Unit 12: Formal Language

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Aims and Objectives

In this lesson you are going to learn the most important vocabulary and structures concerning permitions, restrictions, complaints and formal speech in general. There are three different environments demonstrating the most common touch: on the board, in a public place, and writing a letter of complaint.

The grammar focus of this unit is:

Vocabulary

Vocabulary Practice

Exercise not available in this language version.

Comprehension

Exercise 1: Multiple Choice Questions

Chose the correct answer.

Recording:
Transcript:
CaptainWelcome on board, my assistant will let you know about the important events of our voyage now.
AssistantDear passengers, our departure is scheduled for 10.50 am, that is in 10 minutes. We are supposed to arrive in Naples at 11 a.m. tomorrow.
CaptainAnd what is the latest news about the weather?
AssistantSunny weather is forecast for today, temperatures are expected over 35 degrees centigrade and at night cloudy skies but no rain and almost no wind. Tomorrow, temperatures are expected to rise up to 40 degrees, clear skies and moderate wind up to five meters per second from the west.
CaptainAlso, before we leave, every passenger has to be informed about the basic rules concerning their stay on the ship.
AssistantPassengers are free to visit any part of the ship except for the lower decks and crew quarters. After 11 p.m. passengers are kindly requested to respect the night regulations. Meals are served regularly. Breakfast from 8 to 10. Lunch or dinner is ready for you from 12 a.m. to 11 p.m.
CaptainWe wish you a nice and safe cruise with us and if you have any special wishes or questions, you are encouraged to visit us at the captain's cabin.
  1. What time is the departure scheduled at?
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  2. Which traffic means will the passengers use?
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  3. When are they expected in Naples?
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  4. What time is dinner served?
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  5. What is the weather forecast for the voyage?
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  6. What is the weather forecast for night
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  7. What are the temperatures expected for the second day?
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  8. What are passengers encouraged to do?
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  9. What are passengers requested to do?
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  10. The wind is expected
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?

Exercise 2: Cloze

Listen and fill in the gaps.

Recording:
Transcript:

Dear sirs,
I am writing to you to complain about your shipment. I made my order one month ago, the order was paid on time, the confirmation was sent as usual, however no goods were shipped. The goods were ordered over the internet and confirmed by a telephone call. I have urged my order two times. I am sorry to inform you that unless I get a clear answer from you in five days, my lawyer will be contacted and this case will be taken to court.
Best regards,
Hans Strimpel

Dear sirs,
I am ? to you to complain about your shipment. I made my order one month ago, the order was ? on time, the confirmation was ? as usual, however no goods were ?. The goods were ? over the internet and ? by a telephone call. I have ? my order two times. I am sorry to ? you that unless I get a clear answer from you in five days, my lawyer will be ? and this case will be ? to court.
Best regards,
Hans Strimpel

Grammar Practice

Exercise 1: Transformation

Using the example as a model, change the structure and make a new sentence.

Example:

I send a letter to the lawyer.
A letter is sent to the lawyer.

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Exercise 2: Transformation

Using the example as a model, change the structure and make a new sentence.

Example:

I sent a letter to the lawyer.
A letter was sent to the lawyer.

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    B. ?
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Exercise 3: Transformation

Using the example as a model, change the structure and make a new sentence.

Example:

I will send a letter to the lawyer.
A letter will be sent to the lawyer.

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    B. ?
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Exercise 4: Transformation

Using the example as a model, change the structure and make a new sentence.

Example:

I have sent a letter to the lawyer.
A letter has been sent to the lawyer.

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    B. ?
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    B. ?
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Dictation

Exercise 1: Dictation

Listen to the complete recording first. Then go to the textbox and use the ‘>’ key to listen to the text section by section. Type what you hear into the textbox. For detailed instructions, read the Exercise Help.

Recording:
Transcript:

Visitors to the exhibition are welcomed to enter the first floor where works of Pablo Picasso are installed. The second floor is closed due to reconstruction.

?

Exercise 2: Dictation

Listen to the complete recording first. Then go to the textbox and use the ‘>’ key to listen to the text section by section. Type what you hear into the textbox. For detailed instructions, read the Exercise Help.

Recording:
Transcript:

Visitors are encouraged to use our new elevator. The elevator is equipped with the latest technology with support for disabled people.

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Exercise 3: Dictation

Listen to the complete recording first. Then go to the textbox and use the ‘>’ key to listen to the text section by section. Type what you hear into the textbox. For detailed instructions, read the Exercise Help.

Recording:
Transcript:

Visitors are warned not to step over the red lines, as the area is allarmed. Visitors are not allowed to smoke, drink, or consume any food in the building. Dogs and other pets are not allowed to enter the exhibition rooms.

?

Checklist

Now, after finishing this lesson you should be able:

To understand basic official instructions and announcements.

To use passive.

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