Language Functions File

Ex. 1. Read this text and explain your partner how to use a private and public telephone.

If you want to ring somebody up, you pick up the receiver, wait for the dialing tone and then dial the number; if you are not sure of the number, you look it up in the telephone directory / book.

After you have finished dialing, you may hear a series of high-toned blips which means that the line is engaged (then you hang up or replace the receiver) or you may hear the calling-signal (i.e. a series of separate slower blips), which means that the line is free, and you just have to wait until your partner answers your call.

If you happen to have no private (home) phone you walk up to the nearest telephone booth (public phone, call phone). You start by dropping a coin into the slot. But for a trunk call (long-distance call) you have to make use of the operator. If you are calling from an extension phone, things work a little differently. Indeed, instead of waiting for the signal and then dialing your number, you'll hear the switchboard operator say: “Number, please”, or “Switchboard operator”, or “... Hotel operator” and you simply give the number of your partner. The operator will either repeat your number (to make sure she got it right), or just say "Thank you" and try to put you through.

By the way, in giving your number don't forget to give it figure by figure (e.g. seven-ou-five-ou - 70-50).

When you have been put through, you may hear a voice, saying “Hello” at the other end, but it’s much more likely that the person answering will either repeat his own phone number, e.g. “Kensington 2209 (here) speaking”, or give the name of the office in full.

Telephone services in Britain: numbers to dial

100 – Operator: she will help you connect the call if you can’t do it yourself.

192 – Directory Enquires: if you’re looking for a number.

999 – Emergencies: if you want to call Fire Brigade, Police or Ambulance.

8081 – Speaking Clock: it will tell you the time (this number may be different in different towns).

Ex. 2. What do you do or say if:

1) the person wanted on the phone is out;

2) someone rings you up by mistake;

3) you can't hear the person's name on the phone;

4) you want to book a long-distance call;

5) you hear the telephone ringing when you are busy;

6) you hear a frequent high-pitched buzzing;

7) you hear someone answering your telephone call at the other end of the line;

8) you hear the operator saying “Switchboard”.

Ex. 3. When do you say or hear:

1) Speaking. _______________

2) Hold the line/hang on. _______________

3) You are through. _______________

4) Could I leave a message for him. _______________

5) Can you get me 544-6607, operator? _______________

6) You are wanted on the phone. _______________

7) What’s your extension? _______________

8) You've got the wrong number. _______________

9) Engaged. _______________

10) Who shall I say is calling? _______________

11) What number are you calling? _______________

Ex. 4. Practise using the telephone to ring to:

a) the police: you've seen a bank robbery;

b) the ambulance: your friend has fallen and hurt his leg;

c) the fire brigade: you've seen a house on fire;

d) host family: you're having extra lessons and you'll be late home;

e) your boss: you're ill, and can't go to work;

f) your friend: you can't go to the cinema, as you promised.

Ex. 5. Below are situations in which you might find yourself in the United States or other English speaking countries. Read each situation, decide what is appropriate, and choose the answer that best fits the circumstance. Then discuss with your classmates how you would handle these situations in your country.

1. The telephone company sent you a bill, which you paid. Now you have received a letter saying you never paid the bill. What should you do?

a. Nothing. You know you've paid.

b. Call them and explain the situation.

c. Find proof that you've paid them (canceled check or receipt), copy it, and send it to the telephone company.

2. When you answer the telephone, the caller asks for someone who does not live there. Obviously, the caller has the wrong number. What should you do?

a. Hang up.

b. Begin a conversation.

c. Tell the caller he or she has reached a wrong number.

d. Tell the caller your number and ask what number he or she dialed.

3. You have made a long-distance call, which you've dialed the wrong number and were connected with someone in another state. What should you do?

a. Nothing.

b. Call the operator and explain your mistake.

c. Refuse to pay for the call when you get your bill.

d. Dial again and hope you get the party you wanted.

e. Check the phone number and make sure you have written it down correctly.

4. You have called an airline, and someone has said, "Hello, Flight Time Airline. No one is available now to take your car. Please stay on the line until the next available attendant can help you". You hear a click, and music begins to play. What should you do?

a. Hang up.

b. Hold the line and wait.

c. Call the airline later.

d. Call the operator because there is trouble with the phone.

5. You make a phone call. When the ringing stops you hear, “The number you have dialed has been temporarily disconnected. This is a recording”. What should you do?

a. Ask the person to repeat the message.

b. Say, “What? I don't understand”.

c. Hang up, check the number in the phone book, and dial again.

6. You have called an operator for assistance in making a long-distance call. The operator tells you, “You can dial that direct”. What should you do?

a. Hang up and dial the number yourself.

b. Ask the operator to help you.

c. Hang up and call the operator back.

7. You are talking on the phone with someone, and all of a sudden there is silence. The other person is not there any longer. What should you do?

a. Hang up. He or she obviously didn't want to talk with you any more and hung up.

b. Hang up and call back. Obviously, something went wrong with the telephone.

c. Hang on until the connection is restored.

Date: 2015-01-29; view: 1166