My Memory

Ballito先生的招聘广告登出去没多久，就有人来电话咨询、应聘了。Melita Fagurian小姐已经在国家银行做了两年速记员，她想应聘这个秘书职位。Opal 问了Melita的地址、寄给她一份申请表，要她将表填好、面试的时候带过来。面试的时间定在下周四下午四点。这是她们在电话中的对话：

OPAL: Mr Ballito's office.

CALLER: May I speak to Miss Karli, please?

OPAL: This is Miss Karli speaking.

CALLER: Oh, good morning, Miss Karli. I'm phoning to enquire about your advertisement for a junior secretary.

OPAL: Oh, thank you very much. May I have your name please?

CALLER: Yes, my name's Melita Fagurian.

OPAL: (SLOWLY, AS SHE WRITES) Melita Fa ... I'm sorry I didn't catch your family name. Would you repeat it please?

MISS FAGURIAN: Fagurian, Melita Fagurian. F for Freddie, A for Apple, G for George, U for Uncle, R for Robert, I for Ink, A for Apple, N for No one.

OPAL: I see, thank you, Miss Fagurian. And your address?

MISS FAGURIAN: It's Apartment 6, 29, Republic Avenue.

OPAL: (SLOWLIIY) Apartment 6, 29, Republic Avenue.

MISS FAGURIAN: That's right.

OPAL: Have you got a telephone number?

MISS FAGURIAN: No, I'm not on the phone.

OPAL: And where are you working now?

MISS FAGURIAN: I'm working as a shorthand typist at the National Bank.

OPAL: Why do you want to leave?

MISS FAGURIAN: Well, I've been working in the bank for two years now and I'd like to work in another sort of organization. I'd also like to be a secretary.

OPAL: Do you know anything about secretarial work?

MISS FAGURIAN: Well, 1 am a good shorthand typist, I am used to the telephone and I have knowledge of office practice. Your advertisement says that secretarial training is provided.

OPAL: Yes, that's correct. We would also want you to attend language classes. Would you be willing to do that?

MISS FAGURIAN: Oh yes, of course. I'd like that.

OPAL: Fine. I'll send you an application form. Um ... please complete it and bring it with you when you come for an interview. Um ... when can you come for an interview?

MISS FAGURIAN: Well … er...

OPAL: Could you come ... er ... next Thursday about three o'clock?

MISS FAGURIAN: Well, actually four o'clock would be more convenient for me.

OPAL: All right, four o'clock next Thursday then. The address is Ballito Building, Government Road, and the name of' the firm is Modern Office Limited.

MISS FAGURIAN: Thank you very much, Miss Karli. I'll look forward to meeting you at four o'clock next Thursday. Goodbye.

OPAL: Goodbye, Miss Fagurian.

（来源：梁瑞英语 英语点津 Annabel 编辑） 

多花点时间准备面试是值得的。尽管你不可能做到面面俱到，要赢得面试还是有规律可循。
Nothing can replace time spent studying possible interview questions and thinking about your answers. But there are a few key principles to winning answers, even for questions you're not prepared for. We've outlined these principles here, and even provided possible answers to some of the toughest questions an interviewer can wing at you.

The Keys Are:
·Think about the questions you might be asked before the interview and how you could best respond. You can refer to our list of frequently asked interview questions in the last article: 如何准备面试Before the interview. (链接)
·Listen carefully to the interviewer's questions.
·Take time to collect your thoughts before answering.
·Keep your answers short and to the point.

The following are the Answer Suggestions for Tough Questions：

1. The first question is: What can I do for you?
Employers really don't want a straight answer to this question. They know you want a job. Suggested responses, therefore, should tell employers they gain something by employing you. Answers such as "Actually, I'm here to offer you something--loyal and efficient work" or "I think the question is what I can do for you. I'm here to talk about your needs for an expert driver" are good.

2. Second question: Why don't you tell me something about yourself?
Be prepared to talk about your unique qualities. Wind up with something that relates to the job. An example: "I'm a native of Jones County, raised here and educated at Jones Community College. I have a large number of friends who are loyal to me because I get along with almost any type of person. I've met many of my friends while working as a volunteer in the Habitat for Humanity effort in my community, and my experiences there are among the reasons I'd be an excellent construction worker for your company, Mr. (or Ms.) Builder."

3. The third one is: What kind of work are you looking for?
Be as specific as you can with this particular employer. The best answer to this question will be found in the job description you obtained prior to the interview. You can repeat the duties listed for the position for which you're interviewing. Other answers that suggest you want to grow and learn or want to demonstrate your good work ethic would be "I want a job in which I'll be able to produce for the company and grow along with it" or "I want a job where showing up on time and working hard is compensated by a fair wage."

4. The last one is: What do you do best?
This question demands that you praise yourself--something a lot of us are uncomfortable doing. As you prepare for the interview, think through some of your recent successes you can use to give a good answer to this question. It's best if they relate to ways you improved the current business, generated new business, or saved money for the company.

