Final Revision for Level 4 - 2011

How To Make a Proper Introduction

Hello, I'm Syndi Seid, an etiquette coach.
Something people often ask me is how do you properly give an introduction in a business setting.
So here is my two - step golden rule to proper introductions.
First, always remember the first person's name out of your mouth should be the most important person's name.
Thereafter, everyone else is introduced to that most important person.
But actually, rank and status are the primary determinants to who takes precedence over whom.
When introducing someone, never use the word "meet".
For example, Jane Doe is the CEO of a company and John Smith is a new staff person.
You would never want to say, "Jane Doe, I would like you to meet John Smith."
...because it actually throws the emphasis off the most important person on to that second person, John Smith.
Rather, if you want an informal introduction, how about using the word, "This is."
Example, "Jane Doe, this is John Smith."
When using the more traditional word "introduce," be careful not to get too wordy.
For instance, which of these three sentences is correct?
Is it

a) Jane Doe, may I introduce John Smith.
b) Ms. Doe, may I introduce to you Mr. Smith.
or c) Jane Doe, may I introduce you to John Smith.
If you chose a or b, you would be correct.
However, a is the best answer because it uses the fewest words.
So here are a few other tips to keep in mind when introducing someone.
Always keep the honorifics even.
If you use Ms. Doe, you must use Mr. Smith.
However, you can use first names such as Jane or John,...
...but in this case you must include their last name as well.
And lastly, do share some information about each person you're introducing...
...so that they can springboard their conversation and you can exit to meet some other people.
So there you have it, some quick tips on proper introductions.
Happy practicing.
Featured Words

Search for Common Ground

Search for Common GroundFounded in 198Founded in 1982, Search for Common Ground works to transform the way the world deals with conflict - away from adversarial approaches and towards collaborative problem solving. We work with local partners to understand the differences and act on the commonalities.

This report tells us what this non-governmental organization does, and how they work to reduce violence in the world.

New York's Pennsylvania Station

100 years have passed since New York's Pennsylvania Station opened its doors. The building stood in the middle of Manhattan for more than 50 years. Today, only the underground area remains. Pay a virtual visit to the station as you watch this video in English (with subtitles in English!)

And now, we leave you an Amtrak TV commercial. Amtrak is the National Railroad Passenger system from the United States whcih serves Penn Station along with other bus companies.

American Breakfast - Yummy!!!!!!!!

It is very common in the USA to find out who won the elections while having breakfast the following day. Find out how Americans reacted to the election results and what they chose for breakfast!

...but what have you got?

Sausage pattie, fried egg, ham, bacon, baked beans.

Instead of the beans I got grits and ...

What are grits?

Grits? That’s a very good question. It’s oatmeal, couscous, you know a type of grain

It’s a type of grain

That doesn’t look grainy it looks mushy.

Yeah well they cook it for like I don’t know, 20 minutes. Yeah it’s kind of like porridge.

This is Eggs Benedict. It is egg, ham on English muffins with Hollandaise sauce. This is fruit and baked beans.

But you are a US citizen, so you voted or?

I voted absentee for Illinois.

And how did you vote in the election?

Democrat. Democrat for Obama.

Maybe you could just tell me what your breakfast is there.

Belgian waffles and coffee.

And this is a typical breakfast for you?

If I’m eating out…yes. I’ll have cereal at home, but I like waffles.

How about the election? Are you excited?

I’m nervous, nervous yes. Pro Obama, so it’s looking good for him right now. He’s intelligent, he’s thoughtful.

Can you see the result from there?

I think it’s 102 -34.

Who would you vote for?

I think he’s Obama. He looks quite decent and gentleman.

What did you have for your breakfast?

I started off with a fluffy pancake and some maple syrup. Then I had some crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, mushrooms and tomatoes.

Is that what you usually have when you come in here?

I usually have it on election days …yes. I’d definitely vote for Obama – OBAMA! America is very important and it’s crucial that we have a decent guy in there. It’s very emotional that he’s black and that’s powerful. I don’t think a lot of people who are in their forties and fifties thought there was ever going to be a black man in the White House. So that’s fantastic. So all those things are good, they will make a difference, they will matter. I’m going to cry when he wins, I am because for me it’s deeply moving.

Obama.

Can you tell me, is it because he’s sexy?

