Ex. 1. Read this text and explain your partner how to use a private and public telephone.

Date: 2015-10-07; view: 396.

Language Functions File

Ex. 2. Match the words with their definitions.

Ex. 1. Translate the sentences paying attention to the use of synonyms.

Reinforcing Vocabulary

to call, to phone, to ring (up), to connect

1. Did anyone call me? I'll call you back. We called them to say Tom felt ill. 2. I have no time to come to your place tonight. Can you phone me to clear up the matter. 3. The telephone has been ringing for five minutes. Can I ring you back in ten minutes? 4. If you ring the operator he will connect you with the airport. He is connected with the advertising department of the company. 5. Always identify yourself when making a call, especially if you are calling on business, e.g. “This is Mr. Volkov of the Russian Trade Mission. Could I speak to Mr. Jones...?”

If you want to ring somebody up, you pick up the receiver, wait for the dialing tone and then dial the number; if you are not sure of the number, you look it up in the telephone directory / book.

After you have finished dialing, you may hear a series of high-toned blips which means that the line is engaged (then you hang up or replace the receiver) or you may hear the calling-signal (i.e. a series of separate slower blips), which means that the line is free, and you just have to wait until your partner answers your call.

If you happen to have no private (home) phone you walk up to the nearest telephone booth (public phone, call phone). You start by dropping a coin into the slot. But for a trunk call (long-distance call) you have to make use of the operator. If you are calling from an extension phone, things work a little differently. Indeed, instead of waiting for the signal and then dialing your number, you'll hear the switchboard operator say: “Number, please”, or “Switchboard operator”, or “... Hotel operator” and you simply give the number of your partner. The operator will either repeat your number (to make sure she got it right), or just say “Thank you” and try to put you through.

By the way, in giving your number don't forget to give it figure by figure (e.g. seven-ou-five-ou – 70-50).

When you have been put through, you may hear a voice, saying “Hello” at the other end, but it's much more likely that the person answering will either repeat his own phone number, e.g. “Kensington 2209 (here) speaking”, or give the name of the office in full.

Telephone services in Britain: numbers to dial

100 – Operator: she will help you connect the call if you can't do it yourself.

192 – Directory Enquires: if you're looking for a number.

999 – Emergencies: if you want to call Fire Brigade, Police or Ambulance.

8081 – Speaking Clock: it will tell you the time (this number may be different in different towns).

Ex. 2. What do you do or say if:

1) the person wanted on the phone is out;

2) someone rings you up by mistake;

3) you can't hear the person's name on the phone;

4) you want to book a long-distance call;

5) you hear the telephone ringing when you are busy;

6) you hear a frequent high-pitched buzzing;

7) you hear someone answering your telephone call at the other end of the line;

8) you hear the operator saying “Switchboard”.

Ex. 3. When do you say or hear:

1) Speaking. _______________

2) Hold the line/hang on. _______________

3) You are through. _______________

4) Could I leave a message for him. _______________

5) Can you get me 544-6607, operator? _______________

6) You are wanted on the phone. _______________

7) What's your extension? _______________

8) You've got the wrong number. _______________

9) Engaged. _______________

10) Who shall I say is calling? _______________

11) What number are you calling? _______________

Ex. 4. Practise using the telephone to ring to:

a) the police: you've seen a bank robbery;

b) the ambulance: your friend has fallen and hurt his leg;

c) the fire brigade: you've seen a house on fire;

d) host family: you're having extra lessons and you'll be late home;

e) your boss: you're ill, and can't go to work;

f) your friend: you can't go to the cinema, as you promised.