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Lect. univ. drd.

Elena NISTOR

LIMBA ENGLEZ
Anul III

Materialele documentare consultate pentru elaborarea lucrrii de fa au fost puse la


dispoziie de Centrul de Informare i Documentare al Organizaiei Naiunilor Unite la
Bucureti.

Acest manual urmrete instruirea cursanilor n domeniul cunoaterii unor noiuni


detaliate privind lexicul limbii engleze, avndu-se n vedere dezvoltarea aptitudinilor de
comunicare verbal i scris. Scopul final vizeaz capacitatea cursanilor:
- de a nelege i interpreta informaii detaliate din domeniul comunicaiilor;
- de a exprima opinii personale, utiliznd un vocabular adecvat;
- de a redacta texte argumentative pe o tem dat.
Testele de verificare din cadrul unitilor de studiu, precum i Testul final urmresc, de
asemenea, evaluarea cunotinelor acumulate de cursant pe parcursul procesului de
nvare.

CONTENTS

UNIT 1. Telephone

UNIT 2. Computer

UNIT 3. Letter Writing (I): Personal and Private Letters

UNIT 4. Letter Writing (II): Business and Commercial Correspondence

UNIT 5. Composition Tips

UNIT 6. Curriculum Vitae

UNIT 7. Application Forms

UNIT 8. Job Interviews

Evaluation Test

Basic English Vocabulary

Main Irregular Verbs

List of Common Abbreviations

UNIT 1
TELEPHONE
Obiective: Dup parcurgerea i studiul acestui capitol, cursantul este n msur:
- s rezume, utiliznd propriile cunotine lexicale i gramaticale, un text pe o tem dat;
- s foloseasc elemente de vocabular din domeniul respectiv n diferite contexte;
- s susin o conversaie telefonic n limba englez.

Key words: to quadruple, aversion, confidence, to get flustered, routine, role-playing,


tip, abrasive, to rehearse, beforehand

Exercise 1. Read the following text carefully and then sum up the main ideas of the
text:
How many people can put their hand on their heart and say that it has not quadrupled its
beat at the prospect of making a phone call? According to experts in management and
business skills, an aversion to the telephone is a common office problem. Telephone
confidence, they say, is a special skill which can come only with lots of practice.
Dick LeHunt, of Inbucon, who designs and runs training programmes for
individual companies, says, Many people get flustered when making even routine calls,
so we use role-playing to help employees practise and improve their telephone manner.
Dick always begins with the basic tips which are essential for any business call. The
first is to smile when you dial. Smiling both before and during the call relaxes the
facial muscles and instantly makes you sound warmer and more friendly.
The second rule is to introduce yourself, greet the other person by name and say
at least one thing to establish common ground before getting on to why you have called.
This seems rather obvious, but it is astonishing how curt and abrasive many business
callers can be. Of course a brusque telephone manner can also come from nerves, hence
the third basic rule (which is easier said than done): relax. Says Dick, Be natural. And
always use the words you feel most comfortable with.

An essential part of being effective over the telephone is to be prepared for the
call. It is not possible to plan ahead for every telephone conversation, but many business
calls can be anticipated and rehearsed. Pauline Malindine, who runs her own
communications skills consultancy, encourages her clients to list in advance the
objectives of each call, to think about possible barriers to communication and work out
how to overcome them.
If you have to call a customer in Holland to tell him that the goods he was
expecting yesterday will not arrive until next week, prepare for the worst, she says.
The line will probably be bad, he may not speak English very well and he is likely to
be very upset. Work out precisely what you need to say in clear, simple English and
decide beforehand on the best strategy for coping with his irritation.
Know the facts before you pick up the phone.

Exercise 2. Look at the following table showing recent statistics concerning telephone
problems in Britain. Which are the most common problems in your own experience?
Are the percentages given below more or less valid for your country, or are there
notable differences? Are there any problems connected with phones which are common
in your country but not listed here?

Faults in the Phone Box


Money went through

8%

Line was dead

17%

Equipment vandalized

18%

Did not accept money

50%

Other

7%

Exercise 3. Complete the missing part of these exchanges with suitable sentences,
according to the meaning:
A: So Ill give you the number to ring; its 4721301.
B:
A: Well, be quick, because Im in a phone box and the moneys running out!

A: Can I use your phone?


B:
A: Okay, Ill wait till after your calls come through.
A: My numbers Birmingham 4721301.
B:
A: Oh, for Birmingham its 021.

A: Did you get him?


B:
A: Oh, perhaps his phones out of order.

A: Is that 4271301?
B: No, this is 4721031.
A:

A: Telecom. Can I help you?


B:
A: Okay, well send someone to have a look at it. Can I have your number and address?

Exercise 4. Write a short commentary expressing your opinions for, or against, the
ideas in the following text:
What about those problem calls which always take us by surprise? Dont answer the
telephone just to stop it ringing, advises Bob, an industrial psychologist. He warns that
you shouldnt be forced into decisions by being caught at the wrong moment by an
impatient caller. To some extent, being telephoned by someone means being under their
control, so the first priority is always to get the situation back into your grasp. If
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someone rings when you are not prepared, say that you need time to think the problem
over and arrange to call them back.
Techniques for cutting short a telephone conversation are indispensable for
personal as well as business calls. The best idea is to use the persons name when they
pause for breath, advises Pauline Malindine. If you say firmly, Well, Anne or just
Anne, they will stop short. Dont ask me why, but it works like a charm. Then just
wind up to a quick goodbye but say it as if you mean it.
But make sure its not you who becomes the non-stop talker. When speaking to
someone face to face, we barely notice if there is a five-second pause in the
conversation, but on the telephone it plunges us into instant panic and we rush to fill in.
I also tell people to begin a call by saying why they are phoning and then leave
a pause, says Dick LeHunt, if only to give the other person a chance to grunt. The key
to getting what you want is dialogue, not monologue. Asking a question can be a
useful device to get two-way communication going if the conversation has ground to a
complete halt.
Silence can also be used for dealing with angry of abusive callers. John Riley, a
computer software specialist, often uses this technique. When a customer is unhappy
with something and rings up in a state, I usually keep silent until they stop ranting. I
then say, Right. Now we can talk.

Exercise 5. Topics for discussion


1. How common is to have a telephone nowadays?
2. Is it considered a luxury or a necessity?
3. How efficient is the phone company?
4. What special service does the phone company provide?
5. What are the common problems in using the phone in a foreign country?

SUPPLEMENTARY READING
An Etiquette Guide for Cellmates
Cellular phones have become so popular and their users so unpopular for disturbing
everyone from theatregoers to train passengers that the arbiters of manners have been
forced to step in. A German manual, Style & Etiquette, already has a section devoted to
proper use of a mobile phone. The book advises, for example, against taking a cell
phone to a job interview: it might ring at the wrong time and convince your prospective
boss that you are self-important and insecure. And please, the author beseeches, have
respect for the dead: turn the thing off at funerals.
Such common-sense suggestions are only the beginning, of course. Heres our
correspondents guide to going cellular without making an ass of yourself:
- Do not say anything on a mobile phone that you wouldnt like to see on the front page
of a tabloid. An eavesdropper picked up Britains Prince Charles making verbal love to
his paramour, while Princess Diana was caught in an intercepted cell-phone chat that
revealed not only an amorous liaison but also an embarrassing nickname: Squidgy.
- Do not use a mobile phone in places where people have paid big money to listen to
voices other than yours. La Scala opera house in Milan has had so many complaints that
Rule No 9 for ticketholders is, Leave telefonini in the cloakroom.
- Do not take a phone into a stuffy British mens club. The Athnaeum warns its
members that all mobile phones must be left with the porter. Whites members, the club
secretary hints, re far too well mannered even to think of carrying one inside the club,
and Gavin Rankin, who helps run Londons posh dining club Harrys Bar, says, Any
attempt to use one would be swiftly suppressed.
- Do not use one on Paris buses. Last month riders of one bus watched as a physical
therapist who took an important call from a patient was loudly berated by an elderly
woman passenger who cried, Elitism! They cant afford Rolls-Royces, so they ride the
bus with portable phones to impress people.
- Do use a mobile if you want the latest in gangster chic. Last March during the
kidnapping of German tobacco heir Jan Philipp Reemtsma in Hamburg, the bad guys
used a cell phone to direct the ransom couriers to the drop-off point. And in London
etiquette maven Mary Killen complained of the mobile phones very visible popularity
among petty criminals.

- Do be careful who borrows yours. Warns Milan management consultant Antonino


Busacca: The problem comes when a husband lends it to his wife and then his lover
tries to reach him.
- Do remember that how you use your phone reveals a great deal about your character.
When you go out for a pizza with friends, says Angle Becheras, secretary for a
French news agency in Rome, you see there are two kinds of people. Those who turn
their telefonini off. And those who leave them on, put them on the table and hope
smeone will call.

REMEMBER!
Telephone confidence is a skill which can come only with practice.
The first tip for any business call is to smile when you dial.
The second rule is to introduce yourself, greet the other person by name and say
something to establish common ground before getting on to the reason of your call.
Be prepared for the call. Know the facts before you pick up the phone.
To cut short a telephone conversation, use the persons name when (s)he pauses for
breath.
Asking a question can be a useful device to get two-way communication going.
Silence can also be used for dealing with angry of abusive callers.
The key to getting what you want is dialogue, not monologue

CHECK-UP TEST
Write some possible dialogues including the following expressions (about 10 lines):
1. Im on 4271301.
A:
B:
A:
B:
A:
B:
A:
B:

10

A:
B:
2. If you cant get me at home, try work number.
A:
B:
A:
B:
A:
B:
A: ..
B: ..
A: ..
B: ..
3. Hes on extension 437.
A: ..
B: ..
A: ..
B: ..
A: ..
B: ..
A: ..
B: ..
A: ..
B: ..
4. If you dont know the number, look it up in the phone book.
A: ..
B: ..
A: ..
B: ..
A: ..
B: ..
11

A: ..
B: ..
A: ..
B: ..

5. Just dial directory inquiries and ask for help.


A: ..
B: ..
A: ..
B: ..
A: ..
B: ..
A: ..
B: ..
A: ..
B: ..
6. The lines were really busy and I couldnt get through.
A: ..
B: ..
A: ..
B: ..
A: ..
B: ..
A: ..
B: ..
A: ..
B: ..
7. Sorry, Im not at home at the moment. Please leave a message after the beep.
A: ..
B: ..
A: ..
B: ..
12

A: ..
B: ..
A: ..
B: ..
A: ..
B: ..
8. I think youve got a wrong number this is 4720131.
A: ..
B: ..
A: ..
B: ..
A: ..
B: ..
A: ..
B: ..
A: ..
B: ..

9. Will you answer the phone, please?


A: ..
B: ..
A: ..
B: ...
A: ..
B: ..
A: ..
B: ..
A: ..
B: ..

10. You can telephone from your hotel room.


A: ..
B: ..
13

A: ..
B: ..
A: ..
B: ..
A: ..
B: ..
A: ..
B: ..

REFERENCES
Cambridge International Dictionary of English, Cambridge: Cambridge University
Press, 1995
TIME, May 27, 1996 Jay Branegan, An Etiquette Guide for Cellmates
McCarthy, Michael, Alistair MacLean, and Patrick OMalley, Proficiency Plus.
Grammar Lexis Discourse, Oxford: Basil Blackwell Ltd., 1990

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UNIT 2
COMPUTER
Obiective: Dup parcurgerea i studiul acestui capitol, cursantul este n msur:
- s rezume, utiliznd propriile cunotine lexicale i gramaticale, un text pe o tem dat;
- s foloseasc elemente de vocabular din domeniul respectiv n diferite contexte;
- s utilizeze computerul n scopuri de comunicare.

Key words: gadgetry, pervasive, to magnify, integrated circuit, chip, swatch,


ubiquitous, to mount, shake-out, unrest

Exercise 1. Read the following text carefully and then sum up the main ideas of the
text:
A revolution is under way. Most Americans are already well aware of the wonder
gadgetry that is emerging, in rapidly accelerating bursts, from the worlds hightechnology laboratories. But most of us perceive only dimly how pervasive and
profound the changes of the next twenty years will be. We are at the dawn of the era of
the smart machine an information age that will change forever the way an entire
nation works, plays, travels and even thinks. Just as the industrial revolution
dramatically expanded the strength of mans muscles and the reach of his hand, so the
smart-machine revolution will magnify the power of his brain. But unlike the industrial
revolution, which depended on finite resources such as iron and oil, the new information
age will be fired by a seemingly limitless resource the inexhaustible supply of
knowledge itself. Even computer scientists, who best understand the galloping
technology and its potential, are wonderstruck by its implications. It is really
awesome, says L.C. Thomas of Bell Laboratories. Every day is just as scary as the
day before.
The driving force behind the revolution is the development of two fundamental
and interactive technologies computers and integrated circuits. Today, tiny silicon
chips half the size of a fingernail are etched with circuitry powerful enough to book
seats on jumbo jets (and keep the planes working smoothly in the air), cut complex
swatches of fabric with little wastage, help children learn to spell and play chess well
enough to beat all but the grandest masters.
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The new technology means that bits of computing power can be distributed
wherever they might be useful the way small electric motors have become ubiquitous
or combined in giant mainframe computers to provide enormous problem-solving
potential. In addition, this computational plenty is making smart machines easier to
use and more forgiving of unskilled programming. Machines are even communicating
with each other. Whats next? asks Peter E. Hart, director of an internation artificial
intelligence centre. More to the point, whats not next?
There are a few clouds on the industrys horizon: capital costs are rising, and
Japan is mounting an all-out challenge to American supremacy in the field. Some
experts predict that the shape of the industry will change considerably over the next
period. But whatever shake-outs lie ahead, the world will continue to snap up chips as
fast as manufacturers can turn them out, creating an expanding information industry
that will grow into a $500 billion-a-year enterprise, by far the biggest on earth.
The transformation will not be easy, for smart machines bring with them the
seeds of widespread economic dislocation and social unrest. Eventually, for example,
they will make possible the full automation of many factories, displacing millions of
blue-collar workers with a new steel collar class. Even office workers will feel the
crunch, as smart machines do more and more of the clerical work. Traditional
businesses such as television networks and publishing companies will encounter new
competition as programmers and advertisers beam information directly into the
consumers home.