（改编自：国际在线 英语点津 Annabel 编辑） 

通知是上级对下级、组织对成员或平行单位之间部署工作、传达事情或召开会议等所使用的应用文。通知的写法有两种，一种是以布告形式贴出，把事情通知有关人员，如学生、观众等，通常不用称呼；另一种是以书信的形式，发给有关人员，此种通知写作形式同普通书信，只要写明通知的具体内容即可。通知要求言简意赅、措辞得当、时间及时。

例一：布告形式的通知：通常此类通知上方正中写Notice或NOTICE（通知），发出通知的单位的具体名称可放在正文前，也可放在正文后，右下角处，发出通知的日期写在左下角处。例如：

                                       NOTICE
　　All professors and associate professors are requested to meet in the college conference room on Saturday, August 18, at 2:00 p. m. to discuss questions concerning international academic exchanges.
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
                                        通知
　　本星期六（8月18日）下午二时，全体教授和副教授在学院会议室开会，讨论国际学术交流问题，请准时出席。

例二：书信形式的通知

Dear Examinee:
As you know, due to unfortunate circumstances, ETS was forced to cancel the scores of the October 1992 TOEFL administration in the People's Republic of China. At that time, you were notified that you would be able to take another TOEFL without charge up through the October 1993 administration. You should be aware that the TOEFL program has a long standing policy of not refunding test fees when administrations are cancelled.
We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause to you.
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 Russell Webster
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 Executive Director
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 TOEFL Program
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 Educational Testing Service

各位考生：
　　如你所知，很遗憾，教育考试服务处被迫取消1992年10月在中华人民共和国进行的托福考试成绩。当时，我方通知你在1993年10月以前可免费参加在此期间的任何一次考试。你应该知道托福考试项目的长期以来的政策：当考试被取消时，不向考生退还考试费。
　  因此带给您的不便，深表歉意。

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　教育考试服务处，托福考试项目执行主任：
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　拉塞尔·韦伯斯特（签字）

（摘自《英语周报》） 

1. Cream or sugar?
要奶精还是糖?

如果你去买咖啡，或是在飞机上用餐时点咖啡，别人就可能会问你 Cream or sugar? 如果是两个都要，回答 both 就好了。回答 please也可以。 Please 的用法更广一些，比如说人家问你 Do you like a glass of water? 你回答 please 就等于 yes。再补充一点，如果你的咖啡是什么不要加的，那你可以说 I want it black. Black coffee 就是不加奶精不加糖的清咖啡。

如果你是去速食店点咖啡，有时候你答 both 之后，店员还会问你 How many? 因为他们的糖和奶精都是一包一包或一盒一盒的，如果各要两包就可以说 Two sugars and two cream。

2. Let's grab something to eat!
我们随便找点东西填填肚子吧!   

1. Have you finished or still working on it?
用完了吗? 还是要继续用?

在餐厅吃饭，侍者要收盘子时通常会问这一句：Have you finished or still working on it? 或是简单的：Can I take your plate?

2. I need a tad of salt please.
我需要一点点盐。

A tad of的用法跟 a little bit of 的用法是很像的，唯一不同的是a tad of 这个片语是专门用在调味料上。

3. How much do you put in?
你出多少钱？

比如说两个人一起去吃饭，总共是十六块，我出十块，他出六块，这个“出”就可以用 put in来表示。我可以说 I put in ten dollars. 就是我出十块。

4. I am eating my midnight snack.
我正在吃宵夜。

（英语点津）

很多人都想学好英语、说好英语，但是却常常不敢开口和英语角上的partner或是老外说话。要想说好英语，即使别人不主动跟你交谈，你也该主动跟人交谈先打开话匣子再说。要打开话匣子其实也没什么难的，一个简单的问句就可以搞定。问好也好，询问也好，只要你敢先开口，绝对会有很多机会练习英文的。

6. What's your favorite ice cream?
你最喜欢的冰淇淋是什么?

当你遇到陌生人时，想不到其它话题的时候用用这句话也不错。试想两个人如果有共同的兴趣和嗜好是不是就很容易成为好朋友呢? 所以我就常问人家："What's your favorite movie? Who's your favorite movie star?" 总之 favorite 之后可以接任何你有兴趣的话题。

Favorite 这个词很好用，如果这句话你不用 favorite 的话，就会变成 "What kind of ice cream do you like the most?" 听来是不是很冗长? 还有一点值得一提，比如我要回答"我最喜欢香草冰淇淋，然后是巧克力"怎么说? 那就是 "Vanilla is my favorite flavor and chocolate is my second favorite."

7. What color is your car? / What's the color of your car?
你的车子是什么颜色？

个人觉得 What 后面接一个名词这样的问句好用的很，让我们再来练习几句："What year is your car（你的车是哪年产的）?" "What area do you live（你是住哪一区的）?"

同样的 How 后面接一个形容词也很常用：例如 "How big is your dog（你的狗有多大）?"

8. What's going on?
发生了什么事?

比如说你要用电脑，可是不知为什么无法开机，你就可以说 "Hey, what's going on?" 虽然这句话就完全等于 "What happened?" 或是 "What's up with that?" 但是老美还是比较喜欢说 "What's going on?" 又比如人家问你："Why is our oven broken?" 你就可以推的一干二净地说："I don't know what's going on (我不知发生了什么事)."

9. How come?
为什么? / 怎么会这样?

How come 大部份的时候相当于 why，但是它的用法没有why 那么广，通常是用在你觉得奇怪而问为什么的时候，比如说有人早上一大早要去 supermarket，你就会问他："How come?" 另外，当别人问你一个问题，而你不想回答时也可以说 "How come?" 相当于 "Why do you ask that?" 也就是说 "It's none of your business!"

虽然 how come 跟 why 的用法差不多，但两者的问法不同，例如上面例子中的 "Why is our oven broken?" 换成 how come 的话，就要说成 "How come our oven is broken?" 注意一下，这两句的 be 动词位置是不一样的。

10. You want to go to see a movie?
你要去看电影吗?

这样的句子看似不合文法，但却是老美天天在用的句子。他们有时候要说一个问句，就直接把肯定句的尾音提高就成了疑问句。其实正确的说法应该是 "Do you want to go to see a movie?" 但可能是太长了点，所以老美才会直接说 "You want to go to see a movie?"

另外，更口语的说法应该是 "You wanna go to see a movie?" 因为在口语中他们常会把 want to 省略成 wanna，或是把 going to 省略成 gonna，所以这句话也可以讲成 "Are you gonna see a movie?"