He’s sexier than John McCain…definitely. But erm no because I like his politics. He’s gonna develop green technology, he’s a bigger supporter of education. All those things. Bagels and lox, with tomato, onion, capers, sour cream.

Wow that looks great actually. I’m waiting for lemon.

She got a sandwich that’s already assembled. Mine is just not assembled which I prefer. Thin layer of cream cheese, tomato, couple of capers, onion, salmon, salt and pepper.

So it is in fact almost exactly the same?

Yes, but he got eggs too. And one key difference is she has two, the whole bagel whereas I only have half.

Did you vote?

Of course, of course.

Everybody here voted or everyone we talked to, everyone professes to be pro Obama.

But no this is a pro Obama outlet….hence the blue. No…

Oh yes woo, yes

He’s just got to keep up his end of the bargain.

What’s that?

Change baby change!

Who’d like a bloody Mary on the house?

How to understand the differences between British and American English

Man: Hey! Nice pants!
Woman: Excuse me?
Man: I said nice pants.
Woman: You can’t see my pants, can you?
Man: Of course I can.
Woman: How can you see my pants?
Man: They’re on your legs!
Woman: Ha. You haven’t been to America recently, have you?
Man: Oh I er …I er actually just got back from LA! That’s “Los Angeles” by the way....
Woman: I know.
Man: Yeah, I picked up some of the American words, and now I forget which ones to use! So confusing!
Woman: We call these “trousers” in Britain.
Man: Of course we do...you know there are so many things …that’s it’s exactly a completely different language sometimes!
Woman: Really?
Man: Yeah!
Woman: Would you like a crisp?
Man: Crisps? In the States, they’re “chips”!
Woman: Oh. So if I want to order our chips in America, what do I ask for?
Man: French fries!
Woman: I see.
Man: And you know what that is, don’t you?
Woman: A fizzy drink.
Man: That’s a “soda”!
Woman: Hmm…
Man: You know the lift over there?
Woman: Yeah?
Man: That’s an elevator.
Woman: Oh really?
Man: You know in the States, you don’t go to watch a film...
Woman: You “watch a movie”!
Man: Exactly! And you don’t walk on the pavement…
Woman: You walk on the “sidewalk”!
Man: You got it!
Woman: I’ve watched a lot of films...oops...movies!

How to order a round in a pub

Get it right when ordering drinks in pubs!

Woman: Excuse me! …Excuse me!...No...

Man: Always busy here on a Friday night!

Woman: (to barman) Sorry! Could I just have a...

Man: Patience and persistence!

Woman: Ahh, finally. Yes, erm ok, I’d like a beer, please! Sorry? what kind? (Man rolls eyes) A beer? Erm, lager, please. Yeah, that will do. Sorry, what? Half pint or a pint? (To man) How big is a pint?

Man: (gestures with hands, size of a pint)

Woman: Yes. OK. A pint.

Man: Ok, great, I’d like a...

Woman: Oh, sorry. Two pints of lager, please.

Man: OK great, I’ll have...

Woman: Oh…and a packet of crisps. (To man) Sorry. (To barman) What flavour? Erm, let me just check. (Turns round and shouts) What flavour? (Turns back) Cheese and onion.

Man: OK give me...

Woman: And a glass of wine. Red, please. Yes, I’m sure that’s it. Thank you. How much is that? (starts to look for wallet) Let me just check my wallet. I’ve got five, and that’s another six.

Man: (with note already in hand) OK great, I’d like a pint of bitter and two halves of lager please. Cheers. Keep the change. (To woman) That’s how it is done!

How to turn down an invitation

Have you ever been invited to a party that you didn't want to go? Find out how to turn down unwanted invitations in the future.

Man: Oh no!

Woman: What is it?

Man: “Josh and Henrietta would like to have the pleasure of your company at a drinks party, next Saturday evening...”

Woman: Oh no, Josh and Henrietta... they’re not that couple who...?

Man: Yeah exactly! And it gets worse...

Woman: How?

Man: “Formal dress...”

Woman: Argh.... it means you’ve got to wear a suit....

Man: At the bottom it says “RSVP”. What does it mean?

Woman: You’ve got to reply.

Man: But I don’t want to go, so what can I say?

Woman: Tell them you’ve got a dentist’s appointment.

Man: Josh is my dentist!

Woman: Tell them it’s your grandmother’s 100th birthday party.

