Lesson: When It Doesn’t Work

Vocabulary electricity garbage recycling

septic tank water heat
warranty telephone lights
sewer heat pump air conditioner
battery water heater warranty
furnace oil gas

The Problem The Solution

The window is broken
The faucet drips
The electricity is off
The burner doesn’t heat on the stove
The garbage has not been picked up
The water is off
The toaster doesn’t heat
The lock on the door doesn’t work
The carpet is dirty
The air conditioning unit is broken
The toilet is stopped up
The hot water heater doesn’t work
The roof leaks
The pipe in the kitchen leaks

lights broken hot water heater furnace

window pipe leak sink

faucet roof air conditioner shower

Dialogue and Role-playing Exercise

Student A is the tenant. Student B is the landlord.

Student A: Hello, Eastern Reality Company.

Student B: Hello, This is Roberto Smith in Apartment 223, Doctors’ Drive.
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Student A: Yes?
Student B: I want to report a broken refrigerator.
Student A: We will send somebody out to fix it.
Student B: Thank you!
Student A: Good-bye
Student B: Good-bye

Write a Letter Explaining the Problem

September 6, 1999

Dear Eastern Reality Company,

I live in apartment 23 Doctors’ Drive. My furnace is not working. Please send someone to fix it. My
telephone number is 555-1234.

Thank you,
Roberto Smith

When It Doesn’t Work

1. What _____is___ wrong with the toilet?

2. ____Is____ it running?
3. ____Is____ it leaking?
4. Where ___are_____ the leaky pipes?
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5. What time ___is_____ the plumber coming?
6. Why ____are____ the lights blinking?
7. ____Is____ there a problem with the electricity?
8. How long ___is_____ it going to take for someone to come?
9. Who ____is____ the repair man?
10. When ___are_____ you going to fix the window?
11. Which windows __are______ broken?
12. _____Is___ someone home in the mornings?
13. ___Are_____ afternoons better?

CONVERSATION
A: Thank you for coming.
B: You're welcome. What's the problem?
A: I have a leaky pipe.
B: Where exactly is the pipe?
A: The pipe is behind a wall in my bathroom.
B: How long has the pipe been leaking?
A: It began leaking a couple of days ago.
B: I must tell you that in order to get to the pipe, I must tear down that wall.
A: I know.
B: That won't be a problem?
A: Not as long as it gets fixed.
B: All right, I will start working now.

Thank you for coming.

You're welcome. What's the problem?

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I have a leaky pipe.

Where exactly is the pipe?

The pipe is behind a wall in my bathroom.

How long has the pipe been leaking?

It began leaking a couple of days ago.

I must tell you that in order to get to the pipe, I must tear down that wall.

I know.

That won't be a problem?

Not as long as it gets fixed.

All right, I will start working now.

CONVERSATION 1
A: Do you like the apartment?
B: I absolutely love the apartment.
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A: Everything is okay?
B: I do have one problem with the apartment.
A: What's the problem?
B: I don't like all those stains in the carpet.
A: We will have the carpet cleaned before you move into the apartment.
B: I did not know that.
A: I assure you that we will, and if there are any more problems, feel free to tell me.
B: That was the only thing that I saw wrong with the apartment.
A: I'm glad to know that you think the apartment is so nice.
B: It's absolutely incredible. I'll take it.

CONVERSATION 2

A: I really like this beautiful apartment!

B: Thank you. Is there any other information that you need?
A: Could you tell me a little about safety features?
B: Yes, we have thought of safety. What, specifically, are you interested in?
A: Are your fire alarms up to code?
B: In case of a fire, we have a whole building sprinkler system. In addition, every apartment has its own alarm
system.
A: Do you have fire extinguishers available?
B: Yes, there are fire extinguishers outside your door. You might want to buy a personal one for your kitchen.
A: Are the escape routes clearly posted somewhere?
B: There are fire exit signs in the hallway.

http://www.eslfast.com/robot/topics/apartment/apartment.htm

CONVERSATION : Unsafe Factory Conditions

Kathy Lee: You won’t find any problems in your inspection of our factory.

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Rashed: I’m glad to hear that. Where do these stairs lead?

Kathy Lee: It’s just a level for storage. You don’t need to see that.

Rashed: I need to inspect every part of this factory. Please step aside.