11. Anybody needs a fork?
有没有人要叉子的啊?

以前老师都教说英文中的问句只有 W-H 问句，其实不然. 也有很多的问句是用 Any 开头的，例如 "Any volunteer? （有没有志愿的啊?）" 或是 "Any luck today? （今天运气好不好啊?）"

（英语点津）  

商务谈判中需要用语言和对方交流，交流中有些技巧是可以促进谈判成功的，下面为大家介绍常用的三条技巧。

一. 会听

要尽量鼓励对方多说，向对方说：yes，please go on，并提问题请对方回答，使对方多谈他们的情况。

二. 巧提问题

用开放式的问题来了解进口商的需求，使进口商自由畅谈："Can you tell me more about your campany?"，"What do you think of our proposal?"

将外商的回答中的重点和关键问题记下来以备后用。

进口商常常会问：Can you not do better than that?

对此不要让步，而应反问："What is meant by better?"或 "better than what?"使进口商说明他们究竟在哪些方面不满意。

三. 使用条件问句

用更具试探性的条件问句进一步了解对方的具体情况，以修改己方的发盘。

典型的条件问句有"What...if"，和"If...then"这两个句型。

如： "What would you do if we agree to a two-year contract?"及"If we modify your specifications, would you consider a larger order?"

（来源：竞学网） 

在双方谈判的过程中，一定要注意倾听对方的发言，如果对对方的观点表示了解，可以说：

I see what you mean.

(我明白您的意思。)

如果表示赞成，可以说：

That's a good idea.

(是个好主意。)

或者说：

I agree with you.

(我赞成。)

如果是有条件地接受，可以用on the condition that这个句型，例如：

We accept your proposal, on the condition that you order 20,000 units.

(如果您订2万台，我们会接受您的建议。 )

在与外商，尤其是欧美国家的商人谈判时，如果有不同意见，最好坦白地提出来而不要拐弯抹角，比如，表示无法赞同对方的意见时，可以说：

I don't think that's a good idea.

(我不认为那是个好主意。)

或者

Frankly, we can't agree with your proposal.

(坦白地讲，我无法同意您的提案。)

如果是拒绝，可以说：

We're not prepared to accept your proposal at this time.

(我们这一次不准备接受你们的建议。)

有时，还要讲明拒绝的理由，如

To be quite honest, we don't believe this product will sell very well in China.

(说老实话，我们不相信这种产品在中国会卖得好。)

谈判时，由于语言沟通问题，出现误解也是在所难免的：可能是对方误解了你，也可能是你误解了对方。在这两种情况出现时，你可以说：

No, I'm afraid you misunderstood me. What I was trying to say was...

(不，恐怕你误解了。我想说的是…….)

或者说：

Oh, I'm sorry, I misunderstood you. Then I go along with you.

(哦，对不起，我误解你了。那样的话，我同意你的观点。 )

总之不管你说什么，你最终的目的就是要促成一笔生意。即使不成，也要以善意对待对方，也许你以后还有机会，生意不成人情在，你说对吗？

（来源：旺旺英语 ） 

16. I'm sure there is some room for negotiation.
我肯定还有商量的余地。

17. We have another plan.
我们还有一个计划。

18. Let's negotiate the price.
让我们来讨论一下价格吧。

19. We could add it to the agenda.
我们可以把它也列入议程。

20. Thanks for reminding us.
谢谢你的提醒。

21. Our position on the issue is very simple.
我们的意见很简单。

22. We cannot be sure what you want unless you tell us.
希望你能告诉我们，要不然我们无法确定你想要的是什么。

23. We have done a lot.
我们已经取得了不少进展。

24. We can work out the details next time.
我们可以下次再来解决细节问题。

25. I suggest that we take a break.
建议休息一下。

26. Let's recess and return in an hour.
咱们休会，一个钟头后再继续。

27. We need a break.
我们需要暂停一下。

28. May I suggest that we continue tomorrow?
我建议明天再继续，好吗？

29. We can postpone our meeting until tomorrow.
我们可以把会议延迟到明天。

30. That will eat up a lot of time.
那会耗费很多时间。

（来源：大耳朵英语 ） 

1. Would anyone like something to drink before we begin?
在我们正式开始前，大家喝点什么吧？

2. We are ready.
我们准备好了。

3. I know I can count on you.
我知道我可以相信你。

4. Trust me.
请相信我。

5. We are here to solve problems.
我们是来解决问题的。

6. We'll come out from this meeting as winners.
这次会谈的结果将是一个双赢。

7. I hope this meeting is productive.
我希望这是一次富有成效的会谈。

8. I need more information.
我需要更多的信息。

9. Not in the long run.
从长远来说并不是这样。

10. Let me explain to you why.
让我给你解释一下原因。

11. That's the basic problem.
这是最基本的问题。

12. Let's compromise.
让我们还是各退一步吧。

13. It depends on what you want.
那要视贵方的需要而定。

14. The longer we wait, the less likely it is we will come up with anything.
时间拖得越久，我们成功的机会就越少。

15. Is this negotiable?
还有商量的余地吗？

（改编自：大耳朵英语 ） 

人在职场，和同事谈论最多的就是工作。下面是一些有关工作的办公室闲聊，各位可以从中学到一些口语表达。

（1）
Cathy: Did you see May today?
凯西：你今天看到梅了吗？
Jack: Yes. But why does she have such a long face?
杰克：看到了，她为什么拉长着脸啊？
Cathy: I don't have the foggiest idea.
凯西：不知道。
Jack: I thought she'd be happy.
杰克：我还以为她会很高兴呢。
Cathy: Yeah, especially since she got a promotion recently.
凯西：是啊，她最近还升职了呢。
Jack: Maybe it's some kind of personal problem.
杰克：也许有什么私人问题吧。

