, people use English as the lingua franca.
Major newspapers and TV channels as well as music and film industries use English as their
major language. But not only the communication and entertainment industries are English
speaking. The scientific world presents its findings in articles written in English in prestigious
magazines, such as Science or Nature. Financial transactions all over the world are also made in
English.
English is fashionable and in many countries English names can be found in many
businesses and other places (Pepes Pub, Accessorize, Stop, etc.). English is no longer only a
subject to be learnt at school anymore, but a must in modern society.
If you ask people in which countries English is the official language, the majority will
mention the United Kingdom and the United States; some others will also think of Ireland, Canada,
Australia and New Zealand; but many will forget Caribbean countries which were former British
colonies, such as: Antigua Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana,
Jamaica, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & Grenadines, and Trinidad & Tobago. Though
these islands are small, they are culturally and lingustically tied to the UK. Also some islands such
as the Cayman Islands, the Virgin Islands, etc.
In Africa there are many English speaking countries: Botswana, Cameroon, Gambia, Ghana,
Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, Sierra Leona,
Seychelles, South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia and Zimbawe.
In Asia, there are the old British colonies of Singapore and Hong Kong (since 1997
belonging to China), Pakistan and India.
Even in Europe there are places like Gibraltar, Malta, and the Channel Islands where
English is the official language.
32. Write the names (in English) of all the countries in the world where Spanish, French,
German, Italian and Dutch are spoken.
TASKS AND PROJECTS
33. Work in small groups. Introduce yourselves, ask and give personal and professional
details, and talk about your favourite type of tourism. Write a report and present the results
to the rest of the course. You may record your voice, use PowerPoint, draw charts with
percentages, etc. If you decide to use PowerPoint, you are advised to read the extra activity of
unit 2 first.
Writingletters
Writingemailsandmessagesinforums
Writingreports,contractsandotherdocumentsatwork
Writingpoemsandshortstories,songs
Talkingtodistributors
Talkingtoclients/customers
Talkingtofriends
LookingforinformationontheInternet
Readingfiction(novels,shortstories,etc.)
Readingletters,journals,press,magazines
Readingemails,messages
Listeningtomusic
WatchingTV
Seeingmovies
Inclass
Travelling
Working
Think of other uses of English which you could easily incorporate into your daily life that you find
helpful.
How do you learn English? (by listening to audiotapes / looking up the words in the
dictionary / etc.).
.
What difficulties have you found in this unit?
..
SELF-ASSESSMENT
35. After working on this unit check your own learning. Complete the following chart after
giving it some thought:
Im now capable of( ):
aboutmyselfandothers.
Knowingmoreaboutairportsandhowtocommunicate
insuchcontexts.
Talkingaboutjobs.
Well
Very
well
Talkingabouttravelling.
Describingweatherconditions.
Givingreasons,justifyingthings.
Expressingyourapologies.
Makingandrespondingtocomplaintsinformalcontexts.
Usingconditionalsentencescorrectly.
Using prepositions at, in, on for time and space relations
correctly.
Knowing more about the English language and
Anglophonecountries.
TO KNOW MORE
Study tips:
http://www.ego4u.com/en/cram-up/learning
Jobs in Spanish/English - English /Spanish:
http://www.lingolex.com/job.htm
More exercises on conditionals:
http://www.ego4u.com/en/cram-up/grammar/conditional-sentences/type-1/exercises
More exercises on prepositions at/in/on (time):
http://esl.about.com/library/quiz/blgrquiz_prep3.htm
More exercises on weather vocabulary:
http://esl.about.com/library/beginner/blweathervocabulary.htm
On types of tourism:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Types_of_tourism
On luxury VIP lounges:
http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-12845231-v_i_p_lounge_dubai-i
Global English (book):
Crystal, D. (2003) Global English. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
http://www.sprachshop.com/sixcms/media.php/811/English_as_a_grobal_lang_sample_ch.pdf
Listening to dialogues (travelling situations):
http://www.focusenglish.com/dialogues/traveling/travelingindex.html
Free English dictionary:
http://www.babylon.com/affiliates/landing/index.php?id=CD5137&textlink=esgn13886