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Exercise 2. Complete the following sentences with the suitable word or phrase:
computing, software, systems, literate, home, graphics, mail box, by computer,
programmes, on computer
1. Many people now have a
2. She works for a company that produces computer
3. Computer can be used to control aircraft.
4. We need someone who is computer- to do this job.
5. The factory has an elaborate system to control its stock.
6. The runners finishing times are recorded
7. You can get computer to check your spelling for you.
8. All our customer orders are handled
9. Computer can produce images on a video screen or directly into film.
10. An electronic is the place where the computer stores messages.

Exercise 3. Shorthand is a quick way of writing something.Because text messaging is


very popular, text messaging shorthand has developed. Often the words are chosen
because of their sounds. Here are the mostly used words and expressions:

Anything NTHING
Are R
Are you OK? RUOK?
Ate 8
Be B
Before B4
Be seeing you BCNU
By the way BTW
Date D8
Dinner DNR
Easy EZ
Excellent XLNT
For 4
Great GR8
In my humble opinion IMHO

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Late L8
Later L8R
Love LUV
Please PLS
Please call me PCM
See/sea C
See you later CU L8R
Speak SPK
Thanks THX
Thank you THNQ
To/too 2
To be 2B
Today 2DAY
Tomorrow 2MORO
Want to WAN2
What WOT
Work WRK
Why Y
You U

Give the correct words for the following abbreviations:


BCNU ....
DNR ..
XLNT..
L8R ....
PLS .
THX
EZ
PCM
SPK .
THNQ ..

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Exercise 4. Write a short commentary expressing your opinions for, or against, the
ideas in the following text:
Computers are tireless and versatile business and professional tools. Derivatives of the
major commercial applications can usually be found for the small business or home
management, such as
Word processing
Here the computer is used to create, revise and print correspondence, documents and
business forms. You load your word processing software into the computers memory.
Then you type in your letter, or any other text, using the computer keyboard. The words
appear on the display screen.
When you decide to make corrections to the text, a few key strokes are sufficient.
Instead of typing over an entire report in order to add a paragraph, you scroll through
your text until the page you want appears on the screen. You press a key or type in a
command, and proceed to add the paragraph.
Word processing is ideal for form letters, legal documents and any other text that is
repeated. You simply store any information you want to keep on a floppy disk. You call
up your form letter on the screen, make whatever changes you need, and print out as
many copies as you want.
Accounting, bookkeeping and personal finance
The computer records all your accounting information while you are creating invoices,
writing cheques or entering debits. Then the computer tabulates all your income,
expenditure and operating expenses, and organizes the results into financial statements
and reports such as a profit and loss statement. You can print out your cheques and
invoices on the printer, using business forms created for computers.
Planning, forecasting and decision-making
These applications help managers do their job to analyze trends, forecast events, plan,
schedule, create budgets and make informed decisions. The computer lets you ask,
What if? and see the results.

19

Exercise 5. Topics for discussion


1. In your opinion, does a personal computer mean progress? Why (not)?
2. Do you think computers are a reliable help?
3. How would it be best to encourage the youngsters to use a computer?
4. How would it be best to encourage adults and elder people to use a computer?
5, What are the (dis)advantages of providing computers for children or young people?

SUPPLEMENTARY READING
Etiquette on E-mail is called "netiquette." Here are a few suggested rules from the
Student Lists:
A. All the people on the lists are students like you. They are probably new to this as
well. So please don't be afraid to post messages. It will be a great learning experience.
B. Be positive. If somebody says something you like, tell him or her, either by
commenting to the whole group, or by sending him or her an individual reply. If you
disagree with the person, try to do so in a constructive rather than negative way.
C. Be polite. On a list like this, with people from many cultures, it can be easy to have
misunderstandings. Try to be polite and friendly in your postings.
D. Humor is appreciated, but again, please be polite. Avoid comments which could
offend or confuse people of other cultures.
E. Remember: if it's of individual or personal interest, send a reply to the person who
posted the message (just use the reply option on your system). If you think it might be
of general interest, post a message to the whole group.
F. Let people know what you're going to be talking about. Make sure your posting has a
clear and descriptive entry on the "Subject" line.
G. Keep it short. Some students have to pay to get their e-mail! So keep your messages
brief--no more than 2 screens. The LISTSERV will not accept messages that are longer
than 50 lines or so.
H. Don't post too often! There is a limit of two postings per day per student with a
maximum of five postings in a week.

20

I. Identify yourself. List your name, school, and e-mail address briefly at the end of your
posting. Some e-mail systems do not include the "header" so other people may not see
it.
J. If you are referring to another person's comments, it is usually a good idea to quote
that person. On some systems the "forward" feature will help you do this. However,
please EDIT out that person's header and any other information which is not relevant, to
avoid clutter and wasted space. Under no circumstances should the quoted material be
longer than your own comments!
K. Try to make the right comments to the right list. If you want to discuss movies, you
should join and post to MOVIE-SL. If you want to discuss music, join and post to
MUSIC-SL. If you want to discuss general topics, join and post to CHAT-SL or
DISCUSS-SL. BUT -- do not 'cross post.' Send your message to ONLY ONE list!
L. Keep in mind that people all over the world will be reading your comments. If your
comments will only be clear for people from your own country, provide more
background information.
M. The SL Lists are "unmoderated". This means that what members post goes directly
to the membership, unedited and uncensored. We are strongly committed to maintaining
an uncensored list. In particular, please refrain from using obscene language.
N. On e-mail, you cannot see people's faces. So people often use symbols to make their
points. *'s or capital letters can give emphasis. For example, "That was a *great*
movie". Or "That was a GREAT movie." (Or "That was a g-r-e-a-t movie.")

Then there are the famous "sideways" symbols:


:-) (a smile)
;-) (a wink)
:-( (a frown)

All in all, follow the basic guideline: Do not post to others what you would not want
posted to you!

21

REMEMBER!
We are at the dawn of the era of an information age that will change forever the way
an entire nation works, plays, travels and even thinks.
The new information age will be fired by a seemingly limitless resource the
inexhaustible supply of knowledge itself.
The driving force behind the revolution is the development of two fundamental and
interactive technologies computers and integrated circuits.
These smart machines will make possible the full automation of many factories, but will
displace millions of blue-collar workers with a new steel collar class.

CHECK-UP TEST
Starting from the following text, write an argument for or against using a computer (200
words):
I want to try to explain what its like to write with a rod processor. The nearest thing to
it is an experience you may have had as a kid: building sand castles. Sand castles are
best built on perilous oceanfronts, not on seif lakefronts. To erect a sand castle under the
threat of the waves gives uou a delectable sense of defying devastation. A similar
foreboding of doom hovers over the writer who uses a word processor. What if theres a
power failure and your work is wiped away?
And yet despite this fear, to see your castle of words start to rise fills you with an odd
sense of freedom and playfulness. The experience is like whomping together some piles
of wet sand that you want to develop into towers That is much like what you do in
producing an essay on a word processor.

22


....

REFERENCES
http://ucs.orst.edu/~healeyd/pci/netiquette.html
Kennedy, J.X., Dorothy M. Kennedy, The Bedford Reader. Second Edition, New
York: St Martins Press, 1985 J.X. Kennedy, Writing with a Decmate II: Building
Sand Castles
McCarthy, Michael, Alistair MacLean, and Patrick OMalley, Proficiency Plus.
Grammar Lexis Discourse, Oxford: Basil Blackwell Ltd., 1990

23

UNIT 3
LETTER WRITING (I):
PERSONAL AND PRIVATE LETTERS
Obiective: Dup parcurgerea i studiul acestui capitol, cursantul este n msur:
- s redacteze coresponden personal.

Key

words:

private

correspondence,

style,

colloquial,

heading,

salutation,

communication, formal letter, ending, subscription, close

Letter writing is divided into two classes:


(1) personal and private letters;
(2) business and commercial correspondence.

(1) Personal and Private Letters


In the case of private correspondence, it is not necessary to be so formal as in essay
writing. Be quite natural in your style, taking care not to become too colloquial or
careless as to punctuation, grammar, and clearness of expression.
Private letters are arranged as follows:

A) The heading, consisting of the ADDRESS of the writer and the DATE, is written at
the top right-hand corner of the pages and is spaced thus:
85
Waterloo Street,
Hackney,
London, N.E.
March
12th, 2001
Note:
- the place of the comma;
- the front position of the number of the house;

24

- the name of the town comes last;


- the date may also be written 12th March 2001, 12-03-01, 12/03/01, the order being:
the day of the month; the number of the month; and the year.

B) The salutation (form of address), which varies according to the degree of intimacy
existing between the writer of the letter and the receiver of it:
- for old friends and relatives:
My Dear Mary/George
Dear Uncle/Aunt
- when the degree of familiarity is not so great as in the former case:
My Dear Mr Jones/Mrs Jones/Miss Jones
- when the degree of familiarity is slight or you have no personal knowledge of the
person, use:
Dear Sir/Madam
Note: A woman, married or unmarried, is addressed as Madam or Dear Madam. Also, it
is not unusual to salute a person as My Dear Friend.
You must never use an exclamation mark after the saluation. Always use a comma.

C) The communication (the body of the letter) which should be written in paragraphs.
The first word comes under the last word of the salutation.
The style and language should be free and natural.
Do not be afraid to use the fisr and second personal pronouns. The pronoun of the third
person is kept for purely official and formal letters.

D) The ending (subscription or close) should come at the right-hand side of the page,
and should be of the same style as the salutation:

I am,
Your loving sister,
Mary

I remain,
Yours affectionately,
Charles
25

I am,
Yours very sincerely,
Frank

I remain,
Yours faithfully/truly,
E. Powell

Note: The commas, capitals and the position of the first word of each line should be
carefully observed.

CAUTION!
The foreign student must avoid three errors commonly made in letter writing:
a) I shall have much pleasure to accept your kind invite for next Saturday.
instead of: I have much pleasure in accepting your kind invitation for next Saturday.
b) I am very delighted to be able to come.
instead of: I am much delighted to be able to come.
c) Try and come early.
instead of: Try to come early.

Words and expressions that often occur in private letter writing:


affectionately = lovingly
agreeable = pleasant
gift = present
to appreciate = to think much of, to thin ka great deal of
business = trade
comfort = ease, happiness, contentment
cordially = heartily
considerate = thoughtful or caring for others
to commence = to begin, to start
delighted = much pleased
distressed = worried, troubled
employment = occupation
especially = particularly
26

in anticipation = in expectation
in consequence = as a result
to invite = to ask, to request the company of
I have determined = I have made up my mind
leisure = spare time, freedom from work
obliging = courteous, kind
on the outskirts = in the suburbs
progress = improvement
to permit = to allow
to recollect = to remember, to call to mind
view = aspect, look, appearance
welfare = happiness
to write a reply = to answer

Examples of private letters

98
Englefield Road,
Canonbury, N.
June
5th, 2002
Dear Madeleine,
I have not received any news from you for a week, but hope you are quite well.
My Mother and I have been talking about you, and if you could come on Sunday next
we should be very much pleased to see you. Two other friends are coming, and I am
sure we shall enjoy ourselves very much.
Let me know if you are able to come, and also the time of your arrival.
Hoping that all are well at home,
I am,
Yours affectionately,
Adrienne

27

2
196 King George Street,
Hornsey,
London, N.
28/12/02

My Dear Francis,
Many thanks for your letter, which I was so pleased to receive. You may,
however, doubt the truth of this on account of the time which has passed without
acknowledgment. I am now on my Christmas holidays, and will not wait any longer
before telling you how I spent my first Christmas in England.
First of all, I do not think it would be of any use making a comparison between the
Continental festival and the one we have over here, because there is too great a
difference between them.
I had a little feast in my room with a few English friends on Friday evening. We
quite enjoyed it, I assure you, especially as my Christams box came from home the
same evening with all our Continental delicacies, and even a small tree was included.
All these good things surprised my friends very much.
Christmas day, however, reminded me that no happiness is without alloy, for though
my business affairs are getting all right I had to do some work at home in order to settle
my yearly accounts.
I have begun taking English and Italian lessons at an evening institute here, and I feel
I am now making great improvement in my study of these languages.
I hope you, too, have had a happy Christmas, and I wish you a very prosperous New
Year.
With kindest regards to all at home,
I remain,
Yours very sincerely,
Arthur

EXERCISES
1. Write a letter to a close friend, describing your favourite pastime.
2. Write a letter inviting a friend to spend New Years Day with you.
3. Write a letter to your parents, describing your impressions of London.
28

4. Write to your brother/sister, who is abroad, telling him your first impressions on
joining a class in English for foreign students.
5. Write a letter regretting that you are unable to accept an invitation to spend the
weekend with a friend.
6. You intend sending a present to an English friend. Write a suitable letter.