（2）
Eddie: What are the chances of getting a raise this year?
埃迪：今年有可能长工资吗？
Janice: Chances are slim!
贾尼斯：不太可能。
Eddie: Wow! You haven't gotten a raise for how many years now?
埃迪：哇！你多少年没长过工资了？
Janice: It's been three years! The company keeps losing money and they can't afford to give anyone a raise.
贾尼斯：三年了！公司总是亏损，没法给我们长工资啊。
Eddie: That's too bad. Did you ever think of working somewhere else?
埃迪：太糟了。你有想过去其他地方工作吗？
Janice: Yeah. In fact, I have an interview next Monday.
贾尼斯：有啊，我下周一就有个面试。
Eddie: Good luck!
埃迪：祝你好运啊！

（3）
Terri: Derrick, don't you think you should take a vacation? Even one or two days would be fine.
特里：戴里克，你不觉得应该去休个假吗？一两天也行啊。
Derrick: There's no way. There's too much work.
戴里克：不行啊，工作太多了。
Terri: But you look so exhausted. You need a break!
特里：但是你看起来筋疲力尽的。你需要休息！
Derrick: I know. My chances would be better if they would hire more people.
戴里克：我知道。如果公司多雇点人我就会好过多了。
Terri: They won't hire more people?
特里：他们不雇人吗？
Derrick: No. They always want to keep the cost down. I am really overwhelmed with a heavy workload.
戴里克：不雇，他们总想着降低成本。我快被繁重的工作压垮了。
Terri: Maybe you should talk to the manager.
特里：也许你应该和经理谈谈。
Derrick: Yes. I'm going to bring this up in tomorrow's meeting.
戴里克：恩，明天开会的时候我就说。

（来源：www.focusenglish.com　） 

"成功、有成就"怎么说？你一定会想到 success 吧，这个词是没错啦，就是显得有点平常，今天我们给大家介绍一个片语：go places。

我们来看一段对话：

A: This kid is definitely going places someday. I could see a little YoYo Ma in him.
这个孩子有一天必定会很有成就的。我在他的身上看到一个小马友友。

B: I don't know about that. I guess he can be anything he wants to be, as long as he's happy.
这我倒不知道。我想，只要他开心，他想做什么都可以。

Go places 就是"成功、有成就"的意思了。和go places相反的词语是go nowhere，哪里都去不了，没有前途的意思。有些人骂人家以后不会有前途时，就会说 "You're going nowhere."这两个片语连起来看有点"有本事的人走遍天下，没本事的人只好在家窝着"的意思，可能因为有了成就自然有能力去很多地方吧。

要想有成就，肯定要多付出代价，比别人多努力了。Go the extra mile 的意思就是"多付出代价；多努力一点"：

A: Nobody will ever believe anything I say again.
不会有人再相信我所说的任何话了。

B: In that case, you have to go the extra mile to prove your credibility.
如果是这样的话，你就得多做一点，来证明你的可信度喽。

"Go the extra mile" 的原意是"多走一里路"。口语里面把它用来指"多付出一分代价"也是很有意思的。

（改编自：考试吧 英语点津 Annabel 编辑） 

A difficult or abusive boss can poison the best of jobs. But you are not powerless; before you even consider quitting, try the boss-taming strategies below.

一个难缠或喜欢滥用权力的老板可能会将好端端的工作搞砸。但你并不是完全无能为力的；在你考虑不干之前，不妨试一试下面几种对付老板的策略：

CHANGE YOUR OWN WAY
Few people are randomly violent. They blow up on particular occasions over particular issues. Track your boss's peeves and patterns, then eliminate the triggers within your control. For example, if he snarls when you arrive just five minutes late to work or make one typo on a memo, avoid these slipups no matter how trivial they seem. If one of your coworkers manages your boss's moods skillfully, ask him what you could be doing more effectively, then borrow a few of his moves.

很少有人是随意发火的。他们一般是在特定场合因特定的事而发作的。你要摸清你的老板的脾气，并尽可能消除隐患。比如，他为了你上班仅迟到5分钟或打错了一个字便大发雷霆，那么你就要尽量避免这类疏忽，不论它们看起来多么微不足道。如果你的某位同事善于应付老板的情绪，那你就向他请教一下你怎么做才能更为有效，不妨借用他的一些手段。

STAY COOL UNDER FIRE
Respond to the content of your boss's tirade, not the curses. Whatever you do, don't cower, stammer or apologize. Some people get off on brutalizing others, and passivity makes you a target. Respond confidently: Say "I'd like to put together a report that will satisfy you. Let's discuss how I can make that happen.

只可回应你老板所责骂的事，而不回应他的恶言恶语。不论怎样，都不要畏缩、支吾或抱歉。有些人自认为可以对他人蛮横，而逆来顺受就会使你成为其目标。你要自信地回应说：“我想准备一份令你满意的报告。让我们谈谈我怎么做为好吧。”

USE CONSTRUCTIVE CONFRONTATION
Your boss may be more willing to change his behavior than you think. Some managers don't realize how much their words or actions upset staffers. Tell him how his outbursts make you feel. Say for example, when you call me names and criticize my work in meetings I feel demoralized Please address me respectfully and take me aside to discuss criticisms in private. If he values your work, he may rein in his abusiveness.

你的老板可能比你所想象的更乐于改变其态度。有些经理并没有认识到他们的盲行使下属感到多么不快。可以告诉他你对他发怒的感受。比如说：“当你在会议上责骂我，批评我的工作时，我感到很沮丧。请尊重我，把我叫到一边私下里提出你的批评。”如果他看重你的工作，他会对自己的谩骂有所收敛的。

APPEAL TO A HIGHER AUTHORITY
If your boss becomes intolerably abusive, you may have to go above his head to your personnel department or senior manager. But before you take this course, discreetly, ask coworkers if they've clashed with your boss in the past. Ideally, they will back you up and permit you to mention their names when you make your charges. That way, you can bring a pattern of behavior to management's attention. Begin by asking, "Can I have a discussion with you off the record?" Then cite examples that show how your boss's treatment negatively affects your performance. Make it clear that you want to improve the situation, not punish your boss. If discipline is what he needs, let the higher-ups make that call.

