1.4.3.1 1 – custom; 2 – abroad; 3 – etiquette; 4 – offensive; 5 – is a sign of; 6 –
sensitive; 7 – minefield.
1.4.4.2 Now check your answers. Did you find all 10 mistakes? 1.3.4.4 keyboard website search engine
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1.
Man: Hi. I haven't seen you around here before. Have you been working
long?
Correction: I haven't seen you around here before. Have you worked here long?
2. Man: Oh, you must make more money than I do then. I'm in Sales.
Correction: Oh, that must be why I haven't seen you around. I'm in Sales.
It is inappropriate to discuss how much people make in an office during small talk.
3. Man: It's okay. Hey, you look like you could really have a coffee.
Correction: It's okay. Hey, you look like you could really use a coffee.
4. Man: Tell me about it! At least it's supposing to be a nice weekend.
Correction: Tell me about it! At least it's supposed to be a nice weekend.
5. Woman: Yes, I've listened that they are calling for blue skies.
Correction: Yes, I've heard that they are calling for blue skies.
6. Man: The Chiefs! Do you think they're going to make it to the finals this year?
Correction: The man should not continue with this subject because the woman is
obviously not interested in it.
7. Man: Speaking of desks, what do you think of the new office furniture?
Correction: The man did not take the cue that the woman wants to end the
conversation.
8. Woman: It's nice, but I would rather get paid for my overtime hours than have
new furniture.
Correction: Giving your opinion about a controversial subject is not appropriate
when making small talk with someone you don't know or trust.
9. Man: Oh. Well, I think I'll be heading home early today. It might be snow.
Correction: Oh. Well, I think I'll be heading home early today. It looks like it might
snow.
10. Man: Me neither! My divorce will finally come through by then!
Correction: Private information about one's personal life is not acceptable.
1.4.4.3 Mr. F.: Hello! ____d_______? My name’s John Ferry.
Ms. B.: _____b______? Pleased to meet you. I’m Julia Bell. ______c____?
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Mr. F.: I represent Powers Group. I’m the Marketing Assistant. _______a____?
Ms. B.: I work in the office. I’m an accountant.
Mr. F.: _____f_______?
Ms. B.: Yes, I do.
Mr. F.: _____e________?
Ms. B.: Three years ago, after graduating from the college.