REMEMBER!
In the case of private correspondence, it is not necessary to be so formal as in eassay
writing. Be quite natural in your style, taking care not to become too colloquial or
careless as to punctuation, grammar, and clearness of expression.
Private letters are arranged as follows:
A) The heading, consisting of the ADDRESS of the writer and the DATE, is written at
the top right-hand corner of the pages;
B) The salutation (form of address), which varies according to the degree of intimacy
existing between the writer of the letter and the receiver of it;
C) The communication (the body of the letter) which should be written in paragraphs.
The first word comes under the last word of the salutation. The style and language
should be free and natural.
D) The ending (subscription or close) should come at the right-hand side of the page,
and should be of the same style as the salutation

REFERENCES
Marshall, Edgar, and E. Schaap, Exercises in English for Foreign Students. Sixth
Impression, London & Paris: Librairie Hachette, 1929

29

UNIT 4
LETTER WRITING (II):
BUSINESS AND FORMAL LETTERS
Obiective: Dup parcurgerea i studiul acestui capitol, cursantul este n msur:
- s redacteze coresponden oficial.

Key

words:

business

correspondence,

index,

reference,

sender,

receiver,

communication, behalf, abbreviation, envelope, professional men


In business correspondence, the aim is to be as brief as possible. At the same time, the
language used must be plain, polite, carefully planned, and to the point.
Business letters are arranged as follows:

A) The index, used for reference purposes, and placed in the top left-hand corner:

In your Reply
please quote
L. 96
B) the heading, arranged as in the case of private letters, except that the address is
always given in full:
85
King William St.,
London, E.C.

C) the inside name and address, placed just above the salutation and making clear to
whom the letter is written, even though the envelope has been lost or destroyed. In
official letters, it is sometimes placed under the letter in the left-hand corner:

Messrs. Brown & Co., Ltd.,


14 Old St.,
Cardiff

30

H. Dowse, Esq.,
58 Gilesgate,
Durham
D) The salutation:
- the usual form of address is: Sir;
- when the sender and the receiver are of equal rank or position: Dear Sir;
- when writing to a firm or company: (Dear) Gentlemen/Sirs

E) The communication should be stated in clear and concise language. The best
business letter is the one which contains the least number of words and yet expresses
adequately the meaning of the writer.

F) The subscription (the close) must agree in style with the salutation:
- the usual form is:
I am, Sir/Madam,
Yours truly,
J. B. Roberts
- when writing to a firm or company:

We are, Gentlemen,
Your obedient servants,
E. Wilson & Co.

We are, Sir,
Yours obediently,
T. White & Son,
p.p. E.C.M.

We remain, Sir,
Yours respectfully,
pro Black & Sons,
R. South
31

Note: In signing on behalf of a firm, the employee prefixes to his own initials the
abbreviation pp (per pro, the Latin shortened form for per procurationem = on behalf of
another).

Official letters generally close thus:

I have the honour to be, Sir,


Your obedient servant,
W. Chambers
G) The envelope The name may be written in two ways:
- the most common form is: Mr. R. S. Maslen, or R. S. Maslen, Esq.;
- the more respectful form, used when addressing professional men (holding responsible
positions, such as officials, managers, merchants, etc.):
R. S. Maslen, Esq.,
14 High St.,
Wood Green,
London, N.

Words and expressions that often occur in business letters:


advice = opinion, information, knowledge
abilities = attainments, qualifications, capabilities
to approve of = to agree with
to ascertain = to learn, to find out, to see
to assist = to help, to aid
beneficial = useful, profitable
benefiting = improving
to consult a person = to seek advice from a person
conduct = behaviour, morals
chief depot = central office
despatched = sent off
documents = papers
employment = occupation, job, position
to endeavour = to try hard, to make a strong effort
32

to inspect = to look over, to examine


if appointed = if chosen, if selected, if successful
if convenient to you = if suitable to you
in emergency = in case of need or necessity
patronage = support
to postpone = to delay, to put off
punctual = exact to time
proficient = capable, competent
proficiency = skill, success
reputation = good name, fame
to resume duty = to begin work again
transacted = carried out

Examples of business letters

1
26 Marquess Road,
Highbury, N.
April 22nd, 2001

Sir,
I have just noticed your advertisement in todays Daily Chronicle, and I think I
may be suitable to fill the position you offer.
I am French by birth, 28 years of age, and have been in England since last March. I
have a good knowledge of the English language, and am able to translate from English
into French.
My speed in shorthand is 110 words per minute and for typewriting 55 words per
minute, the latter both in English and French. I have the best references from a Paris
office where I worked 15 months, and I enclose a copy of a testimonial received from
this house. I left this firm to come to England.
For the past eleven months I have been working in a City office, which I wish to
leave, because it is a French firm and I have no opportunity of speaking English.

33

If you would favour me with an interview, I should be pleased to wait upon you any
day between 1.30 and 2.30 PM.
Hoping to hear favourably from you,
I am, Sir,
Yours obediently,
Lucie Dutarte

H.J. Maze, Esq.,


14 High Holborn,
W.C.

27 London Wall,
Moorgate St., E.C.
January 25th, 2002

Messers. Bradshaw & Co., Ltd.,


Leeds.

Gentlemen,
Being indebted for your address to Messrs. Needham & Son, and learning that
you are not yet represented at this place, I herewith respectfully beg to tender my
services as an agent for your esteemed house.
I would point out that I am well acquainted with your class of goods, having acted as
sole agent for Messrs. Johnson, Ltd., of Manchester, for many years. I am also in close
and constant touch with the majority of the leading Drapery firms, such as Peter
Robinson and Marshall & Snelgrove, Ltd., the buyers of most of which have been my
personal friends for years. I feel confident of introducing your lines o the London
market with every prospect of success, and of producing satisfactory results to our
mutual advantage.
In the event of your being disposed to entertain my offer, I shall be happy to receive
your propositions, terms, etc., and I might mention that I should be prepared either to
34

accept your agency ona commission basis, or to handle the distribution of your articles
on my own account.
As to my character, ability, and financial standing, I beg to refer you to the abovementioned firms, who will most willingly furnish you with any information you may
desire in this respect.
Hoping that my offer will meet with a favourable reception,
I am, Gentlemen,
Yours respectfully,
Henri Paccard

Exercises
1. Write Messrs. Brown Bros., Wall St., Leicester, complaining that an order from your
company has not been properly executed by them.
2. Write a letter acknowledging the receipt of an order and asking for forwarding
instructions.
3. You receive a letter of inquiry from a person who is thinking of buying a certain
article which you are anxious to sell. Write a reply.
4. Your luggage is damaged while being conveyed from the railway station to your
boarding house by the London Package Co., Ltd. Write a letter to them stating the
amount of the damage, and claiming compensation.
5. A complaint that the goods supplied are not according to sample is received from a
firm. After investigation, this is found to be true. Write a reply.

REMEMBER!
In business correspondence, the aim is to be as brief as possible. At the same time, the
language used must be plain, polite, carefully planned, and to the point.
Business letters are arranged as follows:
A) The index, used for reference purposes, and placed in the top left-hand corner;
B) the heading, arranged as in the case of private letters, except that the address is
always given in full;

35

C) the inside name and address, placed just above the salutation and making clear to
whom the letter is written, even though the envelope has been lost or destroyed. In
official letters, it is sometimes placed under the letter in the left-hand corner;
Messrs. Brown & Co., Ltd.,
D) The salutation;
E) The communication should be stated in clear and concise language. The best
business letter is the one which contains the least number of words and yet expresses
adequately the meaning of the writer.
F) The subscription (the close) must agree in style with the salutation;
G) The envelope.

REFERENCES
Marshall, Edgar, and E. Schaap, Exercises in English for Foreign Students. Sixth
Impression, London & Paris: Librairie Hachette, 1929
United Nations Correspondence Manual, New York: United Nations, Department of
Conference Services, 1984

36

UNIT 5
COMPOSITION TIPS
Obiective: Dup parcurgerea i studiul acestui capitol, cursantul este n msur:
- s utilizeze corect majusculele, punctuaia, anumite cuvinte care se confund n limba
englez.
Key words: capital letter, comma, semi-colon, colon, period, full stop, dash, hyphen,
inverted commas, apostrophe

The Use of Capitals in English


The foreign student should be careful where the use of capital letters in English differs
from that in his own language.
The following rules for their use should be observed in writing English:
Capitals are used:
(1) for the beginning of every sentence: Capital letters are used for special names.
(2) for proper nouns: names of the deity, individual countries, cities, towns, streets,
buildings, persons, rivers, etc., and also the names of the days of the week, months of
the year, and holiday seasons: The Lord, England, London, Oxford Street, the Mansion
House, Arthur, the Thames, Wednesday, December, Easter, Christmas, etc.
(3) for adjectives derived from proper nouns: English, French, Elizabethan, etc.
(4) for the chief words in: the titles of persons, the headings in the written, Commentary,
the adresses on envelopes, the salutation and subscriptions of letters: George the Fifth;
Alexander the Great, King of Macedonia; Dr. Jones; Mr. Evans; Licentiate-in-Letters;
Doctor of Science; The Home Rule Bill; The Influence of Newspapers; My Dear Sir,
etc.
(5) for the abbreviations of titles, dregrees, etc.: M.P., P.C., M.A., M. Sc., Ph. D.
(6) for the first word in each line of poetry:
Hope springs eternal in the human breast;
Man never is, but always to be blest.
(7) for the pronoun I and the exclamation O(h): He is better than I.
O dear me!
37

(8) for the first word beginning a quotation or a speech: The professor said, You have
not answered the question correctly.
(9) for any words to call attention to their special importance: In Direct Narration if the
reporting verb is in the Present or the Future Tense, then according to the rules
governing the Sequence of Tenses
Exercises
1. Write ten sentences each containing the name of a person, a city, a town, a mountain,
a building, a lake, a country, etc.
2. Write ten proper nouns and the adjectival forms derived from them.
3. Give two names suitable for each of the following: a person, a book, an academic
title, a heading of an essay, a famous Englis building.
4. Write five suitable subscriptions and salutations for a private and a business letter.
5. Write in proper order the names for: the days of the week, the months of the year, the
principal holidays.

CHECK-UP TEST
Add a quotation or short speech to each of the following:
The Prime Minister asked,
...
...
...
...
...

The French Ambassador answered,

...
...
...
...

The statement was

38

...
...
...
...

The foreign student replied,


.
...
...
...
...

The guests commented,

...
...
...
...
...

Punctuation
The use of punctuation is to make clear the exact meaning of a written passage by
showing to the eye the relation which exists between the different parts of a written
commentary.
In speech, we make pauses of varying lengths, in order to show the grammatical
connections between words or groups od words; and a change of voice called inflection,
to show the relation between different sentences or different parts of the same sentence.
In the written language, we indicate these pauses and the modulation of the voice by
means of punctuation marks.
If the stops are omitted ot misplaced, the meaning of the passage may become doubtful
and often mere nonsense.

39

e.g., On my journey I came across a country cottage, and a cart driven by a farmer.
(Omit the comma and it could mean that the cottage as well as the cart was
driven by
the farmer.)

The signs used to indicate pauses are:


-

the comma ,

the semi-colon ;

the colon :

the period, or full stop .

The signs used to indicate modulation of the voice are:


-

the mark of interrogation ?

the mark of exclamation !

In addition to these, there are:


-

the parentheses, double dash or bracket ( )

the dash

the hyphen -

inverted commas, or quotation marks

the apostrophe

A few simple rules on the uses of these stops are given, special attention being paid to
the comma, the most frequent of the stops:
- in writing, it is placed where a slight but distinct pause is made in reading;
- do not use too many commas (if in doubt as to whether a comma is necessary or not,
leave it out);
- never use a comma unless it does some necessary work in your sentence.

* No comma is placed between demonstrative (personal) and relative pronouns: he who;


that which; those who

40

* A relative clause that may be omitted is enclosed within commas:


I will ask my father, who is anxious to learn the news, what he knows of the affair.

* A relative clause that cannot be omitted is not preceded by a comma not has it a
comma after it, if it is short; if somewhat long, it is generally followed by a comma:
The woman who spoke to me has left the city.
A boy that refuses to study is not worth paying much attention to.

* A comma is placed before the principal verb if the subject is accompanied by an


attributive adjunct which forms a combinarion of words of considerable length:
The justice of the sentence pronounced upon these wicked and audacious criminals, will
be evident to everybody.

* If the subject is a clause, a comma is generally placed after it:


That the labour entailed in grtting this Bill through the House is difficult, is apparent to
the merest political novice.

* Adverbs, adverbial phrases, adverbial adjuncts, and adverbial clauses preceding the
subject of the sentence are generally marked off by commas:
The man having failed, the creditors took possession of his property.

* A comma is put after the nominative if the verb is understood:


To err is human; to forgive, divine.

* The comma is used to show apposition:


John, their uncle, died fighting bravely.

* The comma also separated words of the same part of speech:


She spoke clearly, simply, and effectively.

* The comma is used to avoid ambiguity in meaning:


The professor said the student was clever.
= The professor, said the student, was clever.

41

* The comma introduces a quotation:


They said, You will be forgiven.

The semi-colon is stronger than the comma, and indicates a longer pause; it separates
co-ordinate clauses, and thus often takes the place of the conjunction:
Reading makes a full man; conference a ready man; writing an exact man.

The colon is used to introduce a detailed list or a quotation (usually followed by a dash):
Please supply me with the following particulars: - Age, nationality, address, occupation,
and attendance of all the students.