如果你的老板滥用权力到了令人难以容忍的地步，你就得越过他直接找人事部门或高级经理了。但在你采取这一步骤之前，要谨慎地询问一下同事，他们是否过去也与你的老板有过冲突。他们可能会支持你并且允许你在上告时提到他们的名字。这样你就可以提请公司主管注意你老板的不当行为。你可以这样发问：“我能和你作一次非正式的谈话吗？”然后举例说明你上司的作法如何影响你的工作。你要表明你想改进现状，而非惩罚你的老板。如果你的老板需要纪律约束的话，那就让上级打电话通知他吧.

（来源：新世纪家园 英语点津Annabel 编辑） 

Rosie: Sorry, I overslept. My clock didn't go off this morning.
罗茜：对不起，我睡过头了。闹钟早上没响。

Francie: Again?
佛朗斯：又没响？

Rosie: That's right, even though I did set the alarm last night.
罗茜：是的，我昨晚确实订闹钟了。

Francie: Your clock never works. Perhaps you should buy a new one.
佛朗斯：你的闹钟从来没好用过，也许你该买个新的了。

Rosie: Well, if it breaks down again tomorrow, I'll definitely buy a new one.
罗茜：如果明天它再坏，我肯定买个新的。

Francie: Maybe by then it'll be too late.
佛朗斯：也许那时就太晚了。

Rosie: What do you mean "too late"?
罗茜："太晚"是什么意思？

Francie: By that time you'll be fired.
佛朗斯：到那时你就被抄了。

（来源：www.focusenglish.com ） 

Office protocol can make it difficult for one employee to ask another for help. While no one likes the shirker who never seems to be able to quite get his own projects finished and turns helplessly to peers for assistance, most will willingly volunteer to lend a hand to someone who has helped him or her before. 勤劳肯干总不是错的。

If you know a coworker is working through lunch on a large client packet, your volunteering to stay and help will be gratefully appreciated and most often returned when it's you who is stuck. I say voluntarily because your offer does not add up paid overtime hours. It is only helping a peer in need. 这种帮助无异于雪中送炭。不要计较太多，你的善心会得到回报的。

If your offer is accepted, you do not, however, store it away in your mental favor bank or ever remind everyone what a good person you were for helping--you simply hope the favor will be returned when it's you who is overloaded. 一旦你的好意被接受，不要刻意地老记着或提醒每个人您曾如何地帮助过他们--在你遇到力不从心的情况下总会有人回报你的。

（改编自：英语学习网 英语点津Annabel编辑）  

在进行写作的最后一步之前，我们还有个重要问题：页面的layout。

Final Exercise: Business Letter Layout 

You're about to learn something important about the layout of a business letter. You need to know this before you can begin the fifth stage of the Writing Process.

The layout - or format - of a business letter refers to its design. The layout affects the way the words of the document are placed on a page.

There are a number of different layout styles. HSBC uses the full-blocked style.

In the full-blocked style, all parts of the letter start at the left margin. As a result, it's easy to type and easy to read. It is one of the most common styles used in business today. Writers and readers both like it.

HSBC also uses open punctuation.

In open punctuation, no punctuation is used in

l         the reader's address

l         the salutation (Dear...)

l         the complimentary close (eg Yours sincerely).

Whenever you write a business letter, you should use the full-blocked style with open punctuation... like the letter below.

Ms Fiona Green 100 Clearwater Bay Road Sai Kung NT 22 April 200X Dear Ms Green Phone Payment Service (PPS) I refer to your telephone enquiry yesterday. I would like to tell you the details. We sent you the Phone Payment service (PPS) details and application form on 20 April. If you complete and return the form to us, we can process your application immediately. I look forward to hearing from you. Yours sincerely Clever Man Manager Smart Branch

Writing a Letter: Stage 5 - Editing  

You've finished revising your document. You also know the layout of a business letter. So, you're ready to begin the fifth stage of the Writing Process.

You're ready to start editing your letter to Billy Ng. This is your final step. Make sure you use

l         the full-blocked layout style and

l         open punctuation.

In addition, remember to check your document for the four most common grammar problems:

l         verb + verb (two verbs in a sentence)

l         verb + preposition

l         countable/uncountable nouns

l         word class.

You will also find it helpful to work with a friend... and to use a dictionary and a grammar reference book. If you need more help, you can refer to Chapter 8.

You can compare your letter with an example provided by HSBC.

An example provided by HSBC 4 July 200X Mr Billy Ng Fairview Court Fortress Hill Hong Kong Dear Mr Ng Visa Card 4966 0400 0125 5672 Thank you for your letter of 30 June. We are very sorry to hear that you are unhappy with our service. Please let me explain the situation. We have checked our records carefully. Although your letter with the cheque for HKD19,900 was post-marked 24 June, it did not reach us until 1 July. As a result, on 26 June the available balance was only HKD100. Therefore, the transaction for HKD3,200 exceeded the limit of HKD20,000 and was not successful. To avoid a similar situation in the future, may I make several suggestions. You may want to settle your account by using one of our automated teller machines located all over Hong Kong. You might also consider using our auto-pay service. If you would like to do this, simply complete the enclosed form and return it to us. We will do the rest. I hope this information is helpful. Yours sincerely AL Chan AL Chan Manager Encl

Well Done! 

You have now completed this course!

Now that you've finished, three things should have happened.

First of all, you should have improved your English reading skills. Second, you should have improved your English writing skills. Finally, you should have learned how to learn by yourself.

HSBC hopes that this course has helped you and that you will be able to use what you've learned.

