In a Radio Shop

Salesman: Yes, sir? What can I do for you?

Customer: Oh, it's about the radio I bought yesterday. I'm sorry to complain but

it doesn't work.

Salesman: And what's wrong with it?

Customer: I don't know. There's no sound when you switch it on and I

replaced.

Salesman: Let me see it, please. Did you try it on batteries or off the mains? Customer: Batteries.

Salesman: Then the power switch should have been in position for "DC"

(direct current) and it is on "AC" (alternating current). Now switch

it over. Yes, the radio is in perfect order.

Customer: Oh, ... yes ... I'm sorry. I must have changed its position

accidentally.

Salesman: It's all right, sir.

Ex. 4. Improvise snort conversations for the following situations.

1. You bought a necklace from a jeweler's but the catch broke the first time it was worn. Take it back to the shop.

2. You've just bought a radio-cassette recorder and found that the start button and the volume control don't work. You go back to the shop and ask the shopkeeper to exchange it for another one. The shopkeeper is sure that you haven't used the recorder properly and rejects the complaint.

Ex. 5. There are certain rules for customers buying different goods. Read and say whether you usually use these rules correctly.

1. Examine the goods you buy at once. The goods must not be broken or damaged and must work properly.

2. Keep any receipts you are given. If you have to return something, the receipt will help to prove where and when you bought it.

3. Don't be afraid to complain. You are not asking a favour to have faulty goods put right. The law is on your side.

4. Be persistent (not aggressive). If your complaint is justified, it is somebody's responsibility to put things right.

Ex. 6. Write a true or imaginary story how you were once pressed into buying something you didn't like.

Ex. 7. Take the roles of the customer and the shop assistant and make the complaints.

Bought Problem

book pages missing

food smells bad

shoes too small

film wrong size

camera doesn't work

Contents

Предисловие 3

UNIT I. Education 4

Part I. Education in Great Britain 5

PART II. Education in the USA 8

PART III. System of education in Russia 16

PART IV. Our Academy 19

UNIT II. Youth is a difficult time 21

UNIT III. Khabarovsk 25

PART I. Khabarovsk 26

PART II. From the history of Khabarovsk 30

UNIT IV. Around the world 40

PART I. English-speaking countries 40

Text. The USA 40

Text. Canada 44

Text. Australia 46

Text. New Zealand 48

PART II. Travelling 49

PART III. Holidays 56

Text. Birthdays 56

Text. Halloween 58

Text. Guy Fawke's day 59

Text. Thanksgiving 60

Text. Christmas 62

Text. New Year 66

Text. St. Valentine's day 68

Text. April Fool's day 69

Text. Easter 72

Text. Independence Day 74

UNIT V. Environmental problems 75

PART I. Conservation and pollution 75

PART II. To live in harmony with nature 80

UNIT IV. Shops and shopping 82

PART I. Department Store 82

PART II. At the Supermarket 86

PART III. Complaining 89