Kathy Lee: If you insist.

Rashed: You have people working on this floor and it’s not structurally sound, and certainly not intended
for heavy manufacturing. This attic was never meant for industrial use.

Kathy Lee: It’s only temporary…

Rashed: There are no fire escapes, fire extinguishers, or emergency exits.

Kathy Lee: Well, I…

Rashed: None of the workers are wearing protective clothing and I see signs of child labor.

Kathy Lee: No, no, no, I wouldn’t hire anyone underage.

Rashed: I am ordering an immediate shutdown of this factory due to flagrant violations of building
code and labor laws.

Kathy Lee: But you can’t do that! We have orders to fill.

Rashed: Not when this building is in danger of imminent collapse.

CONVERSATION: Working in a Factory

Tony: The plant manager says that you’re new.

Amber: Yes, it’s my first day.

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Tony: All right, you’ll be a line worker like the rest of us. Here’s your workstation. What you have to
remember is that output and productivity are the most important things around here.

Amber: I understand, but...

Tony: Watch out for that forklift! You have to watch where you’re going or you’ll ruin our safety record.

Amber: Sorry. When will I get trained to use this machinery? I’ve never worked on an assembly line before to
mass- produce anything.

Tony: I’m going to teach you, so pay attention. The other thing you have to worry about around here is quality
control. If you don’t do things right, you’ll hear about it.

Amber: Okay, but...

Tony: Hey, sit down! As I said before, if you’re not careful, you’ll get your head taken off in this factory. Now,
try to pay attention.

Amber: I’m trying, but it’s hard to do when my life is in danger every other minute.

Tony: [sighs] Rookies!

https://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=12886330

CONVERSATION 1

A: Sorry to bother you, but could you tell me how to get to the Human Resources department?

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B: Sure. It’s on the third floor of the main building. Just continue down the corridor to the elevator and go to the

ground floor. When you get out of this building, turn right, go through the small park and you will see the main

building in front of you.

A: Thank you. You are very helpful.

CONVERSATION 2

Complete the dialogue using the verbs in the list: called, installed, has, had, have promised, haven’t, have,
done, come, have installed:

A: Has all the equipment arrived yet?

B: Yes, it has already __________. It came this afternoon.
A: Oh, good. __________ you __________ everything?
B: No, I haven’t. I ____________________ enough cable to connect everything.
A: And have you connected the PCs to the printers and photocopiers?
B: Yes, I __________, but there’s a problem with photocopiers.
A: Can you fix it? B: I don’t know. I ____________________ the software and everything seemed OK, but then
they called me and told me that they couldn’t print. A: Have you __________ the company that sold us the
photocopiers?
B: Yes, of course. I’ve just __________ that.
A: And what did they say?
B: They ____________________ to send a technician round tomorrow.
A: OK. Let’s hope they can fix it.

CONVERSATION
A: Good morning. Lights and lamps. Can I help you?
B: Good morning. I would like to speak to Mr. Green, please.

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A: One moment, I’ll put you through.
C: Sales Department, Green speaking. How can I help you?
B: Good morning. This is Jeff Plant. English for Mechanical Engineering 72
C: Oh, good morning Jeff. How are you?
B: Fine, thank you for asking. Busy as always.
C: So, what can I do for you?
B. I’m calling about your last delivery. There seems to be a bad batch as some of the spot lights that we ordered
do not work properly.
C: I’m really sorry to hear that. Can you give me some details?
B: Well, they seem to be weak or they keep breaking down all the time.
C: So, what do you suggest we do?
B: I think it would be best if we sent you the whole shipment back and you in return send us a new one. How
does that sound?
C: Good. As soon as we receive this shipment back, we’ll check them once again and if you’re right, we’ll send
a new batch as soon as possible. Is that all right with you?
B: Well, we’d really need these spot lights for the venue we’re organising this Friday. So your suggestion is not
really acceptable.
C: What about sending you a specialist who could inspect them on the spot? He might figure out what’s wrong
and repair them.
B: That sounds better. When can it be done?
C: I’ll send someone over to you right away.
B: Great. But what if he can’t fix them?
C: Let’s wait and see. If he can’t do it, he’ll give me a call and we’ll try to find the best solution for you then.
B: Right. I hope everything works out well.
C: I’m sure it will.
B: OK, thanks for your time.
C: No problem. I’ll talk to you later. Bye.

