ENGLISH INTENSIVE SHORT COURSE Handout For Diploma Student Of Program of Remote Sensing & Geographic Information System Universi ty o f Gadjah Mada Mada
Written and compile by:
Wirastuti Wirastuti Widyatmanti Widyatmanti
Diploma Program of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System Faculty of Geogr Geogr aphy, Univ Univ ersity o f Gadjah Mada Yogyakarta, Indonesia 2005
CONTAIN
Introduction 1. BASIC 1.1 Using your text book 1.2 Punctuation 1.3 Tenses 1.4 Language in Use 1.5 QUIZ 2. Conversation 2.1 Pronunciation and spelling 2.2 Introduction yourself and your y our partner 2.3 Improving your wide range of tenses 2.3.1 Getting to know your classmate 2.3.2 Asking Question 2.3.3 Telling True Stories 2.4 Giving Instruction 3. English for Career 3.1 Cover Letter 3.1.1 Who Needs Cover Cove r Letter 3.1.2 Writing Intriguing Cover Letter 3.1.3 Let’s Go Through a Letter Point by Point 3.1.4 What makes a good Cover Letter 3.2 Resume 3.2.1 Learn to write a resume 3.2.2 Getting started to write aresume 3.2.3 “How to write a resume” Process 3.3 Resignation 3.4 Job Interview 3.5 Thank You Letter 4. Introduction to TOEFL and IELTS
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INTRODUCTION Handout atau buku pegangan pegangan ini disusun dalam rangka membantu Mahasiswa Tingkat Tingkat Akhir yang sudah lulus yudisium, yudisium, untuk mengikuti kursus kursus singkat Bahasa Inggris. Peserta kursus ini adalah adalah mereka yang telah mengikuti kuliah bahasa Inggris Inggris di awal perkuliahan, dan telah memahami dasardasar Bahasa Inggris Inggris (General English) seperti Struktur, Tata Tata Bahasa, Bahasa, dan pemahaman bacaan bacaan . Kursus ini ditekankan pada kemampuan berkomunikasi standar, terutama untuk persiapan menghadapi tes wawancara, wawancara, dan dan menerima dan memberikan intruksi dalam bahasa Inggris di lingkungan kerja yang baru. Dari belajar intensif selama empat hari ini peserta diharapkan mampu mampu menguasai tahapan tahapan awal pemahaman bacaan dan menulis untuk mengembangkan profesionalisme, menguasai dasar-dasar strategi wawancara dalam bahasa Inggris I nggris beserta kelengkapannya (surat lamaran kerja, daftar riwayat hidup, dll.), dan pengenalan awal terhadap TOEFL dan IELTS. Hal ini mengingat bahwa pada umumnya mahasiswa sudah memiliki pengetahuan dasar bahasa Inggris tetapi belum cukup terlatih untuk siap menghadapi tantangan pencarian kerja di lingkungan global.
Secara ringkas, tujuan utama dari kursus ini adalah: 1. membekali mahasiswa kemampuan kemampuan untuk memahami strategi wawancara dalam bahasa bahasa Ingris. 2. membekali mahasiswa kemampuan untuk memahami, menerima dan memberikan instruksi dasar dalam Bahasa Inggris, 3. membekali mahasiswa dengan pengenalan awal terhadap tes umum bahasa Inggris seperti TOEFL dan IELTS. Handout ini sengaja disusun dengan menggunakan menggunakan bahasa Inggris. Selain untuk menghindari perbedaan makna makna dengan dengan sumber aslinya, diharapkan diharapkan peserta juga juga semakin semakin
terbantu dalam
pemahaman bacaan bacaan dalam bahasa Inggris. Penyusun sangat sadar banyak sekali kekurangan dalam penyusunan handout ini. Untuk itu penyusun sangat mengharapkan masukan, saran dan kritik yang membangun demi perkembangan program ini di masa mendatang. Terimakasih.
Yogyakarta, 1 Februari 2005
~ Wirastuti Widyatmanti ~ Intensive English Short Short Course for Diploma Student of RS&GIS
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Part 1:
BASIC
I.1 USING YOUR Y OUR TEXTBOOKS Using a dictionary
A good dictionary is valuable aid to writers and readers. Most Dictionary give us the following information: how to spell a spell a word (with any alternative spelling); the part of speech of speech of a word (noun, verb, adjective, adverb, pronoun, conjunction and so on); how to pronounce a pronounce a word the word broken into syllables the meaning/s of meaning/s of a word; The etymology (origin etymology (origin and history) of the word. Other forms the forms the word can take – for example, the plural form or comparative and superlative adjectives or adverbs; Appropriate usage Appropriate usage in context; Commonly used abbreviations.
Using a thesaurus
A thesaurus is thesaurus is a storehouse of words and their associated ideas; it is a handy reference book of everyone who wants to speak and write more effective and accurate English. You can use the thesaurus to find synonyms or synonyms or antonym for antonym for any given word or phrase.
Content and index pages
A table of content Content pages are located at the beginning of every textbook. They list the chapters and other main sections of the text order in which they appear in the book An index An index can be very useful to you in your studies. It gives detailed information that you will not find in the table of contents at the beginning of the book. Everything of the importance should be list in alphabetical order in the index, together with its page number. Some references also have subtitles and other categories listed beneath or beside the entry.
Reading for a purpose
When reading or studying a textbook, you need to ask yourself: Are there any words or vocabulary items for which you need a definition or an explanation? Under what headings is the txt organized? Does the setting out give you clues to where needed information is located? Are there further aids to understanding the text, such as diagrams, maps and photographs?
M ak i n g a s u m m ar y 1. First skim the chapter or section to gain a general impression of the content. 2. Make a list of any new words or vocabulary items for which you need a definition or explanation. 3. Then re-read carefully to take in what you are reading. You may need to re-read more than once. 4. Read the passage again and list the chapter or section title, the main heading and the sub-heading – to ensure that you have a good basis for making an outline of the content. 5. Read the passage again and begin to list the main points under each sub-heading Hint for summarizing or note –taking 1. Use your own words rather than copying and joining from the original text. 2. Use one word to reproduce the meaning of a long phrase. 3. Cut out all repetition that may appear in the original passage. 4. Make your points in note form and cut down long-winded statements. 5. Use groups names to cover list of things. 6. Leave out most the illustrations and examples used in the original writing. 7. Always note details of the source you are using, especially the author’s name and the title of the book. Also note the page number(s) if you are quoting directly.
Abbreviations and symbols for note taking Taking notes while you are reading or listening become easier and quicker if you use abbreviations and symbols. You must be able to remember their meaning so that you understand what you have written.
1.2 PUNCTUATION PUNTUATING SENTENCES
English punctuation is quite logical and its purpose, in sentences and groups of words, is to clarify meaning by putting a punctuation mark where a speaker would pause or change intonation.
Full stops [ . ]
The primary use of a full stop is to mark the pause at the end of the sentence.
Commas [ , ]
The major uses of the comma are: To separate three or more words, phrases or clauses in an seried (instead of repeating the conjunction): Lia, Liu and Li are coming to dinner. To separate two adjectives that both modify a noun. She gave a short, sharp
speech.
To mark of a long adverbial clause coming before the principle clause:
I………
When…….,
To mark off an introductory participial phrase or an introductory infinitive phrase:
To succeed, one must have a focus.
Exclamation marks [ ! ]
To mark off words like yes, no and please: No, don’t do it. To mark off adjectival phrases or clauses that do not restrict the nouns they are describing: The students, who were sitting there, were the singers.
Exclamation marks are used to indicate strong feeling. In speech an exclamation is often spoken more loudly, more quickly and with rising intonation. Beware of overdoing exclamation marks – use them only when exclaiming comes naturally:
Help! Keep away from me! Question Marks [?] Semicolons [ ; ]
Question marks indicate questions (other punctuation mark that signifies rising intonation). A question mark could be used with every question, even those that only have one word in them: Why?; Are you coming?; What for? Semicolons are used to separate two equal and balanced parts of sentences. They indicate that there is a connection between the two parts – a stronger connection than would be shown by a full stop. : He brought me beautiful flowers; they were
from a very exclusive florist. Colons [ : ]
Colons introduce additional information. This information can be list, an example, a word, a phrase or a quotation. There was a major cause of his downfall: greed.
Dashes [--]
Dashes can be used: To indicate a sudden change in tone or thought. Instead commas or bracket to mark off expression inessential to the meaning or to mark of parenthetical expressions. To indicate omission in various contexts – in dialogue, for example, or in messages, including postcard. Quotation Marks, also called inverted commas, are used: To enclose the words spoken in direct speech To enclose the word spoken or written if you are quoting. Single or double quotation marks can be used.
Quotation Marks [ ‘ ]
Direct speech We used direct speech to describe the way were present the spoken word in writing.
Tom said,’ We want to come over there.’
Indirect speech Indirect or reported speech is when we tell somebody else what Someone said. In General, the present form in direct speech changes to the past form in indirect speech. Tom said [that] he wanted to come over there. Quotation marks are not used in indirect speech. Intensive English Short Course for Diploma Student of RS&GIS
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Brackets [ ( ) ]
Brackets are used in pairs to include additional information, a comment, an example or an explanation.
PUNTUATING WORDS
There are three punctuation marks used for punctuating words the full stop, the apostrophe and the hyphen.
