Disagreeing/ contradicting other people’s opinions
I don’t agree.
I don’t think so.
That’s not the point/problem…
Oh, no.
Expressing certainty and uncertainty
I’m sure that …
There may be …
Perhaps…
I’ m not at all sure if …
I don’t think that …
That could/might/may happen.
… is not possible.
Making comparisons
…is not as…as…
…are as …as …
… is a much more important than …
…are less important than …
You can’t compare … with …
You have to compare …with …
Expressing interest or indifference
I’m interested in …
I’d like to know more about …
I’m keen on …
… sounds interesting.
… doesn’t interest me.
I don’t care.
What a boring topic.
Expressing intentions
I’m going to …
I want to …
I intend to …
Tapescripts
Unit 1 Section I C
Ex. 4
Chairperson: Hello, there. What do you study?
Student: Development Economics.
Chairperson: Oh, yes. And how long have you been studying?
Student: One year. It’s a postgraduate diploma.
Chairperson: What would you like to be? Have you decided yet?
Student: Yes. I’d like to be a United Nations Project Adviser.
Chairperson: Oh, would you? That sounds interesting. Tell me though why have you chosen this faculty?
Student: It’s got a good reputation in the field of Economics.
Chairperson: Where do you come from?
Student: Brazil.
Chairperson: Oh, that’s a country I’ve always wanted to go to. And what do you do in your free time?
Student: I go to the cinema a lot.
Chairperson: Ah, yes. You’re Mr. Pinto, aren’t you? I’ve got your name on my list here.
Unit II Section I B
Ex. 4 p.
Interviewer: What are the typical working hours in your country?
Jessica: The official hours are 8 to 5 or 9 to 6. But people always work longer than this.
Interviewer: What do people wear for work?
Jessica: Casual but smart.
Interviewer: How long do people have for meal breaks?
Jessica: One hour.
Interviewer: Do people ever work late?
Jessica: Yes, very often.
Interviewer: How many days vacation do people get a year?
Jessica: 30 days.
Interviewer: When do people retire?
Jessica: After 60 for women and 65 for men or after 30-35 years of work.
Interviewer: When do people get paid?
Jessica: Depends on the company. Some companies pay twice a month and others once.
Interviewer: Do people get any bonuses or perks?
Jessica: Yes, depending on the company and the status of the worker they receive a car, house, school for the children, lunch vouchers, transport passes, house ensurance.
Interviewer: Do people stay with the same company all their lives?
Jessica: No, this has changed a lot in Canada. In the past the good worker was one who stayed 20 or 30 years with the company. Now a good worker changes job every two or three years.
Interviewer: Do people ever use personal connections to get a suitable job for them or a member of their family?
Jessica: Yes, this is very common and the best way to get a good job.