The period, or full stop, is used to end every sentence that is not in the exclamative or
interrogative form:
B.A., Ph.D., Mr., MS., Dr., H.A.Knierim, Esq., A.D., i.e., viz., etc.

The mark of interrogation is used after every direct question:


When are you coming?

The mark of exclamation is used to express strong emotion: Bravo!, Hurrah!, Alas!,
Oh!, etc.

The parenthesis is used to enclose words inserted as comments or explanations (these


could be left out without affecting the construction of the sentence):
He went to the exhibition yesterday (we didnt).

The dash is used to show a sudden and abrupt change:


I was coming but what is the use of talking now?

The hyphen joins the parts of a compound word: man-or-war

Quotation marks indicate Direct Speech:


What do you want? asked Tom.

42

The apostrophe indicates the omission of some letter(s): its, tis = it is; dont = do not,
etc.

Exercises
A) The use of the comma:
1. She is perhaps the cleverest student in the class.
2. If you dont believe me go and see. I tell you as I am a gentleman I saw it with these
eyes and so did my friend here.
3. He speaks French German Spanish Italian and English.
4. Above the sun could be seen quite easily.
5. The arctic explorers having recovered their comrades pushed on towards the pole.
6. The doctor said his assistant was much better.

B) Punctuate and insert the necessary capital letters:


the london county council control not only such matters as medical inspection drainage
housing tramways etc but also all forms of education they maintain day schools both
elementary and secondary evening instituted commercial technical general and
polytechnics in every part of the county of london

Words that are often confounded


The English language contains many words which give difficulty not only to the foreign
student, but also to the home student, and their spelling and meaning are best
distinguished by constant practice in the formation of sentences involving the use of
these words.
The leading difficulties are summarised under five chief headings:
A) words agreeing in spelling, but differing in sound or meaning:
abuse (noun) to abuse (verb), excuse (noun) to excuse (verb), grease (noun) to
grease (verb), lead (nound) to lead (verb), read (noun) to lead (verb), tear (noun) to
tear (verb), wind (noun) to wind (verb)

B) words differing in spelling and meaning, but agreeing in sound:

43

air ere heir eer, ail ale, base base bass, blue blew, borrough burrough,
bough bow, great grate, lane lain, root route, veil veil - vale
C) words that are often confused, owing to their similar apelling or pronunciation:
allusion illusion, bath bathe, dairy diary, genus genius, human humane, loose
lose, president precendent, suit suite, valet - valley
D) words having the same spelling, but differing in meaning according to where the
accent is placed: ccent (noun) to accnt, ffix to affx, dsert to desrt, mport
to imprt, prduce to prodce, sbject to subjct
E) words containing silent letters: honest, heir, hour, rhyme, ghost, calm, palm, balm,
half, calf, talk, chalk, folk, could, would, listen, Christmas, often, castle, mistletoe,
chestnut, sword, whole, who, wrote, wrong, wreck, housewife, knob, knife, knot,
knight, knee, know, knowledge, tomb, limb, lamb, climb, bomb, comb, debt, doubt,
sign, design, guest, biscuit, aunt, guide, buy, guard, laugh, height, flight, might, right,
fight, night, high, sigh, although, through, daughter, weight, straight, eight

Exercises
1. Compose sentences containing the following words, each of which has two distinct
meanings:
clothes
..
..
diffuse
..
..
form
..
..
house
..
..
live
..
..
use
44

..
..
wound
..
..

2. Compose sentences bringing out the full meaning of the following words of the same
pronunciation:
ark arc
..
..
aloud allowed
..
..
ball bawl
..
..
beer bier
..
..
cellar seller
..
..
choir quire
..
..
compliment complement
..
..
die dye
..
..
fare fair
..
45

..
feet feat
..
..
four fore
..
..
guest guessed
..
..
key quay
..
..
mantle mantel
..
..
moan mown
..
..
slay sleigh
..
..

3. Write sentences distinguishing clearly between the meanings of the following pairs:
accidents accidence
..
..
adapt adept
..
..
advise advice
..
..

46

corpse corps
..
..
disease decease
..
..
difference deference
..
..
except accept
..
..
excess access
..
..
omit - emit
..
..
4. Mark the accent(s) and write short sentences with the following words:
abstract
..
..
august
..
..
concert
..
..
compact
..
..
concrete
..
..

47

discount
..
..
extract
..
..
insult
..
..
increase
..
..
precedent
..
..
refuse
..
..
survey
..
..

5. Write ten sentences each containing a word having a mute letter.

REMEMBER!
Capitals are used:
(1) for the beginning of every sentence;
(2) for proper nouns;
(3) for adjectives derived from proper nouns;
(4) for the chief words in: the titles of persons, the headings in the written, Commentary,
the adresses on envelopes, the salutation and subscriptions of letters;
(5) for the abbreviations of titles, dregrees, etc.;
(6) for the first word in each line of poetry;
(7) for the pronoun I and the exclamation O(h);
48

(8) for the first word beginning a quotation or a speech;


(9) for any words to call attention to their special importance.

The use of punctuation is to make clear the exact meaning of a written passage by
showing to the eye the relation which exists between the different parts of a written
commentary.
In the written language, we indicate the pauses and the modulation of the voice by
means of punctuation marks.
The signs used to indicate pauses are: the comma; the semi-colon; the colon; the period,
or full stop.
The signs used to indicate modulation of the voice are: the mark of interrogation; the
mark of exclamation.
In addition to these, there are: the parentheses, double dash or bracket; the dash; the
hyphen; inverted commas, or quotation marks; the apostrophe.

The English language contains many words which give difficulty not only to the foreign
student, but also to the home student, and their spelling and meaning are best
distinguished by constant practice in the formation of sentences involving the use of
these words.

CHECK-UP TEST
1. Compose sentences bringing out the full meaning of the following words of the same
pronunciation:
assent ascent
..
..
bad bade
..
..
birth berth
..
..

49

cell sell
..
..
desert dessert
..
..
flower flour
..
..
heel heal
..
..
horse hoarse
..
..
principle principal
..
..
waste - waist
..
..
2. Write sentences distinguishing clearly between the meanings of the following pairs:
envelope envelop
..
..
gentle genteel
..
..
idol idle
..
..
imminent eminent
..
..

50

proceed precede
..
..
presents presence
..
..
receipt recipe
..
..
secret secrete
..
..

3. Name the parts of speech to which the following words belong after you have
accented the different syllables, and write sentences illustrating their meanings:
comment
..
..
collect
..
..
contest
..
..
export
..
..
frequent
..
..
minute
..
..

51

object
..
..
permit
..
..
project
..
..
rebel
..
..
transfer
..
..
transport
..
..

4. Write ten sentences each containing a word having a mute letter.

REFERENCES
Marshall, Edgar, and E. Schaap, Exercises in English for Foreign Students. Sixth
Impression, London & Paris: Librairie Hachette, 1929
United Nations Correspondence Manual, New York: United Nations, Department of
Conference Services, 1984

52

UNIT 6
CURRICULUM VITAE
Obiective: Dup parcurgerea i studiul acestui capitol, cursantul este n msur:
- s redacteze diverse tipuri de curriculum vitae.

Key words: CV, career, job market, to boost, jobseeker, to apply, employer, job
advertisement, job description, career break

Your CV is an essential career document needed to present yourself effectively in the


job market. A good CV will considerably boost your chances of getting a face-to-face
interview by highlighting relevant skills, experience and value to a potential boss.
There are no rights and wrongs when it comes to writing and presenting a CV,
and each document will be as individual as the jobseeker it belongs to. However, by
following some basic principles you will be able to present the information in a clear,
concise and persuasive way.
You may need to put together more than one CV if you intend to apply for
different types of job across different sectors. This will enable you to emphasise the
particular achievements, skills, experience and personality qualities that a particular
employer is looking for. It is usually possible to tell what an employer is looking for
from the job advertisement or job description; alternatively you may need to research
the role and the company yourself to ensure that your CV has the right focus.
Ensuring your CV is well presented and easy to follow is as important as
including all the relevant information. Most employers see hundreds of CVs and yours
may get less than a minute of their time.
Most people follow a historical CV format, as this is familiar to employers and is
easy to write with employment history placed in chronological order. It also gives a
good idea of career progression. However, if your career history is fragmented due to
career breaks or a period of unemployment, you may consider a skills-based CV that
highlights your abilities and aptitudes. It gives you the chance to describe what you can
do, rather than detailing a list of jobs.

53

Whatever your choice, your CV should look clear and tidy with all the
information easy to find. Although it is tempting to make your CV stand out by using,
for example, coloured paper or an arty layout, it is best to stick to black print on good
quality white paper. Most employers will expect to find the information under clear
headings highlighted in bold or capitals, such as work experience or education. Put
dates on the left-hand side and indent information to make it easy for employers to find
their way through your history.

An employer will expect to find information covering the following areas:


Personal details - include your name, address, phone numbers and email address. You
may wish to add details of your nationality, birth date and driving licence, but this is not
obligatory.
Work experience - list the most recent experience first, as it brings to the fore the most
recent and, often relevant and responsible work. Describe your work experience in short
sentences using straightforward, positive language. As well as describing the job, point
out any general qualities that arose from the work such as ability to manage staff or
work to tight deadlines.
Education - list brief details of qualifications - GCSEs, A-levels, degree - along with
grades attained. Applicants looking for their first job since school college or university
can include their education information before work experience.
Skills - include specific skills such as IT skills or languages.
References - it is usual to provide the names and contact details of two referees, one of
which should be your most recent employer. Graduates and school leavers with limited
work experience can nominate college lecturers, teachers or managers during work
experience. Be sure to tell your referees in advance, so they will be prepared.
Hobbies - including details of your interests away from the workplace is optional. By
adding details of specific hobbies, you are giving an employer a more rounded picture
of your personal qualities, dont overdo it. Do not use a long list of hobbies to cover up
a lack of work experience.

54

EXAMPLES OF CVs
1) Skills CV

John Slater
Ash Cottage
Church Lane
South Newall
SO2 9PO
Telephone and fax: 0123 123 4567

General manager with international operational manufacturing and project management


experience. Versatile with proven commercial organisational and interpersonal skills
developed in small and large subsidiaries. Joint venture, acquisition and disposal
experience. Successful in change and performance improvement.

Area of expertise

Organisational

Instigated and managed change by implementing new


work culture and practices.

Introduced

effective

management

systems

which

improved control and cut costs.

Set up a new manufacturing works, recruited personnel,


developed organisation and quality systems. Company
obtained ISO 9002 accreditation and 'Investors in
People'.

Led multi-disciplinary team in 34 million joint venture


greenfield project from design through construction to
operation. Project completed on time, with 1.4 million
savings.
Commercial and financial

Successfully led commercial services across subsidiary


companies. Met a challenging budget.

Managed a service company with full responsibility for

55

finance, marketing operations and personnel (revenue


3.5 million per annum). Developed strategy plans and
budgets.

Set up, managed and successfully controlled multimillion pound revenue and capital cost centres.
Negotiated, awarded and controlled major contracts.
Interpersonal

Played ambassadorial role in promoting the organisation


through

partnerships,

presentations

and

media

interviews.

Undertook liaison roles with embassies, local authorities


and joint venture partners. Negotiated successfully with
unions and contractors to resolve disputes.

Recruited, trained, led and motivated personnel with


diverse skills and from different functions. Effectively
operated management by objectives with target setting
and appraisal.
Operational and technical

Executed audits and evaluated operational performance.


Recommendations

led

to

performance

cost

and

manpower improvement programmes.

Appraised potential company acquisitions; some resulted


in bids and purchases. Evaluated viability of major
capital projects which were approved, constructed and
successfully run.

Managed major plant and staff with accountability for


operations, maintenance, costs and performance. (Assets
of 180 million, costs of 48 million per annum and 108
staff.)

Personal information

56

Development

Executive Development Programme, London Business School,


1990 BSc Chemistry (2.1), Warwick University, 1968

Personal

Date of birth: 6 August 1946


Married with three grown-up children.

Interests

Swimming, rambling, keep fit and theatre

Career history

Technica Europe SA
Danish subsidiary providing services to the oil and chemical
industries. Turnover 6 million; 85 employees.
General manager and managing director 1992-present
Seconded to develop newly acquired operation.
Polygonia
Project manager and works manager 1989-1992
Responsible for overall execution of 34 million greenfield
project from design through construction, into operation and
commercial production.
Ashdown International
Senior planning and appraisal manager 1986-1989
General advisory and consulting role covering operational
performance, master planning, manpower and infrastructure of
chemical operations (manufacturing costs 1.5 billion per
annum).
Chemiref plc
Utilities and services manager 1983-1986
Responsible for the uninterrupted provision of utilities to
refinery and chemical plants. (Assets of l80 million, costs of
48 million per annum and 108 staff)
Manager job evaluations 1982-1983
Managed

introduction

of

new

joint

participative

company/union job evaluation system and grade structure based


on evaluation results for 1900 employees with payroll costs of
15 million per annum.
Operations manager 1981-1982

57

Ran small and large volume batch and continuous plants


producing a range of chemicals. Assets 27 million, sales 26
million per annum and 74 staff.
Manufab International
Manufacturing and services manager 1980-1981
Co-ordinated four service locations (sales 13 million per
annum, 119 staff).
Operations and works manager 1978-1980
Managed

stand-alone

works

producing

and

distributing

agricultural and industrial chemicals.


Earlier

career Held a variety of technical and production manufacturing

1970 - 1978

positions in companies in UK, Singapore and Germany.