Man: But they know my granny died ages ago.

Woman: Tell them your dog’s sick and you’ve got to take him to see the vet.

Man: It’s no use – I’m just going to have to tell them the truth...

Woman: The truth? “I’m not coming to your birthday party because I think you’re boring and stupid?”

Man: Maybe not then...

Woman: Tell them this: “I’m unable to attend because I have a prior engagement.”

Man: “Prior engagement”?! And… they won’t be offended?

Woman: Absolutely not.

Man: Perfect!

Pedestrians in the UK

In any new country, the roads can be dangerous for pedestrians … so …
Even for those not driving it is important to be aware that traffic may be approaching from unexpected directions.

Although, apart from motorways, it’s not illegal to cross the road at any point it is advisable to use crossings, some of them controlled by traffic lights, whenever you can.You may cross the road when the green man is showing but, if the light is flashing, don’t start to cross.

There are crossing points known as Zebra crossings which have black and white road markings and orange flashing beacons at each side of the road. Drivers should give way to pedestrians on the crossing, but you should be careful as there are no red traffic lights instructing drivers to stop.

Don’t forget, pedestrians are not allowed to walk along or cross any motorway at any time.

Falkland man chooses Argentine citizenship

A British man, born on the Falkland Islands has become the first person from there to chose Argentine citizenship.

James Peck was handed his national identity card by Argentine President Cristina Fernandez, during a ceremony to mark the 29th anniversary of the end of the Falklands War.

Peck's father fought for the British during the conflict.

Possessive Pronouns

Click the answer button to see the correct answer.

1. It belongs to me, it's ___
   Answermine

2. It belongs to my father, it's ___
   Answerhis

3. It belongs to her, it's ___
   Answerhers

4. It belongs to Mr. and Mrs. Smith, it's ___
   Answertheirs

5. It belongs to me and my wife, it's ___
   Answerours

6. It belongs to my mother, it's ___
   Answerhers

7. It belongs to him, it's ___
   Answerhis

8. It belongs to you, it's ___
   Answeryours

9. It belongs to the dog, it's ___
   Answerits

10. It belongs to them, it's ___
    Answertheirs

Words and Their Stories: When the Cat’s Away

Listen as you read this report on the some of the most famous expressions with the word CAT.

Cats are the most popular pets among Americans. So it is not surprising that there are many expressions about cats. Some cats like to catch small birds, like canaries. If someone looks very proud or satisfied with himself, we say he looks like the cat that ate the canary.

Sometimes, a cat likes to play with a small animal it catches.

So if you play cat and mouse with someone, you change between different kinds of behavior when dealing with another person. For example, a child might offer something sweet to her little brother and then take it away when he reaches for it.

A cat will often catch a small animal and present it to its owner. The saying that looks like something the cat dragged in describes something in bad condition.

Two old and funny expressions describe something that is the best or finest. Americans might say that something is the cat's meow and the cat's pajamas.

Children might call a child who is easily frightened a fraidy cat or a scaredy cat. A copycat is someone who acts just like someone else or copies another person's work. A fat cat is a person with a lot of money.

You may have known that cats spend most of their time sleeping. Sometimes people sleep for a short time during the day. This is called a cat nap.

If you tell about something that was supposed to be a secret, we say you let the cat out of the bag. If you are not able to speak or answer a question someone might ask if the cat has got your tongue.

Have you ever watched children in a classroom when their teacher leaves for a few minutes? When the cat's away, the mice will play means people sometimes misbehave when there is no supervision.

You may have heard this expression: curiosity killed the cat. This means being too concerned about things that are not your business might cause problems.

If your home is very small, you might say there is not enough room to swing a cat. But you probably should not try this at home!

If you ever had cats as pets, you know it is difficult to train them or to get them to do something. Cats are not like sheep or cows that can be moved in a group. So we say a difficult or impossible job is like herding cats.

We leave you with a song from the musical play, "Cats."

Oh! Well I never! Was there ever
A cat so clever as magical Mr. Mistoffelees!

He is quiet and small
He is black
From the ears to the tip of his tail
He can creep through the tiniest crack
He can walk on the narrowest rail

He can pick any card from a pack
He is equally cunning with dice
He is always decieving you into believing
That he's only hunting for mice

England

Click the answer button to see the answer.

