6. Think up a new device

Work in pairs. Think up a new computer device. Discuss its construction, purpose and functions. Then, you must prepare instruction manual for your device. One of you writes description of the construction. Another one writes how it works. Present your invention to the group.

Useful expressions

Let me tell you about . . .

This is our (newest) product.

This is one of our latest designs.

It is made of . . .

It can be used for . . .

You can use it to . . .

You can . . . with it

This has/contains . . .

This one features . . .

This comes with . . .

This is equipped with . . .

This particular model . . .

This is priced at . . .

This costs . . .

7. Making appointments

People: a web designer and his customer’s secretary

Time: Friday, 11 a.m.

A telephone talk

Useful expressions

I'd like to make an appointment with Dr. Bill.

I'd like to schedule a meeting with Ms. Terry.

Could I schedule a time to meet with Mr. East?

What time is best for you?

When would be a good time for you?

Would 9:00 on Thursday be okay?

He'll be in on Tuesday.

His schedule is open all day Monday. She's free any day but Wednesday.

Will Mr. Rodgers be in tomorrow?

Is he available next Wednesday?

Does he have any openings on Tuesday?

Does she have any time on Thursday?

Sorry, her calendar is full on Monday.

She will be out on Wednesday.

He doesn't have time on Tuesday.

How about Friday at 4:00?

Thursday at 10:00 will be fine.

Friday at 11:00 sounds good.

Okay. Tuesday morning at 9.

Monday at 8:00 is not good for me.

8. Describing Projects

People: a Java developer and an employer

Time: Tuesday, 12 a.m.

Place: empoyer’s office

The developer looks for a new job. He specializes in Java programming language, has 3 year experience, is still working on some project with his team of developers. The employer asks questions about the current project and the developer answers them readily.

Useful expressions

What are your current projects?

What are you working on (at present)?

What are your major initiatives in this area?

We are currently working on . . .

We are in the process of . . .

We are developing . . .

We are designing . . .

We are building . . .

We are marketing . . .

9. Terms of payment

People: a C1 programmer and a customer

Time: Friday, 5 p.m.

Place: customer’s office

The C1 programmer made a C1 program for the customer’s business. They discussed the sum at the beginning of the project. Now they discuss the terms of payment.

Useful expressions

I'd like to pay (in) cash.

I'll put it on my credit card.

Can I charge it?

Could you put that on my bill?

Could I put that on my account?

Could you send me an invoice?

Could you bill me (for that)?

Can I put it on lay-away?

May I  . . . pay in cash

pay by check

pay by credit card

pay with a credit card

pay in installments

pay in one lump sum

Could you deliver it to my office?

Do you charge for shipping?

Do I need to pay for postage and handling?

How long will it take?