2) Historical CV

Roger David
The Poplars
Park Lanehouse
Chestnutshire DR1 0PS
Tel: 01 123 755483 (home)
Mobile: 0573 635689
Board director who develops and turns around businesses. Team builder and team
member who enjoys challenging the status quo. Makes a 'constructive difference' by
initiating and delivering strategic solutions to business problems.

Roger David Consultancy 1996-date


Established a Management Consultancy targeted on small to medium-sized businesses.
Clients have included a manufacturer, a hygiene wholesaler, a national distributor of
disposables and an office products trade body. Key approach centred on combining
strategic vision, operational common sense and customer focus. Assignments included:

Developing and implementing new IT strategy for small company. Significantly


improved management information and increased gross profit from 33% to 42%.

58

Reviewing strategic direction of two companies. Identified new business


development initiatives and advised acquisition targets.

Invited by one client with 1.5 million sales to take 24% equity stake to
strengthen existing management team.

Styrell Ltd 1989-1995


Wholesaler of disposables/consumables with sales of 150 million and staff of 600.

Logistics director 1992-1995


Unique position created for me with responsibility for entire supply chain management
process. Managed 350 staff at 21 depots, purchases of 82 million, stock of 6 million
and a marketing budget of 450k.

Initiated and chaired a strategic review of all non-sales activities. Developed and
gained agreement to new strategic plan.

Introduced a hub/satellite depot structure to achieve step change in distribution


efficiency.

Introduced customer service level targets of 98.5% to improve company focus


on customer satisfaction.

Commercial director 1987-1996


Invited to HO to ensure that Styrell's product and service offer met current and future
customer needs and was understood and implemented by the field.

Produced product strategy papers to communicate strategic direction.

Created product manager role to improve focus on key product areas.

Reduced costs by over l million via supplier action plan.

Divisional director 1974-1987


Recruited with full profit responsibility for two regions generating 53 million sales.

Successfully managed a major organisational restructure within budget and


timescales.

Maintained sales during recession by increasing market share.

59

Education and training


1986

Sundridge Park, General Management Development Programme, 3


weeks

1971-1974

Leeds University: BSc (Hons) Management Sciences


Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing
Member of the Institute of Directors

Personal
Date of birth:

25 November 1953

Status:

Married; one adult daughter

Interests:

Golf, running, tennis, cycling, food and wine

SUPPLEMENTARY READING
When drawing out your CV:

Use a confident tone and positive language

Concentrate on your achievements not your responsibilities. This means listing


things you have done - such as products launched, sales increase, awards won not rewriting your job description. Quote figures whenever possible

Make your most relevant experience and skills prominent to encourage the
employer to read on

Keep it to the point and concentrate on the quality of your achievements, not the
quantity

List other skills that could raise you above the competition such as languages,
driving licence, IT skills

Be ruthless with yourself and keep it to a maximum of two pages. Only very
senior, experienced, executives have more

Check thoroughly for correct spelling and grammar - spotting errors is a quick
and easy way of weeding out weaker candidates when faced with a mountain of
CVs to read

Get a second opinion from someone you trust

Include examples of your work, if appropriate

Use good quality paper - white is usually best

60

Don't:

Leave any gaps in your work record - employers may assume the worst, for
example that you were sacked

Lie - many employers use information service companies or sophisticated new


software to check CV details for accuracy, including educational qualifications,
places of study and the veracity of job references

List all the one-day training courses you have ever been on

Include a photo unless you know the employer wants one

Fax it without sending a copy in the post as well

Use elaborate fonts, or colours keep it simple

Forget it's just a tool for getting you an interview. The CV will not land you the
job alone, the rest is up to you

REMEMBER!
Your CV is an essential career document needed to present yourself effectively in the
job market.
You may need to put together more than one CV if you intend to apply for different
types of job across different sectors. This will enable you to emphasise the particular
achievements, skills, experience and personality qualities that a particular employer is
looking for.
Ensuring your CV is well presented and easy to follow is as important as including all
the relevant information.
Most people follow a historical CV format, as this is familiar to employers and is easy
to write with employment history placed in chronological order. It also gives a good
idea of career progression.
If your career history is fragmented due to career breaks or a period of unemployment,
you may consider a skills-based CV that highlights your abilities and aptitudes. It gives
you the chance to describe what you can do, rather than detailing a list of jobs.

61

CHECK-UP TEST
Draw out your Curriculum Vitae, using the following information:

NAME

Home Address:

Date of Birth:
Nationality:
Status:

Phone:
E-mail:

Education
(time length)

(town/city, institution)

Academic achievements
(time length)

* Anything! From A-levels, to being employed in University, to prizes, etc.

Work experience
(time length)

* Anything again! Like being official simultaneous translator for a EU Copernicus


Project meeting in Bucharest and likely to continue that position in future meetings or
teaching different ages, translating articles for publication for others or organizing
meetings whatever.
Useful to mention if you have special abilities, like typing or computer literacy (which
might go down under a different section as well).

62

Additional information

e.g., Speaking English fluently, I have carried out translation work for both English and
Romanian research periodicals.

or, I am a member of the British Veterinary Association.

or, During my work in Hungary, I liaised between Romanian organizations and their
Hungarian counterparts.

or, I prepared a set of anatomical drawings which were used in an exhibition on


techniques of anatomical preparations.

Or, I hold a clean driving licence and hope to buy a car soon.

etc.

Hobbies and interests

Arts, sports, social work, reading, etc.

REFERENCES
http://www.totaljobs.com

63

UNIT 7
APPLICATION FORMS
Obiective: Dup parcurgerea i studiul acestui capitol, cursantul este n msur:
- s completeze diverse tipuri de formulare;
- s redacteze coresponden specific pentru cutarea unui loc de munc.

Key words: to fill out, lengthy, commitment, to spot, criminal record, application,
vacancy, confidential, draft, succinct

Filling out job application forms can be time consuming and seems a little old
fashioned. However, some employers, including the BBC and many in the public sector,
still insist on it. From an employer's point of view, someone taking the time to fill out a
lengthy form shows a certain level of commitment and interest on the part of the
jobseeker, and allows the employer to extract more information from the applicant than
some people include in their CVs. It makes it easier, for example, for the employer to
pick out gaps in employment history or to spot that a box asking about a criminal record
has not been ticked.
Employers may hold your application 'on file' for the purpose of matching you
up with any suitable vacancies that may crop up in the future. Under the Data Protection
Act they are required to keep the information held in your application confidential, and
used only for the purpose of recruitment, and for no longer than is necessary.

Do:

Read the instructions before you fill in the form. It has been designed to make
life easy for the personnel team who won't waste time trying to work out where
you have gone wrong

Photocopy the form beforehand and use the copy as a rough draft

Take time drafting the section about what you would bring to the job. This is
your chance to shine in only 300 words - you need to be succinct. Concentrate
on those achievements that will be most relevant to the job in question

64

Write legibly if you cannot type in the information. The form should be easy to
read, so keep your handwriting to a decent size and don't be afraid to leave some
empty space - it looks better and is easier to read - even it if means leaving out
that third prize you won in the annual sales competition ten years ago

Use black ink - it makes for clearer photocopies at the other end

Read your completed form carefully, checking for grammar and spelling errors
and, if possible get a second opinion from someone

Keep a photocopy of your completed form for your own records

Don't:

Leave any questions unanswered. If a question is not applicable to you then say
so

Include a CV as well, unless it has been requested. However, a short covering


letter following some of the above guidelines is probably worthwhile

Lie - you'll be found out and the employer will probably never deal with you
again. Many employers use information service companies to check out facts
included in application forms

Job application letter in response to an advertisement

24 May 1998
Rose Cottage
Rigg Lane
Stoneham
LN1 3NH
John Wellington
First Rate Recruiters
12 Drummond Street
Glasgow G3 4RF
Your reference XYZ 123

65

Dear Mr Wellington

Re: regional manager vacancy: Evening Argus, 23 May

From a varied sales and marketing career in the car industry; I would like to highlight
the following relevant skills and experience:

Successful planning of the restructuring of a large UK automotive dealer


network

An instrumental role in developing a UK growth strategy for Skoda sales

Planning the profitable development of Ford brands in the UK

Creating a new team to build a vehicle distribution process at Skoda Cars

A lead role at Ford Cars in improving customer supply lead times and reducing
vehicle inventories

Leading a team through TQM cascade programme supporting major Ford/Skoda


programmes and later ISO 9001 accreditation programmes.

If you would like any further information, please get in touch.

Yours sincerely

Adam Smith

Covering Letters
The main purpose of writing a covering letter is to prompt a recruiter to read your CV.
The letter gives you the chance to demonstrate that you understand the nature of the job
being advertised; allows you to explain why you want to work in that area; and show
how your skills and abilities fit the vacancy.
While your CV tells the employer about you, the letter should concentrate on the
position and the company. Remember to fully research the firm, perhaps by visiting its
web site, and use this information to help draft your letter.
The covering letter is your first contact with a potential future employer and a
great chance to market your skills.

66

Do:

Include a personalised covering letter with every CV you send out

Keep it short and factual - four or five paragraphs on one side of A4 paper

Tell the recruiter where you saw the ad and include any reference numbers

Refer to the CV you have attached - it might go missing and they'll think you
haven't sent one

Tailor it to each specific application - outline how your experience matches job
requirements

Say why you want the job

Concentrate on telling employers why you would be good for the job, rather than
why the job would be good for you

If the job is in a different sector from the one to which you have devoted the past
ten working years, draw links between the two

Try and show that you have done some research into the organisation already for example mention that you have read the latest annual report or visited their
web site.

Include any dates when you might be unavailable for interview. If you are able
to take calls during the day, then provide a contact number

Check that you have addressed your letter to the right person, that you have used
the correct job title and spelt his or her name correctly

You may wish to state your current salary and your salary expectations for the
job.

Don't:

Simply send out standard covering letters to different employers

Underestimate the value of the covering letter - you can use it to lift your CV if
your experience is lacking by drawing attention to your strengths

Speculative Letters
If you are not replying to an advertised position, it may be worth writing a speculative
letter to a company that you would like to work for. In this instance, begin by stating the
specific work you are seeking, say why you want to work for this particular company
and ask for your CV to be held on file for any vacancies that may come up.

67

Covering letter for a speculative / direct approach to a company

12 Fairfax Close
Stableton
Bristol BS12 5RT
Kenneth Brown
Molson plc
14-24 Cable Street
Bristol BS2 4RT
25 July

Dear Mr Brown

Yesterday's Evening Post reported that you are expanding your sales and servicing
activities. It occurred to me that you might need additional staff for your new branches.
I am currently looking for opportunities to make use of my direct experience of working
in a service centre and would therefore be extremely interested in any potential
vacancies.

Over the past ten years I have worked in customer services initially in retail and most
recently for a major plc. This work has included: taking bookings from customers and
organising job schedules for service engineers in a service centre; training and
supervising a team of three; setting up and running a customer complaints service;
handling customer account queries.

Full details of my track record are contained in my CV which I have enclosed. I will
phone next week to establish whether a meeting would be appropriate. I would very
much like to discuss any potential opening with you.

Yours sincerely

Sally Jones

68

Job application letter in response to an advertisement

24 May 1998
Rose Cottage
Rigg Lane
Stoneham
LN1 3NH
John Wellington
First Rate Recruiters
12 Drummond Street
Glasgow G3 4RF
Your reference XYZ 123

Dear Mr Wellington

Re: regional manager vacancy: Evening Argus, 23 May

From a varied sales and marketing career in the car industry; I would like to highlight
the following relevant skills and experience:

Successful planning of the restructuring of a large UK automotive dealer


network

An instrumental role in developing a UK growth strategy for Skoda sales

Planning the profitable development of Ford brands in the UK

Creating a new team to build a vehicle distribution process at Skoda Cars

A lead role at Ford Cars in improving customer supply lead times and reducing
vehicle inventories

If you would like any further information, please get in touch.

Yours sincerely

Adam Smith

69

REMEMBER!
Filling out job application forms can be time consuming and seems a little old
fashioned.
Read the instructions before you fill in the form.
Photocopy the form beforehand and use the copy as a rough draft
Take time drafting the section about what you would bring to the job.
Write legibly if you cannot type in the information.
Use black ink.
Read your completed form carefully, checking for grammar and spelling errors and, if
possible get a second opinion from someone
Keep a photocopy of your completed form for your own records
Dont leave any questions unanswered.
Dont include a CV as well, unless it has been requested.
Dont lie - you'll be found out and the employer will probably never deal with you
again.

CHECK-UP TEST
1. Write a covering letter for a speculative / direct approach to a company.
2. Write a job application letter in response to an advertisement.

REFERENCES
http://www.totaljobs.com

70

UNIT 8
JOB INTERVIEWS
Obiective: Dup parcurgerea i studiul acestui capitol, cursantul este n msur:
- s participe la un interviu pentru ocuparea unui loc de munc.