Full stops
The full stop is used when a word is being abbreviated and we want to show that it has been interrupted. Jan. January, etc. Etcetera The apostrophes has two uses: To indicated abbreviation. It is - It’s To show ownership. July’s mother. Ladies’ car. The hyphen has a multitude of uses. While recognizing the hyphen in other people’s writing, new language learners should heed the advice of Winston Churchill: ‘One must regards the use of the hyphen as a blemish to avoid wherever possible.’ The most important of the hyphen is to indicated that two or more words are to be read together as a compound word with its own meaning. It can be: Noun: mother-in-law, merry-go-round, bottle-opener Adjective: three-year-old boy, four-hour session
Apostrophes
Hyphens
1.3 TENSES PRESENT Tenses
PAST Tenses
FUTURE Tenses
1. Simple Present e.g.: I walk
1. Simple Past e.g.: I walked
1. Simple Future e.g.: I will/shall* walk
2. Present Continuous e.g.: I am walking
2. Past Continuous e.g.: I was walking
2. Future Continuous e.g.: I will be walking
3. Present Perfect e.g.: I have walked
3. Past Perfect e.g.: I had walked
3. Future Perfect e.g.: I will have walked
4. Present Perfect Continuous e.g.: I have been walking
4. Past Perfect Continuous e.g.: I had been walking
4. Future Perfect Continuous e.g.: I will have been walking
1.3.1 USES OF TENSES
Uses of the Present Simple Tenses
The main uses of the present simple tense is to express habitual actions. It is also often used with adverbs or adverbial phrases associated with time. The present simple tense is used for dramatic narrative, often combined with the present continuous tense. It can be used for a planned future action. It must be used with verbs that cannot be used in the present continuous (verb implying involuntary action of the senses and emotions and verb of mental activity) It is used in the first conditional, implying probability.
Uses of the Present Continuous Tense
Use the present continuous tense for: An action that s happening now. An action taking place about now, commenced in the near past and expected to continue in the near future. A definite arrangement in the near future. Dramatic narrative. This tense is mixture of the past and the present and implies a strong connection with the present. (It could be called the ‘before present’ tense). It is used in conversations and letters, newspapers, radio and television report. Use of the present perfect tense: For recent actions where the time isn’t mentioned. For recent actions in he present perfect, which often have result in the present. For action expressed by the present perfect + yet which usually have result in the present. For actions that occur further back in the past but may have present consequences.
Uses of the Present Perfect Tense
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For actions occurring in an incomplete period (used with
evening, week, month, year, century). Uses of The Present Perfect Continuous Tense
this morning, afternoon,
The tense is used for an action that began in the past and is still continuing or has just finished:
He has been seeing his new girlfriend for the past month. She has been taking driving lessons for six weeks and yesterday she got her license. The verbs want and wish are often used in this tense.
I have been wanting to meet you ever since I heard you performance. He has been wishing for a Harley Davidson all his life. Uses of The Past Simple Tense
It is used to talk about events, actions or situations which happened in the past and are now finish. The simple past tense in regular verbs is formed by adding ed to the present infinitive without to (or the verb stem).
Uses of the Past Continuous Tense
It is used mainly for past actions which continued for some time but whose exact limits are not known and are not important.
Uses of the Past Perfect Tense
The past perfect is formed with had + the past participle. It is the past equivalent of the present perfect but not restricted to action whose time is not mentioned.
Uses of The Past Perfect Continuous Tense
It is used with want and wish, but with no other verbs that are not used in the continuous form. It is used when the action began before the time of speaking in the past, and continued up to that time, or stop just before it.
Uses of the Future Simple Tenses
Form by infinitive without to + shall (for the first person only and in specific circumstances) and will. The use of shall with the first person singular is slowly being discontinued in modern English. The future simple tense is used to express speculations, opinions or assumptions about the future.
Tia walked. Nia did not walk. Did Adit walk?
He was making a kite.
Used with a time expression it can indicate a gradual development.
He was making progress after a period of discouragement.
I had tried to see him but he was unavailable. She had waited for an hour before she decided to leave without him. She had lived in the country since she was a child.
He wanted retired because he had worked for forty years. He had been wanting to see her for a very long time. We had been wishing for sunshine on our holiday.
Perhaps she will change her mind. I shall walk. Uses of the Future Continuous Tense
Formed by the future simple tense of the verb be + the present participle. In the first person, will is more usual than shall except in question. This tense has two uses: It can be used as an ordinary continuous tense. It can express a future without intention.
Tomorrow, I’ll be going to my regular job. I’ll be teaching my class tomorrow. Uses of the Future Perfect Tense
The future perfect tense is usually used with an expression beginning with
that time, by then by next month, etc.
by : By
It is used for an action which, at a given future time, will be in the past. It can be thought of as the ‘before the future’ tense.
By the end of the next month I shall have worked here five years. By tomorrow she will have finished making her frock.
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Uses of The Future Perfect Continuous Tense
Like the future perfect tense, this tense is also used with a time expression beginning with by.
By the end of September they will have been working on the building for six months . By the 22nd of September they will have been building houses for twenty years.
1.4 LANGUAGE IN USE
Adverbs of Frequency
Adverb of frequency are used to described how often something happens.
Always Almost always Usually Frequently Often Sometimes Occasionally Rarely Seldom Hardly ever Never
100%
0%
We can use an adverbs of frequency in 3 different positions in a sentences.
Sometimes I ride a bicycle. I sometimes ride a bicycle. I ride a bicycle sometimes.
We use “How often do?/How often does?” as the question form. We can be more specific if we want by using the following: Every day, morning, afternoon, night, week, weekend, month, year Once/Twice a day, a week, a month, a year. Three times (four times, five times…) a day, a week, a month, a Every other a day, Monday, a week, a month, a year. Three times every day, two weeks, three months, five years [ at least.., at most…, about…, no more than…]
year.
Exercise: How often do you do it? ( Conversation ) Giving Reasons
Using S o and B e c a u s e In English Language and Conversation, we often find we need to explain something we are saying. The most common and easiest words used for these situations are so and because. To ask a question when seeking explanations, we use w h y as the question form. - When we use our statement first we then use because followed by our reason. e.g: I ride a bicycle because I need exercise. (statement) (reason) - Or, we can start our sentences with because, and then follow with our reason putting our statement last. E.g. : Because I need exercise, I ride a bicycle. (reason) (statement) - Or, When we start our sentence with our reason, we must follow with s o and than our statement. e.g.: I need exercise so I ride a bicycle. Intensive English Short Course for Diploma Student of RS&GIS
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(reason)
(statement)
Exercise: Explain you self – giving a reason (conversation) Expressing Agreement
Expressing Positive and Negative Opinions, Agreeing and Disagreeing Using the adverbs: so, too, neither or either c SO: We usually using SO before the verb DO, BE and HAVE, the modal CAN and other auxiliary verbs, to express the meaning “in the same way” or “similarly”. We use SO when we are agreeing with the positive statement of another person in a conversation. e.g.: Tom says “I like coffee.” Mary agrees by saying: “so do I.” TOO: WE usually use TOO at the end of the sentence to show : (a). In addition (b). also,(c). agreement e.g.: a. Do you want ice too? b. I want to ice cream and topping too. c. Bhawi says “I want to go to cinema.” Wika agrees by saying “ I do too.” IF STATEMENT IS NEGATIVE THEN USE NEITHER or EITHER We use either or neither with or as negative expression to show that we agree with the negative statement or comment of another person in conversations. e.g.: Awa says “I don’t like coffee.” Hita agrees by saying: “Neither do I.” Or Awa says “I don’t drink tea.” Hita agrees by saying: “I don’t either.” We also use Neither or either to express a choicee. e.g.: Question: “Do you drive BMW or Mercedes? Answer 1: “Either will do.” (if you don’t care which you drive) Answer 2: “Neither.” (if you don’t want whisky or sake)
Expressing Preferences
When we find ourselves in a situation where we need to express a preference for a particular option, we can use prefer, rather, either and neither. So, when we would like to choose one option over another, we use the modal verb “would” + “rather” or “prefer”. If we wish to use “would rather” then it is followed by the base form of the verb. e.g. : I’d rather study English. When we want to use “would prefer” then we can follow with the infinitive “to” + base verb or we can follow with a gerund (noun verb) ing. e.g.: I’d prefer studying English./ I’d prefer to study English. We can also clarify our choice by saying: “I’d prefer to study /studying English rather than French.” Or, we can clarify by saying, “I’d rather study English than French.” To find out someone’s preference we use the question form of: “Would you prefer…?” or “Would you rather…?” We can also use either, or neither to express a choice or preference. e.g.: Question: “Do you want rice or bread? Answer 1: “Either will do, thanks.” (if you don’t care which you eat) Answer 2: “Either rice or bread, thanks.”( ---,,----) Answer 3: “Neither, thanks.” (if you don’t want rice or bread) Answer 4: “Neither rice or bread, thanks.”(---,,---)
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Much/Many/A a lot of
We use much with singular (uncountable) noun and many with plural (countable) nouns. e.g.: “How m u c h time do you have?” “How m a n y books do you want?”
Much and many are most common in questions and negative statements and after so, as, too, and very. Do you have much trouble with English? Do you have many friends? Do you have many Pizza Restaurant in Yogya? No, not many , but there are a lot of Warung Tegal and plenty of Warung Gudeg. I love you so much. Please take as many candies as you want. There are too many student in that class. I like ‘kipo’ very much. In other informal (casual) positive sentences, we usually use a lot (of), lots (of) or plenty (of). Each of these three can be used with both countables and uncountables. They asked a lot of questions. We have a lot of food. I don’t have a lot of free time. With uncountable nouns we use a singular verb. Ie. There is a lot of food. With countable nouns we use plural verb. Ie. There are a lot of trees.