1. ___ largest city in England is London.
   a. A
   b. The
   Answerb

2. The river ___ runs through London is the Thames.
   a. which
   b. what
   Answera

3. The Victoria and Albert, The Great British, and The Science are all famous museums ___ London.
   a. on
   b. in
   Answerb

4. Nearly 400 years ___ a fire destroyed most of the city.
   a. ago
   b. since
   Answera

5. Heathrow and Gatwick are the two airports ___ London.
   a. for
   b. of
   Answerb

6. Most London taxis ___ black.
   a. is
   b. are
   Answerb

7. London taxi drivers have to learn ___ street in the city to pass the exam to become a "cabbie".
   a. all
   b. every
   Answerb

8. The public transport to big towns and cities ___ fairly good.
   a. is
   b. are
   Answera

9. The coach is usually cheaper ___ the train, but of course takes longer.
   a. then
   b. than
   Answerb

10. The famous red London buses are called "double deckers" because ___ have two floors.
    a. they
    b. it
    Answera

United Kingdom Trivia

Click the answer button to see the answer.

1. The Beatles and the Rolling Stones are ___ from the U.K.
   a. both
   b. all
   Answera

2. London is ___ capital city.
   a. a
   b. the
   Answerb

3. Most London buses ___ postboxes are painted red.
   a. and
   b. or
   Answera

4. The London underground is ___ commonly called "The Tube".
   a. more
   b. less
   Answera

5. The unit ___ currency is called the pound.
   a. for
   b. of
   Answerb

6. ___ are 100 pence in a pound.
   a. There
   b. They
   Answera

7. The cost of ___ a phone call starts from 10 pence.
   a. calling
   b. making
   Answerb

8. Everybody speaks English, but Welsh and Gaelic are also ___ in parts of the U.K.
   a. speak
   b. spoken
   Answerb

9. Rugby, cricket and football are ___ national sports
   a. all
   b. both
   Answera

10. However in summer tennis is popular, especially ___ the time of the Wimbledon tennis tournament.
    a. around
    b. over
    Answera

Plurals

What are the plurals?
Here a quick, useful and clear explanation!

Common Words

Click on each box to enter letters in the crossword puzzle, then press the Check Answers button.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

Across

1. I like coffee, ___ I don't like tea.
3. Past of come.
6. Let's ___ to the club.
8. There's a vase ___ the table.
9. I didn't ___ the lesson.
10. ___, he isn't my brother.
11. ___ love our parents.
12. Watch out! This is a ___ -way street.
14. If you shut your eyes, you can't ___.
15. He needs ___ umbrella.
16. What's ___ over here?
18. I ___ a bad dream.
19. Do you ___ brothers and sisters?

Down

1. Opposite of small.
2. He went ___ Hawaii.
3. He ___ cook Japanese food.
4. These shoes are ___ in Italy.
5. Pour some milk ___ the pan.
7. He took his shoes ___.
8. We finished ___ chores five minutes ago.
11. ___ were you born? In March or April?
13. I did ___ break the vase.
14. Who ___ those words?
17. My sister knows that ___ is a good student.

CHECK ANSWERS

Transportation Verbs

Transportation Verbs: Ready to think a little?

Click the answer button to see the correct answer.

1. To get where you are going is to ___ .
   Answerarrive

2. To leave or set off is to ___
   Answerdepart

3. To get off a boat or an airplane is to ___
   Answerdisembark

4. To go by car is to ___
   Answerdrive / ride

5. To leave the ground in an airplane is to ___
   Answertake-off

6. To come back to the ground in an airplane is to ___
   Answerland

7. To go somewhere by boat is to ___
   Answersail

8. To pull another boat or car behind yours is to ___
   Answertow

9. To go by plane or helicopter is to ___
   Answerfly

10. To go by bus, train, bike or horse is to ___
    Answerride

Easter Quiz

Click the answer button to see the answer.