Key words: job interview, applicant, interviewer, personnel officer, candidate,


employee, check, to fire, personal weakness, career planning

Job interviews are never easy for an applicant. Most people get anxious about
interviews, particularly if they are seriously interested in the job. They are afraid that
they will not do well.
The style of the interviewer may vary from warm and interested to cold and
aloof or even rude. Some interviewers expect the applicant to make only brief remarks;
others encourage or expect you to do most of the talking. You should not be surprised
by occasional silence from the interviewer.
Employers and personnel officers will sometimes ask questions that you do not
expect, because they are interested in how you react and respond. Before you go to an
interview, think about the responses you would make if you were asked questions
regarding your choice of academic field, positions you are interested in, work
experience, etc.
From the point of view of the organization, an interview is conducted: (1) to
obtain information and impressions about applicants, and (2) to give applicants
information about the organization. Many interviewers seem to be most concerned
about ruling out undesirable candidates, so negative information gained from the
applicant often carries more weight than positive information.
The average interview is fairly brief, lasting about twenty to thirty-five minutes.
Decisions to employ are often based on subjective factors such as intuition, attitudes,
and ideas about a good employee. Your objective as an applicant in a job interview is to
present yourself honestly, but in such a way that the interviewer develops a positive
impression based on subjective factors unrelated to job performance. For example, the
employment interview is not the place to talk about personal problems, family
problems, or previous job problems. Never lie about leaving previous jobs, for
71

contradictions will show up when personnel officers do reference checks. If you were
fired, be honest with the interviewer and say you didnt have the skills or understand the
responsibility. Also say you are looking for ways to grow and to overcome such
problems in the future. No matter what happened, dont criticize your former employer
of the people you worked with if you do, you will probably lose the job. If the
interviewer asks about personal weaknesses, always speak of your weaknesses as
potential areas of development. You might say, for example, I havent had
management experience yet, but thats what I fiind appealing about this job. I think it
will give me the opportunity to get some experience. Or turn your weakness into a
strength, saying, for example, Im a perfectionist.
Most interviewers look for a pleasant, friendly person who has positive attitudes
toward working. They expect the applicant to be prepared to discuss his or her skills and
experiences and how he or she would fit the job being sought. The positive person who
has been involved in career planning and has some idea of where he or she wants to be
in five or ten years has a jump ahead of the person shopping for a job.

Here are some suggestions for handling job interviews:


- Make an appointment. Be on time for the appointment. Some evidence is available that
being on time is even more important than appearance in making a positive first
impression. If you are going to be the least bit late, call ahead. When you arrive,
apologize immediately for your tardiness and explain what delayed you. Treat the
secretary or others in the outer office with courtesy and respect.
- Go alone. Dont take a friend or a parent. The employer is interested in you. If a friend
of parent accompanies you, the employer may wonder if you are mature or serious
enough to handle a job.
- Before you go, think about the questions you may be asked. Although interviewers
vary in the questions they ask, most of them want to know what experience you have
had, what education you have had and where you received it, what you are like, what
your plans for the future are, what you can do well, the state of your health, and the like.
You can prepare by asking yourself these questions and planning your answers. For
example, if you are asked why you left your last job, there are several good reasons you
can name, all of them positive: I needed more opportunity for growth, or, Im
looking for professional advancement.

72

- If your long-range goal is to go into business for yourself, you may want to avoid
daying so. You certainly will not encourage an employer by indicating that you will
give the company the privilege of training you for a year or two, but then plan on going
on your own to compete with it.
- Be attentive. Remain standing until you are invited to sit down. Listen to what the
interviewer is saying. Talk clearly (that does not mean loudly) and directly to the
interviewer. Answer questions factually, fully, and direclty. If you do not hear
something the interviewer has said, ask him or her to repeat it. Many interviewing
experts consider communication and interpersonal skills as the single most important
factors in the interview.onverbal behaviours such as eye contact, smiling, and attentive
posture are also influential.
- Show interest. Before an employer hires you, he or she must know what you can do
and must feel confident that you can do it. Mny employers who interview young people
say that they often show no interest in the job or what it can lead to in the future. All too
often, these employers say that young people are only interested in the money and the
hours of employment. You need not and should not claim that you know everything
about the job, but you must show that you are eager to learn and improve as you go
along.
- You may be able to state your abilities more clearly if you plan beforehand how you
might describe them to an interviewer. Also show an interest in the company as a
whole, not just in the particular job. To do so, research the company before the
interview finding out what it does, its history, future plans, etc. Statements that indicate
cooperation, dependability, trustworthiness, and motivation help to counter negative
impressions. The interviewer looks for a pleasant, socially aware individual who is
enthusiastic about work and career.
- To maintain an interviewers attention on objective factors, you need to discuss your
special qualifications for the position both at the beginning and other times. Mentioning
specific and relevant skills, work epxerience, and educational background demonstrates
both your strength as a candidate and your understanding of the skills the job requires.
- Do not prolong the interview. Once the interviewer indicates that it is over, leave
promptly unless you have something relevant to say. If you do, tell the interviewer what
you want to say. Most interviewers have other appointments to keep, but they want to
be sure that you have presented everything that should be said on your behalf. Ask for

73

the privilege of returning or calling in a few days to find out whether you have the job.
Be sure to express your appreciation for the interview.
- Unless you have been told that you have or do not have the job, return occasionally to
inquire as to whether there is an opening. Do not let the firm forget you, but do not
make a nuisance of yourself. Ask your questions courteously, but do not linger after you
have a reply. If you have an unsuccessful interview, analyse the whole experience and
plan how you could present your case better next time.
If, after an interview, you fail to get the job, do not always assume that you made
a bad impression. Employers often have so many qualified applicants that they must
turn dwn many who could handle the job well. The person they finally employ may
have some chance advantage over the other applicants a personality that matches
those of the other workers in the organization, for example that you could not possibly
guess at. So if you fail to get a job, try not to worry about it. Go on to the next
interview, and do the best you can.

Questions frequently asked during job interviews:


1. What led you to choose your academic major or field? What do(nt) you like
about it?
2. In what kinds of positions are you most interested?
3. Would you identify or describe any summer or previous employment in this or a
related field?
4. What have you learned from previous work experience?
5. In choosing a job, what are your most important considerations?
6. What courses have you taken that you think helped prepare you for this
occupation? How did you do in them?
7. Why are you interviewing with our organization?
8. Do you have any geographical preferences about where you work?
9. What do you expect to be doing five/ten years from now? What are your longrange goals?
10. If you are married, how does your spouse view your working?
11. How important is your family and personal life compared with your work?
12. What are your fathers/mothers/spouses occupations?
13. How do you spend your leisure time?
14. What would you say is your strongest attribute? Weakest?
74

15. What are your ideas on salary? How much money do you want to be earning
five years from now?
16. Were you ever fired from a job? Did you ever quit? Why?
17. What can you contribute to this organization?
18. Do you have any questions you want to ask?

You can show your interest in the job and the company by asking questions. The
interview is the place to become informed about the company. Too many applicants
close up and cant remember the questions they have, so write them down and put them
in order of importance to you. Use the list to ask what you want to know.
Here are some questions you may want to ask:
1. Is there a written jos description I can see?
2. What are the usual working hours/policy on overtime?
3. Is there any probationary period for a new employee? If so, how long is it and
who makes the decision?
4. Is a pre-employment physical examination required by the company? Des the
company pay for it?
5. Is there a policy on vacation time/sick leave? How many vacation days and sick
time hours are accrued in what length of time?
6. Are there company sports teams/physical fitness facilities?
7. Does the company offer a retirement plan? Do employees contribute to it? How
long must I work before I become eligible for the plan?
8. Does the firm publish its salary schedule? Are there policies about cost-of-living
increases/merit raises/bonuses?
9. How and when will I be notified whether I have the job?

Dressing for an interview


It may not be fair, but plenty of surveys have shown that appearance really counts in
interview situations. Looking credible and confident can suggest you're the right person
for the job.
The key to dressing for interview is to dress appropriately for the company to
which you are applying, and to keep things simple. 'Do your homework and see how the
company presents itself on a daily basis,' says Barney Tremblay of the Federation of

75

Image Consultants. 'A three-piece suit may be totally inappropriate for a laid-back
design agency, for example.'

Do:

Familiarise yourself with the dress code of the company you are applying to. If
this is not possible, wear a suit - it shows respect. If you get a second meeting
you can then dress more like those you observe around the company.

Try your interview outfit on in advance and make sure you have everything
cleaned, pressed and in good repair in advance. It may sound obvious but the last
thing you need on the day is a panic over clothing

Pay attention to detail and keep accessories to a minimum.

Keep cosmetics simple, neutral and well applied

Choose garments that flatter your shape and unobtrusive colours.

Don't:

Overdress turning up in top hat and tails might be a bit over the top, especially
if everyone else is in jeans and trainers

Neglect grooming details - unkempt fingernails and dandruff on shoulders can


be distracting and offputting

Wear too much perfume or cologne

Pick loud colours or patterns - if in doubt err on the side of caution and go muted

Wear uncomfortable garments - you won't feel relaxed. It's best to pick an outfit
you have worn before.

Body language
From the moment an interviewer sees you, they form an impression about what sort of
person you are, and what kind of employee you would make. This is because even when
we are not speaking, we are communicating.
The way we move, our gestures and what we wear, all say something about who
we are.
According to Julia Campion, from image consultancy First Impressions, during
the first 60 seconds of an interview situation, 55 per cent of interviewers' first
impressions are based on body language and appearance. Only seven per cent focus on
the words we use.
76

So how can you appear more confident, even if your knees are trembling?

Make an entrance
Traditionally a daunting place, the interview room represents hostile territory and we
tend to slow our walking pace when entering an unknown area. Slowing down however
can suggest reluctance, or a lack of confidence.
But rather than enter the room at full speed, or dawdling, Alan Pease, author of Body
Language - How to read others' thoughts by their gestures suggests that interviewees
make a point of just pausing at the door before entering at speed.

The handshake
Firm, but friendly is the best way. Nobody likes a limp, 'wet fish' handshake, which can
suggest a weak character. However, also avoid taking off the interviewer's hand at the
wrist. What Pease describes as a 'knuckle grinder' can denote over-confidence, or even
arrogance.

The eyes
Eye contact is vital, but be careful not to overdo it - you don't want to stare down your
potential boss. A trick to maintaining eye contact is to use what Pease describes as 'the
business gaze'.
'Imagine there is a triangle on the other's person's forehead. By keeping your gaze
directed at this area, you create a serious atmosphere and the other person senses that
you mean business,' he says.

The mouth
Smile - most of us can manage a smile. It helps you relax and it makes you appear
personable and approachable. 'It portrays a lack of fear. After all it's an interview, not a
trial,' says Campion.

Posture
Slouching and tipping back on the chair should be left to schoolchildren. Remember to
sit up as it makes you look attentive, while leaning forward slightly makes you look as
if you are taking an active interest.

77

Avoid crossing your arms or legs as this creates a defensive barrier. Barrier postures are
a no-no, as they can look as if you have got something to hide.

Gestures
Should be open and expansive, you want to try and involve the interviewer in what you
are saying. Keep palms up and open to suggest honesty and avoid pointing or banging
fists on the table to emphasise a point, it's too aggressive.
Try to copy some of the interviewer's gestures. Copying, or as Pease describes it
'mirroring', gestures is a way for us to tell others that we like them.

Read the signs


Finally, don't forget an interview is a two-way process. Remember to read your
interviewer's body language. As you launch into your well-rehearsed speech on 'How I
would motivate staff', beware if the interviewer folds their arms. Pease warns: 'You may
have said something with which the other person disagrees. So it may be pointless
continuing your line of argument, even if the other person may be verbally agreeing
with you.'

Make every second count


You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Make sure, that along with
all your interview research, you spend some time working on your body language. As
Campion says: 'Interviews only give you a short time to get your message across. By
using body language and dress, you can make sure you start as soon as you get through
the door.'

SUPPLEMENTARY READING
Interviewers' favourites

Tell me about yourself


This is a good chance to impress an employer, but it is a deceptively simple question
that can have a variety of answers. The employer is really interested in how you would
fit into the company, so keep your answers as pertinent to the company and its work as
possible.

78

Why do you want this job?


The employer wants to know that you are genuinely interested in the company, and not
just looking for something to tick you over for a few months. Say that you view the
position as your natural next step. You like the firm because show off your
knowledge and make all that research you have done worthwhile.

Why should we offer you this job?


You need to show how you can add new skills or ideas to the job. You could try
thinking about any weaknesses you perceive in the company, and how your past
experience and unique abilities could benefit the company.

Why did you leave your last job?


The interviewer may want to know if you had any problems in your last job. If you did
not have any problems, simply give a reason such as: it was a temporary job or you
want a job better fitted to your particular skills.
If you did have problems, honesty is the best policy. Show that you can accept
responsibility and learn from any mistakes you made. Explain any problems you had
and, and dont be tempted to slag off the employer concerned. Demonstrate that it was a
learning experience that will not affect your future work.

What's been your biggest success at work?


The interviewer wants to see that you can use your initiative. Talk about your own
achievements rather than how you helped someone else achieve. Perhaps you had a
difficult goal you had to reach? Think about how you handled meeting that goal. It is a
good idea to think in advance of a few key moments from past jobs that demonstrate
how well you handle different situations.

Why did you choose this career path?


This question is particularly pertinent if you are changing job or sector. You need to
convince the interviewer that you have a clear idea of the industry and your value. To
make the employer understand how you could fit in, talk about the transferable skills
you have picked up over the course of your career. Also stress what aspects of their
industry are attractive to you.

79

Where do you see yourself in five years time?


Although it is difficult to predict things far into the future, the employer will want to
hire somebody with drive and a sense of purpose. They will also want to know they can
depend on you, and figure out if they can offer what you really want. Avoid choosing
specific job titles you aspire to, instead mention skills and responsibilities you would
like to take on.

What is your current salary and how much are expecting?


When you talk about your current salary include the whole package with any perks such
as car, pension, interest free loans and bonuses. Don't suggest you are earning far more
than you are, it is easy to check. Make sure you know the salary range for similar jobs
and professions by recruitment agencies and other job adverts in specialist publications.
You could try putting the onus on the interviewer to make the first suggestion by asking
how much they are prepared to pay the best candidate. You then have a negotiating
point.