Much of/Many of We use
Much of/Many of before determiners (a, the, my, this) and pronouns.
Eg. I can’t see much How
of a country in a week.
many of you are there?
Much/Many without a nouns e.g.: You haven’t eaten
much.
Did you find any mushrooms? No, not
many.
A little and a few A little is used with uncountable nouns while a few is used with countable nouns. Little an few are negative, they mean not much/not many.
A cactus needs little water. His theory is difficult and few people understand it. We can substitute
not many or not much for little or few.
Cactus doesn’t need much water. His theory is difficult, and not ma ny people understand it. A little and a few are used to mean some.
His restaurants is expensive but a few people go there. (some) Please give me a little help to finish my work. (Some)
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Some and Any
We usually use s om e in positive sentences. We usually use any in negative sentences. In most question (but not all) we use a n y . I s t h e r e a n y i ce n t h e r e f r i g e r a t or . H a s h e g o t a n y fr i e n d s ? W h y d i d n ’t y o u b u y a n y f o o d? We normally use some (not any) when we offer things.
Would you like some coffee? Or when we ask for or request things.
Can I have s om e soup, please? Can I borrow s om e money from you, please? We can use some and any without a noun (when the noun is understood).
You can have some coffee but I don’t want any. (=any coffee) “Where’s you luggage?”, “I haven’t got any.” (= any luggage) I didn’t take any photos but Neo took s om e . (= some photos) SOMETHING, SOMEBODY, SOMEWHERE/ANYTHING, ANYBODY, ANYWHERE
When we refer to a specific thing, person or place, it is often best to use s om e. E g : When you see a person waiting in the street late at night, frequently looking at his watch, you would ask: ” Excuse me, are you waiting for s om e bo dy ? When a person has been walking around inside a shop for one hour. We might ask:
“Áre you looking for something?” The different using of some and any:
Shoveling snow is not a difficult job. Anybody can do it but somebody must do it. Anybody: non-specific Somebody: specific Modals
“Modal Auxiliary verbs” are the verbs
shall, should, must, ought.
can, could, may, might, will, would,
They are used before the infinitive form of other verbs.
Comparatives and Superlatives
Talking about the Future
They add certain kinds of meaning connected with certainty, obligation or freedom to act. We can also use n e e d , d a r e and the expression had better like we use a modal auxiliary. Exercise: giving advice Most adjective can be used in three forms, which are called degrees of comparisson: 1. the positive degree: brave, beautiful 2. the comparative degree (when comparing only two things): braver, more beautiful 3. the sueprlative degree (whencomapring three or more things) – we use the suffic est or add most : bravest, most beautiful. Exercise: Answer the question with degrees of comparisson. There are several ways to talk about the future in English. WE can use: 1. Present continous tense: I am seeing him tomorrow. 2. Present simple: Next semester starts in 2 weeks. 3. “be going to”: I am going to see him net Sunday. 4. shall/will: I will see him tomorrow. Intensive English Short Course for Diploma Student of RS&GIS 11
Request/Permission
Using can, could, may and would for request, permission, offers and invitations. 1. Request We often use can or could when we ask someone to do something. To ask for something (in a shop, at the dinner tabel) we usually use can I have….?/Could I have…?/ May I have…? 2. Asking for giving permission We often use can, sould or may when we ask permission to do something. To give permission we usually use can or may but not could. When we refuse permission we use either can’t (cannot ) or “you are not
allowed to …”
3. Offering We usually use c an or m ay when we offer to do something. We can also use w o u l d when offering something. 4. Inviting We usually use would when inviting someone to do soething, or to go somewhere. POLITE BEHAVIOUR To make request, permission, offers and invitations more polite we can use:
Excuse me… I was wondering if … Sorry to bother you, but…. Sorry to interrupt you, but… Articles
Articles usually come before nouns or noun phrases and if an adjective is also used, before the adjective. A/a are called the definite article ie. Non-specfic The is called the definite article ie. Specific Some and any are used as the prural of a/an In some cases we don’t use any article
Articles are used to show whether we are referring to things tat are known by both the speaker and listener (definitte – the) or that are not known to them both (indefinite a/an some/any). A/an can only be used with with singular countable nouns. We can’t use a/an in front of plural or uncountable nouns because a/an means ‘one’. Names (proper nouns) don’t usually have articles. WORD ORDER The article is usually the first word in a noun phrase. The/a/an } + number + ajective + noun Only a few words can go before aticles in a noun phrase: All, both, and half can go before the. Quite, rather, half, such and what can go before a/an . Eg. All the men, half the loaf, such a pity, quite a risk, Both the men, half a loaf, what apity, rather a risk. After both, all we don’t need to use an article but we can if we wish. Eg. Both the children were happy. Both children were happy. We also usually leave out an/an when we use kind of/ sort of, tpe of, variety of. Eg. What
person is he?; What sort of food do youlike?
kind of
SPECIAL RULES AND EXCEPTION Common expressions without articles In some common fixed expression to do with places, time and movement, normally countable nouns are treated as uncountables, without articles. Example are: exercise (28) With place nouns, similar expressions with articles may have different meaning. Example:
compare (28)
In American English, university and hospitals are not used without articles: She was unhappy a t t h e u n i v e r s i t y .
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Part 2:
CONVERSATION
2.1 ORAL COMMUNICATION Oral language registers
1. Informal: daily conversation (e.g.) 2. Semi-formal: discussion in class 3. Formal: telephone conversation, job interview, lecturer giving a lecture.
Non-vernal communication
Non-verbal communication occurs when people are in face-to-face situations. Sometimes they use non-verbal communication deliberately, while at other times it is an unconscious process. Modes of non-verbal communication: Facial expression: smiles, frowns, narrowed or widened eyes. Gesture: waving a hand, pointing a finger, shaking the head Movement: pacing up and down Physical contact: shaking hands, clapping on the back, kissing and hugging Physical position: keeping distance from another person, sitting close Posture: standing straight, slouching, lounging in a chair, leaning forward.
Speaking skill
Speaking skills involve: Mastery of the mechanics of speech (articulation, pronunciation, pitch, pace pause, volume, so on) Logical structuring of the message Choice of the appropriate mode of speech (informal. Semi-formal, formal) Effective delivery or presentation Awareness of the context of the message Ability to perceive whether or not the recipient is understanding the message.
Listening Skill
Listening skill involve: Active concentration when listening to the message Correct interpretation of visual signals such a facial expressions and gestures Sending appropriate feedback signals or acknowledgement of understanding the message.
Introduction
Introduction yourself to a stranger There are many situations where it is necessary for you to introduce yourself to someone who does not know you. Speak clearly so that the listener hears that you are saying. “Hello (or good morning), my name is Neo. I am expected for an interview
with he manager at ten o’clock.”
Using the telephone
Telephone communication is an important feature of our lives. You need to be familiar with courtesy in telephone conversation, and you need to know how to cope with an answering machine, or being connected with the wrong person or department. Introduce yourself appropriately on the telephone. Contacting someone you know
“Hello, Mrs. Brown, this is Sharon speaking. May I speak to Danny, please? Contacting a stranger
“Good morning, this is Neo Wandhana speaking. May I speak to …, please?.” Making appointment
“Good afternoon, this is Mahetala speaking. I would like to make an appointment to see the doctor.” Arranging an interview “Good morning, this is Kerry
personnel manager, please.”
Patterson speaking. I would like to arrange an interview with the
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2.2 IMPROVING YOUR WIDE RANGE OF TENSES The beginning of a new class is a good time to a global review of the tenses and forms that you will be studying during the coming course. The idea of this exercise is not to intimidate the students, nor to have them learn everything in one go. The following conversation exercises serves the double purpose of introducing students to each other and getting them to converse from the get-go, as well as reviewing the basic tense structures that they will be working on during your course. This spoken exercise can also work well as a means of review. 2.2.1 Getting to Know Your Classmates Questions for your Partner 1. Why are you learning English? 2. When did you last have an English lesson? 3. What do you do? 4. How long have you had your job? 5. What do you like most about your job? 6. What do you like least about your job? 7. Where do you live? 8. How long have you lived there? 9. Can you describe your house/apartment? 10. Are you married? 11. Can you describe your family? 12. Where did you go on your last holiday? 13. What did you enjoy about your last holiday? 14. Where would you like to go on your next holiday? 15. What are your favorite hobbies? Questions about your Partner's Partner 1. Why is he/she learning English? 2. When did he/she last have an English lesson? 3. What does he/she do? 4. How long has he/she had his/her job? 5. What does he/she like most about his/her job? 6. What does he/she like least about his/her job? 7. Where does he/she live? 8. How long has he/she lived there? 9. Can you describe his/her house/apartment? 10. Is he/she married? 11. Can you describe his/her family? 12. Where did he/she go on your last holiday? 13. What did he/she enjoy about his/her last holiday? 14. Where would he/she like to go on his/her next holiday? 15. What are his/her hobbies? 2.2.2 Asking Question This exercise will help you to be quite capable of expressing your ideas reasonably well. We know that sometimes, we often run into problems when asking questions. This is due to a number of causes: i.e., teachers are the ones that usually ask questions, the inversion of the auxiliary verb and subject can be especially tricky for you. This simple lesson focuses specifically on the question form and helping you gain skill while switching tenses in the question form. Aim: Improving speaking confidence when using question forms Activity: Intensive auxiliary review followed by student gap question exercises.