CONVERSATION 1

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Good morning, David. How was your weekend?

Excellent, thanks. Too short though!

Yes, I know what you mean. Can we just have a word aboul the search for the personnel officer in Madrid? I
know that it's your responsibility, but I'd like to be up to date on what's happening.

Well, the job description and person specification have both been finalized and cleared with Francisco
Menendez in Madrid. We're looking for someone with 2- 5 years' generalist HR experience, either an HR
qualification or a degree and, last but not least, they must have high·level English skills.

So where are you planning to advertise?

Well, firstly on our European intranet, although I don't think there's much chance of finding anybody in·house
or in the European offices.

Not sure I agree with you there. Don't forget we took on a lot of employees with the merger in 2 0 0 6 - there
might be some human resources potential there.

Yes, you have a point there . Then I thought I'd put the vacancy with a couple of HR specialist recruitment
consultancies which operate across Europe.

OK. What about an ad in the Spanish HR trade paper? They have a monthly magazine, don't they?

Yes, but there are very few job ads in there. I'll look into it though.

And where are you going to interview?

Well, I thought I'd offer interviews in the UK and Madrid, if that's OK. It's important that Francisco Menendez
is involved. As the general manager, he and the personnel officer will need to work together closely on the
future recruitment campaign in Madrid.

Yes, good idea. Well, David, I can see you've got it all under control. Just keep me posted, please.

No problem.

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Oh, sorry, I've got to run. I have a meeting about disciplinary procedures in about five minutes. Oh, and by the
way, I'll be back in the office again on Thursday, so perhaps we can talk again then.

CONVERSATION 2
As you know, we need to review our benefits package to bring it in line with our offices in Denmark and the
Netherlands. What is your view on this? Paola?

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Yes, I think we need to introduce more family· friendly benefits and also flexible working hours. Too many staff
are working overtime and having problems with their work/life balance.

Could I have your input, Steve?

Uh, yes. What exactly do you mean by work/life balance, Paola?

It means trying to achieve a better balance between work and home life.

I see. Well, I'm definitely in favour of flexible working hours. However, I think we should also look closely at
childcare - and even eldercare- provisions to encourage some of our female staff back to work. In fact I'd like to
submit a proposal on this at a future meeting.

Good idea. How much time do you need? Could you submit something at our regular meeting in a fortnight?

That's fine.

Paola, could you please prepare a summary of all our current benefits and ask accounts to print off a list of the
annual costs? These subjects are high on the agenda at the next international meeting in Zurich and I'd like us to
have some good input for the meeting.

Yes. OK. By the way, I've had several discussions with our colleagues i n Amsterdam and Copenhagen on their
ideas for new initiatives on flexible working, so I'll fill you in on that, too.

Good. And I'll give you the details of the new profit sharing bonus the directors have been discussing

CONVERSATION

D: Designer: nhà thiết kế, PM: Pattern maker: người cắt mẫu

D: Hi Susan. I came by to see if you’ve done the fabric layout on the sample cutter yet.
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PM: Hi John. Yes, I have.

D: How’s it looking?

PM: Well, I’m not so sure this is the fabric we want for the shirt. Take a look at how the back yoke cuts.

D: I see. Let’s check the specs… Here they are.

PM: What do they say?

D: Um, the body, sleeves and collar all need to be cut vertically, but the back yoke is cut horizontally. That

should allow for more ease of comfort.

PM: Oh, I see. Sorry about that. I’ll reprogram the sample cutter and try it again.

D: Thanks

VOCABULARY

sample cutter: người cắt mẫu, máy cắt mẫu

fabric: vải ; fabric layout:

back yoke: đô sau # front yoke: đô/eo trước

vertically: thẳng đứng

horizontally: ngang

ease of comfort: thoải mái

reprogram: lập trình lại

try it again: thử lại

Hi Susan. I came by to see if you’ve done the fabric layout on the sample cutter yet.

Hi John. Yes, I have.

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How’s it looking?

Well, I’m not so sure this is the fabric we want for the shirt. Take a

look at how the back yoke cuts.

I see. Let’s check the specs… Here they are.

What do they say?