SUPPLEMENTARY READING

"Tell Me About Yourself"


The Toughest Question in the Interview
When you, as a job seeker, are asked the most common, and toughest, interview
question, "Tell me about yourself," your answer can make or break you as a candidate.
Usually job seekers will respond with their "30 second commercial," and then elaborate
on their background.
Many people fail in their job search because they are too often focused on what
they want in a job including industry, type of position, location, income, benefits, and
work environment. Their "30 second commercial" is centered around this premise. The
commercial describes the job seeker's career history and what they are looking for. Too
often, this is in direct contrast to what employers are looking for.
There are two dominant reasons why job seekers are successful in the job search.
The first is focusing on the needs of the organization. The second is focusing on the
needs of the people within that organization. In this article, we are going to examine
how to focus on the needs of the people within organizations.

80

This will assist in rethinking your response to that all-important question, "Tell me
about yourself."
In order to learn how to respond to the needs of the interviewer, let's first learn
more about ourselves. We can then apply that knowledge about ourselves to knowing
how to understand and respond to the needs of others.
Most social psychologists recognize four basic personality styles: Analytical,
Amiable, Expressive, and Driver. Usually, each of us exhibits personality characteristics
unique to one of the styles; however, we also possess characteristics to a lesser degree in
the other styles. Here are the characteristics that are most commonly associated with
each of the styles:
- Analytical: Positive Traits: Precise, Methodical, Organized, Rational, Detail
Oriented / Negative Traits: Critical, Formal, Uncertain, Judgmental, Picky
- Amiable: Positive Traits: Cooperative, Dependable, Warm, Listener,
Negotiator / Negative Traits: Undisciplined, Dependent, Submissive, Overly Cautious,
Conforming
- Expressive: Positive Traits: Enthusiastic, Persuasive, Outgoing, Positive,
Communicator / Negative Traits: Ego Centered, Emotional, Exploitive, Opinionated,
Reacting
- Driver: Positive Traits: Persistent, Independent, Decision Maker, Effective,
Strong Willed / Negative Traits: Aggressive, Strict, Intense, Relentless, Rigid
Gaining an in-depth understanding of your personality style has enormous value
in your career as well as your personal life.

REMEMBER!
Job interviews are never easy for an applicant.
Employers and personnel officers will sometimes ask questions that you do not expect,
because they are interested in how you react and respond. Before you go to an
interview, think about the responses you would make if you were asked questions
regarding your choice of academic field, positions you are interested in, work
experience, etc.
Negative information gained from the applicant often carries more weight than positive
information.
The average interview is fairly brief. Decisions to employ are often based on subjective
factors such as intuition, attitudes, and ideas about a good employee.
81

Your objective as an applicant in a job interview is to present yourself honestly, but in


such a way that the interviewer develops a positive impression based on subjective
factors unrelated to job performance.
Never lie about leaving previous jobs, for contradictions will show up when personnel
officers do reference checks. If you were fired, be honest with the interviewer and say
you didnt have the skills or understand the responsibility.
Always speak of your weaknesses as potential areas of development. Turn your
weakness into a strength.

CHECK-UP TEST
1. Write a one-page letter to a high-school student preparing for his/her first job
interview, giving the student advice on how to succeed at the interview.
2. Write a 300-word essay on the best/worst appearance of an applicant for a job as a
secretary of a top company.

REFERENCES
Wiener, Harvey S., Charles Bazerman, All of Us. A Multicultural Reading Skills
Handbook, Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1992 - Bruce Shertzer, Job
Interviews
http://www.careerbuilder.com

82

EVALUATION TEST
1. Design your curriculum vitae including all the relevant information you wish to give
about yourself.
2. Imagine a telephone conversation with a friend about the unexpected arrival of a
distant relative from abroad.
3. Imagine a telephone conversation with new employee regarding the delay of some
important business contracts.
4. Imagine a telephone conversation with a business partner complaining about not
having received the required information.
5. Write a covering letter for a speculative approach to a company.
6. Write a job application letter in response to an advertisement.
7. Write a letter thanking your cousin for a birthday present and describing how you
spent your birthday.
8. You receive an invitation to spend your summer holidays with an English family.
Write a letter accepting/declining the invitation.

83

VOCABULARUL DE BAZ AL LIMBII ENGLEZE


(BASIC ENGLISH VOCABULARY)

I. Nouns

accident

area

action

argument

actor

arm

addition

army

address

arrival

advantage

art

advertisement

article

advice

artist

affair

assistant

afternoon

atmosphere

age

attention

agriculture

attraction

aid

aunt

air

authority

airport

autumn

alcohol

avenue

ambition
amount

baby

amusement

back

anger

bacon

angle

bag

animal

bakers

apparatus

balance

apple

ball

appointment

band

approval

bank

arch

barbers

architect

base
84

basin

bottle

basket

bottom

bath

box

battle

boy

beard

brain

beauty

brake

bed

branch

bedroom

bread

beef

breakfast

beer

breath

behaviour

bridge

belief

brother

bell

brush

bench

building

bill

bus

bird

business

birth

butchers

birthday

butter

biscuit

button

bit
bite

caf

blackboard

cake

blade

camera

blanket

cancer

block

candidate

blood

cap

blouse

capital

board

capitalism

boat

captain

body

car

bone

card

book

care

booking-office

carpet

boot

cart

border

cat
85

cattle

coal

centre

coast

century

coat

ceremony

coffee

chair

coin

chalk

collar

chance

colony

character

colour

chat

comb

cheat

comedy

cheese

comfort

chemists

commander

cheer

commerce

cheque

committee

cherry

communication

chest

communism

chief

communist

chicken

company

child

comparison

chimney

competition

chin

composition

chocolate

compromise

church

concert

cigar

condition

cigarette

conductor

cinema

congratulation

circle

connection

city

conservative

class

constitution

clerk

conversation

climate

co-operation

clock

copy

cloth

cord

clothes

cork

cloud

corner
86

cotton

desert

council

design

country

desire

courage

detail

court

detective

cover

development

cow

dictator

crack

difference

cream

difficulty

creation

direction

credit

discovery

crime

disturb

criminal

dining-room

crowd

dinner

cup

direction

cupboard

disarmament

current

discover

curtain

discussion

custom

disease

customer

disgust
dish

danger

dispute

date

distance

daughter

distribution

day

doctor

death

dog

debate

dollar

debt

door

decision

doubt

defence

dozen

degree

drawer

delay

dress

democracy

driver

departure

driving

desk

dust
87

ear

factory

earth

failure

east

fame

edge

family

education

farm

effect

farmer

effort

father

egg

favour

election

feeling

element

female

emotion

fever

employee

fiction

end

field

enemy

figure

energy

film

engine

fine

engineer

finger

entrance

fire

envelope

fireplace

equality

fish

error

flag

essay

flame

evening

flat

event

flight

examination

floor

example

flour

existence

flower

expansion

fog

experience

food

expert

foot

expression

foreigner

eye

fork
framework

face

freedom

fact

friend
88

friendship

guide

front

gun

frontier
fruit

hair

fuel

hairdressers

fun

half

furnace

hall

furniture

ham

future

hand
handkerchief

game

harbour

garage

harvest

garden

hat

gas

head

gate

headache

gentleman

headline

gift

health

girl

heart

glass

heating

globe

helicopter

glove

hen

goal

hill

gold

history

good-bye

holiday

government

home

governor

homework

grandfather

honey

grandmother

horse

grass

hospital

grip

hotel

grocers

hour

ground

house

group

humour

growth

husband

guest
89

ice

knife

ice-cream

knowledge

idea
illness

laboratory

improvement

labour

impulse

lady

increase

lamp

independence

land

industry

language

information

lake

initiative

law

ink

leader

insect

leaf

instrument

learning

insurance

leather

interest

leg

invention

lesson

iron

letter

island

level
liberty

jam

library

jet

licence

jewel

life

job

lift

journey

limit

joy

line

justice

linen
lip

kettle

list

key

literature

kidney

liver

kidness

lorry

king

lot

kitchen

lunch

knee

lung
90

machine

Miss

magazine

mistake

maize

model

male

moment

man

money

manager

month

manner

moon

market

morning

marmalade

motel

map

mother

masterpiece

mountain

match

mouth

material

movement

matter

Mr.

mayor

Mrs.

meal

museum

measure

music

meat

mutton

medicine
meeting

name

member

nation

memory

nature

merchant

neck

message

neighbour

metal

neutral

method

news

middle

newspaper

midnight

night

mile

noise

milk

noon

mine

north

mineral

nose

minister

notebook

minute

number

misfortune

nurse
91

nut

penny
people

observation

person

occasion

petrol

ocean

photograph

office

piano

officer

picture

oil

piece

operation

pig

opinion

pillow

opposition

pilot

orange

pin

orchestra

pipe

organization

place

origin

plane

oven

plant

owner

plate
platform

packet

pleasure

page

plum

pain

pocket

painter

poetry

palace

police

paper

politics

parcel

population

parent

pork

park

port

parliament

porter

part

position

party

post

patient

pot

pavement

potato

peace

pound

pen

poverty

pencil

powder
92

power

reason

present

record

president

refrigerator

price

relation

print

relief

prison

religion

problem

report

process

representative

product

republic

profit

respect

programme

restaurant

progress

result

property

revolution

proposal

reward

prose

rice

protest

ring

pump

rival

punishment

river

pupil

road

purpose

rock

pyjamas

roll
roof

quality

room

quarter

root

queen

rubber

question

ruin
rule

radio
railway

sack

range

salad

rate

salary

razor

sale

ray

salt

reaction

sand

reading

satellite
93

satisfaction

sitting-room

sausage

situation

scale

size

scenery

skill

school

skin

science

skirt

sea

sky

seaside

slope

season

soap

secretary

socialism

self-service

society

sensation

sock

sense

soda(-water)

