Lect. univ. drd.

Elena NISTOR

LIMBA ENGLEZĂ
Anul III
Materialele documentare consultate pentru elaborarea lucrării de faţă au fost puse la
dispoziţie de Centrul de Informare şi Documentare al Organizaţiei Naţiunilor Unite la
Bucureşti.

2
Acest manual urmăreşte instruirea cursanţilor în domeniul cunoaşterii unor noţiuni
detaliate privind lexicul limbii engleze, avându-se în vedere dezvoltarea aptitudinilor de
comunicare verbală şi scrisă. Scopul final vizează capacitatea cursanţilor:
- de a înţelege şi interpreta informaţii detaliate din domeniul comunicaţiilor;
- de a exprima opinii personale, utilizând un vocabular adecvat;
- de a redacta texte argumentative pe o temă dată.

Testele de verificare din cadrul unităţilor de studiu, precum şi Testul final urmăresc, de
asemenea, evaluarea cunoştinţelor acumulate de cursant pe parcursul procesului de
învăţare.

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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

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 UNIT 1
TELEPHONE

Obiective: După parcurgerea şi studiul acestui capitol, cursantul este în măsură:

- să rezume, utilizând propriile cunoştinţe lexicale şi gramaticale, un text pe o temă dată;
- să folosească elemente de vocabular din domeniul respectiv în diferite contexte;
- să susţină o conversaţie telefonică în limba engleză.

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”.

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 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%

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Exercise 3. Complete the missing part of these exchanges with suitable sentences,
according to the meaning:

A: So I’ll give you the number to ring; it’s 4721301.

B: …………………………………………………………………………………
A: Well, be quick, because I’m in a phone box and the money’s running out!

A: Can I use your phone?

B: …………………………………………………………………………………
A: Okay, I’ll wait till after your call’s come through.

A: My number’s Birmingham 4721301.

B: …………………………………………………………………………………
A: Oh, for Birmingham it’s 021.

A: Did you get him?

B: …………………………………………………………………………………
A: Oh, perhaps his phone’s out of order.

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

A: Telecom. Can I help you?

B: …………………………………………………………………………………
A: Okay, we’ll 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? “Don’t answer the
telephone just to stop it ringing,” advises Bob, an industrial psychologist. He warns that
you shouldn’t 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

7
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 person’s name when they
pause for breath,” advises Pauline Malindine. “If you say firmly, ‘Well, Anne’ or just
‘Anne’, they will stop short. Don’t 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 it’s 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?

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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. Here’s our
correspondents’ guide to going cellular without making an ass of yourself:
- Do not say anything on a mobile phone that you wouldn’t like to see on the front page
of a tabloid. An eavesdropper picked up Britain’s 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 men’s club. The Athnaeum warns its
members that all mobile phones must be left with the porter. White’s 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 London’s posh dining club Harry’s 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 can’t 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 phone’s ”very visible popularity
among petty criminals”.

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- 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 Angèle 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 person’s 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. I’m on 4271301.
A: …………………………………………………………………………………
B: …………………………………………………………………………………
A: …………………………………………………………………………………
B: …………………………………………………………………………………
A: …………………………………………………………………………………
B: …………………………………………………………………………………
A: …………………………………………………………………………………
B: …………………………………………………………………………………

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A: …………………………………………………………………………………
B: …………………………………………………………………………………

2. If you can’t get me at home, try work number.

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

3. He’s on extension 437.

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

4. If you don’t know the number, look it up in the phone book.

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

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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 couldn’t get through.

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

7. Sorry, I’m not at home at the moment. Please leave a message after the beep.
A: …………………………………………………………………………………..
B: …………………………………………………………………………………..
A: …………………………………………………………………………………..
B: …………………………………………………………………………………..

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

8. I think you’ve 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: …………………………………………………………………………………..

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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 O’Malley, Proficiency Plus.
Grammar – Lexis – Discourse, Oxford: Basil Blackwell Ltd., 1990

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 UNIT 2
COMPUTER

Obiective: După parcurgerea şi studiul acestui capitol, cursantul este în măsură:

- să rezume, utilizând propriile cunoştinţe lexicale şi gramaticale, un text pe o temă dată;
- să folosească elemente de vocabular din domeniul respectiv în diferite contexte;
- să utilizeze computerul în 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 world’s high-
technology 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 man’s 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.