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Asking Questions
Exercise 1: Ask an appropriate question for the response
A steak, please. Oh, I stayed at home and watched tv. She is reading a book at the moment. We are going to visit France. I usually get up at 7 o'clock. No, he is single. For about 2 years. I was washing up when he arrived.
Exercise 2: Ask questions to fill the gaps with the missing information Student A Frank was born in ______ (where?) in 1977. He went to school in Buenos Aires for ______ (how long?) before moving to Denver. He misses _______ (what?), but he enjoys studying and living in Denver. In fact, he _____ (what?) in Denver for over 4 years. Currently, he _________ (what?) at the University of Colorado where he is going to receive his Bachelor of Science next ______ (when?). After he receives his degree, he is going to return to Buenos Aires to marry _____ (who?) and begin a career in research. Alice ______ (what?) at the University in Buenos Aires and is also going to receive ______ (what?) next May. They met in _____ (where?) in 1995 while they were hiking together in the ______ (where?). They have been engaged for ________ (how long?). Student B Frank was born in Buenos Aires in ______ (when?). He went to school in _______ (where?) for 12 years before moving to ______ (where?). He misses living in Buenos Aires, but he enjoys ________ (what?) in Denver. In fact, he has lived in Denver for ______ (how long?). Currently, he is studying at the ______ (where?) where he is going to receive his _______ (what?) next June. After he receives his degree, he is going to return to _____ (where?) to marry his fiance Alice and begin a career in ______ (what?). Alice studies Art History at the ________ (where?) and is also going to receive a degree in Art History next _____ (when?). They met in Peru in _____ (when?) while they _______ (what?) together in the Andes. They have been engaged for three years.
2.2.3 Telling True Stories for English Learners and Classes Telling true stories is a basic English usage task that we use on a daily basis. Unfortunately, you sometimes get caught up in trying too hard to speak English 'correctly' and can get lost. This at the cost of the story becoming difficult to understand or even incoherent. Aim: Learning the basic structure and expressions used when telling true stories Activity: Listening to a story, text arrangement, questionnaire, structure study and final story telling segment
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True Stories Put the following six texts into the correct order. 1
2
It concerns my best friend at college who became a famous rock and roller after he had failed completely at trying to become a stock broker on Wall Street.
I guess this all just shows how you can never stop believing in yourself, even if everyone around you thinks you are crazy! 4
3 This is a great story about a guy who everyone said was a loser.
First of all, Jack immediately went to New York after he had graduated. He then got a job as a stock broker in a small trading company. After a few months, and a lot of lost money, he decided to bet his future on a new Internet company by convincing his clients that it was a fantastic investment.
5 6 In the end, he decided to start playing his guitar again in a nightclub with a group of friends. Well, they were discovered and signed a contract with a major recording company three months later! The rest is history and Jack is currently enjoying a wonderful career as a rock and roll star.
Unfortunately, that was in April of 2001 - right at the moment of the Internet bust! Needless to say, the company went bankrupt and all his clients were furious with him! He eventually was fired and found himself in New York City without a job.
Answer the following questions:
Think of a story that has happened to you or a friend of yours that is remarkable. What happened? Was this a happy or sad story? Why? What were the main events of the story? In what order did they happen? How have things changed because of this story? What are things like now? What lessons did you learn from the story?
Look at how we tell stories in English.
Introduction: Introduce the story by telling what kind of story it is Beginning: How the story started The Story: The main events related in order The End: What has changed or how things are now
Moral: Final comments or moral conclusions about the story
2.3 GIVING INSTRUCTION
Material will be provided in class.
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Part 3:
ENGLISH FOR CAREER
3.1 COVER LETTER 3.1.1 Who Needs a Cover Letter?
Everyone who sends out a resume does! Recruiters and hiring managers often use cover ltters as a way to determine their interest in a candidate. If you are sending your resume to a prospective employer, you need to include a separate one-page cover letter. Write a resume cover letter that is tailored to each specific company. Write a resume cover letter and it gives you another chance to emphasize what you have to contribute to the company or organization. Your resume will also answer that question but in a somewhat more rigid format Write a resume cover letter that:
indicates your interest in a particular company or position, summarizes the most important aspects of your education and experience,contact information for the prospective interview is supplied.
3.1.2 Writi ng Intrig uing Cover Lett ers
You will need a cover letter whenever you send a resume or application form to a potential employer. The letter should capture the employer's attention, show why you are writing, indicate why your employment will benefit the company, and ask for an interview. The kind of specific information that must be included in a letter means that each must be written individually. Each letter must also be typed perfectly, which may present a problem. Word processing equipment helps. Frequently only the address, first paragraph, and specifics concerning an interview will vary. These items are easily changed on word processing equipment and memory typewriters. If you do not have access to such equipment, you might be able to rent it. Or you might be able to have your letters typed by a resume or employment services company listed in the yellow pages. Be sure you know the full cost of such a service before agreeing to use one. The cover letter should be used as an introduction to a potential employer. A cover letter should emphasize your special skills, experiences and accomplishments. A cover letter may be used to augment or add to those skills and professional experiences that are already outlined in the resume. Other notable skills and expertise that are not specifically detailed in the resume could be mentioned in the cover letter as well. A cover letter serves the purpose of making a more personal presentation of you to a perspective employer. Consult with Houston Job Search to help you write a solid cover letter. A good cover letter should be no more than a page long and should eloquently state your case about why you are the best candidate for the job. While you may have all the requirements to fill a particular position, your cover letter is a failure if the prospective employer does not come to the conclusion that you are the perfect candidate. Write a strong cover letter so that your resume ends up in the "consider file" NOT the "reject file" and this can take less than thirty seconds!
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3.1.3 Let's go through a letter point b y point Salutation . Each letter should be addressed by name to the person you want to talk with. That
person is the one who can hire you. This is almost certainly not someone in the personnel department, and it is probably not a department head either. It i s most likely to be the person who will actually supervise you once you start work. Call the company to make sure you have the right name. And spell it correctly. Opening . The opening should appeal to the reader. Cover letters are sales letters. Sales are
made after you capture a person's attention. You capture the reader's attention most easily by talking about the company rather than yourself. Mention projects under development, recent awards, or favorable comments recently published about the company. You can find such information in the business press, including the business section of local newspapers and the many magazines that are devoted to particular industries. If you are answering an ad, you may mention it. If someone suggested that you write, use their name (with permission, of course). Body . The body of the letter gives a brief description of your qualifications and refers to the
resume, where your sales campaign can continue. Closing . You cannot have what you do not ask for. At the end of the letter, request an interview.
Suggest a time and state that you will confirm the appointment. Use a standard complimentary close, such as "Sincerely yours," leave three or four lines for your signature, and type your name. I would type my phone number under my name; this recommendation is not usually made, although phone numbers are found on most letterheads. The alternative is to place the phone number in the body of the letter, but it will be more difficult to find there should the reader wish to call you. 3.1.4 What m akes a Good Cover Lett er?
To write a resume cover letter - pay attention to the following criteria:
Not even one spelling or typing error when you write a resume cover letter Write a resume cover letter and address it to the appropriate person making the hiring decision. Be sure the name is spelled correctly and the title is correct. A touch of formality is good too: address the person as "Mr.," "Ms.," "Mrs.," "Miss," "Dr.," or "Professor." Write a resume cover letter in your own words – do not plagiarize. Employers are looking for knowledge, enthusiasm, focus. Being "natural" makes many people nervous when they write a resume cover letter. And then even more nervous because they are trying to avoid spelling errors and grammatical mistakes. When you write a resume cover letter - research the industry and especially the company. You know who they are, understand what they do and they are your choice! Use terms and phrases when you write a resume cover letter that are meaningful to the employer. If you are applying for an advertised position, use the requirements in the ad and put them in BOLD type. For example: the ad says - "2 years' experience processing magnetic media (cartridge, tape, disc); interface with benefit plan design, contracts and claims; and business background with strong analytical & technical skills--dBase, Excel, R&R, SQL."
Make sure when you write a resume cover letter that it contains each of these requirements. When should you take the time to send correspondence through the regular mail?
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When sending thank-you letters. You can write a longer letter re-emphasizing relevant
points from your interview and restating your qualifications as they relate t o the needs discussed during your meeting. If you’re a senior executive. Traditional mailed correspondence is still the recommended approach for senior-level executives, excepting those in high-tech fields. When the comp any and indust ry are low-tech. If e-mail isn’t a well-accepted mode of communication for your prospective employer, you’re better of f using traditional methods.
Well, these are the concl usio ns:
1. No spelling or typ ing errors. Not even one. 2. Addr ess it to t he p erson who can hi re you. Resumes sent to the personnel department have a tougher time of it. If you can find out (through networking and researching) exactly who is making the hiring decision, address the letter to that person. Be sure the name is spelled correctly and the title is correct. A touch of formality is good too: address the person as "Mr.," "Ms.," "Mrs.," "Miss," "Dr.," or "Professor." (Yes, life is complicated.) 3. Write it in your own words so that it sounds like you--not like something out of a book. (Electra gets in trouble with libraries when she says things like this.) Employers are looking for knowledge, enthusiasm, focus. 4. Being " natural" makes many people nervous. And then even more nervous because they are trying to avoid spelling errors and grammatical mistakes. If you need a little help with grammar (do they still teach grammar?)--check out the classic work on simple writing, Strunk & White's Elements of Style, published in 1918 and now online. A good place to begin is "Chapter 5: Words and Expressions Commonly Misused." 5. Show t hat you know s omething about the comp any and the indust ry. This is where your research comes in. Don't go overboard--just make it clear that you didn't pick this company out of the phone book. You know who they are, what they do and you have chosen them! 6. Use terms and phr ases that are meaning ful t o the employer. (This is where your industry research and networking come in.) If you are applying for an advertised position, use the requirements in the ad and put them in BOLD type. For example: the ad says-"2 years' experience process ing magnetic medi a (cartridge, tape, disc); interface with benefit plan design, contracts and claims; and business background with stro ng analytical & t echnical skil ls-dBase, Excel, R&R, SQL." Make sure your cover letter contains each of these requirements and shows how you measure up.