（来源：中国物流论坛 ） 

这一节我们来继续 final exercise 接下来的步骤。

 

Final Exercise: Stage 2 - Organising 

 

Now that you've finished planning your document, you're ready to begin the second stage of the Writing Process.

 

You're ready to start organising your letter to Billy Ng. You can use the information below to transform your plan into an outline. If you need more help, you can refer to Chapter 2 and Chapter 7.

 

30 June 200X Dear Mr Chan   I am sorry to inform you that a recent incident has negatively affected my good impression of the Bank.   Allow me to explain. On 10 June 200X, I received my monthly Visa card statement. Unfortunately, as I was on a business trip in mid-June, I was unable to send a cheque to settle my account until 22 June 200X.   Then, on the evening of 26 June 200X, I had dinner with friends. Afterwards I tried to pay the bill of HKD3,200 using my Visa card but it was rejected three times. In the end, to my great embarrassment, my guests had to pay the bill for me.   Could you please look into this matter. I thought I had a credit limit of HKD20,000. If this is the case, why was it not made available to me after I settled the June statement?   I am unhappy that the Bank has let an incident like this affect its services.   Yours sincerely   Billy Ng   Billy Ng

 

ORGANIZE

S (Salutation)  

O (Opening & Purpose) 

F (Facts)

A (Action) 

R (concluding Remarks)

 

Final Exercise: Stage 3- Drafting 

 

Now that you've finished organising your document, you're ready to begin the third stage of the Writing Process.

 

You're ready to start drafting your letter to Billy Ng. If you need more help, you can refer to Chapter 3.

 

Remember: Only write - don't edit!

 

Final Exercise: Stage 4 - Revising 

 

Now that you've finished drafting your document, you're ready to begin the fourth stage of the Writing Process.

 

You're ready to start revising your document.

 

There is a lot work to do in the fourth stage. You can start by revising the first two "Cs" first.

 

You need to revise your letter to Billy Ng by making sure your

l         document is complete and

l         paragraphs are cohesive.

 

If you need more help you can refer to Chapters 3 and 4.

 

You can continue revising your letter to Billy Ng on the basis of three more 'Cs'.

 

You need to revise your letter to Billy Ng by making sure your sentences are

l         clear

l         concise and

l         courteous.

 

If you need more help you can refer to Chapters 5 and 6.

 

（来源：中国物流论坛） 

Final Exercise: The Task 

 

You're going to use the Writing Process to write a reply to the following letter from a customer, Billy Ng. There are five stages in the Writing Process, so there are five parts in this final exercise.

Before you start the first stage, carefully read the letter from Billy Ng.

 

30 June 200X Dear Mr Chan   I am sorry to inform you that a recent incident has negatively affected my good impression of the Bank.   Allow me to explain. On 10 June 200X, I received my monthly Visa card statement. Unfortunately, as I was on a business trip in mid-June, I was unable to send a cheque to settle my account until 22 June 200X.   Then, on the evening of 26 June 200X, I had dinner with friends. Afterwards I tried to pay the bill of HKD3,200 using my Visa card but it was rejected three times. In the end, to my great embarrassment, my guests had to pay the bill for me.   Could you please look into this matter. I thought I had a credit limit of HKD20,000. If this is the case, why was it not made available to me after I settled the June statement?   I am unhappy that the Bank has let an incident like this affect its services.   Yours sincerely   Billy Ng   Billy Ng

 

 

Final Exercise: Stage 1 - Planning 

 

Now that you've read Billy Ng's letter and checked his records, you're ready to begin the first stage of the Writing Process.

 

You're ready to start planning your document. You can use the information below as a guide. If you need more help, you can refer to Chapter 1.

 

Writer's Purpose:

Why am I writing this letter?

 

Reader's Response:

What would I like my reader to do?

 

Reader's Information:

What does my reader need to know?

 

下一步应该是什么？你可以先想一想。下一节我们将继续。

 

（来源：中国物流论坛 ） 

Welcome to the final chapter of Writing For Results!

 

In the previous chapters, you learned about the Writing Process, a five-stage procedure to help you write effective business correspondence.

 

In this chapter, you're going to practise everything you've learned as you write a letter using the Writing Process.

 

When you finish your letter, you'll be able to compare it with an example provided by HSBC.

 

Objectives 

 

By the end of this chapter you'll have

l         reviewed the Writing Process by completing a quick quiz and

l         used the Writing Process to write a business letter in reply to a customer.

 

This means you'll have

l         planned your document using 3 strategies

l         organised your document using the SOFAR outline

l         drafted your document by just writing - no editing

l         revised your document using the "5 Cs" and

l         edited your document for the four most common grammar errors.

 

So, by the end of this chapter you should be able to write documents that get the results you want!

 

The Writing Process: A Quick Review 

 

Before you begin writing your business letter, complete the following quiz. The ten questions will help you review the Writing Process.

 

Choose the correct answer. For some questions, you can choose more than one answer.

 

1. What is the correct order for the 5 stages of the Writing Process?

A. Edit, Organise, Draft, Plan, Revise

B. Draft, Revise, Organise, Plan, Edit

C. Plan, Draft, Organise, Edit, Revise

D. Plan, Organise, Draft, Revise, Edit

 

2. What questions should you consider in the Planning stage?

A. What should I include as the background?

B. What does my reader need to know?

C. Why am I writing this letter?

D. What would I like my reader to do?

 

3. In the Planning stage, which strategy involves providing specific details or facts?

A. Background

B. Reader's Information

C. Reader's Response

D. Writer's Purpose

 

4. In the Organising stage, what is the correct order for the contents of the letter?

A. Background, Reader's Information, Writer's Purpose, Reader's Response

B. Background, Writer's Purpose, Reader's Response, Reader's Information

C. Background, Writer's Purpose, Reader's Information, Reader's Response

D. Background, Reader's Response, Writer's Purpose, Reader's Information

 

