English at Work

Episode 2: The interruption

Structuring answers

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Narrator:   Hello! Welcome back to the offices of Tip Top Trading, where Anna's

interview for a sales job continues. When we last said goodbye, Tip Top

boss Paul had asked Anna why she wanted the job. First she said:

Anna:   Errr... mmmmm...

Narrator:  Since then, she's added:

Anna:  Mmmm... errr...

Narrator:  And as we join her again, Anna is saying:

Anna:   Well, errrr... I'm errr.

Narrator:   Come on Anna! If you can't think of the word you need, find another way

of saying it.

Anna:  I am... Well, I really, really want this job and I am willing to work very

hard if I get it.

Paul:   So you’re very motivated, then?

Anna:   Motivated! Yes, that’s it. I am really motivated. 

Paul:   Good! Why?

Narrator:  Now over to you Anna, structure your answer! Say 'firstly', then give your

first reason, 'secondly' and then a second reason. Then say 'above all' and

give a really, really good, enthusiastic final reason! Go for it: firstly!

Anna:  Firstly!  

Paul:  Firstly...?

Anna:  Firstly, this job is an ideal match for my skills and experience: I've spent

several years working in sales and I get on with people easily. Well, I

mean, apart from the ones I don't like, of course. Secondly, I know Tip Top

Trading is one of the fastest-growing companies in London, and I want to

be part of that.

Paul:  That's absolutely right, Tip Top Trading is the fastest growing company in

the plastic fruit sector. But enough about the company, this is all about

you, Annabel.

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Anna:   Anna.

Paul:   Sorry, Anna. Where were we?

Anna:  Well, I said that firstly, this job is an ideal match for my skills and

experience, secondly, the company is growing fast... and… and… above all

…  the reason I want this job is-

Paul:   Yes? (mnock on the door) Denise! Is everything all right?

Denise:  No Paul, it’s not. Everything is not OK!

Paul:  You look pale. Here, sit down, drink what's left of my tea. 

Denise:  Oh, thank you! Oh… what are those bits floating in it?

Paul:  Oh they're just lumps of soggy biscuit. In fact, if I can just... get that bit

out... with my finger... for you… Mmm, delicious! Now, tell me what

happened.

Denise:  Well, it's terrible...

Narrator:  Oh dear! Just as Anna was doing really well, it looks like her interview has

come to a sudden end. What’s happened? Join us next time to find out. But

before we go, here's a reminder of how Anna structured her response:

Firstly, this job is an ideal match for my skills and experience 

Secondly, I know Tip Top Trading is one of the fastest-growing companies in London

and… above all …  the reason I want this job is..

 Anna couldn’t remember the word ‘motivated’ so she just found another

way of saying what she meant. 

I really, really want the job and I am willing to work very hard if I get it.

 Nice work, Anna! Let's hope you get the chance to finish your interview

next week!

·  Listening comprehension question

What word is Anna struggling to remember that means being very enthusiastic

and wanting very much to succeed?

motivated