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Sample of cover letter (1)
BRENDA J. WILSON
1703 Walnut Grove Av enue Philadelphia, Penn. 19107
Office/Voicemail: (215) 555-7983, ext. 2856 Residence/Message: (215) 555-0911
August 12, 2005 Metropolitan Children's Hospital P. O. Box 411067 Philadelphia, Penn. 19002 Attn : Ro bin Boyd, Human Reso ur ces Re: Director for Patient Financial Services Dear Mrs. Boyd:
I was very interested to see your advertisement for a Director of Patient Financial Services in the Philadelphia Inquirer (8-11-01). I have been seeking just such an opportunity as this, and I think my background and your requirements may be a good match. My resume is enclosed for your review. Of particular note for you and the members of your team as you consider this management placement are my strong accomplishments in reducing outstandings and reorganizing accounting and collections functi ons to achieve improved operating efficiency internally and improved cashflow for the institution as a whole. Consider the following:
Reduced A/R days from 110 to 60.4. Reduced staff by 6.5 FTEs with concurrent increase in total departmental performance. Reduced patient complaints with simultaneous increase in A/R collected. Improved cashflow by $1.6 million per month.
Additionally, my contributions have been mainly achieved by improving information flow within the patient financial services function, improving patient financial services utilization of already available MIS services, and improving cooperation between patient services and admissions, UR, contracting, and medical records functions. After fifteen years in patient accounting, I have a thorough understanding of every aspect of this function in a modern hospital/medical center setting. My current employer is very happy with my performance, but I view myself as somewhat of a troubleshooter, and most of the reorganizations initiated here have already come to fruition, so I am eager to consider new challenges. If you are seeking a manager who stays abreast of her field, who understands technology, who earns 100% staff support, and who is as career-committed as it takes to achieve total success, then please consider what I have to offer. I would be happy to have a preliminary discussion with you or members of your committee to see if we can establish a mutual interest. I will call you within the week to answer any initial questions you may have, and to hear about your hiring process. Thank you for your attention to these materials. I certainly look forward to exploring this further. Yours truly, Brenda J. Wilson Enclosure Intensive English Short Course for Diploma Student of RS&GIS 20
Sample of cover letter (2)
Eric Stadler 123 Tucker Road Paterson, WI 12345 123-555-1234 March 27, 2005 Mr. Robert Morris Morris Construction. 123 Harbor Road Paterson, WI 12345 Dear Mr. Morris, John Lovell advised me of a foreman position that’s available at your company. From my enclosed resume, you will find that my experience meets the requirements you’ve outlined for the position. As the former manager of a small business, I appreciate the importance of a following that comes from the recommendations of satisfied clients. I am considered a diplomatic manager, which enables me to get along well with clients, supervisors, and crew. My ability to maintain high morale among workers increases retention and contributes to safety, a crucial factor in the success of construction work. On Monday, I’ll call you to see when we can meet for an interview. Sincerely, Eric Stadler
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Sample of cover letter (3) TEMPLATE
Enclosure: resume Your name Mailing address City, state, and zip Telephone number(s) Email address Today’s date Your addressee’s name Professional title Organization name Mailing address City, state and zip Dear Mr. (or Ms.) last name, Start your letter with a grabber—a statement that establishes a connection with your reader, a probing question, or a quotable quote. Briefly say what job you are applying for. The mid-section of your letter should be one or two short paragraphs that make relevant points about your qualifications. You should not summarize your resume! You may incorporate a column or bullet point format here. Your last paragraph should initiate action by explaining what you will do next (e.g., call the employer) or instigate the reader to contact you to set up an interview. Close by saying “thank you.” Sincerely yours, Your handwritten signature
Your name (typed) Enclosure: resume
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3.1.5 E-mail r esume cover letters: If using an e-mail format when you write a resume cover letter – Keep it short. Make it direct, efficiently and clearly communicating what you're looking for. As you write the resume cover letter, briefly summarize your key skills and experience. A well-written e-mail cover letter will prompt a recruiter to take the time to read your resume. A lengthy, vague or non-specific letter when you write the resume cover letter will cause a recruiter to lose interest.
When you write the resume e-mail cover letter tailor your message to the employer's needs. Put specifics in your subject line when you write the resume cover letter. Use your spell check when you write the resume cover letter and proofread your correspondence. Before you say thank you by e-mail, consider your audience in your decision to write the resume cover letter.
The medium you choose when you write the resume cover letter must be a good fit for the intended reader. In general, use e-mail when:
Speed is of the essence when you write the resume cover letter. You need to demonstrate technology skills as you write the resume cover letter. You’re contacting a high-tech company when you write the resume cover letter. Write the resume cover letter when you’re communicating with recruiters.
An employee candidate for a social service agency, took this route to write the resume cover letter when she was looking for a job at a high-growth technology company. As a candidate for a master’s degree in human-resources development, she found it nearly effortless to find a variety of ads for positions that matched her career goals as she cruised the job boards each evening in her pajamas. She kept a basic cover letter template saved on her computer and adapted it for each posting she targeted. Sample e-mail cover letter: The Education Consultant position posted on ss.com presents exciting opportunities to contribute to the continued growth and success of Sypher Systems and its associates. I offer strong qualifications in instructional design and training as a teacher and training specialist. Currently, I am in charge of all training programs for 500 employees. I have developed training programs and created cross-functional teams to guide training decisions. I anticipate completing my master’s degree in HRD at XYZ University in May 2002. This program includes in-depth training in adult learning, organizational dynamics, team-building and change management. Sypher Systems’ reputation is closely aligned with my own professional and personal commitment to excellence. This commitment has driven me to create innovative programs, and I am excited about tackling new professional challenges. May we schedule a time to explore what I can bring to Sypher Systems? Sincerely, K.S. Harjo
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3.2 RESUME The resume is a selling tool so write a resume that outlines your skills and experiences briefly so an employer can quickly see how you can contribute to the specific workplace. Write a resume that has one purpose: to get you a job interview. You write a good resume because while you may have all the requirements to fill a particular position, your resume is a failure if the prospective employer does not come to the conclusion that you are the perfect candidate. Write a good resume so that your resume ends up in the "consider file" NOT the "reject file" . 3.2.1Learn to write a resume: How do I learn to write a resume? This lesson will help YOU to:
write a good write a good write a good write a good descriptions.
resume resume resume resume
that is YOUR marketing tool, not a personnel document. about YOU the job hunter, not just about the jobs you've held. focusing on your future, not your past. about your accomplishments, not your past job duties or job
3.2.2 Getting started to write a resume: Here are a number of tips to write a resume:
Gather and Check All Necessary Information - Learn to write a resume by writing down information under headings. Write your resume example that embraces your education; experience; honors; skills and activities and make a list of your training and education relating to your job choice. Match Your Skills and Experience with an Employer's Needs - Choose a target job/title that works best and write a good resume by matching your wishes with positions that are actually available. Highlight Details That Demonstrate Your Capabilities - Learn to write a good resume by selecting details of your information that best matches the employer’s needs. Results need to benefit your employer and make you a viable candidate for the target job. Organize the Resume Effectively - You write a resume by organizing your Personal information followed by a Summary of key points, Education, Experience, Honors and Activities. Write a good resume chronologically listing primary jobs held, including unpaid work that fills a gap or that shows you have the skills for the job. Write your resume example and compare with other like-positions resumes and create a draft based on the resume format you choose (see resume formats). References are a separate entity and may not be included, but always have solid reference available if requested. Consider Word Choice Carefully - You write a resume that accurately describes you – your skills, talents and expertise. Write a good resume by utilizing active verbs (in many forms) such as achieve, analyze, adapt. Learn to write a resume that describes you positively and accurately. Write a good resume using adjectives and nouns such as analytical, resourceful, capable. Ask Other People to Comment on Your Resume - We at Houston Job Search will help you write resume and then we will critique it. Remain open-minded when you write a resume and with our constructive criticism, the final resume will achieve its objective. Ask your friends and trusted colleagues to review and critique your resume. Make the Final Product Presentable - A resume should be printed on a high quality (24 lbs stock or more) paper using a laser printer. We at Houston Job Search can provide the resources.