5. Which set of letters can help you remember the five parts of a business letter?

A. SORAF

B. FARSO

C. SROFA

D. SOFAR

 

6. What do you need to do in the third stage of the Writing Process?

A. check the document is complete

B. rewrite the document in a concise style

C. only write - don't edit!

D. check that all paragraphs are cohesive

 

7. What are the "5 Cs" of the Revising stage?

A. Concise

B. Cohesive

C. Complete

D. Considerate

E. Clear

F. Courteous

 

8. What makes a cohesive paragraph?

A. one topic sentence

B. supporting sentences

C. one main idea

D. transitions

 

9. What are the four "Ps" that make a letter courteous?

A. Polite

B. Personal

C. Practical

D. Positive

E. Professional

 

10. What common errors are checked in the fifth stage of the Writing Process?

A. sentences with two verbs

B. verbs + prepositions

C. passive verbs

D. word class

E. countable/uncountable nouns

 

Question	Correct Answers
1. What is the correct order for the 5 stages of the Writing Process?	Plan, Organise, Draft, Revise, Edit
2. What questions should you consider in the Planning stage?	Why am I writing this letter? What does my reader need to know? What would I like my reader to do?
3. In the Planning stage, which strategy involves "specific details or facts"?	Reader's Information
4. In the Organising stage, what is the correct order for the contents of the letter?	Background, Writer's Purpose, Reader's Information, Reader's Response
5. Which set of letters can help you remember the five parts of a business letter?	SOFAR
6. What do you need to do in the third stage of the Writing Process?	only write - don't edit!
7. What are the "5 Cs" of the Revising stage?	Courteous, Clear, Concise, Complete, Cohesive
8. What makes a cohesive paragraph?	one main idea, one topic sentence supporting sentences, transitions
9. What are the four "Ps" that make a letter courteous?	Polite, Personal, Positive, Professional
10. What common errors are checked in the fifth stage of the Writing Process?	sentences with two verbs verbs + prepositions word class countable/uncountable nouns

 

The Writing Process: Recommendations 

 

Use the table below to identify which chapters you may need to review.

 

If you have the answer wrong for	Then you need to review
Question 1	Introduction
Question 2	Chapter 1
Question 3	Chapter 1
Question 4	Chapter 2
Question 5	Chapter 2
Question 6	Chapter 3
Question 7	Chapter 3
Question 8	Chapter 4
Question 9	Chapter 6
Question 10	Chapter 8

 

下一节我们将就所学到的写作知识进行系统的练习。

 

（来源：中国物流论坛 ） 

Summary 

 

In this chapter, you learned to edit what you write.

 

You learned how to use two "friends" to help you identify and correct errors in your business documents. These two "friends" are your dictionary and your colleague.

 

You also learned how to use two "tools" to help you improve your English (and reduce the amount of editing you need to do). These two "tools" are a grammar reference book and a "Personal Errors Log".

 

In addition, you identified specific English grammar points you need to improve. You identified these areas after you completed the "Personal Writing Analysis".

 

Editing what you write is very important. After you edit your document, it should be correct. If it is, it will make a good impression on your reader. In addition, you'll get the results you're looking for.

 

Summary Exercise 

 

LETTER TO MR PERRY 

 

In Chapter 3, you drafted a letter to Mr Perry. You also revised it. In Chapters 4-6, you continued to revise the letter.

 

In this exercise, you're going to edit the letter.

 

To do this exercise, you'll need the letter which you revised in Chapter 6.

 

Check the letter very carefully. Focus on those grammar points which cause problems for you. Use a dictionary - and a friend or colleague - to help.

 

After you have identified and corrected all the errors, write the final version on a piece of paper.

 

When you finish, you can compare your final version with the sample letter on the next screen.

 

Below is a sample of the letter to Mr Perry.

 

15 October 200X   Mr Robert Perry Flat 3 A Bayshore Tower Mary's Point Vancouver   Dear Mr Perry   Premier Account 613 556556 888   We have received the cheque (no 60263) which you deposited through our "Quick Deposit' service on 9 August 200X. However, we have been unable to credit the money to your Premier account.   Please let me explain what has happened.   The name on a cheque needs to match the name of the account. Unfortunately, the name on the cheque was R Pery instead of R Perry. As a result, I have enclosed the cheque so that you can return it to the person who issued it.   Please ask that person to issue another one. As soon as we receive the cheque with the correct name, we can deposit it in your account.   I hope this information is helpful.   Yours sincerely

 

Well Done! 

 

You've now completed Chapter 8... and the entire Writing Process.

 

In this chapter, you learned how to edit what you write.

 

You also learned what the most common grammar problems are for people who use English as an additional language.

 

So, now you should know how to identify and correct errors by

l         using a dictionary

l         relying on a colleague's help (peer editing)

l         using a grammar reference book

l         developing a "Personal Errors Log".

 

In the next - and last - chapter, you'll have an opportunity to practise everything you've learned.

 

See you there!

 

（来源：中国物流论坛 ） 

这一节我们先给大家做个错误日志的示范，然后通过六组练习帮大家找到自己最容易犯错的地方，也就是你语法中最需要加强的地方。

Editing: Your Own Personal Errors Log

To improve your grammar, you shouldn't try to work on every area at once.

You need a plan. In other words, you need to

l identify the grammar points you wish to improve

l decide the order in which you will study the grammar points

l decide how long you will study each grammar point.

To help you prepare such a plan, you can use a "Personal Errors Log".

Below is an example of a "Personal Errors Log".