Um, the body, sleeves and collar all need to be cut vertically, but the back yoke is

cut horizontally. That should allow for more ease of comfort.

Oh, I see. Sorry about that. I’ll reprogram the sample cutter and try it again.

Thanks

CONVERSATION

D: Designer: nhà thiết kế, PM: Pattern maker: người cắt mẫu

D: Are you ready? OK, well, to start with, I think we need to include bootcut jeans in this collection.

PM: I agree – the pattern is quite basic. I think we should also remember that we can use a similar pattern for

wide leg trousers.

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D: Yes, you’re right. I’m just not sure that two wide leg trouser types would sell that well. Do you see what I

mean?

PM: Yes, maybe you’re right. Should we go for a tapered trouser then?

D: Well, let’s think about that one for a moment. We can come back to it later. Moving on, which jacket patterns

are we using?

PM: It’s a casual line so there’s no space for a double-breasted jacket, right? It’s too formal.

D: Absolutely. I was thinking about including a cinched waist jacket. What do you think?

PM: OK, but it’ll use more fabric than a cropped one, so we’ll have to see if we have the right amount of fabric

after we put the specs in the CAD program.

D: OK. Could you let me know about that, say by tomorrow afternoon?

PM: Sure, no problem.

D: Great. Now, let’s see… Next we have shirts. I see from the specs that the shirt pattern allows for a lot of ease

of movement. I’m not so convinced that winter is a time for loose fit shirts.

PM: I see your point. We could easily modify it to make it more fitted.

D: Would you have to take in a lot?

PM: Probably not. I think we could do it by taking in about 3 centimeters.

D; That sounds good. I’ll draft a couple of designs after this meeting.

PM: Great, once I have those I can start working on the new specs sheet.

D: Sounds good. Now, we just need to go back and make a decision about the cut of the trousers. What do you

think…

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Đàm thoại: NEGOTIATION (THƯƠNG LƯỢNG)

A: How much are you asking for me?

Giá các anh đưa ra là bao nhiêu?

B: We can quote you a price of 70 dollars per dozen.

Chúng tôi có thể chào giá ở mức 70 đô la một tá.

A: Would you consider making us a more favorable offer?

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 Xin ông tính cho chúng tôi một giá ưu đãi hơn được không?

B: It depends on the quantity you would like to order.

Điều đó còn tùy thuộc vào số lượng mà ông muốn đặt hàng

A: If you can give us 10% discount, we have in mind an order for 1,000 dozens of this product.

Nếu ông có thể cho chúng tôi hưởng mức chiết khấu 10%, chúng tôi dự tính sẽ đặt 1,000 tá cho sản phẩm này.

B: We appreciate that, but the discount you suggested is beyond our reach.

Chúng tôi rất trân trọng điều đó, nhưng mức chiết khấu ông đề nghị vượt quá khả năng của chúng tôi.

A: But the price you offer is rather high. Nhưng giá các ông đưa ra là khá cao.

B: A 7% is the best we can offer you. In fact, our products are the most suitable for your market.

Chiếu khấu 7% là mức cao nhất mà chúng tôi đưa ra. Thực tế, sản phẩm của chúng tôi là phù hợp nhất với thị

trường của ông.

A: Well, let us consider again. Chúng tôi sẽ xem xét lại.

http://tienganh-captoc.blogspot.com/2014/07/thuong-luong-bang-tieng-anh.html

http://www.mizs.gov.si/fileadmin/mizs.gov.si/pageuploads/podrocje/vs/Gradiva_ESS/Impletum/IMPLETUM_3
24STROJNISTVO_Strokovna_Strovs.pdf

How much/ want?

Quote/ price of ________ dollars per dozen.

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Consider / more favorable offer?

Depends / quantity / order.

10% discount, order for _________.

Thanks/ but discount / beyond our reach.

But/ price / rather high.

7% / the best / offer you// products / most suitable / market.

Consider again.

How much are you asking for me?

We can quote you a price of 70 dollars per dozen.

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Would you consider making us a more favorable offer?

It depends on the quantity you would like to order.

If you can give us 10% discount, we have in mind an order for 1,000 dozens of this

product.

We appreciate that, but the discount you suggested is beyond our reach.

But the price you offer is rather high.

A 7% is the best we can offer you. In fact, our products are the most suitable for

your market.

Well, let us consider again.

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