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3.2.3 "How to write a resume" process: The resume format is essential to reviewing all your personal and professional successes. Refine your resume format, keep it concise and create a top-notch resume that is a perfect reflection of you. a. Content:
Name is at top of the page when you write a resume: this is highlighted by larger type size and bolding and an option to underline. Make sure that the Address and phone number(s) are complete and correct when you write a resume. All entries when you write a resume highlight a capability or accomplishment. Descriptions use active verbs with consistent tense as you write a resume. Repetition of words or phrases are kept to a minimum when you write a resume. Capitalization, punctuation, and date formats are consistent as you write a resume. There are NO typos or spelling errors when you write a resume.
b. Organization:
Best assets when you write a resume are listed first - whether education, experience, or skills. When you write a resume the page must be easily reviewed: categories - clear, text indented. Dates of employment - easy to find and consistently formatted when you write a resume. Your name - printed at the top of each page as you write a resume.
c. Format/Design:
No more than two conservative typestyles should appear when you write a resume. Consistent use of bolding, italics, and capitalization needs to support the information structure when you write a resume. Margins and line spacing are used to minimize overcrowding when you write a resume. When you write a resume print only on one side of the high-quality bond paper - your choice of beige or ivory is preferable when you write a resume. Good reproduction needed when you write a resume - no blurring, stray marks, or faint letters. Right justification creates awkward white spaces when you write a resume - right side of the page needs "ragged" format.
Avoid these common resume blunders in your resume format. d. Appearances count:
use good paper for your sample resume; proofread and check grammar and spelling; one typo may land your sample resume in the garbage.
EXAMPLE:
Developd new producte that added $2 million in sales and increaced market segment’s gros margin by 12 percent.
should be changed to:
Developed new product that added $2 million in sales and increased market segment’s gross margin by 12 percent.
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e. Don’t focus on too many job duties/responsibilities in your resume format:
rather ask yourself if you performed your job better than others? did you overcome the problems and challenges and benefit your company? what special recognition was received?
f. Too short or too long on your sample resume:
create a resume format that reflects the full range of your experience; replace your flowery and generalized statements on your sample resume with a concise tagline stating your expertise; include information that will elicit a “yes” on your resume format.
g. Use personal pronouns and articles in your resume format:
a resume format needs business communication in telegraphic style; do not mention “I” or “me” on your sample resume minimal use of articles should be exercised on your sample resume.
EXAMPLE:
I developed a new product that added $2 million in sales and increased the market segment’s gross margin by 12 percent.
should be changed to:
Developed new product that added $2 million in sales and increased market segment’s gross margin by 12 percent.
h. Don’t list irrelevant information on your resume format:
only include interests relating to your job on the sample resume; personal information does not belong on a resume format.
i. Choose an appropriate resume format with a good career history:
career progression and the impact made in each position is important on the resume format; avoid the functional resume format unless you have no work history or there is excessive job hopping.
EXAMPLE: The modified chronological resume format is often the most effective. Here’s the basic layout: (i) Header (name, address, email address, phone number). (ii) Lead with a strong profile section detailing the scope of your experience and areas of proficiency. (iii) Reverse chronological employment history emphasizing achievements in the past 10 to 15 years. (iv) Education (New grads may put this at the top.) j. Include a summary section on this resume format:
know the skills and competencies important to the position; research and demonstrate the skill level and experiences related to the position sought; write a list of your matching skills, experience and education in this sample resume.
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k. No excuses:
don’t include reasons you are no longer working at previous jobs on this resume format;
EXAMPLE: Phrases such as “Company sold”; “Boss was an idiot”; “Left to make more money” do not have a place on your resume format. Keywords and distribution:
research and include relevant key words to remain within the stored technology system on your sample resume format; target your audience in the sample resume and determine what position suits your credentials; references are available on request do not include extra papers in your resume format.
l. Write a college resume. To write a college resume summarize your academic, employment and personal experiences to "introduce" you to potential employers and interest them in interviewing you. Write a college resume and focus it toward a particular career field or industry - concentrate on only the most pertinent information when you write a college resume. Before sitting down to write a college resume, review your educational, extracurricular, volunteer and work history. Make lists of the jobs you've held, schools you've attended, clubs you've joined, honors you've received, skills you have, duties you've performed, but of course the final college resume won’t include everything. Items included when you write a college resume should be listed in reverse chronological order, from most recent backward. Omit information on date of birth, marital status, height, weight, etc. Layout is crucial when you write a college resume. Resumes are skimmed before they are read, so use indentations, capitalization, spacing, and underlining to make it easy for the reader to find all the pertinent information. Proofread after you write a college resume – a resume with errors will quickly be eliminated by an employer. Check the following areas as you write a college resume:
Name, Address, Phone Numbers, E-Mail Address: o Can be centered or in left or right corners when you write a college resume. o If appropriate, include both a current address and a permanent address along with your e-mail address as you write a college resume. Objective: o Although inclusion of a job objective is optional when you write a college resume, there can be real advantages in letting the reader know "up front" what it is you are looking for. e.g. "Assistant Account Executive position at a Marketing Agency." o If you want to use only one resume for several types of positions, it is best to leave off an objective when you write a college resume. Education (starting with the most recent): o All the information when you write a college resume should be easy to pick out. o If you were very active in school select only the three or four interesting and impressive extracurricular activities as you write a college resume. Lesser or unknown awards can be explained briefly, for example, "Eta Pi Upsilon, Women's Honorary Society." Be sure to include all honors, special awards and recognition when you write a college resume. o When you write a college resume include your G.P.A. if it is 3.0 or above. G.P.A. is calculated as follows: 3.15 can be rounded up to 3.2. However, 3.14 cannot be rounded up. If you are calculating a major G.P.A., be sure that if employers ask for your transcript, they will be able to follow your calculation, and replicate it. Experience: o When you write a college resume list what you've done in reverse order, from most recent backward. In some instances, however, you may want to divide your Intensive English Short Course for Diploma Student of RS&GIS 27
experience into sub-sections as you write a college resume. Within each section, organize the information chronologically from most recent. o It is appropriate to include unpaid internships and volunteer work when you write a college resume along with paid employment in your "EXPERIENCE" section being as brief as possible. o Use active verbs when you write a college resume to describe what you did Phrases like: "Responsibilities included (or 'duties included') creating schedules and reviewing protocols" are less effective than the simple: "Created schedules and reviewed protocols." Personal (Or Background, Special Skills And Interests): o Special skills such as foreign/computer languages known, travel/living abroad, sports, and personal interests is interesting information when you write a college resume that employers may find intriguing but does not fit anywhere else. o When you write a college resume this is optional though most employers are very interested in what "else" you do. It's a good idea to include this section as you write a college resume. References: o Do not include this when you write a college resume. If desired, an employer will ask for them. New Wrinkles In Resumes: o On-line resumes, (not a replica) which can be faxed to computers, e-mailed, or scanned by employers. o Use fonts 10 and up and delete all italics, indentations, horizontal or vertical lines, since they cannot be scanned. o Your scannable resume can be more than one page.
m. Choosing the BEST resume format!
Targeted Sample Resume Format - A targeted sample resume format focuses your resume toward a specific career objective, performed in a specific industry, and for a specific company. The content of a targeted sample resume format highlights the skills, qualifications, and experience that match the requirements of your job target. Inventory Sample Resume Format - The inventory sample resume format is not limited to a specific job title and has a general objective. An inventory sample resume format is used repeatedly for multiple company applications. The inventory sample resume format highlights your skills, qualifications, and achievements in a more general manner. You need a clear general objective, then focus the content of your inventory sample resume format on 4-6 key skills and abilities, relevant to your general objective. The inventory sample resume format is the resume format of choice for job search campaigns. Chronological Sample Resume Format - The chronological sample resume format highlights progressive career growth and advancement. The chronological sample resume format is easy to read and quickly scanned for employment history. The chronological sample resume format is the most accepted resume format among hiring authorities. In fact, many even prefer and/or expect the chronological resume format. The Functional Sample Resume Format - The functional sample resume format highlights key skills, accomplishments, and qualifications at the top of the resume format irrespective of the time it occurred. The functional sample resume format places the focus on what you have done rather than where or when you did it. This functional sample resume format is not the resume format of choice by hiring authorities because it feels this functional sample resume format hides some deficiency in your career history. The Combination Sample Resume Format - This combination sample resume format combines the benefits of both the chronological sample resume format and the functional sample resume format. The functional sample resume format initiates and summarizes your most impressive qualifications, skills, abilities, and accomplishments, followed by an employment history section, in chronological sample resume format that supports the statements made in your summary.
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Sample resume format #1 (template): YOUR NAME 2200 Steet Address, Suite 234 City, State, Zip phone: 777-777-7777 email:
[email protected] Objective
Add your objective here
Experience
1990–1994
Arbor Shoes
Southridge, WA
National Sales Manager Increased sales from $50 million to $100 million. Doubled sales per representative from $5 million to $10 million. Suggested new products that increased earnings by 23%. 1985–1990 Ferguson and Bardell Southridge, WA
District Sales Manager Increased regional sales from $25 million to $350 million. Managed 250 sales representatives in 10 Western states. Implemented training course for new recruits — speeding profitability. 1980–1984 Duffy Vineyards Southridge, WA
Senior Sales Representative Expanded sales team from 50 to 100 representatives. Tripled division revenues for each sales associate. Expanded sales to include mass market accounts. 1975–1980 LitWare, Inc. Southridge, WA
Sales Representative
Education
Expanded territorial sales by 400%. Received company’s highest sales award four years in a row. Developed Excellence In Sales training course. 1971–1975 Southridge State University Southridge, WA
Interests
B.A., Business Administration and Computer Science. Graduated Summa Cum Laude. Southridge Board of Directors, running, gardening, carpentry, computers.