Type of Error	Error	Correction	Study Timeline
Verb + verb	'May I suggest you to apply...'	'May I suggest you apply...'	March-May 200X (Example only)
Verb + preposition	'discuss about' 'apologise causing...'	'discuss' 'apologise for causing...'	June-August 200X (Example only)
Countable / Uncountable Nouns	'informations' 'staffs'	'information' 'staff'	Sep-Nov 200X (Example only)
Word class	'I am please' 'very convenience'	'I am pleased...' 'very convenient'
Verb tenses
Active/ passive
Other

You can use the "Personal Errors Log" to help you work on the grammar points you wish to improve.

But how can you know which areas of grammar you need to improve?

You can do two things:

l You can keep a record of the errors you and your colleague identify when you edit. The errors which you make most often are the ones you should work on.

l You can take a "Personal Writing Analysis" to identify the grammar points which cause you the most problems.

Editing: Personal Writing Analysis

The "Personal Writing Analysis" on the next six sections will help you identify specific areas for personal improvement.

Each section covers one of the most common grammar problems facing people who use English as an additional language.

Follow this procedure for the "Personal Writing Analysis":

In each section...

1) Choose the six correct answers.

2) Decide what grammar point is being tested in the section.

3) Check your answer.

After completing all six sections, you'll get your results. In addition, you'll be able to identify the grammar points you need to improve (ie the sections in which you had the most errors).

SECTION A

Choose the correct sentence.

1) We would appreciate if you could let us have a few copies.

be appreciated

appreciate it

2 ） Mr Chan suggested me to apply for the position of credit officer.

I apply

me applying

3) John apologised about making the error.

to making

for making

4) I arranged for him to learn how to use the new computer.

him to learn

him learning

5) Please notify your decision to us by 31 July.

us your decision

us of your decision

6) Mr Casey is responsible to set up a new training schedule.

for setting up

with setting up

Keys:

1) appreciate 2) I supply 3) for making 4) for him to learn 5) us of your decision 6) for setting up

This test is about verb+verb.

SECTION B

Choose the correct sentence. You have one chance only.

1) I wonder if there was any error occurred in the computer calculation.

there is any

any

2) Can you assure us that this will not happen again?

be happened

be happening

3) I think you will have benefit from our improved customer service.

be benefited

benefit

4) A letter of credit has arranged for you.

has been arranged

being arranged

5) We are sorry for the inconvenience that has caused you.

has been caused to

has caused to

6) It was decided that the meeting will hold on 13 September.

is held

will be held

Keys:

1) any 2) happen 3) benefit 4) has been arranged 5) has been caused to 6) will be held

The grammar tested is active/passive verbs.

SECTION C

Choose the correct sentence.

1) The new strategy will be announced tomorrow. The Board of Directors have met last Thursday.

have meet

met

2) Thank you for taking part in this year's staff survey. Please indicate how long you have been working for the Bank

had worked

were working

3) The Board will meet again next week to discuss the issue.

They mentioned the possibility of a merger at the last meeting.

have mentioned

have had mentioned

4) Richard is very upset. He says he did not receive any statements for the past four months.

has not received

did not received

5) Mrs Yu is a valued customer. She was banking with us for twenty years.

had been

has been

6) We don't know if Tom will attend the meeting. We did not hear from him lately.

have not heard

did not heard

Keys:

1) met 2) have been working 3) mentioned 4) has not received 5) has been 6) have not heard

The grammar tested here is verb tenses.

SECTION D

Choose the correct sentence.

1) There have been several occurrence of theft in that company recently.

occurrences

2) He has no experience in this sort of work.

experiences

3) Cash-handling jobs require the concentration.

a concentration.

concentration.

4) Please send us some informations about the Hexagon service.

information

5) You must always get a permission from your supervisor.

the permission

permission

6) We have just installed a great deal of new computer equipments in our Head Office.

equipment

Keys:

1) occurrences 2) experience 3) concentration 4) information 5) permission 6) equipment

The grammar tested here is countable/ uncountable nouns.

SECTION E

Choose the correct sentence.

1) H.J. Wells & Co. have sent us a bill about HKD 4,999.00.

for HKD 4,999.00.

on HKD 4,999.00.

2) I submitted formal proposals to computerise the accounts, but the manager has not agreed on them yet.

to

with

3) We have not had any complaints on the revised appraisal system.

of

about

4) Gerry did not regret of his decision to refuse their requests for further credit facilities.

his decision

for his decision

5) At the meeting we would like to discuss about how we can improve our work environment.

on how

how

6) Please provide me the information by 1 July.

with the information

Keys:

1) for HKD 4,999.00 2) to 3) about 4) his decision 5) how 6) with the information

The grammar tested here is verb + preposition.

SECTION F 

Choose the correct sentence. 

1) We have great   confident   in our staff.

                             confidence

 

2) The   recently   conference was a great success.

             recent      

 

3) ABC.com suffered a   loss  of over 2 million dollars last month.

                                      lose  

 

4) Albert was a   suitability  candidate for the position of clerk.

                          suitable

5) The accountant was asked to    analysis   the sales figures.

                                                    analyse  

 

6) This department must become more   efficiency.  

                                                             efficient.

 

Keys:

1) confidence  2) recent  3) loss  4) suitable  5) analyse  6) efficient

The grammar tested here is word class.

以上六个section测试的是语法的不同方面。自己做一下，哪个section得分最少，就说明你需要最先加强哪一方面。

You have now completed the "Personal Writing Analysis".

Now, you should be able to decide which area of grammar you need to work on first.

Work on one area of grammar at a time. For example, set yourself a time period of 3 months to work on sentences with two verbs (verb + verb). Then work on sentences which contain verbs followed by prepositions (verb + preposition), etc.

You need to decide what will study and for how long you will study. When you decide, record this information in your "Personal Errors Log".

Also, continue to record the errors from the documents you write at work.

Then use a grammar reference book or an on-line course to help you improve those areas.

Your "Personal Errors Log" will become a record of your progress.

（来源：中国物流论坛 ）