15
 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. ”What’s next?” asks Peter E. Hart, director of an internation artificial
intelligence centre. ”More to the point, what’s not next?”
There are a few clouds on the industry’s 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
consumer’s 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 computer’s 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.
……………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………

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……………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………

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.

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

23
 UNIT 3
LETTER WRITING (I):
PERSONAL AND PRIVATE LETTERS

Obiective: După parcurgerea şi studiul acestui capitol, cursantul este în măsură:

- să redacteze corespondenţă personală.

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 Year’s 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: După parcurgerea şi studiul acestui capitol, cursantul este în măsură:

- să redacteze corespondenşă oficială.

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

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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

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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

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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 today’s 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 above-
mentioned 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: După parcurgerea şi studiul acestui capitol, cursantul este în măsură:

- să utilizeze corect majusculele, punctuaţia, anumite cuvinte care se confundă în limba
engleză.

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

………………………………………………………………………

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….…………………………………………………………………..
….…………………………………………………………………..
….…………………………………………………………………..
….…………………………………………………………………..

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 didn’t).

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): it’s, ’tis = it is; don’t = 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 – e’er, 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: áccent (noun) – to accént, áffix – to affíx, désert – to desért, ímport –
to impórt, próduce – to prodúce, súbject – to subjéct
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: După parcurgerea şi studiul acestui capitol, cursantul este în măsură:

- să 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, don’t 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 Ł34 million joint venture
greenfield project from design through construction to
operation. Project completed on time, with Ł1.4 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
Ł3.5 million per annum). Developed strategy plans and
budgets.
 Set up, managed and successfully controlled multi-
million 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 Ł180 million, costs of Ł48 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 Ł6 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 Ł34 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 Ł1.5 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 Łl80 million, costs of
Ł48 million per annum and 108 staff)
Manager job evaluations 1982-1983
Managed introduction of a new joint participative
company/union job evaluation system and grade structure based
on evaluation results for 1900 employees with payroll costs of
Ł15 million per annum.
Operations manager 1981-1982

57
 Ran small and large volume batch and continuous plants
producing a range of chemicals. Assets Ł27 million, sales Ł26
million per annum and 74 staff.
Manufab International
Manufacturing and services manager 1980-1981
Co-ordinated four service locations (sales Ł13 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 Ł1.5 million sales to take 24% equity stake to
strengthen existing management team.

Styrell Ltd 1989-1995

Wholesaler of disposables/consumables with sales of Ł150 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 Ł82 million, stock of Ł6 million
and a marketing budget of Ł450k.
 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 Łl million via supplier action plan.

Divisional director 1974-1987

Recruited with full profit responsibility for two regions generating Ł53 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: După parcurgerea şi studiul acestui capitol, cursantul este în măsură:

- să completeze diverse tipuri de formulare;
- să redacteze corespondenţă specifică pentru căutarea unui loc de muncă.

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
Don’t leave any questions unanswered.
Don’t include a CV as well, unless it has been requested.
Don’t 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: După parcurgerea şi studiul acestui capitol, cursantul este în măsură:

- să participe la un interviu pentru ocuparea unui loc de muncă.

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 didn’t 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, don’t 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 haven’t had
management experience yet, but that’s 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, ”I’m 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. Don’t 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, ”I’m
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 interviewer’s 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(n’t) 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 long-
range 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 father’s/mother’s/spouse’s 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 can’t 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 don’t 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 didn’t 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

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 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.

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 VOCABULARUL DE BAZĂ 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 baker’s
apparatus balance
apple ball
appointment band
approval bank
arch barber’s
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 butcher’s
birthday butter
biscuit button
bit
bite café
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
chemist’s 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 hairdresser’s
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
grocer’s 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 tobacconist’s
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

0 zero
1 one first once
2 two second twice
3 three third double
4 four fourth
5 five fifth
6 six sixth
7 seven seventh
8 eight eighth
9 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

I 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 a
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 TRECUT PARTICIPIU SENS

