Advanced - First day at work

Watch the video and take note of the 9 tips you will hear. (The answers are written in white. Select the text to see them.)



Step 1. Choose your outfit carefully
Step 2. Show up on time but not too early
Step 3. Be prepared to answer questions
Step 4. Listen and try to remember people's names
Step 5. Introduce yourself
Step 6. Ask someone to have lunch or bring a book or work
Step 7. Offer to help
Step 8. Don't suck up
Step 9. Don't rush out the door

Further practice: Try to transcribe the first minute or so of the video. Add your transcription in a comment and I'll check it.

2nd Intermediate - ReadingTravelling

Read the article and choose a heading for each paragraph. There are 2 extra headings.

a. Old stories and traditions
b. Feels like home
c. Local is better
d. Heavenly wines
e. Breathtaking views
f. Leave the world outside

Answers written in white (select to see them): 1e, 2d, 3a, 4c

2nd Intermediate - Travelling

Watch this video and choose the correct option:

1. The Chinese government wants to
a. eliminate congestion
b. improve the economy
c. reduce pollution

2. The use of the bicycle will
a. increase in the up to 23% by 2015
b. benefit manufacturers
c. create 1500km of bicycle paths

3. Tourists
a. fear using the bicycle in Shanghai
b. increase congestion
c. enjoy bike tours

4. Bikes are especially used
a. because they are cheap
b. in short distances
c. to keep fit

Answers written in white (select the text to see them): 1c, 2a, 3c, 4b

Car trouble

Read the article and match 5 headings to each paragraph. There are 2 extra headings.

1. An economical option
2. Bad luck
3. Cheated by the mechanic
4. It seemed cheaper
5. Money is not a problem
6. Precautions
7. We need a change

Answers written in white. Select the following text to see them: paragraph 1 heading 2, p2 h6, p3 h4, p4 h7, p5 h1

READ and learn more vocabulary

• What to do if your car breaks down
• More car problems

Video: Mr Bean's car trouble

How to reduce your carbon footprint

Watch the video and note down the 10 steps. The answers are written in white
Step 1. Turn the thermostat up in the summer and down in the winter. Close doors and insulate windows
Step 2. Turn off and unplug electronics
Step 3. Change to compact fluorescent bulbs
Step 4. Do your laundry or run a dishwasher only with a full load
Step 5. Eat local and take a canvas tote
Step 6. Bring your own cup or mug when you buy coffee
Step 7. Cut back on bottled water, making and transporting them pollutes a lot
Step 8. Plant a tree, it produces green house gases
Step 9. Use your car less
Step 10. Car pool, use public transport, walk or bike

Health - American and French Health Systems

Listen to this woman comparing the two health systems and say whether the following statements are true or false.

1. In France everyone is covered by an insurance company
2. In the US you need insurance to have medical assistance
3. American companies cover everything if you pay
   
4. She has to pay a lot for her medication in the US
   
5. Some hospitals reject patients without insurance in America
   
6. In France she had many health problems too
7. In France when she went to the hospital she was seen very quickly
   
8. She had to pay with several credit cards

Answers: 1F, 2F, 3F, 4T, 5T, 6F, 7T, 8F

2nd Intermediate - 3rd conditional

GRAMMAR THROUGH FILMS

• Watch a video and do the exercises. You'll find the answers at the bottom of the page.
• Watch a video and do the exercises. You'll find the answers in the worksheet.