Skills
MS-Office products Fluent in German
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Sample resume format #2: WAHYU DEDI 007 Bond Ln., Somerset, LA 92007 (007) 452-7777
[email protected] PROFILE: Results-oriented project management and operations professional …... EXPERIENCE: Mila 18, Inc., Georgin, CA Wholesale operator, 30 employees
1998- Present
Product Specialist: Contracting: Negotiate exclusive …. Marketing: Represent … Administration: Arrange and coordinate … Streamlined the procedures o Result: Cut processing time by… Knighthood, Inc., Fife, CA Holding company for hotels, 2,000 employees
1996 - 1998
Sales Coordinator: Conducted site inspections… Created database … o Result: In 6 months … Organized and tripled … o Result: Within 1 year, … Investment Inc, New Jersey Association of professionals, 50 employees
1994 - 1996
Senior Office Administrator: Managed the... Developed and updated … Designed system … o Result: Less complaints … Developed system... o Result: Errorless data … Suggested an inventory…. o Result: Saved over …. EDUCATION:Bachelor of Arts, Education - Teacher’s …
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3.3 RESIGNATION It is necessary to write a letter of resignation when you leave your place of employment. If you resign from a job that you love and are leaving for a better opportunity; or you hate your environment and need to save your sanity, don’t “burn any bridges”. In your letter of resignation show politeness, be discreet and display maturity when tendering your resignation. Your professional reputation is built on your actions and behavior especially when you write a resignation letter. You don’t know when a favor or recommendation from your present boss will be needed in the future therefore show discretion in your job resignation letter. Construct a brief concise note when you write a letter of resignation. The job resignation letter needs to cover all bases but avoid writing a dissertation. When you write a resignation letter these are some areas to remember:
Get right to the point in your job resignation letter. State your intention to resign at the beginning of your letter of resignation, then as you progress with the resignation, mention your acceptance of another offer. Another reason for the resignation may be relocation, and this would be appropriate when you write a letter of resignation. However, in the job resignation letter it is difficult to strike the right tone however honorable the reasons may be. If in the letter of resignation you mention health problems, it may be interpreted as a risky hire. If you mention a more “challenging career opportunity” in the letter of resignation, it may imply boredom with your current job. In the letter of resignation, mention two weeks notice as common courtesy. In the job resignation letter, be sure to say when your last day of employment will be. When you write a resignation letter, mention the position you have accepted fits better with your personal preferences or career goals. The job resignation letter should also contain thanks to your employer for the opportunity to work for his/her organization.
Sample letter of resignation (1) Brief Letter of Resignation. June 25, 2000 John R. Goodbye 1007 Weary Street Tired, VA 00077 (206) 555-5550
James L. Fearless, President Major Manufacturing, Inc. 007 Broad Road Rudesville, VA 00088 Dear Mr. Fearless: This is to inform you that I have been presented with an opportunity that will enable me to work in the area of my stated preference, marketing. Therefore, I am tendering my resignation from Major and wish to advise you that July 08, 2000, will be my last day of employment. I would like to thank you for the experience of having worked for Major Manufacturing, a truly outstanding organization. Sincerely, John R. Goodbye
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Sample Letter of Resignation (2) Longer version. MEMO TO: Steven Bigshot DATE: November 25, 2001 SUBJECT: Resignation FROM: I. M. Furious This will confirm my resignation as Director at The Bright Group. I have accepted a position as Executive Editor at a growing publishing house in Rhode Island. I am looking forward to my new position and the challenges that await me. My last day of work will be December 10, 2001, which should allow me plenty of time to finish ongoing projects and to turn over the position to my replacement. Please feel free to contact me at any time should you have any questions regarding my past work. I hope that the transition will go smoothly for everyone. My experience with TBG has been very rewarding. I appreciate having had the opportunity to work for such a fine company. I wish you and the organization continued success.
Sample resignation letter (3) template. Letter of Resignation. (Sample business letter ) Dear This is to inform you that an opportunity has presented itself that will enable me to work in the area of my stated preference, which is [designate]. I am therefore tendering my resignation from your company and wish to advise you that [date] will be my last day of employment. I would like to thank you for the experience of having worked for [name of firm] , a truly outstanding organization. Sincerely,
#2 Sample resignation letter (4) template. Letter of Resignation. (Sample business letter )
Dear It is with great sorrow that I am hereby tendering my resignation to you. Although there is much to say, I believe the reasons leading to this decision are known by you, and I will therefore leave them unsaid at this t ime. I appreciate having had the opportunity of being a member of [name of firm] for so many years and offer my best wishes for your continued success. Sincerely,
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3.3.1 Resignation “Do’s”: In large companies, once the job resignation letter is handed you may be escorted out the door. On the other hand, your resignation letter may invoke working through your notice period. In either case, once your job resignation letter is accepted you may be closely monitored. Last impressions are more powerful than first impressions, so once you write a resignation letter be professional, maintain dignity and keep your references intact. Reference and background checks go back 10 years, avoid “burning bridges” before and after you tender your letter of resignation. Prepare for the resignation and remove personal property to your home and remove personal files from your computer before you write your letter of resignation. Give proper notice, usually two weeks in writing in your job resignation letter. Once you write a letter of resignation offer to help in finding and training a replacement. Once you write a letter of resignation, ask your employer for a reference letter for future use while your strong points are remembered. Once your job resignation letter has been accepted, say “good bye” and be sincere in expressing appreciation. Thank you notes may be appropriate. When your resignation is complete, write a letter to your former boss and co-workers giving them new contact information.
3.3.2 Resignation “Don’ts”: Once you write a letter of resignation, don’t display a short-timer’s attitude. Before handing in your job resignation letter complete all projects and unfinished business. Leave things as you would have them if you were starting the position before you write your letter of resignation. Once you write a letter of resignation don’t criticize the company or co-workers, you don’t know who you can trust once you have tendered your job resignation letter. Once your resignation letter is accepted don’t offer “constructive criticism” during an exit interview. Your background and reference checks may suffer in the future. Head off a counter offer once you write a resignation letter. It may be to take advantage of you until a cheaper replacement is found.
3.4 JOB INTERVIEW 3.4.1 Some of the most important job interview techniques are:
An excellent initial impression is an essential job interview techniques as it exudes a favorable glow on everything else you say during the rest of the interview. A job interview techniques of interpreting body language is an important tool e.g. confidence is related to good posture and brisk gait. Good listening skills are an essential job interview technique - remain calm and collected and respond promptly when questioned. Proper preparation – gives you an edge regarding job interview techniques but make sure that you interact well with the interviewer and don’t succumb to memorized answers. An effective job interview technique is to adjust your speed of speech to match that of the interviewer and project a relaxed image. Do not make negative comments during the interview, a preferable job interview technique that greatly increase your chances of getting a job offer is projecting a positive, upbeat attitude another effective job interview technique is adapting your answers to match the type of company you are interviewing. An important job interview technique is to follow the interview style established e.g. structured or unstructured and respond to the questions accordingly. Following the style will leave the interviewer with a more favorable impression of you. During the first meeting, emphasize one of your key, distinctive strengths as much as possible as a job interview technique. During later interviews the job interview technique necessary is to present yourself as a well-balanced choice for the position. Keep up with industry trends by reading trade publications and talk with industry insiders – a job interview technique that will lead to success. Have prior knowledge of the company – a job job interview technique that gives you an added advantage. Intensive English Short Course for Diploma Student of RS&GIS 33
Invading your privacy can be illegal, a job interview technique is to gracefully point out that the question is illegal and decline to respond or calmly refer to the question making you uncomfortable. Being prepared for a telephone interview takes organization - keep your resume and alphabetized company dossiers by the telephone as a good job interview technique and always remain calm, poised and positive.
3.4.2 These should be avoided at all costs during the job interview process:
arriving late dressing inappropriately lacking confidence being inconsistent poor attitude reacting in a hostile fashion
It is important to answer job interview questions with specific information, therefore it is important to be prepared for job interview questions and research the company so that you can answer job interview questions with prior knowledge learned. Understand the expectations of your employer and know how to answer job interview questions. Preparation is the key to being successful with interview questions. Thorough preparation enhances your chances of accomplishing the successful interview question and answer process that are the main objectives of an interview. As the candidate your objective is to satisfy the interviewer's objective by answering interview questions. 3.4.3 Sample interview questions you can expect!
What position are you most interested in and why? What makes you more qualified than the other applicants? What do you know about our company? What skills do you have to offer our company? What are some of your strengths and weaknesses? What salary, hourly and/ or benefits are you expecting? What are planning to be doing in 5 years? Why are you considering a career change at this time? What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses? What do you like the most/least about your current job? Why should we hire you? What do you like (dislike) about your current position (boss)?
3.4.4 The interview questions and answers (Q&A) process: The interview question and answer should be a two-way conversation. Ask job interview questions of the potential employers. The interview question and answer shows your interest in the company and the position. The two-way interview question and answer enables you to gather the right information to make an intelligent decision afterwards. The interviewers are trying to see how you can contribute to the company, so your answer to job interview questions are essential preparation tools. Conduct yourself with confidence and determination to get the job. Sell yourself by answering interview questions with prior knowledge from your preparation research. Brief and relaxed answers to job interview questions are required. Here are some sample Q&As:
“Tell me about yourself” – your answer to job interview question should be about background qualifications and gear your answering interview questions such as this with responses regarding the duties and responsibilities you are interviewing for. Your answer to job interview questions about salary should be truthful regarding current salary and explain all commissions, added bonuses etc. Don’t state a starting figure when answering interview questions regarding salary. Intensive English Short Course for Diploma Student of RS&GIS 34
Motive interview questions such as “what can you contribute to this company?” requires an enthusiastic answer to job interview question. When answering interview questions about personality present yourself as a well-rounded person with added dimension. Other job interview questions, especially about job satisfaction, requires integrity. Don’t speak poorly of previous employers when answering interview questions.