1. Easter is a Christian feast that ___ the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
   a. commemorate
   b. commemorates
   c. will commemorate
   d. has to commemorate
   Answerb

2. It is one of ___ holy days in the calendar of Christian churches.
   a. most
   b. the more
   c. more
   d. the most
   Answerd

3. Easter symbolizes God's promise that ___ soul is immortal.
   a. man
   b. men
   c. man's
   d. mans'
   Answerc

4. Easter was ___ a pagan festival.
   a. original
   b. originally
   c. origin
   d. originated
   Answerb

5. The symbol of the Easter rabbit ___ by the Germans to America.
   a. was brought
   b. had brought
   c. was bought
   d. brought
   Answera

6. At Easter, it's a custom for children to hunt colored eggs and place ___ in an Easter basket.
   a. their
   b. it
   c. them
   d. its
   Answerc

7. Rabbits are also associated ___ Easter.
   a. to
   b. upon
   c. within
   d. with
   Answerd

8. The Easter Bunny is a symbol of ___ and new life.
   a. fertilization
   b. fertility
   c. fertile
   d. fertilized
   Answerb

9. The egg is a symbol of ___ in many cultures, thus it's associated with Easter.
   a. rebirth
   b. birthday
   c. birthing
   d. born
   Answera

(C) 1999

May I have your attention, please?

On an Airplane

Click the answer button to see the answer.

1. A person who serves passengers on an airplane is a ___ ___.
   Answerflight attendant

2. The passage between the rows of seats is called an ___.
   Answeraisle

3. A ___ ___ is a strap worn as a belt to prevent you from being thrown out of your seat.
   Answerseat belt

4. An ___ is a small bar next to the seat which is used to support your arms while you are seated.
   Answerarmrest

5. A ___ ___ is a button on the armrest which is pushed when you want to call a flight attendant.
   Answercall button

6. Another button on the armrest is for the small light above your seat. This light is called a ___ ___.
   Answerreading lamp

7. The ___ ___ are small compartments used for storing baggage above the seats.
   Answeroverhead bins

8. A ___ ___ is a flat panel used to prevent light from entering the window.
   Answerwindow shade

9. The pilot may say, "Please prepare for ___ ___."; this means that the airplane will soon leave the ground and rise into the sky.
   Answertake off

10. Small rooms on the airplane which have toilets and sinks are called ___.
    Answerlavatories

11. You may see a sign which says "Lavatories ___"; this means that the lavatories are near the back of the airplane.
    Answeraft

12. If there is a ___ sign on the door, the lavatory is empty.
    Answer"vacant"

13. If there is an ___ sign on the door, someone is in the lavatory
    Answer"occupied"

14. A form on which you provide information about the contents of your baggage is a ___ ___ form.
    Answercustoms declaration

15. A form on which you write your name, address, and travel plans in a foreign country is an ___ ___.
    Answerimmigration form

16. ___ is when the airplane goes down and reaches the ground again after a flight.
    AnswerLanding

Copyright 1999 by Nevitt Reagan

Just returned from holidays!

Holidays... holidays!

Click the answer button to see the answer.

1. A trip on an airplane is called a ___.
   Answerflight

2. A flight within one country is called a ___ flight.
   Answerdomestic

3. A flight between different countries is called an ___ flight.
   Answerinternational

4. The letters and numbers which identify an airplane making a specific flight are called a ___ ___.
   Answerflight number

5. Ordering a seat to be held for you on the day you want to travel is called making a ___.
   Answerreservation

6. A printed piece of paper which allows you to travel on an airplane is a ___.
   Answerticket

7. The first thing to do at the airport is ___ ___, which means to register as a passenger for a flight.
   Answercheck in

8. A document which identifies you as a citizen of a certain country and which allows you to travel to other countries is called a ___.
   Answerpassport

9. A stamp in your passport which allows you to travel to another country is called a ___.
   Answervisa

10. The selection of a specific seat for a trip on an airplane is called ___ ___.
    Answerseat assignment

11. A seat next to the window in an airplane is called a ___ ___.
    Answerwindow seat

12. A seat next to the passage between the rows of seats in an airplane is called an ___ ___.
    Answeraisle seat

13. The suitcases and bags which contain your belongings are called ___.
    Answerbaggage

14. A bag which you carry with you on the airplane is called a ___ bag.
    Answercarry-on

15. A small ticket with printed numbers that identify your baggage is called a baggage ___ ___.
    Answerclaim check

16. A printed card which allows you to get on an airplane is called a___ ___.
    Answerboarding pass

17. A door which leads from the airport building into an airplane is called a ___.
    Answergate

18. The area where you pick up your baggage after a flight is called ___ ___.
    Answerbaggage claim

Copyright 1999 by Nevitt Reagan