(INFINITIVE) (PAST SIMPLE) (PAST (MEANING)
PARTICIPLE)
to be was, were been a fi, a exista
to bear bore born(e) a purta
to beat beat beat a bate
to become became become a deveni
to begin began begun a începe
to bind bound bound a lega
to bite bit bitten a muşca
to bleed bled bled a sângera
to bless blessed, blest blessed, blest a binecuvânta
to blow blew blown a sufla
to break broke broken a (se) rupe, a (se)
sparge
to breed bred bred a creşte
to bring brought brought a aduce
to build built built a clădi, a construi
to burn burned, burnt burned, burnt a arde
to burst burst burst a izbucni
to buy bought bought a cumpăra
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 târâ
to cut cut cut a (se) tăia
to deal dealt dealt a avea de-a face cu
to dig dug dug a săpa
to do did done a face, a săvârşi
 INFINITIV TRECUT PARTICIPIU SENS
(INFINITIVE) (PAST SIMPLE) (PAST (MEANING)
PARTICIPLE)
to draw drew drawn a trage, a desena
to dream dreamed, dreamt dreamed, dreamt a visa
to drink drank drunk a bea
to drive drove driven a conduce (maşina)
to dwell dwelt dwelt a locui
to eat ate eaten a mânca
to fall fell fallen a cădea, a scădea
to feed fed fed a se hrăni
to feel felt felt a se simţi
to fight fought fought a lupta
to find found found a descoperi, a găsi
to fly flew flown a zbura
to forbid forbade forbidden a interzice
to forecast forecast forecast a prevedea, a
prezice
to forget forgot forgotten a uita
to freeze froze frozen a îngheţa
to get got got (Amer. gotten) a căpăta, a obţine;
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 măcina
to grow grew grown a creşte, a se
dezvolta
to hang hanged, hung hanged, hung a atârna, a
spânzura
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 ţine, a susţine
to hurt hurt hurt a (se) răni

113
 INFINITIV TRECUT PARTICIPIU SENS
(INFINITIVE) (PAST SIMPLE) (PAST (MEANING)
PARTICIPLE)
to keep kept kept a ţine, a păstra
to kneel knelt knelt a îngenunchea
to know knew known a şti, a cunoaşte
to lead led led a conduce
to lean leaned, leant leaned, leant a se apleca
to learn learned, learnt learned, learnt a învăţa
to leave left left a pleca, a părăsi
to lend lent lent a împrumuta, a da
cu împrumut
to let let let a lăsa, a permite
to lie lay lain a sta culcat, a zăcea
to light lighted, lit lighted, lit a aprinde, a lumina
to lose lost lost a pierde
to make made made a face, a făuri
to mean meant meant a vrea să spună
to meet met met a (se) întâlni, a face
cunoştinţă
to mistake mistook mistaken a greşi, a confunda
to misunderstand misunderstood misunderstood a înţelege greşit
to pay paid paid a plăti
to put put put a pune, a aşeza
to read read read a citi
to rend rent rent a sfâşia
to ride rode ridden a călări, a mâna
(caii)
to ring rang rung a suna

to rise rose risen a se ridica, a răsări

to run ran run a alerga, a fugi

to saw sawed sawn a tăia cu fierăstrăul
to say said said a spune, a zice

114
 INFINITIV TRECUT PARTICIPIU SENS
(INFINITIVE) (PAST SIMPLE) (PAST (MEANING)
PARTICIPLE)
to see saw seen a vedea
to seek sought sought a căuta
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 străluci
to shoot shot shot a împuşca
to show showed shown a (se) arăta
to shut shut shut a (se) închide
to sing sang sung a cânta (din gură)
to sink sank sunk(en) a (se) scufunda
to sit sat sat a sta jos, a şedea
to sleep slept slept a dormi
to smell smelled, smelt smelled, smelt a mirosi
to sow sowed sown a planta, a semăna
to speak spoke spoken a vorbi
to speed sped sped a accelera, a grăbi
to spell spelled, spelt spelled, spelt a silabisi
to spend spent spent a cheltui, a petrece
to spill spilt spilt a vărsa
to spin spun spun a (se) răsuci
to split split split a despica
to spoil spoiled, spoilt spoiled, spoilt a strica, a răsfăţa
to spread spread spread a (se) răspândi
to stand stood stood a sta în 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
 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, s’il 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