series

soldier

servant

son

sex

song

shade

sort

shape

sound

sheep

soup

shelf

south

shelter

space

ship

speed

shirt

spirit

shoe

sponge

shop

spoon

shop-assistant

sport

shopping

spring

shore

stage

shoulder

staircase

shower

stamp

side

star

sight

state

silence

statement

silver

station

sister

steam
94

steel

telegram

stick

television

stocking

temper

stomach

temperature

stone

tendency

storm

theatre

story

theory

stranger

thief

street

thing

string

thunder

structure

ticket

student

time

subject

tin

substance

toast

success

tobacconists

sugar

ton

suggestion

tongue

suit

tool

suit-case

tooth

sum

top

summer

towel

sun

town

supper

tractor

system

trade
tradition

table

tragedy

tablet

train

tail

tray

tap

treaty

tax

tree

taxi

trial

tea

trick

teacher

trip

team

trouble

technician

trousers
95

truck

watch

truth

water

tube

wave

turkey

way

twist

weapon

typist

week

tyre

weight.
welcome

umbrella

west

underground

wheat

unemployed

weather

unemployment

wheel

unit

wife

university

wind

use

window
wing

valley

winter

value

woman

vegetable

wood

vessel

wool

victory

word

view

worker

village

works

voice

workshop
worm

wages

writer

walk

writing

wall
wallet

year

war

youth

96

The Days of the Week

The Months of the Year

Sunday

January

Monday

February

Tuesday

March

Wednesday

April

Thursday

May

Friday

June

Saturday

July
August
September
October
November
December

II. ADJECTIVES

able

brave

absent

bright

active

brilliant

actual

broad

afraid

brown

alive

busy

ancient
angry

calm

asleep

capitalist

awake

careful
central

bad

certain

beautiful

cheap

big

chemical

bitter

clean

black

clear

blind

clever

blue

comfortable
97

common

exact

cold

excited

complete
complex

fair

conscious

false

content

familiar

contrary

famous

cool

fat

cruel

fertile

curious

few
fine

damp

foggy

dangerous

foolish

dark

foreign

dead

free

deaf

frequent

dear

fresh

deep

friendly

delicate

funny

delightful

full

dependent
different

general

difficult

gentle

direct

glad

dirty

good

dull

grateful

dumb

great

dusty

greedy
green

easy

grey

economic

guilty

elastic
electric

handsome

empty

happy

equal

hard
98

healthy
heavy

main

high

many

honest

medical

hot

merry

human

mild

hungry

military
modern

ill

much

important
impossible

narrow

independent

national

industrial

natural

injured

nearby

intelligent

necessary

interesting

nervous

international

neutral
new

joint

next
nice

kind

noisy
normal

large

nuclear

last
late

old

lazy

only

left

opposite

little

oval

local

own

lonely
long

pale

loose

past

loud

peaceful

low

peculiar

lucky

perfect
99

permanent

sharp

pleasant

short

polite

sick

political

silly

poor

similar

possible

simple

powerful

sincere

pretty

sleepy

private

slow

public

small
smooth

quick

social

quiet

socialist
soft

rapid

solid

ready

sorry

real

sour

reasonable

square

red

stiff

regular

still

responsible

stormy

rich

straight

right

strange

roast

strong

rough

stupid

round

successful
sure

sad

sweet

safe
same

tall

satisfactory

terrible

scientific

thick

secret

thin

serious

tired

several

thirsty
100

traditional

wet

true

white
whole

ugly

wide

useful

wild

usual

wise
wonderful

valuable

worth

violent

wrong

warm

yellow

weak

young

wealthy

III. NUMERALS

zero

one

first

once

two

second

twice

three

third

double

four

fourth

five

fifth

six

sixth

seven

seventh

eight

eighth

nine

ninth

10

ten

tenth

11

eleven

eleventh

12

twelve

twelfth

13

thirteen

thirteenth

14

fourteen

fourteenth

15

fifteen

fifteenth

16

sixteen

sixteenth

17

seventeen

seventeenth
101

18

eighteen

eighteenth

19

nineteen

nineteenth

20

twenty

twentieth

21

twenty-one

twenty-first

22

twenty-two

twenty-second

23

twenty three

twenty third

24

twenty four

twenty-fourth

30

thirty

thirtieth

40

forty

fortieth

50

fifty

fiftieth

60

sixty

sixtieth

70

seventy

seventieth

80

eighty

eightieth

90

ninety

ninetieth

100

hundred

hundredth

1,000

thousand

thousandth

1,000,000

million

millionth

1,000,000,000

billion

billionth

IV. VERBS

accept

apologize

accuse

appear

acquire

apply

act

approve

add

arrive

advance

ask

advise

astonish

agree

attack

amuse

attempt

answer

attend
102

avoid

close
come

be

complain

beat

confirm

become

congratulate

begin

consider

behave

continue

believe

control

belong

cook

bend

correct

bind

cost

bite

cough

bleed

count

blow

create

boil

cross

borrow

cry

break

cure

breathe

cut

bring
broadcast

damage

build

dance

burn

decide

burst

defeat

bury

defend

buy

depend
describe

calculate

deserve

call

destroy

can

develop

catch

dictate

cause

die

celebrate

dig

change

disappear

choose

discuss

climb

divide
103

do

flood

draw

flow

dream

fly

drink

follow

drive

force

drop

forget

drown

form

dry

free
freeze

earn

frighten

eat
educate

gather

elect

get

encourage

give

enjoy

go

enter

govern

escape

greet

exchange

grow

excuse

guard

explain
exploit

hang

export

happen

express

hate
have

fail

hear

fall

heat

feed

help

feel

hesitate

fight

hide

fill

hit

find

hold

finish

hope

fix

hurry

flee

hurt

float
104

imagine

listen

imitate

live

import

lock

improve

look

include

lose

inform

love

inherit
inspect

make

intend

march

interfere

mark

introduce

marry

invent

may

invite

mean
meet

join

melt

joke

mention

judge

mind

jump

miss
mix

keep

move

kill

must

kiss
knock

need

know

note
notice

laugh
lay

obey

lead

object

learn

oblige

leave

offer

lend

omit

let

open

lie

oppose

light

order

like

organize
105

owe

receive

paint

recognize
reduce

pass

regret

pay

reject

permit

relate

plan

remain

play

remember

please

repair

point

repeat

poison

reply

possess

report

postpone

represent

pour

request

praise

rest

prefer

return

pretend

rise

prevent

rob

produce

rub

promise

run

pronounce
propose

sail

protect

satisfy

protest

save

prove

say

publish

search

pull

see

punish

seem

push

sell

put

send
serve

rain

settle

raise

shake

reach

shall

read

share
106

shave

suppose

shine

surprise

shock

surround

shoot

sweep

shout

swim

show

switch

shut
sign

take

sing

talk

sink

taste

sit

teach

sleep

tear

slip

telephone

smell

tell

smile

test

smoke

thank

sneeze

think

snow

threaten

speak

throw

spend

tie

spill

touch

spread

translate

stand

transport

start

travel

stay

tremble

steal

trust

step

try

stop

turn

strike

type

struggle

understand

study

unite

succeed

urge

suffer
suggest

visit

support

vote
107

win
wait

wish

want

witness

warn

wonder

wash

work

waste

worry

wear

wound

welcome

wrap

will

write

V. PRONOUNS, DETERMINERS, ARTICLES

our

me

ours

my

ourselves

mine
myself

they

you

them

yours

their

yourself

theirs

yourselves

themselves

he
him

who

his

whose

himself

what

she

which

her
hers

herself

all

it

an

its

another

itself

any

we

anybody

us

anything
108

both

one

each
either

this

else

these

every

that

everybody

those

everything
except

other

former

same

latter

some

neither

somebody

no

something

nobody

such

nor

the

nothing

VI. ADVERBS, CONJUNCTIONS, PREPOSITIONS


about

and

above

anywhere

abroad

around

across

as

after

aside

afterwards

at

again

away

against
ago

back

almost

because

alone

before

along

behind

already

below

also

beneath

although

beside

always

besides

among

between
109

beyond

how

but

however

by
if
certainly

immediately

chiefly

in

clearly

indeed

close

inside
into

down

instead (of)

during
just
early
enough

largely

especially

lately

even
ever

meanwhile

everywhere

more

except

moreover

fairly

naturally

far

nearly

fast

never

for

no

formerly

not

forward

now

from

nowhere

generally

of

gently

often
on

hard

once

hardly

or

here

otherwise

highly

out
110

outside

though

over

through
thus

past

till

perfectly

to

perhaps

today

probably

together

properly

tomorrow

publicly

tonight

purposely

too
towards

quickly
quite

under
unless

rather

until

really

up

recently

usually

seldom

very

simply
slowly

well

so

when

soon

where

sometimes

while

somewhere

why

still

with

suddenly

without

than

yes

then

yesterday

there

yet

111

PRINCIPALELE VERBE NEREGULATE


(MAIN IRREGULAR VERBS)
INFINITIV
(INFINITIVE)

TRECUT
(PAST SIMPLE)

to be

was, were

PARTICIPIU
(PAST
PARTICIPLE)
been

SENS
(MEANING)

to bear

bore

born(e)

a purta

to beat

beat

beat

a bate

to become

became

become

a deveni

to begin

began

begun

a ncepe

to bind

bound

bound

a lega

to bite

bit

bitten

a muca

to bleed

bled

bled

a sngera

to bless

blessed, blest

blessed, blest

a binecuvnta

to blow

blew

blown

a sufla

to break

broke

broken

a (se) rupe, a (se)

a fi, a exista

sparge
to breed

bred

bred

a crete

to bring

brought

brought

a aduce

to build

built

built

a cldi, a construi

to burn

burned, burnt

burned, burnt

a arde

to burst

burst

burst

a izbucni

to buy

bought

bought

a cumpra

to cast

cast

cast

a arunca

to catch

caught

caught

a prinde

to choose

chose

chosen

a alege

to come

came

come

a veni

to cost

cost

cost

a costa

to creep

crept

crept

a se tr

to cut

cut

cut

a (se) tia

to deal

dealt

dealt

a avea de-a face cu

to dig

dug

dug

a spa

to do

did

done

a face, a svri

INFINITIV
(INFINITIVE)

TRECUT
(PAST SIMPLE)

to draw

drew

PARTICIPIU
(PAST
PARTICIPLE)
drawn

SENS
(MEANING)

to dream

dreamed, dreamt

dreamed, dreamt

a visa

to drink

drank

drunk

a bea

to drive

drove

driven

a conduce (maina)

to dwell

dwelt

dwelt

a locui

to eat

ate

eaten

a mnca

to fall

fell

fallen

a cdea, a scdea

to feed

fed

fed

a se hrni

to feel

felt

felt

a se simi

to fight

fought

fought

a lupta

to find

found

found

a descoperi, a gsi

to fly

flew

flown

a zbura

to forbid

forbade

forbidden

a interzice

to forecast

forecast

forecast

a prevedea, a

a trage, a desena

prezice
to forget

forgot

forgotten

a uita

to freeze

froze

frozen

a nghea

to get

got

got (Amer. gotten)

a cpta, a obine;
a deveni, a se face

to give

gave

given

a acorda, a da

to go

went

gone

a merge, a se duce

to grind

ground

ground

a mcina

to grow

grew

grown

a crete, a se
dezvolta

to hang

hanged, hung

hanged, hung

a atrna, a
spnzura

to have

had

had

a avea, a poseda

to hear

heard

heard

a auzi

to hide

hid

hid, hidden

a (se) ascunde

to hit

hit

hit

a (se) ascunde

to hold

held

held

a ine, a susine

to hurt

hurt

hurt

a (se) rni

113

INFINITIV
(INFINITIVE)

TRECUT
(PAST SIMPLE)

to keep

kept

PARTICIPIU
(PAST
PARTICIPLE)
kept

SENS
(MEANING)

to kneel

knelt

knelt

a ngenunchea

to know

knew

known

a ti, a cunoate

to lead

led

led

a conduce

to lean

leaned, leant

leaned, leant

a se apleca

to learn

learned, learnt

learned, learnt

a nva

to leave

left

left

a pleca, a prsi

to lend

lent

lent

a mprumuta, a da

a ine, a pstra

cu mprumut
to let

let

let

a lsa, a permite

to lie

lay

lain

a sta culcat, a zcea

to light

lighted, lit

lighted, lit

a aprinde, a lumina

to lose

lost

lost

a pierde

to make

made

made

a face, a furi

to mean

meant

meant

a vrea s spun

to meet

met

met

a (se) ntlni, a face


cunotin

to mistake

mistook

mistaken

a grei, a confunda

to misunderstand

misunderstood

misunderstood

a nelege greit

to pay

paid

paid

a plti

to put

put

put

a pune, a aeza

to read

read

read

a citi

to rend

rent

rent

a sfia

to ride

rode

ridden

a clri, a mna
(caii)

to ring

rang

rung

a suna

to rise

rose

risen

a se ridica, a rsri

to run

ran

run

a alerga, a fugi

to saw

sawed

sawn

a tia cu fierstrul

to say

said

said

a spune, a zice

114

INFINITIV
(INFINITIVE)

TRECUT
(PAST SIMPLE)

to see

saw

PARTICIPIU
(PAST
PARTICIPLE)
seen

to seek

sought

sought

a cuta

to sell

sold

sold

a vinde

to send

sent

sent

a trimite

to set

set

set

a aranja, a stabili

to sew

sewed

sewn

a coase

to shake

shook

shaken

a se zgudui

to shine

shone

shone

a strluci

to shoot

shot

shot

a mpuca

to show

showed

shown

a (se) arta

to shut

shut

shut

a (se) nchide

to sing

sang

sung

a cnta (din gur)

to sink

sank

sunk(en)

a (se) scufunda

to sit

sat

sat

a sta jos, a edea

to sleep

slept

slept

a dormi

to smell

smelled, smelt

smelled, smelt

a mirosi

to sow

sowed

sown

a planta, a semna

to speak

spoke

spoken

a vorbi

to speed

sped

sped

a accelera, a grbi

to spell

spelled, spelt

spelled, spelt

a silabisi

to spend

spent

spent

a cheltui, a petrece

to spill

spilt

spilt

a vrsa

to spin

spun

spun

a (se) rsuci

to split

split

split

a despica

to spoil

spoiled, spoilt

spoiled, spoilt

a strica, a rsfa

to spread

spread

spread

a (se) rspndi

to stand

stood

stood

a sta n picioare

to steal

stole

stolen

a fura

to stick

stuck

stuck

a (se) lipi, a se fixa

to strike

struck

struck, stricken

a izbi, a lovi

to write

wrote

written

a scrie

115

SENS
(MEANING)
a vedea

LIST OF COMMON ABBREVIATIONS


Advt.

advertisement

A/C

account

A.M.

(ante meridiem) before noon

B/E

Bill of Exchange

B/L

Bill of Landing

Bros.

brothers

C.O.D.

cash on delivery

Com.

commission

Con

(contra) against

Carr. Pd.

carriage paid

Carr. Frwd.

carriage forward

Co.

company; county

Cf.

(confer) compare

C/B

cash book

Chq.

cheque

C/O

care of

C.W.O.

cash with order

Cr.

credit; creditor

Curt.

current

Cwt.

hundredweight

Do.

ditto = the same

Dis.

discount

D/B

Day Book

Dr.

debtor; Doctor

e.g.

(exempli gratia) for example

Esq.

Esquire

Encl.

enclosure

Etc., or &c.

(et caetera) and the rest

F.O.B.

free on board

F.O.R.

free on rails

Fo., or Fol.

folio (the largest size of printed page)

G.P.O.

General Post Office

116

Hon. Sec.

Honorary Secretary

i.e.

(id est) that is

ibid.

(ibidem) in the same place

Inst.

(instant) the present (month)

Int.

interest

Led.

ledger

L/C

letter of credit

Ltd., Ld., Lim.

limited

Memo.

memorandum

Messrs.

(Messieurs) Gentlemen, Sirs

Mr.

Mister

Mo.

month

Ms.

Miss

MS.

manuscript

MSS.

manuscripts

N.B.

(nota bene) note well

Nem. Con.

(nemine contradicente) no one opposing it


without reduction

Net.

number

No.

by

Per

(per procurationem) on behalf of another

Per pro., or p.p.

(post meridiem) after midday

P.M.

promissory note

P/N

post office; postal order

P.O.

post office order

P.O.O.

(pro tempore) for a time, temporary

Pro tem.

as a matter of form

Pro forma

for

Pro

(proximo) the next (month)

Prox.

(post scriptum) a postscript, a paragraph

P.S.

added to a letter
query

Qy.

(Repondez, sil vous plait) Reply, if you

R.S.V.P.

please

117

Ult.

(ultimo) the last (month)

Via

by way of

Vide

see

Viz.

(videlicet) namely; to wit

4to

(quarto) a quarter of a full sheet

8vo

(octavo) an eighth of a full sheet

The days of the week are abbreviated as follows: Mon., Tue., Wed., Thu., Fri., Sat.,
Sun.

The months of the year are abbreviated as follows: Jan., Feb., Mar., Apr., May, Jun.,
Jul., Aug., Sep., Oct., Nov., Dec.

118

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