3.4.5 Job interview questions to ask employers: The two way interview question and answer conversation demonstrates your active role. Remember your job interview questions can help you determine if this is the right job for you. The research you did earlier on the company should form a basis for some of your job interview questions to ask. Here are some guidelines:
Focus on the job, the company, products, services and people as you pose job interview questions. A job interview question to ask is about your potential peers, subordinates and superiors. Write your list of job interview questions to ask prior to the interview and take them with you. Divide your job interview questions into interest questions about the company and qualification questions regarding duties and responsibilities. The most important job interview question to ask if you are sincerely interested in the position and are satisfied with the job interview question and answers is to ask for the job. That may be the difference in getting an offer!
As a prospective employee, you should also be prepared to know what job interview questions to ask of your prospective employer. See sample below:
What kind of person are you looking to hire for this position? What kind of training does this company provide? Are there opportunities for advancement? In what areas? When do you expect to make a decision on the candidate for this position? How would you describe the working environment at the company?
In preparation for answering interview questions – know yourself. Honestly assess your employment background and develop explanations for any weak points. Prepare a list of tough job interview questions to ask of the potential employer. Develop answers and answering interview questions.
3.5 THANK YOU LETTER Many job/internship seekers are busy thinking about perfecting their resume but give very little thought to the thank you letter(s) that accompany their job search. If you think about it, the very first thing an employer will see when they open your envelope is your thank you letter. Thus, the quality of that job interview thank you letter is equally as important as your resume. Once you have met with the person in an interview, it is appropriate to write a thank you letter. Your opportunity to demonstrate to the employer, one more time, how your skills and qualifications are a good fit for the position can be relayed when you send a job interview thank you letter. The thank you letter reiterates topics discussed during the interview. When you send a job interview thank you letter it reinforces to the interviewer how hiring you could meet his/her needs. The final paragraph of your job interview thank you letter can also serve to remind the interviewer about when and how you will be hearing from them. Like all letters written in the job search process, a job interview thank you letter is a typed business thank you letter. To WRITE A THANK YOU LETTER is an important step in the process:
The thank you letter shows that you understand and practice good business etiquette. Intensive English Short Course for Diploma Student of RS&GIS 35
The job interview thank you letter gives you a chance to reinforce some of the positive things you said in the interview.
You have several advantages in a thank you letter that you don't have in a cover letter. A cover letter is probably written before you've seen the workplace from the inside.
The job interview thank you letter is more personal and lets you talk about the workplace you have seen, and how you feel you would fit into that workplace. Once you have seen the work station you describe things you've done that are like the job you seek in the interview thank you letter. The job interview thank you letter puts that picture in the employer's head. A good interview thank you letter can help the employer decide in your favor. When you write a thank you letter, identify some value that the employer has somehow described and that you share that value e.g. if the employer emphasized working with details, emphasize detailed work is one of your strengths in your job interview thank you letter.
Listen carefully for the values in the interview...then identify them in the interview thank you letter. Keep the thank you letter brief! Examples will be provided, but when you write each letter make sure you write your own. Put your own creativity and personality into your letters:
letters of inquiry networking letters cover letters thank you letters job acceptance letters letters declining a job offer delay letters letters asking for a recommendation
Reminds yourself about the contents when you write a thank you letter for job interview:
Write a thank you letter to the employer for his or her time during the interview. Mention what you learned during the interview when you write a thank you letter, specifically those things you feel you are qualified to do. Write a job interview thank you letter inviting the employer to contact you for more information if necessary. When you write a job interview thank you letter mention that you are looking forward to the employer's positive decision. You can also add anything that you forget to mention in the interview when you write a job interview thank you letter. The job interview thank you letter should be sent within 3 to 4 days of your interview. Write a job interview thank you letter to each person with whom you interviewed.
A thank you letter for job interview is expected from the interviewer. The thank you letter for job interview is also an effective interviewing strategy, because :
The thank you letter for job interview shows that you are courteous, knowledgeable and professional. A thank you letter for job interview demonstrates your written communication skills . The thank you letter for job interview helps to make you stand out in the minds of the interviewers. A thank you letter for job interview elevates you above competing candidates who perhaps didn’t bother with a job interview thank you letter. This thank you letter for job interview gives you an opportunity to reinforce the good points made during your interview process. The thank you letter for job interview permits you the inclusion of something important you neglected to mention during the interview. The job interview thank you letter confirms your understanding of the discussed topics. Intensive English Short Course for Diploma Student of RS&GIS 36
#1 Sample Thank You letter: Jenny Fairweather 7777 Greenbrier Lane Joy, OH 00000 386-555-0345 Mr. Garth Ledbetter Blue Sky Communications, Inc. 5555 W. Highway Terrace Peace, OH 88888 Dear Mr. Ledbetter, Thank you for taking the time to meet with me at the Central Ohio Career Fair today. I certainly appreciate your time and attention in the midst of so many students seeking jobs. You were extremely thorough in explaining Blue Sky’s marketing trainee program. Now that I have a better idea of what the position entails, I am certain that I would be an asset to your team and to Blue Sky. My solid education from Heavenly University's Marketing Department and the fact that I have worked my way through college show a work ethic and determination, two qualities you said were important to success at Blue Sky Communications. I look forward to an opportunity to visit Blue Sky’s Head office and speak to you further about the trainee program. I will contact you next week to arrange an appointment. Thank you again for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Jenny Fairweather
#2 Sample Thank You letter: Kuat Santosa 5555 Red Avenue Aqua Sky, OH 55555 October 11, 2001 Ms. Biggy Shot Vice President ABC Masters, Inc. 1450 Success Drive, Suite 007 Campus Pointe, OH 88888 Dear Ms. Shot, Thank you for the interview and tour of your company last week. I am impressed with ABC Masters’ strong marketing plans and strategy for achieving your objectives. During the interview, you stressed the necessity for developing new strategic plans and tracking their success. I know I would be a terrific addition to your team. ABC Masters will be the ideal company to continue my career as a marketing professional. I will be available immediately to begin work with your firm. I hope to hear from you soon. Sincerely yours,
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#3 Sample Thank You letter: Soni Tulang 007 Chateau Lagriffe Ma Cherie, New Mexico 00770 (555) 555-5555 October 11, 2001 Merlyn Spovek Director of Human Resources ACE Promoters 5566 Main Street Roulette, LA 33333 Dear Ms. Spovek: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss your opening for a Marketing Executive. I enjoyed meeting with you and Mr. Tallorder and learning more about ACE Union. I believe that my experience at the Department of Tourism and my educational background in statistics, travel and leisure, and hotel administration qualify me for the position. My extensive knowledge of computers and web design software would also be especially valuable to me as a Marketing Executive promoting travel with your firm. I was particularly impressed with ACE Promoter’s strong commitment to innovation and growth, as well as its plans to expand into the cruise market. I feel that this type of environment would challenge me to do my best work. I would like to meet with you again to further discuss this position. If I do not hear from you within the next five days, I will call you to schedule a time that is convenient for us both. In the meantime, I will be happy to provide any other information you may need to assist in your decision. Sincerely,
Soni Tulang
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Part 4:
TOEFL AND IELTS Introduction
4.1 TOEFL an overview Before beginning to study for the TOEFL it is a good idea to understand the philosophy and purpose behind this standardized test. Here is an excellent detailed description of the paper based test at TOEFL.org. However most TOEFL tests are now given on a computer. Here is a description of the computer based test at TOEFL.org. Here is another explanation of the computer based test at Testwise. Finally here is an excellent introduction at Get TOEFL. What can I expect from TOEFL? There are a number of resources available to help you discover exactly what grammar listening and reading skills will be expected on the TOEFL. One of the most thorough of these resources is Testwise.Com which explains each type of question in terms of the grammar or skill required to answer that type of question successfully. How do I approach the TOEFL? One of the most important skills to acquire before taking the test is not a language skill. It is TOEFL test taking strategy. The TOEFL like all standardized American tests has a very particular structure and typical traps for you to fall into. By understanding these traps and strucutres you can go a long way to improving your score. Here is a great introduction to taking the test at : Listening Structure Reading Writing
4.2 IELTS an overview The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) test provides an evaluation of English for those who wish to study or train in English. It is very similar to the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) required by North American universities and colleges. IELTS is a jointly managed test by the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, British Council and IDP Education Australia. The test is accepted by many professional organizations in Australia and New Zealand including: the New Zealand Immigration Service, the Australian Department of Immigration. If you are interested in studying and / or training in Australia or New Zealand, this is the test best adapted to your qualification needs. Studying for the IELTS test usually involves a long course. The preparation time is similar to that of the TOEFL, FCE or CAE courses (approximately 100 hours). The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes and consists of the following: Academic Reading: 3 sections, 40 items, 60 minutes Academic Writing: 2 tasks: 150 words and 250 words, 60 minutes General Training Reading: 3 sections, 40 items, 60 minutes General training Writing: 2 tasks: 150 words and 250 words, 60 minutes Listening: 4 sections, 40 items, 30 minutes Speaking 11 to 14 minutes Up until now, there have been few resources on the Internet for First Certificate preparation. Luckily, this is beginning to change. The purpose of this feature is to provide you with FREE study resources currently available on the Internet. You can use these materials to prepare for the exam or to check to see if your level of English is right for working towards this exam.
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